Page 36 - Designing Ways 280

HOSPITALITY

Eurolux welcomes

the new lightbulb

legislation.

ave you heard about the new
legislation that came into effect
Hin May this year, governing the
import of lightbulbs? Part of the new law is that a lightbulb should not be available in South Africa.
Until now there has been no standard must retain its advertised brightness level This will last for two years, after which the
minimum efficacy requirement on light – the lumens value indicated on the box - even stricter specification of 105 lumens
bulb imports, which means you could for the full lifetime, whether it is 15000 or per watt will apply.
easily buy lightbulbs that are exceptionally 25000 hours, and will not dim with age,
inefficient - they may burn brightly but which often happens. Certain specialised lightbulbs will
the wattage consumption is high, so they be exempted from the new efficiency
use much more power than necessary. The new minimum Rated Efficacy rating, such as colour lightbulbs and heat
They often are of an inferior quality and requirement works as follows: lightbulbs, in which case these packs will
pose heat and safety risks. Efficiency refers to energy usage of a need to clearly feature a statement to
In fact, the South African market lightbulb – so the light it provides relative confirm that the lightbulb is ‘not intended
is flooded with lightbulbs which will to the power it consumes. for general illumination purposes’.
not stand up to scrutiny for safety and Light is measured in LUMENS and
longevity, are potentially harmful and power in WATTS. What can customers expect?
highly inefficient, chewing through For any given lightbulb, by dividing the The switch will be smooth and simple:
consumers’ power at a time we can ill lumens output by the watts rating we get All the regular-shaped CFL and Halogen
afford to waste electricity. the lumen per watt rating. lightbulbs that have been available up
to now will be easily replaceable with
What does it mean to consumers? Example: a 540 lumen, 6W A60 spec an LED alternative, right through to the
The new legislation is a game changer - lightbulb works out as follows: vintage look carbon filaments, which are
it ensures that South Africa’s standards are 540 lumens divided by 6 watts = 90 already available in LED filament and
aligned with international markets and lumens per watt beautiful amber shades.
that all imported lightbulbs are efficient,
safer and meet the minimum efficacy What this means for consumers is that Eurolux has been a lighting supplier
requirement to be legally imported. a year from now any lightbulb that does for over 30 years, and currently services
not meet the new specification of 90lm/W 4,000 stores in Southern Africa, including
retailers, wholesalers and many online
retailers. dw

www.eurolux.co.za

36 Issue 280 • dw