Thursday, March 15, 2012

T12 LIGHTING PHASE-OUT JULY 1, 2012


What should I be prepared for?
• Manufacturers will be phasing out their production
of T12 lamps and ballasts
• Progressively less availability of T12 lamps and
ballasts
• Increased cost of T12 lamps and ballasts due to
demand vs. limited supply
• To keep up with federal regulations of energy
efficiency, manufacturers’ technology and production
will be focused on T8 and T5 systems
What T12 Lamps are affected by this
phase out?
• T12 4-ft. & 2-ft U-lamps with medium bi-pin bases
   - Majority of F40 and F34T12 lamps and all FB40
and FB34T12 U-lamps
   - 4-ft. requires 3560 lumens @ 40W and 3030
lumens @ 34W to pass @ 89 LPW
   - 2-ft. U-lamps require 3360 lumens @ 40W and
2856 @ 34W to pass @ 84 LPW
• T12 8-ft. Slimline with single pin bases
   - All 75W F96T12 lamps
   - All 60W F96T12/ES except for the 800 Series
• T12 8-ft. 800mA HO with RDC bases
   - All 110W F96T12 HO lamps 
   - All 95W F96T12/ES/HO lamps
Did you know?
Approximately 30 percent of all fluorescent lamps sold
in the U.S. are still T12 technology. As a result of the
T12 phase out, 70 percent of all T12 fluorescent lamps
sold in the U.S. will be phased out come July 2012.
FAQ's
1. Why are T12 fluorescents systems being 
phased out?
Answer: T12 lamps and magnetic ballasts are 
considered outdated compared to the far more energy 
efficient T8 and T5 fluorescent technologies now 
available. The Department of Energy’s objective is to 
remove less efficient T12 fluorescent systems from the 
market, and thus increase lighting energy efficiency for 
organizations. 
2. What type of energy savings can I expect 
for upgrading?
Answer: Managers of facilities can select from several 
upgrade scenarios which could result in energy savings 
as high as 45 percent, with attractive 1-3 year simple 
paybacks to the building owner. 
3. Why are Energy Efficiency Fund incentives only 
offered for a limited time on T12 upgrades?
Answer: Once the DOE mandate becomes effective, 
it will become common practice to remove less efficient 
T12 systems; therefore, retrofitting T12 systems will be 
the customer’s only option for maintaining their old, 
inefficient lighting system.  Energy Efficiency Fund 
incentive programs will likely not support commercial 
and industrial T12 system retrofits in the future.
4. Are there some T12 systems that will continue to 
be manufactured?
Answer: Yes.  The following will continue to be manufactured:
• T-12 ballasts designed to dim fixtures more than 
50 percent of their full light output
• T-12 ballasts driving 8-foot, high-output fixtures 
designed for outdoor advertising
• T-12 ballasts designed and labeled for use in 
residential applications
5. Should I gradually change out my T12 magnetic 
ballast system or should I change it all at once?
Answer: In order to take advantage of the Energy 
Efficiency Fund’s 50 percent upgrade incentive, a 
project must upgrade the lighting system as a whole, 
not as individual fixture upgrades.

Please contact Electrical Systems and Services, Inc. with any questions or for a FREE evaluation and proposal for your lighting upgrade needs.




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