For some time, lites.asia members have been asking the IEC to adopt performance tiers for CFLs. These performance tiers would allow policy makers to select levels of CFL performance (levels for light output, lumen maintenance, lifetime, etc.) that are suitable for local conditions, but which are internationally recognised through the IEC process.
Currently, members of the responsible IEC committee are unsure if such performance tiers are appropriate. However, to seek the views of all IEC participants, they have issued a Document for Comment, Proposal for a Technical Specification, TS XXXXXX - Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting services - performance limits (34A/1639/DC) . Comments on the appropriateness of this document, and performance tiers in general, are to be submitted by National Committees no later than 1 February, 2013.
lites.asia participants who feel such performance tiers are appropriate are encouraged to request their National Committees* to support the concept of performance tiers and submit specific comments before the 1 February deadline. Without expressions of support from National Committees, the Technical Specification or performance tiers may not be prepared.
Further, the IEC technical committee will also be holding a special workshop on the proposed performance tiers on Wednesday 23 January 2013 as part of their IEC panel meetings in Milan 14-25 January 2013.
* If members are unsure of the National Committees in their country, all National Committees are listed here.