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FTC proposes new labels for LED, CFL, Incandescent light bulbs

New “output-based” labels to emphasize lumens, not watts, as measure of bulb brightness.

By US Department of Energy Posted Jan 7, 2010

led_b Consumers looking to buy the most cost-effective energy-efficient light bulbs can be confused by the different ways light bulb efficiency is measured. The measure we are all used to, watts, is no longer considered the most relevant measure of bulb efficiency.

The days of referring to a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) as being “equivalent to a 60-watt light bulb” may soon be over, as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed new labels for light bulbs that are based on light output rather than energy consumption. The marketplace has been changing quickly with the emergence of newer, more energy-efficient technologies—such as CFLs and light-emitting diode (LED) products—as traditional incandescent bulbs are phased out. The proposed labels provide consumers with information to help them choose among different bulb types.

…new labels for light bulbs are based on light output rather than energy consumption.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) seeks public comments on new labels that emphasize lumens, not watts, as the measure of bulb brightness. This information, along with estimated energy cost information, would appear on the front of the light bulb package. The back of the package would display a “Lighting Facts” label modeled after the “Nutrition Facts” label for food packages. The Lighting Facts label would provide information about brightness, energy cost, the bulb’s expected life, color temperature (for example, whether the bulb provides “warm” or “cool” light), as well as wattage.

The label also would require disclosures for bulbs containing mercury. The bulb’s output in lumens—and a mercury disclosure for bulbs that contain mercury—would also have to be placed on the bulb itself. The NOPR was published in the Federal Register on November 10, and comments were due by December 28.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires the FTC to consider the effectiveness of current bulb labeling requirements and explore alternative labeling approaches. As the first step, the FTC issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking last year, seeking comments on existing labeling requirements and possible labeling alternatives, and then held a public roundtable to gather more information. See the FTC press release, and the Federal Register Notice (PDF 663 KB), which includes samples of the proposed labels.

Until such labels are available, Eartheasy has prepared a Comparison Chart: LED, CFL, Incandescent light bulbs for consumers which compares the relative light output, in lumens and watts, for LED , CFL and Incandescent light bulbs. Features such as lifespan, cost, durability and dimmability are also included in this reference chart.

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Posted in Science and Transportation Tags CFL, energy efficiency, LED, Lighting

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Comments

Posted by adamPCM

Jan 8, 2010 10:25 am

What an excellent idea! Watts, being a decent indicator of power consumption, is really not very useful for the kind of lighting technologies we have today – infact the lower the better, for most people. Having an indication of brightness, however, makes much more sense.

Posted by Greg Seaman

Jan 11, 2010 9:41 pm

I agree, new models keep coming out and it can be difficult to keep up to date with the best values in energy efficient lighting. I put together a page which compares the different bulbs in terms of cost and lighting characteristics. Here is the page:
http://eartheasy.com/live_led_bulbs_comparison.ht...

Posted by Nanoverso Tirinhas

Jan 15, 2010 5:59 pm

I think the more useful information for the consumer, the better, so watts/hour consumption should not be removed. And a comparison chart like yours on market places would be very helpful too.

Posted by Grant

Feb 2, 2010 8:32 pm

Just another positive sign that LEDs could eventually become the standard for lighting. They will definitely need to decide on an appropriate labeling and rating system. Greg, your chart does a fine job for the average consumer! Why not just submit that as the official label!

Posted by Lynn

Feb 25, 2010 5:54 pm

I found some interesting facts reading your blog that I didn't know before regarding the different types of lighting. Your article is very well written and I enjoyed reading it ! Thanks for the info !