Energy-saving lighting

The issue of banning bulbs has been with us for many years. Step by step, the production and marketing of conventional light sources has been banned. First came the incandescent bulb, commonly known as the "light bulb". This was followed by halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs (the so-called "neon tube") and compact fluorescent bulbs (so-called "energy-saving bulbs"). This is due to two EU directives: the Ecodesign Directive, which is intended to promote the sustainable use of energy and resources, and the RoHS Directive, which limits hazardous substances such as mercury in electrical and electronic equipment. These measures are intended to protect the environment and save energy.

Consumers are not prohibited from continuing to use their old light bulbs. If you use lights with these lights at home or still have spare bulbs, you can of course continue to use them. You can also buy remaining stocks of conventional light bulbs from retailers. However, due to their high energy consumption and the harmful substances they contain, it is advisable to replace them with LEDs as soon as possible and to choose LEDs when buying new ones. It is also important to know that old light bulbs must not be disposed of with household waste. Due to the harmful substances they contain, energy-saving and fluorescent bulbs must always be disposed of at appropriate collection points or in shops!

The electronic semiconductor components work in a similar way to computer chips. When electricity flows through them, they emit light. LEDs are characterized by their low power consumption and long service life. They are versatile and contain no toxic substances. In order for an LED to light up, it must be installed with an electronic gearshift system.

A whole range of criteria are specified on the packaging of bulbs and luminaires. To help you identify the right light source for you, we briefly explain the most important information here:

Poorly manufactured LED bulbs can actually be quite dangerous. Inadequate insulation and live parts are the most common defects. These defects are particularly common in cheap products from online retailers. Safety suffers when materials are skimped on. Consumers can protect themselves above all by buying lights from specialist retailers and paying attention to safety signs.

In the case of compact fluorescent bulbs ("energy-saving bulbs"), the greatest danger comes from mercury. If an energy-saving bulb breaks, it is recommended that you open the windows immediately and leave the room for 15 minutes. Then, with the windows still open, sweep up the remains with a piece of cardboard and wipe up with damp paper towels. It is best to wear rubber gloves. Never use a vacuum cleaner. To clean carpets, you can use adhesive tape to pick up the residue. Only then can the vacuum cleaner be used. It is essential that you continue to ventilate. All residues and cleaning utensils should be placed in an airtight container and then taken to the nearest collection point.

When replacing the light bulb, make sure that the circuit breakers in the building installation are switched off and use a phase tester to ensure there is no voltage on the line. Otherwise, adhere precisely to the installation instructions and consult a specialist if you have any difficulties.

VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. and its affiliated companies (hereinafter each “VDE”) provide non-binding information on consumer protection topics. These publications are intended solely to raise general awareness of consumer protection in relation to electrotechnical products and issues. They expressly do not constitute professional or technical advice. The information is provided the best of one's knowledge and belief without having evaluated the actual conditions at a specific location or of a specific product.

While VDE makes every reasonable effort to ensure that the information is correct and complete, it cannot assume liability nor any warranty (neither explicitly nor implicitly) for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the content of the information provided.

The information may only be applied with the understanding that VDE cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage or loss of any kind. The use of the information provided does not release the user from the responsibility for his/her own actions and is therefore at his/her own risk.

Product-/Model-specific manufacturer specifications must be observed.