The RoHS Directive Around Fluorescent Tubes is Changing. 💡

You may be aware that the EU Commission revised the Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive in spring of 2022.

The Directive refers to the use of mercury in lamps. The substance has been banned for use in electrical equipment apart from exemptions for a few specific types of lamps. Compact fluorescent lamps, T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps and halogen pins are among those products affected. The current changes in legislation will be in place as a legal requirement by 2023. A staged introduction is expected between February and September across various products.

Why are the RoHS changes needed?

The changes are taking place to eliminate all non-sustainable light sources eventually. The intended outcome is that the long-term adoption of energy-efficient solutions will go a long way to reducing energy costs in the home and workplace. New alternatives will also be manufactured, operated and disposed of with improved environmental credentials, thus benefiting the planet.

The consequences for electricians and industry professionals

Aside from fluorescent T5 and T8, compact fluorescent lamps and G4, GY6.35, G9 halogen pins being prohibited from entering the marketplace next year, electricians may be called upon to replace existing stocks with new lighting and to retrofit general lighting to modern, energy-efficient alternatives.

According to recent reports, around 40% of industrial companies use T8 fluorescent lamps and it could be a change organisations will be looking for as awareness of the changes increases.

Old lamps must be disposed of responsibly at a municipal waste disposal company.

Because demand will be high, product prices are expected to rise but will level out once short-term requirements have been fulfilled.

Plan early to avoid inflated product costs and last-minute changes.

The RoHS Directive summary

The current changes in legislation will be in place as a legal requirement by 2023. The dates below refer to when each product is being withdrawn from the market. However, we can still sell stocks to customers if they are available.

• 25 February 2023 –all fluorescent lamps in ring form (T5 and T9)
• 25 February 2023 –all compact fluorescent lamps with a base plug-in (CFLni)
• 25 August 2023 –all fluorescent lamps (T5 and T8)
• 1 September 2023 –all halogen pins (G4, GY6.35 and G9)

HPD lamps and special purpose lamps, including UV-C disinfection with lamps, are expected to follow suit but the changes will be rolled out over three to five years.

What will replace fluorescent lighting?

The likely alternative will be LED lighting because of the energy-saving advantages (up to 80% compared to incandescent lamps). LED lighting does not contain hazardous chemicals and they emit brighter luminescence.

While LED lighting costs more than many standard lamps, its lifecycle is significantly greater with good warranties.

Benefits of LED lighting include:

• Energy efficiency
• Compact sizing
• Fast switching
• Durable
• Heat efficient
• High luminance

Please contact the team if you want more information about the RoHS Directive changes or help in sourcing alternative products.

Take advantage of specialist product sourcing, flexible delivery, regular breakfast mornings and manufacturer events, large shelf stocks and high-tech demo units.

Call 01543 273840 or email the team.