End of 2019, the European Commission issued regulation 2019/2020 laying down ecodesign requirements for light sources and separate control gears. As a result, lighting devices placed in the European Union market must meet strict guidelines.
End of 2019, the European Commission issued regulation 2019/2020 laying down ecodesign requirements for light sources and separate control gears. As a result, lighting devices placed in the European Union market must meet strict guidelines.
Regulation 2019/2020 stems from Directive 2009/125/EU establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-related products.
It encompasses the ecodesign of two types of devices:
First, the European Commission defines a light source as “an electrically operated product intended to emit, or, in the case of a non-incandescent light source, intended to be possibly tuned to emit, light, or both’’. It issues two criteria to characterize such technology:
Nevertheless, the light source definition does not include:
The EU Regulation 2019/2020 qualifies separate control gear as a device that ‘’is not physically integrated with a light source and is placed on the market as a separate product or as a part of a containing product.’’ It is important to note that the regulation excludes power supplies under other ecodesign requirements under regulation 2019/1782.
First of all, several solutions framing Ecodesign in the European market are already underway. Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 on light sources and separate control gears is one of those. One should expect regular amendments as technology evolves.
To illustrate the EU ecodesign requirements for light sources, we will test a white high-output linear fluorescent light source tube of 16 mm diameter (T5-HE LFL LED). Our goal here is to demonstrate whether the device passes the regulation test. Based on this example, we will be able to obtain as many values as possible to calculate the maximum allocated power.
As a side note, laboratory testing would also be necessary to determine actual figures.
The first obligation is to ensure easy disassembly of the applicable parts. The regulation aims to allow users to repair defective parts as needed. In this regard, the European Commission encourages two concepts put forward in Ecodesign:
In the example of T5-HE LFL LED, we must give the user clear instructions on the disassembling procedure of the LED tube. As a result, the user should be able to replace the light element of the white container when necessary.
This second requirement is to meet a maximum authorized power. The producer can find the maximal power of the device through these factors:
It is a fixed value that only depends on the type of light source. Unique characteristics can lead to an increase in the C value.
In the case of our fluorescent tube, we are in the presence of a non-directed light source. It does not require a control system. In addition, the T5-HE LFL LED connects to a power supply without intermediate control gear.
Consequently, the Corrective Factor Value of the T5-HE LFL LED is 1.
Depending on the type of light, EU regulation for ecodesign of light sources provides values for end loss factors. Please refer to the table in Appendix 2 of Regulation 2019/2020. Here are the η and L values applicable to the T5-HE LFL LED example:
The declared luminous flux is a little more complex to find. Indeed, this value represents the quantity of light intensity according to a given volume. Therefore, a laboratory measurement is necessary to determine it.
The color rendering index represents the ability of a light source to realistically render the colors of the visible spectrum when it reflects on an object. Some precise calculations are necessary to have the exact figure. Fortunately, an approximation according to the type of light is possible:
CRI | Light Source Type |
|---|---|
0-70 | Industrial white fluorescent tubes |
0-70 | Low and High-pressure sodium lamps (except white) |
0-70 | Clear mercury lamps |
70-90 | Standard LED lamps |
70-90 | Several fluorescent tubes |
70-90 | Some metal halide lamps |
70-90 | White high-pressure sodium lamps |
90-100 | High-fidelity LED lamps |
90-100 | Some metal halide lamps |
90-100 | Incandescent sources (conventional and halogen lamps) |
The Calculation of the Maximal Authorized Power
Now that we have all the factors to hold the maximum authorized power of our device!
Then, we should compare the maximum authorized power with the actual voltage and current values of our light source or control device. A voltmeter and an ammeter enable determining these figures and calculating the power.
The device complies if this actual power is lower than Maximal Authorized Power.
With this third ecodesign requirement, the manufacturer must demonstrate a minimum level of efficiency in the full power mode of its devices. Here is how
With these values, the manufacturer can know its energy efficiency by making a ratio between the wattage used on the device provided. Energy efficiency is simply the amount of power used over the amount supplied.
3. The manufacturer must ensure that most energy is converted to light to pass the regulation requirements.
4. The manufacturer must ensure that the efficiency achieved is by those issued in Appendix 2 of the Regulation 2019/2020 issued by the European Commission.
Here, light sources must meet so-called functional requirements. These obligations encompass several factors, such as:
First, let’s present EPREL. This European Product Registry and Energy Labelling (EPREL) is the EU organization responsible for ecodesign monitoring. Its role is to ensure a European market that respects ecological preservation.
Since September 1st, 2021, EPREL requires manufacturers to disclose detailed product information as follows:
Light source disclosure requirements include:
EPREL requires manufacturers to communicate to potential buyers:
Finally, such information should appear on the light source or the separate control gear packaging.
Do you have any questions about the EU Regulation 2019/2020 on the ecodesign of light sources and separate control gears? Contact our Enviropass ecodesign expert!
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