T5 & T8 Fluorescent Tube Ban UK 2023 – Everything You Need To Know
15th March 2023
Did you know that as of September 2023, it will be illegal to use fluorescent tubes in the UK? This is just one of the many changes that the EU Commission has made to the RoHS Directive, which governs how electrical contractors must handle mercury-containing lamps.
Read on to learn more about these changes and what they mean for your business.
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- What is the RoHS Directive, and what does it cover?
- What are the new changes to the RoHS Directive regarding fluorescent tubes?
- How will this affect businesses and consumers who use fluorescent tubes?
- What are some of the alternative lighting options that businesses and consumers can consider using instead of fluorescent tubes?
- Your questions answered – everything you need to know.
What is the RoHS Directive, and what does it cover?
From September 2023, all electrical and electronic equipment in the UK must comply with the revised Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. This means manufacturers are required to make sure their lamps don’t contain mercury before being sold. It outlines regulations for proper handling and disposal of products that contain hazardous materials. Ultimately, this helps ensure the safety of everyone, while reducing the potential risks associated with the use of mercury-containing lamps.
What are the new changes to the RoHS Directive regarding fluorescent tubes?
From 1st September 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes will be phased out altogether. All business owners are required to source alternative lighting solutions and discard them as hazardous waste, or through structured recycling to be compliant. This is to reduce any possible toxic gases being emitted into the environment.
How will this affect businesses and consumers who use fluorescent tubes?
It’s essential that business owners using fluorescent tubes review the new requirements and to ensure that their production, transportation, and disposal procedures comply with the revised directive. Meanwhile, consumers should familiarise themselves with the implications so they can make responsible and informed purchases from compliant suppliers. Taking the necessary steps to adhere to the revised RoHS Directive can benefit the environment while simultaneously promoting safety.
What are some alternative lighting options that businesses and consumers can consider using instead of fluorescent tubes?
Your questions answered – everything you need to know
If you’re seeking a more effective lighting solution, NET LED Lighting could be the answer.
NET LED provides energy-efficient and cost-effective LED T5 and T8 Tubes. They require significantly less energy compared to fluorescent lamps, resulting in a saving of up to 80% in energy costs. On top of this, they don’t have any toxic substances making them more eco-friendly than other light sources.
The Carlton Range of T5 and T8 Tubes come in a variety of sizes (1ft-6ft) and are now available in three different colour temperatures (3000K, 4000K and 5500K) enabling seamless adaptation to individual needs.
The rotatable end caps allow the Tubes to be easily adjusted to suit different angles, making them very versatile. Additionally, the optional 3H Emergency Kit or 3H DALI Emergency Kit ensure the Tubes remain lit even when the power is out. This makes them ideal for both residential and commercial spaces.
The Carlton T5 and T8 Tubes have a long lifespan of 50,000 hours, are more durable than traditional fluorescent lamps and are highly energy-efficient, helping reduce electricity bills significantly. They’re also very easy to install. When retrofitting, simply bypass the ballast and upgrade to LED within minutes!
The initial cost of LED lighting may seem discouraging. However, it’s worth noting that their significantly longer lifespan and improved energy efficiency results in cost savings in the long run.
Your questions answered…
We’re sure you’ll have a lot of questions about the T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps and what are the next steps for the future. Here’s everything you need to know.
What fluorescent lamps are being phased out in 2023?
As a result of the revised RoHS Directive, mercury regulations will be tightened, meaning fluorescent T5 and T8 Tubes – as well as compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) – will be phased out in 2023.
Are fluorescent tubes going to be banned?
Mercury-containing light sources will be phased out after a public comment process that closed in July 2021. This means that linear fluorescent lamps, the largest category of mercury-containing light sources, will be banned from September 2023.
Are fluorescent tubes being banned in the UK?
The UK launched a phase-out of higher-energy halogen lightbulbs in 2018. This initiative has seen the complete ban of halogen bulbs for household use come into effect in September 2021. Furthermore, all T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps will no longer be available in the UK after February 2024.
How long will fluorescent tubes be available for?
As production capacity and raw material availability are rapidly deteriorating, it’s important to note that there is no guarantee that fluorescent lamps will still be available.
However, fluorescent tubes may still be available from your suppliers after the dates stated until stock is exhausted.
What should I replace my fluorescent tubes with?
LEDs are the go-to choice for those looking for low-cost, energy-efficient lighting that is of the superior quality than their fluorescent and incandescent counterparts. Not to mention, the long lifespan of LEDs makes them increasingly popular as well.
NET LED’s Carlton T5 and T8 Tubes offer you an opportunity to save money, protect the environment and comply with the new regulations all at the same time!
To summarise…
The new changes to the RoHS Directive coming into effect in the UK in September 2023 are a good reminder of how dynamically regulations and rules can change. Though some businesses may be disappointed to learn they have to take the necessary steps to break away from the use of mercury-containing lamps, it is always best to keep up with governance updates and regulations as early guidance can make responding an easier task.
Ultimately, these changes open a wider range of lighting options for businesses and consumers alike, allowing for creative ideas that address any financial concerns. As long as you stay informed about what’s going on with the RoHS Directive changes and other governmental updates, you’ll be able to find lighting solutions that are both reliable and cost-effective.
Contact NET LED Lighting on 01223 851505 or email us at [email protected] for all your energy-saving enquiries.
Alternatively, check out the myNETLED Portal for product specifications, data sheets and installation guides.
