The Environment The Light Bulb Ban- UK ahead of EU! 6th August 2010 saving 10 Comments It has been over 100 years since Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb which orchestrated a step change in technology and peoples life styles. In fact the year was 1879 and this fabulous invention has really stood the test of time and is only now being superseded. But the Edison name will live on not only as the inventor, but will stay with the screw fitting light bulbs whose fittings are code names ES of SES ( Edison Screw or Small Edison Screw). It is in fact the environmental pressure that has ultimately led to the demise of the incandescent bulb and the environmentalists have worked with the government, manufacturers and the EU to put in place the plan. The case is fairly water tight as eliminating the incandescent bulb will save between 2 and 5 million tonnes of C02 per year in the UK and in the region of 20 to 50 million tonnes per year across the EU. Light Bulb Ban timing in the EU From 1st September 2009 All 100W incandescent lamps must be a minimum of energy rating C All frosted and pearl bulbs banned unless rated as A-Class From 1st September 2010 All 75 W clear incandescent light bulbs phased out. Phase-out of 60 W clear incandescent lamps. From 1st September 2011 Phase-out of 60 W clear incandescent lamps. From 1st September 2012 The rest of clear incandescent lamps phased out, that is, 40W and 25W. From 1st September 2016 Retrofit light bulb minimum rating raised from energy rating C to B Light Bulb Ban timing in the UK Now interestingly in the UK the manufacturers have aligned with the environmentalist and the government to accelerate the transition to energy saving light bulbs . This has been agreed on a voluntary basis and as a result then the timing in the UK is around 1 year ahead of the EU. This means that retailers participating in this scheme will adhere to the following timing:- 1st January 2009 Retailing stopped for 75 and 100W bulbs 1st January 2010 Retailing stopped for 60W bulbs of the traditional GLS (A-shaped) Bulb 1st January 2011 Retailing stopped for 40W bulbs of the traditional GLS (A-shaped) Bulb 1st January 2012 Retailing stopped for 60W golf-ball and candle shaped bulbs of the traditional GLS (A-shaped) Bulb As to whether you think that this accelerated transition is a good thing will be dependant on your standpoint. Clearly the environmentalists are very much in favour but some people who still are living on the memory of the old energy saving light bulbs are still against. Can you remember those early CFL’s which took ages to get to full brightness and were really big and ugly? However, thankfully the technology has advanced in leaps and bounds and the modern energy saving bulbs are really very good. Also clearly if you really need say that 40W incandescent bulb, because in your application the bulb must come on immediately, and the UK participating retailers have stopped selling them then you can seek out one of the retailers who are still working to the EU timing. Now there is also one other interesting point which some people can view as a loop hole. Bulbs classified as rough service bulbs, at present are exempt from the ban. These are the bulbs which you would typically use in an extension light in a garage which if you used a standard light bulb would fail every time you gave it a small knock. These come in 60 and 100W sizes and the ruling for retailers is they must clearly be classified as rough service light bulbs and not intended for household use. So if you really need one or you have an application in the garage that suits then this could be a way forward. But first of all check that you cannot use a small full spiral CFL as good ones these days are pretty compact and certainly far more resilient than the traditional incandescent light bulbs.
Added advantages may perhaps incorporate automated timers which might possibly lessen vitality costs, a huge assortment of several wattages, and sensors that detect movement. A gentle fixture that turns on after motion is detected can make existence challenging for burglars and other unpleasant intruders whilst reducing power costs as a consequence of diminished power demands. Well-lighted locations can deter unwanted intruders, and illumination that comes on at night can enhance the safety of a house. Owing to all of the advantages of minimal voltage LED lighting, there’s definitely a selection that may fit your requirements and spending budget. Reply
This is very inspiring work you have created for us. People sometimes don’t know about these thing, yet they can save you so much money! But I suppose this ban shall put energy saving light bulbs into the public knowledge. Maybe it shall get people thinking about other energy-saving appliances to save money- anyway thanks for the post, very well written 😉 Reply
Nothing against the article, but I disagree with a couple of points stated in this article. But as a person who has bought Energy Saving Light Bulbs from your site, I still love the article, just disagree a bit. 😉 Reply
This is one great post! I’m not the long comment type, but for this I need to have a bit more wording to show my appreciation. Because of this post have already ordered 15 energy-saving bulbs and am eagerly awaiting their arrival. I think the best way to say thanks is in 2 words; great post. 🙂 Reply
What an excellent post! I love the clear explanation yet incredible detail, it must be able to reach a huge audience! It’s also an interesting subject, banning certain light bulbs is surprisingly interesting a subject. After reading it I decided to get some energy saving light bulbs, so I got some LED’s and they are brilliant! I now have LED’s wherever possible. Two of the advantages which I believe are not stated are that they don’t blind you if you accidently look directly are them and that they don’t get nearly as hot so they are brilliant for bedside lamps (have you ever burnt yourself on a bedside lamp? It hurts!). I am incredibly grateful and wish you, you posts and your site well. Reply
I found a comparable put up on an assorted webpage and didn’t particularly get it, but this posting explains it more effective, in more detail and more understandable to a wider audience. Admire your work greatly and I am interested in what other energy-saving light bulb posts you shall put up in the future. 🙂 Reply
I think your article was good and informative, I know most people say that but this is honestly brilliant work. I find it interesting how the government are going to ban certain types of light bulb. But it didn’t just inform me about that it also made me realise how much electricity normal bulbs use and therefore how much I can save with energy saving bulbs! Already I am stocking my house with LEDs (from saving light bulbs :)). The price of buying energy saving bulbs is relatively high but the money you save over time is huge! They also last longer so I shan’t have to buy new ones for a long time! Thank you for letting me discover the money I was losing just from inefficient bulbs! 🙂 Reply
I really enjoyed your post, thanks for sharing this subject with me. I find it amazing how much electricity certain light bulbs use and how much it contributes to the pollution of the world, yet I find it strange, instead of banning the bulbs why don’t the government make a campaign on how much money you can save with energy saving bulbs? It may also get people thinking about how they can use energy-saving appliances to save money (and the environment!) It could have a greater effect, and would be cheaper for the government! Anyway, thanks for your time on posting about this subject. — Charise Grandbois Reply
I think your article was good and informative. Banning certain type’s bulbs, wow, that’s something large! But I suppose it shall save 1,000,000 of tons of CO2 so it’s worth it! 🙂 Reply
This is one brilliant post, so in a few years time energy saving light bulbs shall be very common? Then won’t the companies make them expansive? Well, after reading your site I have decided that I’m using just LEDs, not only to avoided the possible price increase but on the basis that you can save so much money in the long term! Saving Light Bulbs is a brilliant site and I’m glad you made this blog, it’s saving me a fortune! Reply
