Repair instead of throwing away: MAUL lights with replaceable light sources & control gears

greener@work: conserve resources - save energy - protect the environment

So that luminaires do not have to be completely disposed of if the light source is defective, the light sources (and control gear) of MAUL luminaires are no longer permanently installed, but replaceable. This conserves valuable resources, extends the service life of the luminaires, allows material separation for recycling and complies with the Energy Labelling and Ecodesign Directive.

More on the Energy Labelling Directive
More on the Ecodesign Directive
MAUL lights with replaceable light sources

This is what the two regulations on energy labelling and ecodesign are about

Energy labelling and ecodesign are part of the European Union's "Green Deal" and include all "energy-related products", such as light sources, washing machines or TV sets. Specifically for light sources and operating devices, there are two closely linked regulations for energy labelling and ecodesign.

By using efficient light sources, savings of 41.9 TWh/year are to be achieved by 2030 - an important contribution to the EU's energy and climate targets.

The (EU) 2019/2020 Ecodesign Directive for light sources governs minimum requirements regarding repairability, ability to be dismantled and functionality.

The (EU) 2019/2015 Energy Labelling Directive supports the selection of efficient light sources with a scale ranging from A for "excellent" to G for "uneconomic".

Energy Labelling Directive: new energy efficiency classes

From 1 September 2021, the new energy efficiency classes for light sources and a raised lower limit for energy efficiency will apply. This means that very inefficient light sources, for example incandescent lamps, may no longer be sold. Even first-generation LEDs have long since become obsolete and are being replaced by new, highly efficient LEDs with good light quality. This leads to energy savings as the same amount of light can be produced with less electrical energy.

Currently, there are no genuine light sources of efficiency class "A" on the market that meet all the requirements for indoor lighting. This will provide manufacturers with an incentive to develop even more efficient products.

The classes A++ to E were replaced by a new scale from A to G on 1 September 2021. Most consumers recognise the energy label and take it into account during purchases.

This is how it was before 1 September 2021

When introduced in 1995, most products were classified in the lower classes E to G. Over time, new models became more and more efficient due to technological progress, so that later most of them are categorised as class A+ to A++. This made it difficult for users to tell which products are the most energy efficient.

This is how it is today: current efficiency classes

In order to make the assessment easier for consumers, the "+" classes were abolished and the new classes A to G were created according to the current state of the art, combined with higher, contemporary requirements for obtaining a high efficiency class. This applies to light sources but also includes dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, refrigerators and electronic displays including televisions and monitors.

Light sources for desk lamps: previously A++, now E-G

These are the new energy efficiency class ratings

Light source energy efficiency classes

Efficiency = n = (luminous flux/power consumption) * Faktor (0.926 / 1.000 / 1.089 / 1.176)

Energy efficiency classes	Total mains voltage luminous efficacy η/lm/W
A	210 <= η
B	185 <= η < 210
C	160 <= η < 185
D	135 <= η < 160
E	110 <= η < 135
F	85 <= η < 110
G	η < 85

Light sources that used to achieve an efficiency class of A++ now fall under efficiency class E or F, depending on the luminous flux.

More product information via a QR code on the label

These new labels will include not only the energy efficiency classes, but also a QR code which consumers can use to obtain further information about the product. This data will be entered by manufacturers and importers into the central EU database EPREL. This means that by using a smartphone directly in the shop, you can quickly find out technical information and the origin of the product, or identify products that do not comply with European specifications.

Ecodesign Directive: replace illuminants, reuse valuable raw materials

The Ecodesign Directive is a legal building block to transform the current throwaway society into a sustainable circular economy. On the one hand, the lifespan of products must be significantly increased through repairability and on the other, products at the end of their life must be returned to the raw materials cycle.

Repair instead of throwing away: light sources and separate control gears must be replaceable

Many LED lamps are currently sold with permanently installed light sources. This means that if the light bulb is broken, the entire luminaire is thrown away rather than simply replacing the bulb as in the past. The new Ecodesign Regulation stipulates that light bulbs must be replaceable, either by the consumer himself or by a qualified person.

