California has adopted new regulations for small-diameter directional lamps (often used in track lighting) and general-purpose LED lamps. The new regulations establish a baseline for performance quality while promoting energy efficiency. Compliant lamps are already available.
California predicts consumers will reduces operating costs by $4 billion over the first 13 years after implementation, saving enough energy to power all homes in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Small-diameter (<2.25-inch diameter) directional lamps
The new regulation, which go esinto effect January 1, 2018, requires these lamps to have an efficacy of at least 80 lumens/W or a CRI + efficiency score of at least 165 with a minimum efficacy of at least 70 lumens/W. The lamp must have a service life of at least 25,000 hours.
Currently, only LED lamps satisfy these requirements, which is expected to result in a switch to LED lighting for this lamp type popular in store, museum and other lighting.
California expects this will add $4 to lamp cost while saving nearly $250 in energy and lamp replacement costs averaged over 11 years.
General-purpose LED lamps
These include omindirectional lamps, decorative lamps and LEDs designed for retrofitting the covered socket types. The new regulation takes effect January 1, 2018, with amendments taking effect July 1, 2019.
Omnidirectional lamps must emit light in a pattern in alignment with ENERGY STAR requirements. The lamp must offer a minimum life of 10,000 hours. A minimum threshold for color quality must be met, and there is a limit for how much power an LED can use in standby mode. Additionally, manufacturers must satisfy certain performance requirements before it can make claims about dimmability and other qualities.
