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What is Happening to Lighting Today?

What is Happening to Lighting Today?
Part 1 - Bulbs & Standards

Contributed by Mel Amundson

As of Jan. 1, 2014, you will have a harder time finding the older style incandescent 40 and 60 watt bulbs, as the last phase of new federal lighting standards begins. “What this means that those who have not already transitioned to energy-saving compact fluorescent (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs will need to do so as remaining inventories of the traditional incandescent light bulbs are sold out,” according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, new lighting standards were enacted in 2007, with a phase in period from 2012 to 2014. The standards do not ban a specific type of bulb; however they require that new lighting use as least 25 percent less energy while producing the same amount of light. Up to 90 percent of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs is converted to heat rather than light, and as a result, incandescent bulbs have been phased out, beginning with 100 watt bulbs in 2012; 75 watt bulbs in 2013; and 60 watt and 40 watt bulbs in 2014. Specialty bulbs, for example those used in certain appliances, are exempt from the new standards.

The Department of Energy estimates that changing 15 incandescent bulbs could save about $50 per year in household energy costs; and that the new lighting standards will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could save U.S. households nearly $6 billion in 2015 alone.

Both CFL and LED bulbs are available in different sizes and light color options, and many are suitable for outdoor use and can be used with dimmer switches. Most can be used with existing lamps and fixtures, and are available at retailers nationwide. As a comparison, a 60 watt incandescent bulb provides 13 to 14 lumens of light per watt, while equivalent CFL bulbs provide 55 to 70 lumens per watt and LED bulbs from 60 to 100 lumens per watt.

What Are My Lighting Choices?

Three of the most common energy-efficient lighting types include energy-saving incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs. You can find these in most hardware and home improvement stores, and they are all more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Energy Saving Incandescents -- about 25% energy savings
Description: http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/styles/large/public/lights_halogen.jpg?itok=EjxmU4kX
Energy-saving, or halogen incandescent bulb has a capsule inside that holds gas around a filament to increase bulb efficiency. This type of incandescent bulb is about 25% more efficient and can last up to three times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are available in a wide range of shapes and colors, and can be used with dimmers. The halogen incandescent can be used on existing dimmers, an important note to customers with dimmer systems. CDLs and LEDs will require a dimmer change for safe and effective use with existing systems.

CFLs -- about 75% energy savings
Description: http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/styles/large/public/lights_cfls.jpg?itok=JxxcAQEU

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are simply curly versions of the long tube fluorescent lights you may already have in a kitchen or garage. Because they use less electricity than traditional incandescent, typical CFLs can pay for themselves in less than nine months, and then start saving you money each month. An ENERGY STAR-qualified CFL uses about one-fourth the energy and lasts ten times longer than a comparable incandescent bulb that puts out the same amount of light.

CFL bulbs are available in a range of light colors, including warm (white to yellow) tones that were not as available when first introduced. Some are encased in a cover to further diffuse the light and provide a similar shape to the bulbs you are replacing. If you are looking for a dimmable bulb, check the package to make sure you purchase a CFL with that feature.

Fluorescent bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, and they should always be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Many retailers recycle CFLs for free. See EPA's website for more information.

LEDs -- about 75%–80% energy savings
Description: http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/styles/large/public/lights_leds.jpg?itok=7RgaytSt
The light emitting diode (LED) are a type of solid-state lighting -- semiconductors that convert electricity into light. Although once known mainly for indicator and traffic lights, LEDs in white light, general illumination applications are one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing technologies. ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only 20%–25% of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they replace.

LED bulbs are currently available in many products such as replacements for 40W, 60W, and 75W traditional incandescent, reflector bulbs often used in recessed fixtures, and small track lights. While LEDs are more expensive at this early stage, they still save money because they last a long time and have very low energy use. As with other electronics, prices are expected to come down as more products enter the market.

