Effective 2019, the European Commission has 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 environmental 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 eco-design 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 other parts of a light source that may or may not be integrated into the final product. An example is external power supplies, which fall under their own ecodesign requirements (Regulation 2019/1782) regardless of the load.
This simple exception underlines why it is so important to understand our global markets. Several solutions framing ecodesign in the European market are already underway in accordance with Directive 2009/125. Regulation 2019/2020 is only one of these, and suppliers should expect regular amendments as technology evolves.
To illustrate the EU ecodesign requirements for light sources, we will consider a white high-output linear fluorescent light source tube of 16 mm diameter (T5-HE LFL LED). Our goal is to demonstrate whether such a device meets the requirements laid out in the regulation.
Using this example, we would begin by obtaining many different parameters so that we can calculate the light source’s maximum allocated power. In practice, laboratory testing will be necessary to determine actual figures.
In practice, laboratory testing will 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, suppliers 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-emitting elements within the housing if necessary.
The second requirement is to ensure the product does not exceed a maximum authorized power. Producers can find the maximal power of the device by determining these factors:
It is a fixed value that only depends on the type of light source. Unique physical characteristics can lead to differences in the C value.
In the case of the T5-HE LFL LED, it is a non-directed light source that does not require a control system, and it connects to a power supply without intermediate control gear. The associated C value is 1.00.
Like the Corrective Factor Value, (EU) 2019/2020 provides values for end loss factors and threshold efficacies across different types of light sources. For example, the η and L values applicable to our T5-HE LFL LED are:
The declared luminous flux is more complex to find, and relates directly to the construction of the light source and how its flux is directed. This value states a range in the quantity of emitted light intensity according to a given volume, and an appropriate laboratory measurement is necessary to determine it.
The efficacy factor of a light source is a simple coefficient that is assigned based on the directionality of the light source:
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, although an approximation according to the type of light is also 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) |
Successfully calculating the CRI allows us to find R, the CRI factor. Now we have all the factors we need to calculate the maximum authorized power of our device!
We should compare our theoretical maximum authorized power with the actual voltage and current values of our light source or control device, using a voltmeter and ammeter to calculate the actual power consumed.
If the actual power is lower than Maximal Authorized Power, the device complies with regulations.
With this third ecodesign requirement, the manufacturer must demonstrate a minimum level of efficiency in the full power mode of its devices:
With these values, the manufacturer can know its energy efficiency by the 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 Annex 2 of 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, all such information should appear on the light source or separate control gear packaging. In fact, the standards for energy labeling of light sources are distinct from ecodesign standards and comprise a separate document. Regulation (EU) 2019/2015 lays down these labeling guidelines for light sources, describing which important parameters need to be shared with consumers and retailers. The label shown here is a standard design put forth by the European Commission; it is only one example of labeling requirements that must be considered during a product’s life cycle.
Do you have any questions about the EU Regulation 2019/2020 on the ecodesign of light sources and separate control gears? Contact our Enviropass eco-design expert!
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