Incandescent Reflector Lamps
The Department of Energy (DOE) has regulated the energy efficiency level of incandescent reflector lamps since 1992. Incandescent reflector lamps (IRLs) are directional lamps such as spotlights and floodlights used in residential and commercial applications such as recessed downlighting and track lighting. IRLs have a reflective coating on the inside of the bulb to focus and aim the light. There are five IRL configurations: basic reflector lamp (R); elliptical reflector (ER); bulge-neck reflector (BR); parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR); and bulged parabolic aluminized reflector (BPAR).
The standard mandatory in 2008 will save approximately 1.02 quads of energy and result in approximately $2.5 billion in energy bill savings for products shipped from 2008-2038. The standard will avoid about 16.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The standard mandatory in 2012 will save up to 2.39 quads of energy and result in approximately $17.7 billion in energy bill savings for products shipped from 2012-2042. The standard will avoid up to 106 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Recent Updates | Standards | Test Procedures | Waiver, Exception, and Exemption Information | Statutory Authority | Historical Information | Contact Information
DOE published a Federal Register final rule regarding general service fluorescent lamps and incandescent reflector lamps. 80 FR 4041 (January 26, 2015) For more information, please see the rulemaking webpage.
DOE published a final rule regarding the request for exclusion of 100 Watt R20 short incandescent reflector lamps from energy conservation standards. 78 FR 68331 (November 14, 2013). For more information, please see the rulemaking webpage.
Standards for Incandescent Reflector Lamps
The following content summarizes the energy conservation standards for IRLs. The text is not an official reproduction of the Code of Federal Regulations and should not be used for legal research or citation.
Current Standard
For the purpose of this regulation, incandescent reflector lamps are any lamp in which light is produced by a filament heated to incandescence by an electric current, which is not colored or designed for rough or vibration service applications, that contains an inner reflective coating on the outer bulb to direct the light; has an R, PAR, ER, BR, BPAR, or similar bulb shape with an E26 medium screw base; has a rated voltage or voltage range that lies at least partially in the range of 115 and 130 volts; has a diameter that exceeds 2.25 inches; and has a rated wattage that is 40 watts or higher. Other definitions are available at 10 CFR 430.2.
The standards specified in this section do not apply to the following types of IRLs:
- IRLs rated at 50 watts or less that are ER30, BR30, BR40, or ER40 lamps
- IRLs rated at 65 watts that are BR30, BR40, or ER40 lamps
- R20 IRLs rated 45 watts or less
Other than these three exemptions, incandescent reflector lamps manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291 (16), must meet or exceed the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 430.32(n) and shown in the table below.
Table 1. Energy Conservation Standards for Incandescent Reflector Lamps
| Rated lamp wattage |
Spectrum Modification |
Lamp diameter (inches) |
Rated voltage |
Minimum average lamp efficacy
(lm/W)
|
| 40-205 |
Standard Spectrum |
>2.5 |
 125V |
6.8*P0.27 |
| <125V |
5.9*P0.27 |
 2.5
| 125V |
5.7*P0.27 |
<125V
|
5.0*P0.27 |
| 40-205 |
Modified Spectrum |
>2.5 |
125V |
5.8*P0.27 |
| <125V |
5.0*P0.27 |
| 2.5 |
125V |
4.9*P0.27 |
| <125V |
4.2*P0.27 |
Note 1: P is equal to the rated lamp wattage, in watts.
Note 2: Standard Spectrum means any incandescent reflector lamp that does not meet the definition of modified spectrum in 10 CFR 430.2.
For further guidance or to submit questions related to the implementation of this standard, visit the Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions page.
Current Test Procedure
To determine compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedures specified at 10 CFR 430.23(r) for incandescent reflector lamps manufactured or distributed into commerce on or after July 25, 2012. The methods to conduct the test procedure are further specified in 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix R.
For further guidance or to submit questions related to the implementation of this test procedure, visit the Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions page.
Waivers
No test procedure waivers have been issued for incandescent reflector lamps.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.
Exceptions
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for incandescent reflector lamps.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption
DOE has not exempted any states from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the Federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart D.
Small Business Exemptions
Any manufacturer of a covered product with annual gross revenues that do not exceed $8,000,000 from all its operations and meets certain other conditions may apply for an exemption to the energy conservation standard. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart E.
The current energy conservation standards for incandescent reflector lamps are mandated by Part A, the "Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles" of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended. (42 U.S.C. § 6291–6309) These appliances are treated as covered products under Part A. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(14)
Previous Test Procedures
1997 Final Rule
2009 Final Rule
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Helpful Links
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.
For more information related to the regulation of this product, please email:
incandescent_reflector_lamps@ee.doe.gov
