Are T12 fluorescent light fixtures obsolete?
In effect since July 2012, the legislation eliminates nearly all 4-foot T12 lamps, some 4-foot T8 lamps, most 8-foot T12 lamps, and almost all standard halogen PAR38, PAR30 and PAR20 lamps from the market. T12 technology is over 80 years old.
Do they still make T12 fluorescent bulbs?
It was a combination of the impending restrictions, increased energy efficiency awareness, and emerging rebate programs targeting those with traditional T12 fluorescent tubes. High-output and high-CRI T12s are still manufactured today, but production is down.
Why are T12 lamps being discontinued?
In response, Congress made legislation stating that T12 linear fluorescents and other inefficient lighting technologies would no longer be manufactured. This legislation was put into action in 2012 with the DOE regulating T12 linear fluorescent lamps as a way of encouraging consumers to be more energy efficient.
Are fluorescent tube lights obsolete?
Legislation being brought forward this month will also include the removal of fluorescent lights from shelves from September 2023. They last 5 times longer than traditional halogen lightbulbs and produce the same amount of light – but use up to 80% less power.
Is there a replacement for a T12 light bulb?
High-output and high-CRI T12s are still manufactured today, but production is down. Second, magnetic ballasts – which conventional T12s require to run – are no longer manufactured in the U.S. The easiest and lowest price option to replace a T12 is a T8 linear fluorescent.
Why are fluorescent T12 lamps banned from the market?
The DOE occasionally phases out inefficient lighting products from the market so that users feel compelled to switch to the more efficient versions. The ban on T12 lamps is due to the inefficiency of this particular type of lighting device. T12 fluorescent lamps have been in use for a long time.
Are there any T12 magnetic ballasts left in the US?
High-output and high-CRI T12s are still manufactured today, but production is down. Second, magnetic ballasts – which conventional T12s require to run – are no longer manufactured in the U.S. Read: What to do if your T12 magnetic ballast goes bad Options for replacing T12 fluorescent tubes
When did Sylvania stop making T12 light bulbs?
The mandate said production of the tubes would have to cease after July 14, 2012. Big-name manufacturers like Philips and Sylvania were granted two-year extensions on the deadline. But as soon as the phase out was announced, production began to decline.