EU directive 2000/55/EC sets maximum values for input power of fluorescent
lamp circuits. These set values result in substantial decrease in CO2 emissions.
The committee of EU luminaire manufacturers Associations – CELMA – has
established an Energy Efficiency Index . This index describes seven energy
classes. Theses classes stipulate the maximum values for total input power.
• Class D High-Loss magnetic ballasts
• Class C Moderate-Loss magnetic ballasts
• Class B2 Low-loss magnetic ballasts
• Class B1 Very low-loss magnetic ballasts
• Class A3 Electronic ballasts
• Class A2 Low-loss electronic ballasts
• Class A1 Dimmable electronic ballasts
The labeling of the ballasts according to the EEI is totally voluntary and the
manufacturers are not obligated to state the classes by the EU directive.
According to EU directive 2000/55/EC, ballasts which fall within category 1 – 6
in energy class EEI=C must not be marketed after November 21 ,2005. The same
applies to the D class ballasts that were already prohibited from circulating in
the EU market from May 21, 2002. Furthermore Class C and D ballasts are not to
carry CE marks since they no longer meet the requirements of CE approval. CELMA
states that the CE mark clarifies the issue of whether such products are
suitable for the EU market.
The CE mark is a sign which indicates whether the products meet the requirements
of the EU directive 2000/55/EC. Ballasts that cannot meet the energy values of
EU directive 2000/55/EC will be unsuitable for the CE declaration. This will
also cover the luminaire components of these ballasts. Furthermore the directive
also includes ballasts that are manufactured by non EU member countries, meaning
that such products can only carry a CE mark if they meet the requirements of the
directives. Ballast that do not carry a CE mark can be exported only to
countries outside the European Union.
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