The Extinction of the T12 Bulb

If you recently had one of you T12 fluorescent bulbs burn out, you may have encountered a shortage of them in your local lighting stores. If you have been lucky and found a few, you will have noticed their prices have been raised remarkably. 

This is because of a bill passed back in 2007 demanding greater energy independence- known as the Energy Independence and Security Act and it has finally started taking its first steps. 

As of July 1, 2010, ballast manufacturers were prohibited from manufacturing even replacement ballasts that did not meet the new standards.The new standards take effect on ​July 14, 2012.  PG& E released a quick list of T12 lamps that will no longer meet the EISA's regulations:

• Most F40 T12 and F34 T12 Lamps (4 foot) and almost all FB40 and FB34 T12 U-Lamps
• All 75W F96 T12 Lamps (8 foot)
• All 60W F96 T12/ES Lamps (8 foot), with the exception of a few 700/SP and 800/SPX Lamps
• All conventional 110W F96 T12 HO lamps that deliver fewer than 10,120 lumens.
• All 95W F96 T12/ES/HO, unless they can provide at least 8,740 lumens

Bulbrite has conveniently provided a general identification guide for these bulbs here. For more information on the EISA regulations and what bulbs will be affected, please visit Bulbrite's Lightopedia.