Targeted Magnetic Ballast Phase Out To Begin Next Year

Source: Service Lamp Corp.
Source: Service Lamp Corp.
Despite strong, ongoing sales of four foot T12 fluorescent lamps, the magnetic ballasts commonly used for the lamps’ operation will start becoming relics of the past on July 1, 2010, when their continued manufacture for commercial and industrial applications becomes prohibited by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) ballast efficiency regulations.

According to the National Lighting Bureau, the July 1, 2010 date marks the last step of a multi-step phase-out that began on July 1, 2005, the date when ballast manufacturers could no longer sell T12 magnetic ballasts for use in new fixtures with full wattage T12 lamps. March 31, 2006 was the last day lighting fixture manufacturers could incorporate the ballasts in new fixtures with full wattage T12 lamps. And on July 1, 2010, the manufacture of T12 magnetic ballasts solely for replacement purposes will cease.

National Lighting Bureau Vice Chair Susan Bloom (Philips Lighting and Philips Lighting Electronics) commented, “T12 fluorescent technology is 70 years old and is generally considered outdated when compared to the far more efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent technologies currently available. Nonetheless, industry sales data reveal that less efficient T12s still account for three out of every 10 four foot fluorescent lamps sold in the U.S. This means that literally millions of existing T12 fluorescent lighting sockets will have to be upgraded sooner rather than later, because the lack of these replacement ballasts will make T12 lighting harder to maintain. The good news is that owners and managers of America’s commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities who still rely on T12 lighting can rest assured that there are high performing and more energy efficient lighting technologies readily available to them that will also serve to support our national goals of energy independence and a clean environment.”

Bloom explained that facility owners and managers will reap significant benefits from energy efficient lighting upgrades. These benefits include energy savings of as much as 48%, attractive two to three year simple paybacks, reduced maintenance costs and concerns, and the knowledge that they are supporting the environment and promoting sustainable lighting design. They can also derive additional benefits if their lighting upgrades qualify for the federal tax incentives available through the Commercial Building Tax Deduction [CBTD] established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Some states also offer incentive programs and, in many areas of the nation, utility incentive programs also are available.

Managers of facilities whose lighting fixtures incorporate T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts can select from several upgrade alternatives. These include replacing the existing magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts; modifying the fixtures to accept T8 lamps and electronic ballasts; and replacing the existing fixtures entirely, relying on contemporary T8 or T5 units with electronic ballasts, or, possibly, a completely different technology.

Bloom pointed out that DOE exempted three types of T12 magnetic ballasts from the rule:

  • T12 dimming ballasts that dim to 50% or less;
  • two lamp F96T12HO ballasts designed for outdoor sign applications where temperatures may fall to as low as -20F, and;
  • magnetic ballasts with power factors less than 0.90 designed and labeled for residential building applications.

1 COMMENT

  1. Magnetic ballasts are a thing of the past now and are a totally obsolete technology. If you are currently using magnetic ballasts, do yourself a favor and do not replace them when they burn out. Get electronic ballasts because they will help your bulbs last longer, they consume less electricity, and they also allow your bulbs to be turned off and on more without breaking. While you are replacing the ballasts, you should also replace the old bulbs you have like T12 and T8 and get T5. They are much more energy efficient and you can get a retrofit kit, like the one here at http://www.lumiversal.com, for cheap and they come with more than you need to convert a fixture.

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