US Ban on Fluorescent Ballasts

U.S. to Ban the Manufacture and Import of Many Fluorescent Ballasts in Late 2014

Effective November 14, 2014, the U.S. Department of Energy will ban the manufacture and importation of certain fluorescent ballasts that do not meet the minimum BLE (ballast luminous efficiency) level as described in the DOE 10 CFR 430 rule making – See The ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT – Public Law 94–163, As Amended Through P.L. 113–67, Enacted December 26, 2013.

This rule making will impact many electromagnetic fluorescent T12 and T8 that operate four-foot and eight foot rapid start, instant start, high output and sign ballasts, as these do not meet the new efficiency requirements and cannot be made to do so. Ballasts manufactured prior to November 14th and are in the U.S. can still be sold after that date, however, once they are gone they can not longer be imported.

Business customers using this targeted technology will have limited options when it comes to replacement and service. One such replacement is using LED tubes and other LED fixture solutions. 

For Instance, the 4’ and 8’ T12 and High Output fluorescent tube has been a staple in forward facing signs for decades. As these products become unavailable for purchase, LED 4’ and 8’ tubes provide a great solution.

For backlit channel letters, LED RGB modules provide color changing and back lighting solutions which will outlast and outperform fluorescent and neon. In fact, sign companies have been one of the earliest adopters in making the switch to LED and many no longer use the outdated technology.

LEDs are increasingly dominating illuminated signage and are becoming the new standard. The advantages are evident. In comparison with traditional lighting solutions such as neon or fluorescent lamps, LEDs have longer lifespans, which results in less maintenance. Their sustainability can result in significant energy cost savings. In addition colored RGB LEDs can also be used in order to enhance the perception of sign backlighting.

For people still unsure if LED lighting is here to stay, as the saying goes ‘the proof is in the pudding’ or perhaps it is now in the sign.

Is It Time To Say Goodbye To The Fluorescent Tube

Does it make sense to replace your existing fluorescent lamps with LED tubes? Of course that answer varies depending on your specific application, hours of operation and type of fluorescent tube being used, but the lines are now blurred with recent advancements in LED lighting.

Let’s take a look at one of the most common types of lights used in commercial settings – the 4-foot T-8 fluorescent lamp. The time has finally come to retire the T8 fluorescent tube with the introduction of the new Philips LED T8 InstantFit lamp.

In the past, fluorescent fixture modifications and code compliance made switching to LED tubes a labor intensive project. However, with the new InstantFit from Philips Lighting, ‘Plug and Play’ has finally arrived with the LED tube.

Suitable for a large range of installations and applications, the InstantFit requires no rewiring in fixtures with electronic ballasts. In fact, installation only takes seconds and no electrician needed. It will even operate along side fluorescent tubes in the same fixture – now that is impressive.

InstantFit T8 LED Tube Benefits:

• 40,000 hour lifetime and 4 year warranty!
• No Ballast Bypass – You do not have to touch the ballast at all.
• Mercury Free – Environmentally friendly and requires no costly disposal fees.
• Instant On – No flickering or buzz
• Dimmable & Controllable – Add occupancy sensors to improve the energy savings.

Philips LED T8 InstantFit Tube is now available and shipping in 3500K, 4000K and 5000K color temperatures making it the right choice for all types of general lighting applications.

Related Articles – Is Fluorescent Lighting Causing Havoc In The Workplace?