Are T12 Fluorescent Bulbs Being Phased Out

Some of the 700 series lamps include.

Are t12 fluorescent bulbs being phased out.

Recognize that the magnetic ballasts that are required to operate those t12 lamps were already phased out in october 2010. Even some t8 lamps have been phased out. 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.

Us department of energy doe regulations began phasing out various sizes of commercial fluorescent light bulbs in 2012. As a result in 2009 the department announced the eventual phase out of the 1 5 inch diameter fluorescent t12 tubes. 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. However with leds producing better quality lighting and prices dropping at every turn cfls may.

This major change will directly affect many commercial retail and institutional businesses. Not too long ago the familiar spiral shaped light bulbs many of us knew dominated the fixtures of our homes and businesses. Keep in mind that this policy only mandates that manufacturers permanently halt production on 700 series lamps. Since a t8 ballast must operate a compatible t8 lamp a maintenance department would have to replace the ballast plus the lamps that the ballast operates.

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. 4ft linear t8 and t12 lamps. It will even affect some residences. The mandate said production of the tubes would have to cease after july 14 2012.

There are 3 types. How long do fluorescent tubes last. Big name manufacturers like philips and sylvania were granted two year extensions on the deadline. 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.

By january 26 2018 even t8s will be banned to align with new doe energy efficiency standards. The energy policy act of 1992 gave the u s. T12 tubes t8 and t5 tubes and the t12 which is the oldest and being phased out and no longer manufactured. 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.

About all you can get today is the fluorescent workhorse of commercial lighting the t8 1 bulb.