A simple Q & A to the phase out of EEL
Why is there a phase out of incandescent light bulbs?
European governments and the lighting industry are all working cooperatively on preserving energy and reducing CO2 emissions. Significant savings can be made by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. The lighting industry will ensure that an adequate choice of alternative lighting solutions are available at a reasonable price.
What happens if one keeps using traditional light bulbs?
You can continue using inefficient bulbs in your household: the new EU law only regulates sales from retailers, but we strongly recommend switching to energy-efficient solutions helps reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions, while, depending on the wattage, you can save up to €100 over the lamp lifetime (in most cases the average lifetime is 8 years) just by replacing, for example, a 100-watt incandescent with a 20-watt compact fluorescent lamp.
What are the consequences for the consumers who are looking for new light bulbs?
Depending on the retailer’s current range, Philips will recommend the replacement products. To guide the shopper to the possible alternatives, Philips will work with the retailer on appropriate shelf navigation and in-store information material. Consumers who seek new light bulbs will automatically be guided to energy saving lighting solutions.
What will Philips do with regards to packaging?
The new EU law also affects the information provided on the packaging. Extensive product information will be provided on pack and this will be implemented by the industry by 2010 at the latest. In the future, the term “energy saving” may only be used for products with energy efficiency class A. Furthermore the wattage of a lamp will be stated, the energy level and the light colour.
What does the phase out mean with regard to availability of the products?
Philips will do everything possible to make the energy saving products available, which the market demands.
Will Philips invest in additional production capacity?
Philips will invest in making energy saving products available to meet the consumer demand.
What is an energy saving lamp?
Compact fluorescent energy savers are up to five times more efficient than incandescent lamps; in other words, they need up to five times less energy to generate the same amount of light. Philips CFLs last at an average 8 times longer than incandescent lamps, so need less frequent replacement.
In addition a range of halogen energy savers is available, in shapes like the traditional incandescent and special halogen types (e.g. GU10 cap). They save 30-50% energy whilst providing the same light quality as incandescent lamps and their lifetime is 2-3 times longer.
What costs can I save with a compact fluorescent lamp?
Depending on the wattage, a consumer can save up to €100 over the lamp lifetime (in most cases the average lifetime is 8 years) just by replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 20-watt compact fluorescent lamp.
Why is the price of an energy saving lamp higher compared to a traditional light bulb?
The price of energy-saving lamps is higher but you can easily earn back your money by saving on high energy costs. The purchase price of energy savers has traditionally been more expensive than traditional incandescent lamps because they are more complex to produce (for instance: compact fluorescent lamps have integrated electronics). But over its lifetime an energy saving lamp can save up to €100 e.g. by replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 20-watt energy efficient light bulb. Find out more about how big savings can be by switching to energy-efficient lamps on the savings calculator of the home lighting site www.philips.com/homelighting
What is the energy savers light quality?
Consumer nowadays have a big choice to select the lamp of their preferred light effect. Philips energy saving lamps render a light quality which very closely approximates that of incandescent lamps. The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) expresses the level to which colours a represented in its natural form i.e. as if lit by sunlight. An incandescent lamp has a CRI of 100, this also counts for halogen energy savers. Philips compact fluorescent lamps have a CRI value between 80-85. Previous generations of energy savers, as well as many present unbranded energy savers, render an unnatural light, giving for example a greyish “cold” light. If a colour rendering index above 80-85 is needed for specific applications, energy efficient halogen lamps (halogen energy savers) with a CRI of 100 are recommended.
Philips energy saving lamps have evolved to the point where they now are almost match incandescent lamps in functionality. Compared to several years ago, they last longer, are smaller, more efficient, safer and less expensive.
Will there be an energy saving alternative lamp for every luminaire? Which energy saver should I buy to replace my old incandescent lamp?
Philips offers a wide variety on shapes and light effects so that you do not have to compromise any more. For every application at home we have the energy saving alternative, either in compact fluorescent or halogen technology and last but not least there is a wide variety of Ledino LED fixtures available. For more information and assistance on how to find your energy saver of choice visit www.philips.com/homelighting
To what extent are energy savers useful for creating home ambiance?
Energy saving lighting solutions will help you to create the desired in home ambiance.
Some energy savers are dimmable. The new halogen energy savers and an increasing number of compact energy savers can be dimmed using common domestic dimmer switches. Furthermore the latest generation of energy savers fit all luminaires. This allows you to change light bulbs without having to change luminaires as well. Finally, the latest generation of energy savers come in every shape and size you could desire.
Does frequent switching reduce the lifetime of energy savers?
