EU directive

General FAQ

The 10 most important questions...

01. What is 2005/32/EC (EuP)?

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What is 2005/32/EC (EuP)?

Answer

The directive 2005/32/EC defines the framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products (EuP). The specific requirements for the respective products are defined in the so-called implementing measures. Two of these implementing measures have already been adopted as regulations: EC 244/2009 (amended by EC 859/2009) and EC 245/2009 (amended by EC 347/2010).

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02. What is 2009/125/EC (ErP)?

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What is 2009/125/EC (ErP)?

Answer

The directive 2009/125/EC defines the framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products (ErP). This directive provides a wider definition than the 2005/32/EC (EuP) directive that was replaced by the ErP in November 2009 -although it didn't contain any changes to the already adopted implementing measures.

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03. What does EC 244/2009 regulate?

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What does EC 244/2009 regulate?

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The regulation EC 244/2009 (amended by EC 859/2009) is the implementing measure of the directive 2005/32/EC with regard to ecodesign requirements for non-directional household lamps. The term “household lamps” serves merely as generic name for the following lamp types and does not imply the exclusive usage for the private sector. The regulation includes:

  • Incandescent lamps
  • Halogen lamps
  • Compact fluorescent lamps with integrated ballasts
  • LED retrofits with integrated ballasts

In this regulation reflector lamps are not taken into consideration. For reflector lamps a separate regulation will be prepared.

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04. What does EC 859/2009 regulate?

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What does EC 859/2009 regulate?

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The regulation EC 859/2009 changes the EC 244/2009 regarding to the requirements for UV radiation of non-directional household lamps. Table 5 of the regulation EC 244/2009 contains limiting values of UV radiation which are not in line with existing threshold values in standards and regulations. In order to ensure uniform limits within the EU market, the limiting values were adjusted in the regulation.

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05. What does EC 245/2009 regulate?

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What does EC 245/2009 regulate?

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The regulation EC 245/2009 (amended by EC 347/2010) is the implementing measure of the directive 2005/32/EC with regard to ecodesign requirements of products mainly used for office, industry and street lighting. The regulation also covers similar products used in private surroundings.
The regulation includes:

  • Fluorescent lamps without integrated ballasts
  • High-pressure discharge lamps
  • Ballasts for fluorescent lamps and high-pressure discharge lamps
  • Luminaires for fluorescent lamps and high-pressure discharge lamps

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06. What are the consequences of the new regulations?

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What are the consequences of the new regulations?

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The regulation EC 244/2009 (amended by EC 859/2009) exacts the successive phase out of products by defining the maximum power consumption for a certain luminous flux as well as the definition of minimum requirements for lifetime, lumen maintenance, number of switching cycles, ignition time, warm-up time, failure rate, UV radiation, power factor and color rendering. The technical data of products affected by the regulation have to be published both on packaging and on the internet.

The regulation EC 245/2009 (amended by EC 347/2010) exacts the successive phase out of products by the definition of minimum requirements for luminous efficacy, lamp lumen maintenance, lamp survival factor as well as the minimum efficiency and the subsequent energy efficiency classes (EEI) of the control gears with stepwise increase in the requirements. The requirements for luminaires are defined by the requirements for installed components. The technical data defined by the regulation has to be published in the internet and in another form deemed appropriated by the manufacturer.

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07. What relation is there with the CE marking?

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What relation is there with the CE marking?

Answer

The compliance with the requirements of the regulations EC 244/2009 (amended by EC 859/2009) and EC 245/2009 (amended by 347/2010) is part of the CE declaration. With the CE declaration, the manufacturer announces the compliance with safety standards beside the adherence with the limit values and other requirements of the corresponding implementing measures (in case of EC 244/2009 for instance the compliance with packaging requirements).

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08. What does „placing on the market“ mean?

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What does „placing on the market“ mean?

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Products not meeting the requirements of EC 244/2009 (amended by EC 859/2009) and EC 245/2009 (amended by 347/2010) must no longer placed on the market in the European Union after the dates specified by the regulations. Products already placed on the market before their effective deadline are still allowed to be traded or consumed. However, production of products for export purposes outside the EU is not prohibited.

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09. Which product information has to be published in which way?

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Which product information has to be published in which way?

