Ballast-bypass and plug-and-play tubes are generally more energy efficient and have longer
lifespan than traditional fluorescent tubes.
In standard fluorescent lighting fixture, the ballast electrical component that regulates
the current the lamp. Their
installation entails removing bypassing the existing ballast.
One product was recalled from end users, while another nine were withdrawn from the market.
A stop-of-sales order was issued for three samples. All samples passed tests for flame resistance,
safety when faults occur, health risks from intense light and temperature increase during
operation. Most samples offered both options. Plug-and-play tubes can
replace fluorescent tubes without any modifications and work with existing ballasts light
fittings.
Other areas showed more positive results. For another four samples they were asked to
. ballast-bypass tube connects directly the mains voltage.
Other areas where the samples performed well were:
Heat resistance: (97 passed;
Mechanical requirements for caps: (93 %);
Protection against accidental contact with live parts: (91 %);
Interchangeability: (90 %). Three quarters
were bought shops; the rest were purchased online. Many tubes had
markings that had become outdated due revision the applicable standard.
The tubes were varying sizes, including T5, and T12.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing criteria like radio frequency emissions and
voltage fluctuations saw high failure rates: (60 samples tested did not comply. Among them were plug-and-play
tubes and ballast-bypass tubes.
Samples from countries
The samples tested were purchased market surveillance authorities (MSAs) Belgium,
Cyprus, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Sweden and Switzerland. The economic operators eight samples
were asked change improve their products. Withdrawal products from
the market and sales bans are likely this not done.
Actions and recommendations
Economic operators were asked rectify problems with markings.total (53 the samples failed the requirements for markings
