Compact Fluorescent Lamps

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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) has regulated the energy efficiency level of MBCFLs since 2005.

Current Standard | Current Test Procedure | Ongoing Rulemaking for Standards | Ongoing Rulemaking for Test Procedure | Helpful Links

Recent and Ongoing Activities

For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.

Standards

DOE is currently undertaking a rulemaking to consider new energy conservation standards for CFLs as part of the general service lamps (GSL) rulemaking.

The GSL energy conservation standard rulemaking docket EERE-2013-BT-STD-0051 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.

Public Meeting Information:

There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.

Submitting Public Comments

The comment period is closed.

Test Procedure

Final Rule

Federal Register, 81 FR 59385 (August 29, 2016)

The CFL test procedure rulemaking docket EERE-2015-BT-TP-0014 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.

Public Meeting Information

There is no public meeting scheduled at this time

Submitting Public Comments

The comment period is closed.

Current Standard

MBCFLs manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(u).

Current Test Procedure

To determine that MBCFLs that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at 10 CFR 430.23(y). The methods to conduct the test procedure are further specified in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix W.

Helpful Links

Compliance

DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429. These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement. More information on these regulations is available here.

Waivers

For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.

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 CFL lamps.

For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.

Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions

For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.

State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption

DOE has not exempted any state 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.

ENERGY STAR®

DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.

Contact information

For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov

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