Answer

For products covered by the regulation EC 244/2009 (amended by EC 859/2009) Annex II subsection 3 defines product information to be published on packaging and on the internet.
The disclosure obligation applies to the packaging of a luminaire as well, if the packaging contains a product covered by the regulation EC 244/2009:

Packaging:

  • Nominal lamp power
  • Nominal luminous flux (font at least twice as great as nominal output)
  • Nominal life time
  • Number of switching cycle before premature failure
  • Color temperature (also expressed as a value in Kelvin)
  • Warm-up time to 60 % of the full luminous flux
  • Warning if lamp cannot be dimmed or can be dimmed only on specific dimmers
  • Information if designed for optimal use in non-standard conditions (such as ambient temperature Ta ≠ 25°C)
  • Dimensions in millimetre (lengths and diameter)
  • When referencing to incandescent lamps: Compliance of prescribed equivalent value of luminous flux
  • If the lamp contains mercury:
    • Mercury content as X,X mg
    • Indication of website to consult in case of accidental breakage

Internet:

  • Information specified above +
  • Rated wattage
  • Rated luminous flux
  • Rated lamp life time
  • Lamp power factor
  • Lumen maintenance factor at the end of nominal life
  • Starting time (as X,X seconds)
  • Color rendering Ra

If the lamp contains mercury:

  • Instruction how to clean up the lamp debris in case of accidental breakage
  • Recommendation on how to dispose the lamp at the end of its life

According to the Annex III of the regulation EC 245/2009 (amended by EC 347/2010) the following product information for affected products has to be published on the internet and in another form appropriate for the manufacturer.

Lamps – Annex III subsection 1.3

  • Nominal wattage
  • Rated wattage
  • Nominal luminous flux
  • Rated luminous flux
  • Rated lamp efficacy
  • Rated lamp lumen maintenance for 2 000 h, 4 000 h, 6 000 h, 8 000 h, 12 000 h, 16 000 h und 20 000 h (new lamps just until 8 000 h)
  • Rated lamp survival factor for 2 000 h, 4 000 h, 6 000 h, 8 000 h, 12 000 h, 16 000 h und 20 000 h (new lamps just until 8 000 h)
  • Mercury content in X,X mg;
  • Color rendering index (Ra) of the lamp;
  • Color temperature of the lamp
  • Ambient temperature of the maximum luminous flux

Ballasts (internet as well as clearly and permanent visible on the product itself) – Annex III subsection 2.2

  • Energy efficiency class (EEI) of ballasts for fluorescent lamps from 2010
  • Efficiency of ballasts for high-pressure discharge lamps from 2012

Luminaires – Annex III subsection 3.2

  • Energy efficiency class (EEI) or efficiency of the ballast if the luminaire contains a ballast
  • Luminous efficacy (lm/W) of the lamp if the luminaire contains a lamp
  • Compatible ballast if the luminaire not contains a ballast
  • Compatible lamp (ILCOS-Code) if the luminaire not contains a lamp
  • Maintenance instruction to ensure original quality over the lifetime
  • Disassembly instructions

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10. Which target does the EU pursue with the environmental guidelines?

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Which target does the EU pursue with the environmental guidelines?

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The EU wants to narrow the environmental impacts of energy related products with the help of the 2005/32/EC regulation (replaced by 2009/125/EC). The demand for electricity is the fastest growing category of energy usage. Therefore the improvement of energy efficiency is an important contribution to securing of energy supplies. Due to the direct connection between energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, the increase of energy efficiency is up to the implementation of comprehensive approach seen as the prior environmental target to limit those emissions. CO2 emission would increase to 158 Mt without the requirements for products covered by EC 244/2009 and EC 245/2009 regulations. The regulations are expected to contribute to the common target of the EU to reduce energy consumption by 20 % until 2020. This corresponds to an annual consumption of 77 TWh electricity or 30,8 Mt CO2.

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11. Which origin does the effort for energy saving have?

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Which origin does the effort for energy saving have?

Answer

Based on the targets of the Kyoto protocol from 1997 the European Union defined a number of measures to ensure an economical and sustainable handling of resources. After the ban of conventional control gears according to the directive 2000/55/EC (replaced by 2005/32/EC), the reduction of hazardous substances by directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS) and the directive 2002/96/EC for disposal of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), the EU establishes with the EuP directive 2005/32/EC (replaced by ErP directive 2009/125/EC) a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirement for energy using products (now called energy related products).

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Are LED lamps already an alternative?

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Are LED lamps already an alternative?

