Article Date: April 10th, 2005
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As of February 1st 2003 a significant change has been introduced to all ballasts used for linear fluorescent lamps 15w and above.
In February 2002, the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Efficiency agreed that Minimum Energy Performance Standards ( MEPS ) would be introduced.
New Zealand laws require all such ballasts to be registered by the manufacturer or importer and not to be sold unless they comply with the MEPS efficiency requirements.
Essentially, each ballast must be capable of meeting an energy efficiency index. In the past the majority of lineal fluorescent products have utilized what the trade has come to know as a code ( standard ballast type C ). This ballast is to be replaced by what the trade knows as a super low loss ballast ( type B1 class ).
Mandatory MEPS contribute to the achievement of the targeted 20% improvement in economy wide efficiency by 2012, and although paying a small amount more for the higher efficiency ballast, the end user should recover this in reduced electricity costs.
To coincide with this change in standard, all lighting manufacturers will have increases in the cost of linear fluorescents however this, as we understand it, will be slight and new trade / list prices will become available shortly.
For more information or a quotation please contact your local branch
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