Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are fluorescent lamps with a bent-tube construction designed to fit in small spaces. CFLs can be of integrated or non-integrated design with non-reflector or reflector shapes. Whereas the ballast used to operate an integrated CFL is integral to the lamp, the ballast used to operate a non-integrated CFL is separate from the lamp and can be replaced. Non-integrated CFLs are constructed with multiple tubes joined together and are typically used in commercial downlights and wall sconces. Integrated CFLs are primarily spiral shapes (i.e. curly forms) with some including a bulb-shaped covering over the spiral. A good portion of integrated CFLs are medium base CFLs (MBCFLs) commonly found in residential fixtures.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) existing energy conservation standards and test procedures apply only to integrated MBCFLs. DOE has regulated the energy efficiency level of MBCFLs since 2005. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) amended Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) setting energy conservation standards for MBCFLs. DOE will conduct an analysis of energy, emissions, and cost reductions when it reviews these standards in future rulemakings.
Recent Updates | Standards | Test Procedures | Waiver, Exception, and Exemption Information | Statutory Authority | Historical Information | Contact Information
DOE has published a Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking regarding test procedures for compact fluorescent lamps. 80 FR 45724 (July 31, 2015). For more information please see the rulemaking page.
Standards for Compact Fluorescent Lamps
The following content summarizes the energy conservation standards for MBCFLs. 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 purposes of this regulation the definition of a MBCFL is defined at 10 CFR 430.2. Bare lamp and bulb covered lamp (no reflector) MBCFLs manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291 (16), on or after January 1, 2006, must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 430.32(u). This information is also in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
Table 1. Energy Conservation Standards for Medium Base Compact Fluorescent Lamps
| Factor |
Requirements |
| Lamp Power (Watts) & Configuration1 |
Minimum Efficacy: lumens/watt (Based upon initial lumen data).2 |
Bare Lamp:
- Lamp Power <15
- Lamp Power
 15 |
|
Covered Lamp (no reflector):
- Lamp Power <15
- 15
 Lamp Power <19
- 19 Lamp Power <25
- Lamp Power 25
|
|
| 1,000-hour Lumen Maintenance |
The average of at least 5 lamps must be a minimum 90.0% of initial (100-hour) lumen output @ 1,000 hours of rated life. |
| Lumen Maintenance |
80.0% of initial (100-hour) rating at 40 percent of rated life (per ANSI C78.5 Clause 4.10). |
| Rapid-Cycle Stress Test |
Per ANSI C78.5 and IESNA LM–65 (clauses 2,3,5, and 6). Exception: Cycle times must be 5 minutes on, 5 minutes off. Lamp will be cycled once for every two hours of rated life. At least 5 lamps must meet or exceed the minimum number of cycles. |
| Average Rated Lamp Life |
6,000 hours as declared by the manufacturer on packaging. At 80% of rated life, statistical methods may be used to confirm lifetime claims based on sampling performance. |
1Take performance and electrical requirements at the end of the 100-hour aging period according to ANSI Standard C78.5. The lamp efficacy shall be the average of the lesser of the lumens per watt measured in the base up and/or other specified positions. Use wattages placed on packaging to select proper specification efficacy in this table, not measured wattage. Labeled wattages are for reference only.
2Efficacies are based on measured values for lumens and wattages from pertinent test data. Wattages and lumens placed on packages may not be used in calculation and are not governed by this specification. For multi-level or dimmable systems, measurements shall be at the highest setting. Acceptable measurement error is ±3%.
For further guidance or to submit questions related to the implementation of this standard, visit the Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions page.
Waivers
No test procedure waivers have been issued for MBCFLs.
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 MBCFLs.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
State Exemptions to Federal Preemption
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 Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) establishes an energy conservation program for consumer products other than automobiles (42 U.S.C. 6291–6309), including MBCFLs. (42 U.S.C. 6291(30)(S)(i)) All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015.
The current energy conservation standards for MBCFLs 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. 6291(30)(S)(i))
DOE published a technical amendment in October 2005 placing in the Code of Federal Regulations energy conservation standards for MBCFLs set by EPACT 2005. DOE published a final rule in December 2006 placing in the Code of Federal Regulations a test procedure for MBCFLs .
Test Procedure
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Helpful Links
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySaver.gov.
DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs use about 75% less energy than a traditional incandescent bulb and last at least 6 times longer.
For more information related to the regulation of this product, please email:
medium_base_compact_fluorescent_lamps@ee.doe.gov
