High-voltage halogen lamps banned starting 1 September
The EU-wide ban on halogen lamps under the so-called Ecodesign Directive, which was originally planned for September 2016, will now "finally" enter into force on 1 September 2018. The last glowing alternative to semiconductor light is thus becoming extinct.
The EU-wide ban on halogen lamps under the so-called Ecodesign Directive, which was originally planned for September 2016, will now "finally" enter into force on 1 September 2018. The last glowing alternative to semiconductor light is thus becoming extinct.
Industry representatives had originally even called for a postponement of four years, as LED lamps were allegedly not yet sufficiently available and, moreover, not yet simple enough to dim. Dimming LED lamps is actually more difficult than completely non-electronic incandescent lamps, but at prices of just under €2 for a cheap LED lamp, inexpensive and energy-saving replacements are now available for almost all applications.
The EU is not alone in the world with such energy-saving regulations. As a result of bans, General Electric's last large factory for conventional incandescent lamps in the USA, for example, was shut down back in 2010. This should put an end to Thomas A. Edison's most famous invention.
Industry representatives had originally even called for a postponement of four years, as LED lamps were allegedly not yet sufficiently available and, moreover, not yet simple enough to dim. Dimming LED lamps is actually more difficult than completely non-electronic incandescent lamps, but at prices of just under €2 for a cheap LED lamp, inexpensive and energy-saving replacements are now available for almost all applications.
What exactly is forbidden
So-called high-voltage halogen lamps for direct mains connection to the 230 V grid. From this group all normal halogen bulbs with E14 and E27 bases in bulb and candle shape and also the small spots with e.g. GU10 bases with a service life of less than 2,000 hours. It is not the sale (of remaining stocks), but only further production (and probably also imports) in the EU that is prohibited. Certain special lamps and low-voltage halogen lamps, e.g. for cable systems, etc. are exempt from the ban.The EU is not alone in the world with such energy-saving regulations. As a result of bans, General Electric's last large factory for conventional incandescent lamps in the USA, for example, was shut down back in 2010. This should put an end to Thomas A. Edison's most famous invention.
