Green Building Forum - fluorescent lights

fluorescent lights

djh — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:07:35 +0000

Is it just a surprise to me? I just had an email telling me about a ban on fluorescent lamps, most of whish has already happened and the rest to follow very soon.

I hadn't heard anything about this ban as far as I remember, and I'm surprised there hasn't been more publicity. I'll have to either buy some spare T5 tubes or think about how to replace the fittings.

fluorescent lights

Mike1 — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:22:25 +0000

I remember it being announced, but wasn't aware of the date.

Posted By: djhI'll have to either buy some spare T5 tubes or think about how to replace the fittings.

No need to replace the fittings, just install LED equivalents. Many are plug-and-play, most others only require a dummy ballast to replace the current one.

fluorescent lights

WillInAberdeen — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:24:42 +0000

It's a phased ban because of the small amount of mercury they contain - CFLs went last year (anyone missing them yet?!) - T5s and T8s this year.

LED replacements are widely available, perhaps that's why not been much complaining?

fluorescent lights

revor — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:44:32 +0000

Posted By: Mike1No need to replace the fittings, just install LED equivalents. Many are plug-and-play, most others only require a dummy ballast to replace the current one.

There is as far as I can make out 2 types of LED tube depends if your fitting is a more recent one which is electronic or a ballast unit which has the starter that plugs in. The tube that fits the older ballast type unit comes with a special starter which you replace the old one with. The tube for the electronic fitting is just a replacement tube. I think there may be a 3rd type of tube which will fit either type of fitting but I am not sure about that.

fluorescent lights

WillInAberdeen — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:52:15 +0000

Having said that - CFLs still seem available online despite being banned February last year, so not sure what that's about.

fluorescent lights

Dominic Cooney — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 09:35:42 +0000

The last LED tubes I bought (shorter ones under kitchen cupboards to light worktop) didn't even need a dummy ballast. When they didn't arrive with them, and then didn't work with the ones I had, I called the supplier and they explained that I just needed to alter the wiring in the fitting to bypass the ballast completely. This was dead easy to do and now they work fine.

fluorescent lights

djh — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 10:20:09 +0000

Posted By: WillInAberdeenHaving said that - CFLs still seem available online despite being banned February last year, so not sure what that's about.

It's manufacturing that's banned. They can still sell old stock.

fluorescent lights

WillInAberdeen — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 10:40:51 +0000

Ah, seems the UK delayed the phase out date - was Feb last year in the EU, but only catching up now in the UK.

https://www.voltimum.co.uk/articles/rohs-directive-ban-are-you-prepared

The ban is on 'placing in the market' which I think means wholesalers have to stop importing new models, but can still sell existing products that were launched before then.