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T-12 Fluorescent Lamps Will Not Be Eliminated
Recently, there have been reports in some consumer publications that T12 fluorescent
lamps will be eliminated in 2005. NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers
Association, wants consumers to know that this is incorrect.
T12 fluorescent lamps are common fluorescent tubes that have been used in millions
of homes, offices, retail centers, and schools throughout the United States.
The U.S. Department of Energy published a final rule on Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts
dated September 19, 2000. Magnetic ballasts for certain lamp types may not be
manufactured or sold for new commercial and industrial luminaires after March
31, 2005. In effect, the rule requires that commercial and industrial luminaires
sold after April 1, 2006 for 2-foot "U", 4-foot rapid start, 8-foot
instant start and 8-foot high output lamps must incorporate electronic ballasts.
Since the majority of electronic ballasts are designed for use with T8 lamps,
the ongoing market transition from T12 systems to the more efficient T8 systems
will be given an intended boost.
There are exceptions in the DOE rule for applications that have electromagnetic
compatibility problems with electronic ballasts, for 8-foot high output lamps
in outdoor signs, for T12 dimming to less than 50 percent output, and for T12
lamps in existing installations. The rule allows T12 ballasts for the covered
lamp types to be manufactured for replacement purposes, but only until June
30, 2010. At that point, owners of commercial and industrial facilities who
have not taken advantage of T8 retrofit programs will be unable to replace failed
magnetic T12 ballasts. Even so, T12 replacement lamps will be available for
commercial, industrial, and residential replacement for the foreseeable future.
For more information contact lamp manufacturers or distributors on the availability
of T12 fluorescent lamps .
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