LED tubes generally safe, but problems found with EU markings
Tests were carried out in nine countries including Malta
Four out of every five LED tubes tested in nine countries, including Malta, did not meet EU requirements, but none failed safety testing.
An EU-funded initiative that tested 58 tubes found that 48 of them (83%) did not meet EU requirements, mostly due to problems with markings and safety instructions.
A total of 31 (53%) failed the requirements for markings. Many tubes had markings that had become outdated due to the revision of the applicable standard.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing of criteria like radio frequency emissions and voltage fluctuations registered high failure rates: 33 (60%) of 55 samples did not comply.
Other areas showed more positive results. All 58 samples passed tests for flame resistance, safety when faults occur, health risks from intense light and temperature increase during operation.
Other areas where the samples performed well included heat resistance (97% passed), mechanical requirements for caps (93%), protection against accidental contact with live parts (91%) and interchangeability (90%).
The testing was organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. It took place under the 2024 edition of the Joint Actions on Compliance of Products (JACOP) campaign.
Samples from nine countries
The samples tested were purchased by market surveillance authorities in Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Sweden and Switzerland. Three-quarters were bought in shops - the rest were purchased online.
The tubes were of varying sizes, including T5, T8 and T12.
Among them were plug-and-play tubes and ballast-bypass tubes. Most samples offered both options. Plug-and-play tubes can replace fluorescent tubes without any modifications and work with existing ballasts in light fittings.
In a standard fluorescent lighting fixture, the ballast is an electrical component that regulates the current to the lamp. A ballast-bypass tube connects directly to the mains voltage. Their installation entails removing or bypassing the existing ballast.
Ballast-bypass and plug-and-play tubes are generally more energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent tubes.
Actions and recommendations
Economic operators were asked to rectify problems with markings. Withdrawal of products from the market and sales bans are likely if this is not done.
One product was recalled from end users, while another nine were withdrawn from the market. A stop-of-sales order was issued for three samples.
The economic operators of eight samples were asked to change or improve their products. For another four samples, they were asked to label their products with the appropriate warnings
Before changing a tube, consumers should turn off the power supply, check that the new tube is suitable for their light fitting and carries the CE mark.
Manufacturers must adhere to the requirements for LED tubes, while retailers must receive a declaration of conformity with the relevant standards before placing a product on the market.
More information in jacop2024@esn.eu