Ban on fluorescent tubes makes upgrading to LED a priority
T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes can no longer be placed on the EU market, and CFL energy-saving bulbs are also being phased out. This makes upgrading to LED relevant for businesses looking to ensure reliable operation, reduce energy consumption and avoid dependence on light sources that are being discontinued.
When fluorescent tubes are no longer a long-term solution
Since 24 August 2023, manufacturers and importers have no longer been permitted to place new T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes on the EU market. CFL energy-saving bulbs were already covered by the ban from 24 February 2023.
This does not mean that existing installations will stop working overnight. But it does mean that availability will decline as stocks run out. For businesses with many light fittings, demanding operating environments or high uptime requirements, it therefore makes sense to plan the transition to LED well in advance.
Why the EU is phasing out fluorescent tubes
The phase-out is being implemented through the RoHS Directive, which restricts the use of hazardous substances in electronic devices and equipment. RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances and covers substances including lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and mercury.
Fluorescent tubes such as T5 and T8 contain mercury. The EU previously granted time-limited exemptions because fluorescent tubes fulfilled essential functions for which there were no sufficiently good alternatives. That assessment has changed because LED technology is now available as a more environmentally friendly replacement.
According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, the EU estimates that replacing T5, T8 and CFL with LED alternatives will spare the environment 2.9 tonnes of mercury.
Choose LED solutions to suit the environment, installation and operating conditions
Upgrading to LED is not just about finding a light source that fits the light fitting. In industrial, transport, marine and offshore applications, lighting often needs to withstand impacts, vibration, moisture, temperature fluctuations and heavy daily use.
Hans Buch offers LED tubes and LED floodlights developed for demanding environments. The range includes solutions that can withstand heavy impacts, shocks and vibration, and tolerate temperatures from -30 to +50 °C. Several solutions are rated IP66 and IP67, and LED floodlights are also available for potentially explosive areas such as plant rooms and engine rooms.
The solutions can also be customised with different brightness and beam angle settings to suit the specific requirements of the installation.
- Map out existing T5, T8 and CFL installations.
- Assess environmental requirements such as vibration, impacts, temperature, moisture and watertightness.
- Determine requirements for brightness, beam angle and positioning.
- Calculate energy consumption, payback period and potential CO2 reduction.
- Choose LED solutions that meet operational, safety and maintenance requirements.
- Explore grant options for switching to LED lighting.
LED can deliver both lower energy consumption and a stronger business case
Upgrading to LED can be a practical way to achieve lower energy consumption, less maintenance and a more future-proof lighting solution. At Hans Buch, advice therefore goes beyond product selection to include calculations that make it clear when the investment will pay for itself.
A customer of Hans Buch’s marine division upgraded 1,246 fluorescent tubes and 162 incandescent bulbs to LED. The energy savings meant the investment paid for itself after seven months, and CO2 emissions were reduced by 150,800 kg per year.
Hans Buch helps customers in industry, rail and the marine sector with durable LED solutions that can operate in environments where standard lighting is not enough. The LED solutions are used in DSB’s InterCity3 trains, among other applications, following a major tender won by Hans Buch.
Pulse valves
Does your business need to phase out T5, T8 or CFL?
Hans Buch helps identify your requirements and find an LED solution that suits the environment, operating conditions and installation.
Neil Vigneswaran
Area Manager
-Marine & Offshore
Palle Ingvard Erik Wredstrøm
Sales Director
-Marine & Offshore