U.S. lighting standards for Commercial Buildings

There are various codes and programs which attempt to characterize U.S. lighting standards. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub.L. 109-58) provided an energy-efficient commercial building tax reduction program for lighting systems that exceed code lighting. Based on estimates by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), lighting represents 40% of the electrical consumption in a commercial building, through the improvement of these systems the DOE believes this could be significantly decreased. The tax deduction includes a portion of installation costs.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provides lighting standards in ASHRAE 90.1-2004. EPA Act of 2005 set a deadline for states to adopt the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 standards.[12] ASHRAE has recently published the 90.1-2010 with improved lighting standards, this includes:

  • Automatic shutoff control must be met for lighting alterations, including lamp and ballast retrofits when 10+% of connected lighting load is replaced
  • Automatic shutoff is no longer limited to buildings greater than 5,000sq.ft.
  • Occupancy sensors are now required
  • Parking garage lighting controls are now required
  • Hotel/motel lighting control has expanded
  • Stairwell lighting must now be a control device that reduces lighting power by 50% when unoccupied
  • All building landscape lighting must be turned off on a schedule or with photosensor
  • Advertising signage lighting must be reduced by 30%
  • Lighting control devices and systems must be functionally tested (this includes occupancy sensors, time switches, programmable schedule controls and photosensors)

Advanced lighting control is an effort made by ASHRAE 90.1-2010 to significantly reduce the energy used for lighting by commercial buildings.

References: ENERGY STAR

This is a 5-part series on residential and commercial lighting:

  • Bulbs and Standards
  • Incandescent lighting
  • Fluorescent lighting
  • Light Emitting Diode lighting
  • Lighting Control systems

Mel Amundson, President of Amstar, is a noted presentor, author, and consultant in the electrical industry.  Contact him at: 812.457.1916 or mel@amundson.net

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Comments
  • A decade ago, the government told me what kind of toilet to buy in typical response to the lobby to create and stimulate a market. I am really saving water now with each flush. The trouble is that it takes two or three times the flushes to be as effective. Yeah......I'm really saving water.

    Now the government will tell me what kind of light bulbs to use. It won't really bother me during my lifetime. I stocked up on enough bulbs to last me 30 years. During that time, I am sure that more favorites will be picked and follies (perhaps other dangers or limitations of the replacement products) will be discovered. My life will be stable, however. I will not let some bureaucrat tell me what kind of day (or life) I will have. The typical bureaucrat will never stand up to any suggested product or system that purportedly will enhance environmental or personal safety. That would inhibit job security by way of limiting campaign funds.

    Bill Andes  March 6 2014, 1:29 am EST
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  • Looks like the bureaucrats are trying to outdo their counterparts in Brussels. Fortunately, if you live near the Meican border, you can get regular lightbulbs there in GE, Osram and Philips, at 125 or 140 volts (longer life ).

    Jim Green  February 21 2014, 2:57 pm EST
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  • What about the small amount of mercury? Mercury is a neurotoxin. Most people will not use the proper disposal method; they'll toss them in the trash, and then the disposal sites will allow mercury to leach into groundwater aquifers! Aren't we in the US just trading poisons (heat & energy loss vs mercury toxicity)?

    William Chandler  February 21 2014, 11:54 am EST
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  • What do I use to replace the incandescent bulbs that prevent freezing in my pumphouse? Attempts at using heat tapes have been iffy at best.

    Rick Mack  February 21 2014, 8:21 am EST
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  • I understand that CFL's use much less energy and have been using CFL's for many years, But my personal experience is that CFL's do not last nearly as long as they are advertised to last. The brand doesn't seem to matter either. I have found on numerous occasions they last no longer than incandescent bulbs. This is with following manufacturer's instructions. I have found they prematurely fail no matter what the application including frequent or non-frequent switching. Has anyone else experienced this phenomena?

    Robert the EE  February 21 2014, 8:02 am EST
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  • Hello Mike Holt--HVAC certified engineers now have the final say in approval and use standards for electrical equipment and its installation? I am disappointed. and unfortunately I saw this situation coming. This is why 'Elvis has left the building' .

    jim owens  February 21 2014, 3:28 am EST
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