A GUIDE TO THE NEW European Union ENERGY LABELING
A guide to the new EU energy labeling
Efficiency improvements in the last few years in LED have surpassed those in light in the past 100 years. Because of those constant improvements most LED products had risen to A+ or A++ status under the original energy label. And so, a rescaling was made to be clearer to the consumer about which are the more efficient products on the market.
The new regulations were introduced in 2019 and are now being implemented in phases. Here is an overview of the most important changes. And how Yphix – as your partner in LED lighting – will help you.
Important changes in energy labeling in the EU
A new energy label with a new scale: A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Replacing the old A++ to E scale
All light sources to be included in the EPREL database
In effect from September 1st 2021
Existing products with old labeling may not be sold after March 2023
Slightly modified design of the label
The most important change is the return to a simpler A-G scale. The new scale is stricter and designed so that very few products are initially able to achieve the “A” and “B” ratings, leaving space for more efficient products to gradually enter the market. The most energy efficient products currently on the market will typically now be labelled as “C” or “D” (A++ as per the old energy label), the vast majority of LED will fall under E and F (A+ as per the old label) and G.
The new EU Energy Label
From September 1st of 2021 the new energy label applies to all lamps, LED modules, and fixtures with irreplaceable light sources. Products in these categories that are sold in the EU as of September 1st of 2021 must bear the new energy label. The new label provides information on the product’s:
Energy efficiency class
Energy consumption
All Yphix products on the market will be will be properly labelled within the required timeframes.
The aim of the new energy label is to give consumers access to product information in a user-friendly way and enable product comparison.
The new EU regulations also include the phasing out of conventional lamps that were still in the market. Yphix- your LED-only partner - has replacements for all of those less energy-efficient lamps. Yphix always exclusively focused on LED - not traditional lighting. As we believed early (Yphix originated in 2007) in the beauty and quality of LED, and how the evolving technology would lead to countless possibilities and a sharp increase of energy efficiency.
There is a list of exemptions for the new EU regulations, which includes: emergency lighting, battery-powered sources, lighting for vehicles, and luminaires with replaceable light sources. For the complete list please review the current SLR/ELR regulation under Appendix III (SLR) and Appendix IV (ELR) at www.eur-lex.eu
For more details and up to date information about the new EU regulations click here
European Product Registry for Energy Labeling (EPREL)
The QR code on the new energy label provides access to the EPREL database in which all products with an energy label are recorded. By scanning the QR code consumers will be led to the database and will find detailed and relevant product information on eco-design and sustainability criteria.
Yphix guarantees full registration of its products. In addition, we fully comply with other required information and labeling obligations – which include packaging and operating instructions. Choose Yphix to ensure your LED lighting is EU-compliant.
Questions and Answers
How does the new energy label compare to the old energy label?
When reviewing the category of a light source according to the new regulations, you may be shocked to see the category F. This is because the new energy labeling sets higher standards for light sources. The same light source that fell in category A+ until September 2021, may now falls under category F. And a light source with an old energy label of A++ may fall under the new energy label in category D or E. In the end, it's all about the consumption in kWh per 1.000 hours. LED light sources have a very low consumption in kWh per 1.000 hours, especially compared to traditional lighting and halogen.
How to identify the old versus the new label?
Is there a QR code on the label? That is the new energy label. The new label runs from A to G. If you see this scale on the packaging, it is the new label. A light source with label C or D is an energy efficient choice: these are currently the most energy efficient choices available.
The old label runs from A++ to E. If you see this scale on the packaging, then you are dealing with the old label. A light source with label A++ is an energy efficient choice.
Also pay attention to the electricity consumption for both labels: this is stated on the label as kWh/1.000 hours.
How are the new energy efficiency classes calculated?
The new regulations have redefined the calculation of energy efficiency classes. The class is determined on the basis of the useful luminous flux, the power consumption and the grid factor.
Light source Net factor
Non-directional (NDLS) operating on mains (MLS)ng 1,000
Non-directional (NDLS) not operating on mains (NMLS) 0,926
Directional (DLS) operating on mains (MLS) 1,176
Directional (DLS) not operating on mains (NMLS) 1,089
Energy efficiency classes
A ≥ 210
B 185 tot 210
C 160 tot 185
D 135 tot 160
E 110 tot 135
F 85 tot 110
G tot 85
I have a fixture with a light source, but the packaging does not have an energy label. How is that possible?
The new regulations indicate that only lamps, LED modules and fixtures with an integrated light source, whose light source cannot be replaced without destroying the fixture, must have an energy label. This means that a luminaire where the light source can be replaced by a professional should not have an energy label.
Why choose Yphix lamps and light sources when considering energy labels?
Yphix ensures that all legal requirements are met. The quality of our products is our daily focus. We bring innovative and user-friendly products to the market, striving for an optimal ratio between energy efficiency and lifespan of our LED sources, modules and fixtures. We do this by using high-quality parts and advanced production methods, combined with strict quality control. That is how Yphix guarantees energy-efficient products with a high reliability and a long lifespan.
