European Requirements for Light Sources and Control Gears

While the Energy Labelling Regulation (ELR) applies to light sources only, the Single Lighting Regulation (SLR) applies to light source(s), separate control gears and the containing products that house them. The SLR and ELR established requirements for placing light sources and separate control gears on the market. “Members of the lighting industry should be aware that these requirements also apply to light sources and separate control gears placed on the market in a containing product.

These regulations’ definition of a light source encompasses lamps, modules and separate control gears. A containing product encapsulates one or more light sources, separate control gears or both. In addition to luminaires, examples of containing products include household appliances and furniture like shelves and display cabinets with light sources and/or separate control gears that can be taken apart without being damaged. This allows separate verification of the contained light sources and separate control gears.

Accordingly, the suppliers of containing products must ensure that the light sources and separate control gears installed in their containing products comply with the SLR requirements. Additionally, suppliers need to verify that light sources meet the requirements of the ELR (2019/2015).

To promote a circular economy, as encouraged within the regulations, manufacturers, importers and authorized representatives of containing products shall ensure that end users can easily replace light sources and/or separate control gears using commonly available tools and without damaging the containing product. Manufacturers should keep in mind that with the new, broader definition of light sources, even a fridge, oven or microwave can be considered a light source that must comply with the SLR. For example, the manufacturer must provide a technical reason when the light source or the separate control gear is not removable from the containing product. In such cases, the whole product becomes a light source and needs to comply with the SLR and ELR requirements. For instance, if a glass shelf in a refrigerator comes with a non-removable LED unit, the shelf itself is considered a light source.

The SLR defines a set of minimum mandatory requirements for energy efficiency, and products that do not comply with these requirements will be phased out the European market. In fact, products like compact fluorescent integrated lamps have not been available since 2021, and T8 fluorescent lamps are no longer available New, more energy-efficient light sources are replacing these products.

The experts at UL Solutions can support analyzing an end product to determine whether it classifies as a light source, containing product or separate control gear. UL Solutions can perform all required SLR and ELR-related tests and customize a testing plan if only a subset of tests is required. In addition, we can provide advisory services regarding the information that must appear on the manufacturer, importer or authorized representatives' technical documentation, packaging and free-access website.

How UL Solutions can help

UL Solutions can help you navigate complex lighting regulations and perform all related tests needed to achieve ELR and SLR certification.

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