It's 2019 when the 2019/2020 eco-design legislation is published with the name of the Single Lighting Regulation (SLR). It contains, for the first time in a single document, the integration of all the elements of the Ecodesign legislation for the products in the technical lighting field.
Precisely, the legislation in force since 1 September 2021 has implemented the stop to production and the gradual phase-out of CFLi integrated compact fluorescent lamps, some high and low voltage halogen lamps and T12 / T2 fluorescent lamps.
Stepping forward
From 1 September 2023 we will take another important step towards a future of energy efficiency and awareness in respect of the environment. From that moment, T8 fluorescent lamps and halogen lamps with pin G4, GY6.35, G9 won't be produced anymore.
The 2019/2020 regulation establishes the specifications for the design of light sources and power supply units structured separately, according to an eco-compatible logic, but also of light sources and separate power supply units marketed as components of a container product. That means a product containing one or more light sources or separate power supply units, or both.
Farwells
Starting from September 2023 the production of T8 fluorescent tubes, 600 mm, 1,200 mm and 1,500 mm long, will be stopped, with the aim of achieving truly ambitious energy saving results. The aim is to save an amount of energy equal to Denmark's annual consumption, or 167 terawatts by 2023,. From that moment on, together with a new labeling system, optical parameters will be also examined, as well as energy ones, with features such as the ease of replacing components at the end of their life.
A landscape of transformation, therefore, aimed at reducing the energy footprint as an inner obligation, brought by new regulations on a continental scale.
Change is good
It's true, you can't be get caught by surprise. 2023 is near, but there are some steps to take that are simplified by the high number of alternatives on the market.
Lamps such as our TCity and TLed models have been attentively designed to replace the previous fluorescent tubes: they have the same diameter as the most common ones in circulation and they are therefore perfect for retrofitting, without the need for drilling or modifications to the structure of the machine. But the benefit doesn't end there.
First of all, we must consider the energy saving and consequently the cost saving: a switch to a tubular LED lamp can lead to a saving on consumption of about 66%.
We have to remember as well ,that the LED lamps guarantee full efficiency from the moment they are switched on, as well as canceling the flicker that causes increased consumption and considerable discomfort for the operator after the shift.
Benefits of LED lighting
The quality of LED light is not comparable to that of incandescent tubes, we know that for sure.
But there are countless advantages that you may not consider when you decide to adopt a LED lighting system for industrial machines.
Regarding the quality of the light, LEDs reach a high level of stability and a very good degree of CRI. This translates into greater visual comfort for the operator and an immediate increase in productivity.
Don't forget that the LED lighting technology is highly customizable: thanks to its programmability you can shape the performance on your real needs, according to the use and to the working environment as well as the machinery on which it is mounted.
The color of the luminous flux, its intensity, its direction and the direct or indirect lighting modes. Its customizations are unlimited in order to reach the maximum level of operativity in enviroments such as spray booths, where the light color and quality are extremely important. In the jewellery field as well, where a precise light beam is required, to avoid the discomfort of the operator after long hours of work.
Furthermore, unlike fluorescent tubes, LEDs do not contain mercury and are much easier to dispose of at the end of their, however very long, life. They can in fact reach 12 years of use, which translated into hours of work, meaning a performance of 50/60 thousand hours, combined with an extremely resistant structure.
A good starting point
It is impossible to ignore it.
It is true, European legislation is influencing the choices of producers by orienting every move towards greater sensitivity for the environment, which brings with it consequences such as easier disposal, less non-recyclable waste, a longer life for the appliances and significant energy and monetary savings by those who work in the manufacturing field and beyond.
We face an excellent opportunity to think on where to go, and make conscious choices, oriented towards a future improving our company. By choosing to replace the current T8 fluorescent tubes with LED tubular lamps for industrial machines, we choose to be a step forward, and not to be caught unprepared for the next, now approaching regulatory deadline.