These regulations and codes continue to have a major impact on lighting design, encouraging the use of newer technologies to achieve well-lighted spaces.  To help better understand these regulations and codes, an outline of recent legislative actions and their detailed effect on the lighting industry can be found below.

The Energy Policy Act of 1992

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 established minimum efficacy standards for 2-foot U-shaped, 4-foot and 8-foot fluorescent lamps. Since full wattage versions of T12 lamps on magnetic ballasts did not meet the minimum lamp efficacy requirements, the F34T12 Cool White energy-saving lamp became the largest seller as a replacement for the disallowed F40T12 Cool White lamp, but resulted in up to a 13% loss in light output. Several facilities managers were encouraged to retrofit to T8 systems, accelerating the demand for T8 lamps and electronic ballasts. The EPAct also disallowed the use of incandescent R30 and R40 lamps, shifting residential users to BR30 and BR40 incandescent lamps and retailers to halogen PAR lamps and to more compact fluorescent.

The Universal Waste Rule

The Universal Waste Rule established new disposal standards for all mercury-containing lamps based on whether the lamps meet the Federal Toxic Characteristic Leachate Procedure (TCLP) requirements for classification as hazardous or non-hazardous waste. If the lamps pass the TCLP test for classification as non-hazardous waste (<0.2mg Hg/liter and <5 mg Pb/liter), then the lamps can be disposed as a universal waste, which reduces requirements for collection, transportation and record keeping. If lamps do not pass the TCLP test, then they must be disposed as a hazardous waste. In either case, mercury-containing lamps may not be disposed of as “regular” trash. The user is responsible for proper disposal under this rule, so many have chosen to recycle. The SYLVANIA ECOLOGIC^® product line offers TCLP compliant T4, T5, T8 and T12 fluorescent lamps and several incandescent, halogen and HID lamps.

The Federal Ballast Rule

The Federal Ballast Rule of 2000 raises the minimum Ballast Efficacy Factors (BEF) for T12 fluorescent ballasts, which effectively promotes the use of T8 lamp and ballast systems. The Federal Ballast Rule covers 2-foot U-shaped Rapid Start, 4-foot Rapid Start, 8-foot Instant Start and 8-foot High Output T12 fluorescent ballasts. Ballast manufacturers cannot manufacturer T12 ballasts for new luminaires after April 1, 2005.  Luminaires cannot be sold with magnetic ballasts after April 1, 2006. There is an exception for replacement of T12 magnetic ballast for existing installations. These ballasts can be manufactured until June 30, 2010, but must be marked “For Replacement Use Only”, have shorter lead wires, be contained in packages not exceeding 10 ballasts and must meet the 1991 T12 magnetic BEF criteria.

ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1

ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 energy standards have established maximum lighting power density limits (watts per square-foot) for various building types, limiting the power consumed by lighting in buildings. There are separate limits for interior and exterior lighting and automatic lighting shut-off either using a building control system or occupancy sensors is required for buildings larger than 5000 square feet. States must adopt ASHRAE 90.1-1999 standard as a minimum standard as of July 2004. Fifteen states have yet to adopt as of January 2005, but 12 states have adopted the stricter ASHRAE 90.1 –2001 standards. California Title 24 is similar, but includes additional requirements for daylighting and outdoor lighting. The use of new lighting technologies such as higher lumen T5 and T8 lamps, ceramic metal halide, lower power high efficiency electronic fluorescent ballasts and more efficient luminaires make it possible to meet these standards without sacrificing lighting quality.

New SYLVANIA Lighting Technologies to Meet Today’s Lighting Challenges:

Lighting designers face many challenges due to energy codes and environmental regulations, but over the past decade manufacturers have improved the efficiency of lighting systems by 30 to 60% and have reduced the use of hazardous materials by up to 80%. These technological improvements help lighting designers meet the new challenges of creating high quality visual environments within regulatory constraints. Retailers can continue to use accent lighting to highlight and draw attention to their merchandise. Building owners can take advantage of natural light through the use of daylighting techniques to help reduce operating costs and energy consumption or incorporate building controls and occupancy sensors to turn off the lights when spaces are unoccupied. Choosing the right fixture can also enhance the visual environment.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA:

Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American lighting operation of OSRAM GmbH. Together we are the second-largest lighting and materials enterprise in the world, serving customers in more than 140 countries. We manufacture and market a wide range of lighting products, including automotive, electronic and magnetic ballasts, and precision materials and components for industrial and commercial users, original equipment manufacturers and consumers, sold primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, but also under the OSRAM brand. OSRAM SYLVANIA also offers lighting systems installation and maintenance services. For further information, please refer to our Web site at www.sylvania.com.