Longer service life and better recycling

Recycling of recyclable materials is of high importance for a sustainable world. The path is moving from a throwaway society to a circular economy. The Ecodesign Directive aims to do just that. Luminaires with replaceable light sources have a longer service life and the recyclable materials can be better separated so that they can be made available to the cycle again as secondary raw materials.

Higher demands on functionality

Ecodesign also encompasses the minimum requirements in terms of functionality, e.g. the lifespan or light quality. Many of the luminaires with permanently installed light sources no longer meet these targets and do not even manage the minimum efficiency class G.

To determine the efficiency class, 10 light sources are measured. During a long-time test with 1,200 switching cycles, the light sources are periodically switched on for 2 ½ hours and switched off for half an hour. Altogether, this corresponds to about 5 months. This is how the durability requirements are checked.

If a luminaire has a permanently installed light source, the entire luminaire must be measured as a light source. This often not only leads to a poorer energy efficiency class (usually E to G at most), but is also less sustainable.

In concrete terms, this means that the light sources (and control gear) of all luminaires must be replaceable by end users or qualified persons. There are exceptions, such as luminaires in hazardous areas, military or radiology. Lamps in a typical office environment are not among the exceptions.

How do I know if a lamp is replaceable?

Manufacturers are obliged to provide information on a website, on the packaging and in operating instructions as to whether and how the light source or the control gear can be replaced. The instructions for dismantling must also be available on a freely accessible website.

MAUL luminaires comply with the Ecodesign and Energy Efficiency Labelling Directives

Since January 2020, our luminaire development specialists have been working on the implementation of the two regulations. The prerequisite for interchangeability was the constructive adaptation of over 90 luminaires in cooperation with upstream suppliers.

At the same time, the more stringent minimum requirements for a good efficiency class, service life and lighting quality were also implemented. A positive side effect is that in the case of expandable light sources, these alone count as the basis for measurement, which automatically leads to better values. (whereas the complete luminaire must be measured for fixed installations).

Here you will find important information for MAUL luminaires

The information on whether and how the light source can be replaced is available:

In the description for each product
In the operating instructions as a pictogram
On the packaging as a pictogram

You will find the replacement instructions

In the download area for each luminaire

The article number of the replacement lamp or control gear is stated

In the operating instructions
In the replacement instructions

Lamp safety made by MAUL

In addition to the Ecodesign and Energy Efficiency Labelling Directives, we comply with all 26 legal requirements and standards. Every luminaire that is included in our range has to pass strict testing processes. That's why we developed a technical safety concept made by MAUL./p>

When you buy a MAUL brand luminaire, you can be sure that it complies with current safety standards and regulations. You can find out in detail what these are for your luminaire in the declaration of conformity on request.

What should I look for when buying a luminaire?

Do you have other questions about buying a lamp? You can find answers in our guide to buying luminaires.

As a fourth-generation family business, we plan for the long term and act sustainably. From the idea to the application and recycling, we pay attention to resource-saving solutions.

Learn more aboutour contribution to sustainability<7a>.

MAUL luminaires: as individual as you and your needs

Optimal lighting allows you to increase your potential and influence well-being. No matter whether it's for an office, desk, workshop, crafting or homework, we have the right lamp for every requirement and budget. You will also find magnifying lamps, torches and floor lamps at MAUL.

Discover MAUL lamps

Background: New Ecodesign/Energy Labelling Directives

Ecodesign and energy labels are two complementary instruments of European environmental and energy policy to promote resource conservation and energy efficiency.

Here, ecodesign indicates the environmentally conscious design of energy-related products. The framework for this was established by the EU Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC) and implemented into German national law with the Energy-related Products Act. The details for various product groups are stipulated in separate regulations. For the product group 'Light sources and separate operating devices', this is found in Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 of 01/10/2019, which defines the ecodesign requirements for light sources and separate operating devices.

Energy labels give information about the energy efficiency of products. The framework for this was set by the EU Energy Labelling Directive (Directive 2010/30/EU) and transposed into German national law with the Labelling of Energy-related Products Act. The details for various product groups are stipulated in separate regulations. For the product group 'Light sources' this is found in Regulation (EU) 2019/2015 of 11/03/2019 on the energy labelling of light sources.

Status: 16.4.2020 - The complete regulations are authoritative.