A compact fluorescent lamp’s life is hardly affected by switching it on and off. The current standards for 'Energy Saving Recommended' accreditation requires over 3,000 switching cycles per 8,000 hours of tested life which is more than sufficient for normal domestic use. In environments where lamps are switched frequently and are burning for less than 1 hour on average, we recommend a halogen energy saver or a “heavy duty” Cfli (e.g. Cfli Longlife). Especially in restrooms where the light is switched off again every few minutes, the use of a halogen energy saver is highly recommended.
Do compact fluorescent lamps use more energy during start up?
No, they do not consume extra energy on start up and run very efficiently immediately. There is no reason to keep an energy saver switched on for longer than a normal incandescent bulb.
What kind of energy saver offers Philips for outdoor use?
There is a special energy saving lamp for outdoor use, the Philips Exterieur. This lamp is specially made to deal with a wider range of ambient temperatures and longer burning times. Philips also offers an automatic energy saver with a light sensor, which automatically switches on at dusk and off at dawn.
What influence do energy saving lamps have on e.g. the correct functioning of my audio- or TV system?
The Philips energy savers do not disturb any other electrical devices. This phenomenon is caused by electro-magnetic interference. High quality products like Philips Energy Savers comply to global norms and specifications, meaning they do not disturb electronic devises.
Can energy saving lamps be used in combination with special switches like movement detectors?
All presently sold compact fluorescent energy saving lamps make use of electronics to operate the lamp. Special electronic switches (like dusk-to-dawn or movement detection) are not compatible with the electronics inside the lamp, causing damage to the lamp. To allow for a good combination we advise the use of sensor equipment with a relay (mechanical switch) or equipment with an additional built in resistor to protect the lamp. In other words: due to its complexity, ask your installer/lighting specialist for advice.
The Philips EcoClassic30 products are highly recommended for these applications, they are fully compatible with these electronic switches.
What is the impact on the environment?
Today, 14% of the electricity used in Europe is spent on lighting. By switching to energy-efficient solutions we could save an equivalent of 38 tons of CO2, 156 million barrels of oil and 52 power plants. At www.asimpleswitch.com you can see what contribution you can make yourself.
But isn’t true that energy savers can also have a bad influence on the environment?
Compact fluorescent lamps contain electronics and a small amount of mercury . But if you follow the correct electronic waste disposal procedure, proper recycling will ensure that the environment will not be harmed.
Why do compact energy saving lamps contain small amounts of mercury?
They contain a very small amount of mercury in order to radiate light. No mercury is emitted from lamps at any time, they are safe with regard to human health and the environment. Besides fluorescent lamps, the other energy saving lamp technologies do not use mercury, for instance halogen energy savers.
For proper recycling, see following paragraphs.
What to do with a compact fluorescent lamp when it burns out (proper disposal procedure)
In Europe, all CFLi lamps have to be disposed as special waste (under EWC Code 20 01 21-fluorescent tubes and other mercury-containing waste). Furthermore, as part of its obligations under the EU’s WEEE Directive[1], the European lighting industry has set up a European-wide recycling infrastructure, capable of recycling mercury, as well as other metals, glass, etc. All CFLi lamps are provided with the crossed-out wheeled dustbin logo. This means that they should not be disposed of in household waste but should be brought back to the shop or to the local waste facilities to be recycled.
What to do in case a lamp breaks (proper clean up)?
Since compact fluorescent energy saving lamps are made of glass tubing and can break if dropped or roughly handled, care should be taken when removing the lamp from its packaging, installing or replacing it.
Breaking a lamp is extremely unlikely to have any impact on your health. Proper cleanup and adequate ventilation minimizes the impact even further. If a lamp breaks, ventilate the room for 20-30 minutes, remove the parts – preferably with gloves – and put them in a closed plastic bag in the disposal bin. Do not use a vacuum cleaner so that the remaining parts will not stay in the filter.
How dangerous is it when a compact fluorescent lamp brakes?
Breaking a lamp is unlikely to have any impact on your health. The effects of the exposure to mercury from a broken energy saver to the human body are so to speak not measurable. Only if several lamps would break every day, and you would be exposed to all of the mercury, there could be a health concern that needs to be assessed. A Cfli contains less than 5mg mercury per lamp. By comparison, a typical thermometer, which we used to use, has between 500 and 3.000 milligrams of mercury, depending on its size. It would take 100 fluorescent lamps to equal that amount.
How to clean up properly, see the previous question.
What is the status with LEDs, i.e. can they already be used as an energy saving alternative to inefficient domestic lamps?
LED technology is currently being used in some specific professional applications and offers great potential for the future of lighting. For the consumer, Philips is offering LED fixtures Ledino, LivingColors and several LED based home lighting accessories. In September 2009 Philips will launch its first range of LED retrofit lamps for the consumer channel.
[1] The Waste Electrical and Electroni9c Equipment Directive (2002.96/EC) aims to minimize the impact of electrical and electronic goods on the environment.