TED Magazine - February 2017

ON FEB. 10, DOE RULES TAKE effect that regulate the effi- ciency of metal halide (MH) lamp ballasts sold as part of new luminaires. These rules update existing energy-efficiency standards created by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The previ- ous rules virtually eliminated probe- start lamps and ballasts from new medium-wattage (150W to 500W) luminaires, a segment of the market representing the majority of MH shipments. The new rules establish minimum ballast efficiency standards for lumi- naires based on ballast type, location (indoor or outdoor), and rated lamp wattage (50W to 100W, 101W to 149W, 150W to 250W, 251W to 500W, and 501W to 1,000W). The DOE essentially modified standards for the medium-wattage segment while establishing new standards for the low-wattage (50W to 149W) and high-wattage (501W to 1,000W) seg- ments of the market. Two of the existing exemptions remain in effect. These include 480V electronic ballasts and regulated- lag ballasts limited to applications such as heavy industrial, security, and street and tunnel lighting. How- ever, MH luminaires rated only for 150W lamps, rated for use in wet locations, and containing a ballast rated at ambient air temperatures higher than 50°C are no longer exempted. Otherwise, the rules do not cover 1,001W to 2,000W lamp ballasts. They also do not cover replacement ballasts sold to maintain luminaires already installed. For the past three years, manufac-
CURRENT / LIGHTING UPDATE
NEW RULES FOR MH;
CITIES GET SMART
New metal halide rules go into effect this month; smart
distributors are getting into the smart cities market. by Craig DiLouie turers have evaluated their products on a case-by-case basis and contin- ued, redesigned, or discontinued them. Given that MH is a declining technology under strong direct com- petition from solid-state lighting, a significant number of products may