A completely new type of lampholder that will only accept energy-saving compact fluorescent (CFL) lamps, has been developed by Eaton's MEM 250:
This new lampholder will enable specifiers installers to satisfy the requirements of the new Building Regulations Approved Document L1 for low energy domestic lighting.
The new Litesaver BC3 lampholder by Eaton MEM 250 has a non-standard bayonet fitting with three J-slot fixings to restrict its use to low energy CFL lamps with a compatible BC3 cap. A range of suitable Litesaver lamps with a BC3 cap is also offered and will be available through the company's nationwide network of Preferred Distributors and other recognised outlets.
Approved Document L1 calls for a number of lighting points in new homes that will accept only low energy lamps such as compact fluorescent or tubular fluorescent lamps. Typical locations are the hall, landing, lounge or kitchen where lights are used for the longest periods of time. One solution to this has been to offer luminaires and lampholders with integral electronic ballasts that will only accept four-pin CFL lamps. However, the four-pin CFL lamps can only be replaced by units of the same rating.
For CFL lamps with integral electronic ballasts:
The new BC3 lampholder does not include the ballast; it is intended for use with CFL lamps having integral electronic ballasts. This means that householders can replace CFL lamps with CFL types of a different rating in the same way that they do with incandescent lamps. The BC3 lampholders are the same size as existing products and therefore will accept all UK size lampshades, unlike the alternative electronic pendants.
The new BC3 lampholders are available in the most popular forms - a simple pendant lampholder, complete pendant sets with a 100mm or 150mm (4inch or 6inch.) drop, straight battenholders and angled battenholders.
Compatible Litesaver lamps are available in 15W and 20W ratings (equivalent to 75W and 100W GLS lamps) in warm white or cool white colour temperatures.
Flexibility in use:
The Litesaver range also includes electronic ballast adaptors that plug into the BC3 lampholder and then accept 10 - 13W or 18W four-pin CFL lamps. This opens up the possibility for the householder to use either Eaton's MEM 250 standard four-pin CFL lamps or other proprietary products widely available. The advantage of having the electronic adaptor is that when the lamp eventually fails, the electronics are reusable and do not have to be discarded. The electronic ballast can be simply unplugged and exchanged if the householder wishes to change the lamp rating or to replace with an integral BC3 lamp. Compatible 13W and 18W four-pin Litesaver lamps, in warm white and cool white, are included in the range.
Conversely, by using the new BC3 lampholders, if an unexpected surge damages the electronics in either the adaptor or integral lamp, it can be replaced easily without the need of replacing the complete electronic lampholder. To change the complete lampholder would mean the householder working on the house wiring or the inconvenience and cost of calling out an electrician to fit a new electronic lampholder.
To inform the householder, the new BC3 lampholders are supplied with tags explaining that they are designed for Litesaver BC3 low energy CFL lamps. A special 'tent card' is also available for a developer to leave in a new home. This explains in more detail that the home is fitted with low energy lamps to save energy and give an average rated life of 8,000h compared with 1,000h for an incandescent lamp. There is space for the local supplier's details to be inserted, and an Eaton MEM hotline number and website for householders to use if they have any difficulty obtaining spares.
Contact: Karen Shaw
Eaton MEM250
Whitegate, Broadway
Chadderton, Oldham 0l9 9QG
Tel: 0161 652 1111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mem250.com