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One product was recalled from end users, while another nine were withdrawn from the market.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markings that had become outdated due revision the applicable standard.total (53 the samples failed the requirements for markings.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