The UK government has announced a ban on the sale of all fluorescent lighting, coming into effect on February 1st 2024. This is part of a series of bans that started on September 1st, 2023. This strategy aligns with a wider effort to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive.

The RoHS states that manufacturers must make sure that their lamps do not contain any mercury before being sold. This is all in an attempt to regulate the use of certain hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes will be phased out altogether, but retailers can still sell these lamps until their stock is exhausted. Following this, sourcing them will become increasingly difficult.

What Can Businesses Do to Prepare for the Ban?

The best way to prepare for the fluorescent lighting ban is to start planning now.

Firstly, it is essential that business owners review the new requirements to ensure that they are remaining compliant. This involves checking that their production, transportation and disposal procedures are up-to-date.

The most common replacement option is LED lighting sources, including lamps, battens and panels. These are more eco-friendly than any other light source and have a range of other benefits including:

• Reduced Energy Usage
• Lower Energy Bills
• Lower Maintenance Costs
• Less Environmental Damage

This transition can be difficult and overwhelming but there is support available. Energy efficient grants and incentive programs are available from the government, utility companies and other organisations. These programs won’t typically cover the entire cost of the switch, but can provide extra support if needed.

How To Switch To LED Lighting?

When making the switch from fluorescent lights to LED lights, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that you dispose of your old lighting correctly. All companies that are upgrading to LED should do so under the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. This ensures that the old lighting is disposed of in a way that is legal and environmentally safe.

Incorrect disposal of fluorescent tubes can result in leaked mercury vapour. This is not only damaging to our environment but also to our health with known cases of breathing difficulties, headaches and dizziness.

There are also many factors to consider when choosing the right LED lamps for you.

Cost and Quality

LED lights are more expensive than their fluorescent counterparts however they will save you money in the long run. With longer lifespans and less maintenance required, there are few costs that follow the initial purchase.

Longevity

LED lighting products last much longer than other options. A good quality bulb typically lasts 3 to 5 times longer than a fluorescent lamp and up to 30 times longer than an incandescent bulb.

This means that some new LEDs can last up to 100,000 hours.

Sustainability

LEDs do not contain any toxic materials such as mercury or halogen.This means that they are significantly better for the environment . Their extended lifespan also means that less electrical equipment ends up in waste and landfill.

Personalisation

Finding the perfect lighting to fit your needs is easy with LEDs. When choosing your lights, consider investing in dimmers or CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) adjustable options. These are simple and effective ways to light your premises exactly how you want.

Expert Advice

The new changes to the RoHS directive will come into full effect in February 2024. Staying informed about governmental updates can help you to find lighting solutions that are both reliable and cost effective. Now is the time to make the switch to avoid any disruptions or loss of lighting in your premises.

Contact the team at Performance Lighting for expert advice and unbeatable knowledge about all things LED. We can help you find the best solutions for you as you switch away from fluorescent lights. We have a great range of energy efficient lighting available so get in touch for more information.