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The OSRAM product range is so extensive that LED lamps can already be used as replacements for classic incandescent lamps in many different sectors. OSRAM LED lamps with their outstanding light quality are already being used as simple replacements for incandescent lamps up to 60 Watts. And as far as atmospheric lighting is concerned, the many colored and color-changing LED lamps in the OSRAM range provide enormous creative freedom. The innovative LED range is rounded off with special lamps for residential properties and the entertainment industry.

OSRAM LED lamps have such outstanding properties that they offer a whole series of practical benefits. In terms of durability, quality of light, economic efficiency and environmental impact, LED lamps from OSRAM are truly pioneering – and, more than almost any other technology, rightly deserve the title of innovation.

  • no UV or near infrared radiation
  • up to 90 % energy savings compared with similar conventional incandescent lamps
  • life of up to 35 years
  • low thermal output
  • instant 100 % light
  • up to 100,000 switching cycles and more
  • white light with good color rendering
  • warm white incandescent-like light color
  • impact and vibration-proof
  • available in many different designs and with different bases for simple direct replacement
  • up to 90 % lower CO2 emissions compared with similar conventional incandescent lamps
  • outstanding eco balance thanks to low energy requirements in production and low energy consumption in operation
  • mercury-free
  • less waste and low consumption of resources thanks to extremely long life
  • direct 1:1 replacement so no need to change the system

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Does that mean that consumers will not be able/allowed to buy light bulbs at all as of 1 September 2009?

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Does that mean that consumers will not be able/allowed to buy light bulbs at all as of 1 September 2009?

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The EU directive plans a gradual withdrawal. According to the directive, frosted bulbs, except for energy saving lamps with energy efficiency class A, and light bulbs of 80 Watts or greater (in Germany the common 100 Watt bulbs as well) must no longer be placed on the market since 1 September 2009. For the EU-market, this means that from 1 September 2009 on light bulbs with 80 Watts or more were allowed for sale only until the stock was sold out. As of 1 September 2011 you will not be able to buy the most common 60 Watt light bulbs as well. Due to the regulation, from 2012 on all light bulbs with a power consumption 7 Watts or more will be withdrawn from sale. Finally some halogen bulbs will be affected by the ErP-directive and therefore will no longer be available in the shelves as well. Special bulbs for certain applications (for example for the baking oven) will still be available, but they need to be specifically labeled.

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How can consumers find the right lamp now?

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How can consumers find the right lamp now?

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When buying a new light source, such as a halogen lamp, a compact fluorescent lamp or a LED lamp, the consumer should ask:

  1. What do I want to use my lamp for?
  2. What kind of light source do I want? Should it be spot lighting or coverage lighting?
  3. How much energy would I like to save?
  4. What does my luminaire look like?
  5. What should the light color be? Do I want a lamp that exactly reproduces the light from the incandescent lamp?

As soon as the consumer has answered these questions, he can find the light he needs. The packaging provided by the manufacturer serves as a good guide. For example, OSRAM helps its customers with the buying decision using different colors for different technologies and with a green flash for energy efficient products.

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I don’t like the cold light emitted by energy-saving bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps), what can I do?

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I don’t like the cold light emitted by energy-saving bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps), what can I do?

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You can use halogen bulbs, which emit a warmer light. But things have also moved on enormously for energy-saving bulbs. They are now available in a wide range of formats which are virtually indistinguishable from conventional light bulbs. It is interesting to note that consumers around the world prefer a wide range of different shapes. The same applies to light quality. While German consumers prefer warmer light colors, the warmer climates of Southern Europe and Asia favour cooler light colors of between 4000 and 6000 Kelvin. Whether a light is warm or cold depends on the color temperature. And this is measured in Kelvin. The color temperature of the familiar light bulb is between 2500 Kelvin and 2750 Kelvin. OSRAM already offered compact fluorescent lamps with so-called "Warm Comfort Light" for a while. The color temperature of these lamps is 2500 Kelvin and therefore almost not distinguishable from the common light bulb. When choosing the light color, consumers should also consider that only one light color can be dominant in a living space. For example, the cool white light from one bulb can easily influence the warm white light from another lamp and the overall impression is cooler than you might have wanted. OSRAM recommends that users study the information on the packaging carefully. They should use quality products as these are the only ones guaranteeing consistency in packaging and actual performance.

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Is it worthwhile for consumers – after all, energy-efficient bulbs are much more expensive?

