ZVEI publishes white paper on converting luminaires to LED technology to provide clarity for CE marking
In a new white paper, the Central Association of the Electrical Engineering and Electronics Industry (ZVEI) clearly defines in which cases the existing CE marking remains valid and a new CE declaration of conformity is not required when modernizing luminaires to LED technology. For electrical engineers this means greater planning reliability for using LED tubes.
When is a new declaration of conformity required when converting an existing luminaire with old lighting technology to LED technology – and when not? Up to now, different positions have been taken in response to this question, creating uncertainty on the market. ZVEI now provides clarity with its recently published white paper.
The basis is the European Union Blue Guide (2022) and its definition of “significant changes of products”, according to which a product CE marking remains valid if no significant changes have been made to its performance, application or construction. This means that an installer does not necessarily become a manufacturer when converting luminaires to LED lamps, including rewiring, and does not have to issue a new CE declaration of conformity.
This gives electricians four options for modernizing inefficient and mercury-containing lamps to efficient, sustainable LED lighting:
- LED lamps for retrofit
- LED lamps for conversion
- LED upgrade kits
- New LED luminaires
The decision in favor of one of these solutions depends on various factors such as suitability of the existing lighting and risk assessment. Especially the retrofitting or conversion to LED lamps proves to be cost-effective and environmentally friendly since existing luminaires are reused and additional electrical waste is avoided.
The longer life of LED light sources compared to conventional lamps also reduces waste and maintenance costs. In addition, the lower energy consumption of LED light sources leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions and therefore helps to combat climate change.
LEDVANCE explicitly supports the ZVEI’s position and offers a variety of safe, efficient and EU-compliant LED solutions for switching conventional luminaires to LED technology. For example, highest energy efficient Class-A LED tubes with 210 lm/W to save up to 72% energy compared to conventional fluorescent lamps. Or the EXTERNAL system consisting of a LED tube and a separate external driver, which is perfect for DALI controlled applications or in combination with emergency lighting.
The white paper is available on the ZVEI website: www.zvei.org
With offices in more than 50 countries and business activities in more than 140 countries, LEDVANCE is one of the world's leading general lighting providers for professional users and end consumers. Having emerged from the general lighting business of OSRAM GmbH, LEDVANCE offers a wide-ranging assortment of LED luminaires for a broad spectrum of application areas, intelligent lighting products for Smart Homes and Buildings, one of the largest LED lamps portfolios in the industry, traditional light sources, electronic components and light management systems. In fiscal year 2017, LEDVANCE achieved a turnover of around 1.9 billion Euro. Based on an agreement with OSRAM, LEDVANCE will continue to use the trusted OSRAM brand for many of its products (SYLVANIA for the USA and Canada). Further information can be found at www.ledvance.com.
