From February 1st 2024 T5 fluorescent lamps can no longer be sold in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). The ban is within the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (RoHS). This ruling follows the same ban implemented in the European Union on 23rd August 2023.

Why is there a ban on fluorescent lamps?

There are several reasons for the EU, and GB, implementing this ban on fluorescent lamps. The main drivers are that these lamps contain mercury which is classified as a hazardous material. Secondly with alternative light sources, namely LED, being much more efficient the banning of fluorescent lamps will aid the drive for efficiency.

This ban from 1st February 2024 also includes CFLni non-integrated lamps, CFLni long life lamps and T8 Long Life lamps. T8 lamps were banned from 1st September 2023 in Great Britain.

Sustainability benefits of phasing T5 lamps (and other fluorescent lamps) in favour of LEDs

Undoubtedly removing fluorescent lamps will have an impact on the environment. The EU predicts that the switch from fluorescent lamps to other light sources will save approximately 1.8 metric tonnes of toxic mercury.

The move to ban fluorescent lamps will also contribute significantly to achieving Net Zero. The UK government predicts that by phasing out fluorescent lighting and with 85% of all lamps sold being LEDs the result will be to reduce carbon emissions by 1.26 million tonnes per year. T8 lamps would have been outlawed anyway, regardless of the newest RoHS regulation regarding mercury, because of their inefficiency.

Advantages of LEDs over fluorescent lamps

– Uses up to 75% less power than fluorescent lamps.

– Cheaper to operate and far more environmentally friendly.

– Have a significantly longer life, and therefore the maintenance costs are significantly reduced.

– More controllable – allowing colour temperatures and intensities to be set.

What are the options?

1. You could do nothing and continue to continue to use fluorescent lamps:

– This will become an issue when the fluorescent lamps you need replacing. There will be very limited stock available in merchants and retailers (and this will diminish never to be replenished).

– It will be difficult to get replacement parts for fluorescent light fittings such as gear and inverters as most of these are no longer being manufactured.

2. It is possible to retain the fluorescent light fittings and replace fluorescent tubes with equivalent LED tubes. This isn’t generally a straightforward solution because the wiring may need changing, the light output of the replacement LED lamp may not be comparable to the replaced fluorescent lamp possibly compromising the lighting design. Further consideration would need to be given to meeting emergency lighting requirements.

Also, the like for like replacement LED replacement lamps is generally significantly less efficient that new LED fittings. Often this can be as much as 30% less efficient.

3. Formation has an efficient solution where existing fluorescent linear lighting can be updated and significantly enhanced with our retrofit product range. It provides an LED component upgrade solution by replacing the conventional lamps, ballasts or old LEDs with new technology. There are many benefits for retrofitting luminaires, including lower upfront costs, improved functionality, and reduced material waste. Making the switch to LEDs can also lower energy consumption by up 75%, and since LEDs have a long lifespan, fewer materials will end up in landfills. For more information

4. Modernise and replace the fluorescent lighting with LED lighting.

With legislation banning fluorescent lighting now could be time to fully update the lighting with new LED light fittings. With high energy costs, and drive towards Net Zero, it is possible that replacing existing fluorescent lighting with LED lighting could payback within 3 years. 

Next steps

Formation can help you work your way through the most suitable solutions to minimise the effect and disruption this legislation may cause.

Please contact us to discuss your situation and the options. info@formationlighting.com + 44 (0) 20 7127 8788