Congress has enacted a new regulation that has sweeping affects on lighting in commercial buildings. In an effort to mitigate energy consumption, Executive Order #13231 has outlawed the use of Magnetic Ballast in 4 foot and 8 foot fluorescent fixtures.

The law went into effect April 1,2005. Manufacturers are no longer allowed to make magnetic transformers. In April, 2006 lighting fixtures containing Magnetic ballast will no longer be sold. C S lighting expects to be able to obtain magnetic ballast for the first few months of 2006. After that you will have to decide how you plan to change to the energy efficient electronic transformers.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Install electronic ballasts that run the old 34 watt T12 (1 ½ inch tube). The ballasts will be more expensive, but you can continue to use the same tubes you have always used. Eventually these T12 tubes will become obsolete.
Install the more energy efficient Electronic Ballast and T8 (1 inch tube) in the whole area.
Change only one transformer at a time to the new F32T8 tubes, leaving the rest of the magnetic ballast and T12 lamps until they fail. However, there is a danger in this: It is critical that the correct bulb be replaced on the right transformer. If the wrong bulb is installed it will shorten the life of the ballast. The ballast is of course the most costly part of lighting maintenance besides electricity.

Whatever you decide, It will NOT be necessary to buy new fixtures. Both T8 and T12 bulbs will fit in your current fixtures. The electronic ballast will simply replace your current ballast.

OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE MONEY

In Virginia the average office building can save about ONE THIRD of their monthly electric bill if all of their fluorescent fixtures are changed to F32T8 bulbs and electronic transformers. C S Lighting recently retrofitted four office buildings for Suntrust Bank. The estimated yearly savings is $400,000.

If you have not looked into saving energy by changing your lights, this may be the best time in years to do so. Congress has also mandated the deregulation of electric power. As this goes into effect, areas that currently have high power rates will enjoy lower costs. Areas with lower power rates, such as Virginia, will see their power bills increase.

C S Lighting is certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency to conduct Energy Audits, and specializes in identifying ways organizations can save money on their energy costs while providing highly efficient work environments. We offer energy audits, product, installation, disposal and financing.

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