Important Electrical news!

Law changes: The New 2024 Lamp/globe Legislation:

 Moving forward in the transition to LED Technology and Energy Efficiency in South Africa 

1: A New Era for Lighting in South Africa

Starting 23 May 2024, South Africa will officially implement new regulations aimed at transforming the lighting industry. This legislation, published in May 2023, is part of a broader national move to promote energy-efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly lighting solutions.

✅ What Does the New Law Say?

The legislation introduces strict performance and safety standards for General Service Lamps (GSLs)—the everyday LED lamps used in homes and businesses. 

The new standards mean:

• All GSLs must meet specific safety and efficiency requirements.
• These requirements must be clearly shown on both the lamp and the packaging.
• Fluorescent (CFL) and incandescent bulbs will be phased out for general household use.
• These older technologies are no longer considered energy efficient or environmentally friendly.

💡 What Are General Service Lamps (GSLs)?

GSLs are common household and commercial bulbs, mainly LED-based, with popular shapes and base types such as:

• Screw base: E11, E14, E27, etc.
• Bayonet base: B15d, B22
• Pin base: GU10, G9, GX53, etc.
• Linear: R7S

🚦 Timelines to Know

📅 Phase 1: Starts 23 May 2024

All GSLs must meet a minimum luminous efficacy of 90 lumens per watt (lm/W).

This means more light, less power.

📅 Phase 2: Starts 23 May 2026

The minimum efficacy increases to 105 lm/W, driving even greater energy savings.

📦 Packaging: What Must Be Shown

Every compliant lamp must clearly display:

• Light output (lumens)
• Power usage (watts)
• Voltage
• Lamp life (in hours)
• Colour temperature (Kelvin)
• Beam angle
• Energy efficiency label (A to G scale)
• Dimmability and dimmer compatibility
• Intended use (especially for non-general lighting lamps)
• Optional: Equivalency to incandescent bulbs
• Optional: Voltage surge protection claim

 

 What It Means For You — The Reseller or Consumer

💡 Understanding Efficacy (lm/W)

Efficacy = how much light (lumens) a lamp gives per unit of power (watts).

For example:

A lamp with 540 lumens and 6 watts = 90 lm/W

✔ This meets the 2024 standard!

🧪 Testing Requirements for New Lamps

• To be legally sold, new lamps must pass two compulsory tests
• Performance (VC9109)
• 1200 switching cycles over 3600 hours
• Verified under SANS/IEC 62612 standards
• Safety (VC9110)
• Electrical safety checks (SANS/IEC 62560)
• EMC emission testing (SANS 215/CISPR 15)
• 90% of samples must pass testing

🔍 How to Check for Compliance

Look for these key indicators on the packaging:

• Minimum 90 lm/W (in Phase 1)
• Full technical details listed 
• Energy label on an A to G scale

(Note: many LEDs that were A++ are now rated F under the new system)

📣 What This Means for the Market

This legislation will help:

• Consumers save on electricity
• Retailers offer safer, longer-lasting products
• The country reduce its environmental impact