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Is it worthwhile for consumers – after all, energy-efficient bulbs are much more expensive?

Answer

This is only true if you only take the purchasing costs into consideration. Throughout their life-time, energy-efficient bulbs can really save you money. It is true that the initial purchase cost for an energy-saving bulb (compact fluorescent lamp), a comparable halogen bulb or LED lamps is comparatively high relative to a conventional light bulb. But do not let this put you off. Throughout their service life, energy-efficient bulbs pay off because they use considerably less electricity. A 100 Watt light bulb costs around one euro, while an energy-saving lamp with comparable light output (20 Watt) costs seven euros. Energy-saving light bulbs last for up to 15,000 hours, while a conventional light bulb only lasts 1000 hours. So you would have to buy fifteen light bulbs to achieve the service life of a single energy-saving bulb. At the same time, the energy-saving bulb saves around 252,-- euros of electricity costs throughout its lifetime. So a 20 Watt energy-saving bulb pays off after just one year. 

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What about halogen bulbs, will they also be banned from 1 September 2009?

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What about halogen bulbs, will they also be banned from 1 September 2009?

Answer

No, halogen lamps are not banned as of 1 September 2009. Exempt from the EU directive are all low-voltage halogen spot lamps. However halogen lamps with the efficiency class D will be sorted out step by step according to their wattage and lumen value from 2009 until 2012. OSRAM has an answer to this too and offers consumers classic-shaped halogen bulbs in energy class C. These bulbs are called HALOGEN ECO and spend warm-white classic light, as well as a double lifetime to incandescent bulbs and they are 100% dimmable. Of course HALOGEN ECO are available in all shapes and wattages.

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What does this EU directive govern exactly?

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What does this EU directive govern exactly?

Answer

This new EU directive sets minimum requirements for domestic lighting. This means that, since 1 September 2009, high-energy bulbs can no longer be circulated in the EU for use in private households. This measure is key in the efforts of the EU to protect the climate. These bulbs will gradually be withdrawn until 2012. The EU directive defines exactly which bulbs will no longer be able to be sold and when. This primarily affects the traditional light bulb. Since 1 September 2009 no more frosted lamps are available, except for frosted compact fluorescent lamps or LED-lamps with energy efficiency class A. Also light bulbs with 80 Watts or higher are no longer available on the market. Furthermore this new directive sets new packaging and quality requirements for the benefit of Europe's consumers.

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What is the actual benefit for the environment?

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What is the actual benefit for the environment?

Answer

Over 1/3 of the electricity used worldwide for lighting can be saved. These savings of over 900 billion kWh of electric power would lead to a reduction in global emissions of more than 450 million tons of CO2.

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What is the point of that?

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What is the point of that?

Answer

This new EU directive is part of a group of measures from the EU which aims to significantly reduce the energy consumed by electrical devices. The primary aim of this directive is to protect the environment by reducing CO2 emissions. But it will also benefit the consumers’ wallet. Conventional light bulbs really waste electricity. Only 5 % of the energy they consume is used to generate light. Light bulbs convert the remaining 95 % of the energy into heat. Back in 1985, energy saving bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps) were launched, saving up to 80% energy, and therefore CO2, compared to conventional bulbs. So the potential for saving is enormous. And if a lamp uses less energy, it also saves money.

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What will actually change for consumers?

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What will actually change for consumers?

Answer

Light bulbs will gradually disappear from the shelves until 2012, when the last light bulb will be phased out. After that, all light bulbs with a power consumption of  7 Watts and more will no longer be permitted within the EU. Only light bulbs for certain applications (for example for the baking oven) will be available. Since September 2009 no more frosted lamps are available, except for frosted compact fluorescent lamps or LED-lamps with energy efficiency class A. But consumers need not be concerned that they will no longer be able to find light bulbs to fit their lamps. OSRAM is already offering different energy-saving lamp technologies for all applications, fittings and wattages. The alternatives currently are compact fluorescent lamps, halogen bulbs, and LED products. Incidentally: You can, of course, continue to use the light bulbs you have at home. It is only the sale of these light bulbs which will be prohibited within the EU. If you need to buy a new light bulb, you should use an energy-saving version from a quality manufacturer. So you can start immediately with the „Energy Savings”, because all energy saving lamp types pay off during their life time. In addition they provide an active contribution to the protection of our environment.

 

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