Are T12 Fluorescent Bulbs Being Phased Out

Compact fluorescent light bulbs or cfls were a go to choice for individuals seeking a cost effective and energy efficient lighting solution to replace incandescent bulbs.

Are t12 fluorescent bulbs being phased out.

How long do fluorescent tubes last. Big name manufacturers like philips and sylvania were granted two year extensions on the deadline. The energy policy act of 1992 gave the u s. About all you can get today is the fluorescent workhorse of commercial lighting the t8 1 bulb.

Some of the 700 series lamps include. First with t12 lamps being phased out soon it makes little sense to buy electronic t12 ballasts so the next basic option is an electronic ballasted t8 system. However with leds producing better quality lighting and prices dropping at every turn cfls may. It will even affect some residences.

Recognize that the magnetic ballasts that are required to operate those t12 lamps were already phased out in october 2010. Not too long ago the familiar spiral shaped light bulbs many of us knew dominated the fixtures of our homes and businesses. As a result in 2009 the department announced the eventual phase out of the 1 5 inch diameter fluorescent t12 tubes. By january 26 2018 even t8s will be banned to align with new doe energy efficiency standards.

T12 tubes t8 and t5 tubes and the t12 which is the oldest and being phased out and no longer manufactured. As a result of this mandate businesses will eventually have to replace their t12 lighting and ballasts. However if you are currently using any of the lamps that are being phase out you re not in compliance. There are 3 types.

The quick and short answer is if your office store hospital or school is still being lit with t12 linear fluorescent lamps then yes you have likely already experienced difficulty sourcing replacement products for burned out lamps or ballasts. The mandate said production of the tubes would have to cease after july 14 2012. Keep in mind that this policy only mandates that manufacturers permanently halt production on 700 series lamps. 4ft linear t8 and t12 lamps.

Department of energy doe authority to establish energy efficiency rules governing general service fluorescent lighting. Even some t8 lamps have been phased out. In 2012 the doe standards effectively eliminated most t12 fluorescent lamps and 700 series low color rendering cri below 80 t8 lamps. The t8 is probably the most used with the t5 being the smallest and most energy efficient so are often used in large office buildings and warehouses for energy savings.

This major change will directly affect many commercial retail and institutional businesses.