Sheer lumenacy: EU to replace watts with continental 'lumens'
By Katie Davies
The Daily Mail EXCERPT:
Last updated at 10:44 PM on 23rd May 2009
Lightbulbs are to lose their wattage markings, thanks to new European Union rules.
It has decided to replace the energy measurement, named after 19th Century Scottish scientist James Watt, with wording revealing the power in 'lumens' - the amount of light a bulb gives out.
The change will be introduced from September next year.
The EU claims it will enable people to make more accurate choices in lighting - despite critics arguing it will cause widescale confusion.
Watts going on?: The EU will replace wattage markings with 'lumens'
When the changes take place bulbs will appear with the symbol Lm for Lumens instead of W for Watt. A 60W bulb, for example, will be given the label 800 Lm.
The type of bulb also affects the number of lumens per watt output, with normal bulbs creating 12-13 lumens per watt and halogen lightbulbs creating around 40 lumens per watt.
Many Britons have been infuriated after traditional 100W bulbs virtually disappeared from shops
The move followed a Government decision to sign up to EU regulations last year, stating that traditional bulbs should be replaced with greener, low-energy alternatives. An 11W new-style bulb, for example, is the equivalent of an old 60W bulb. after more than a century.
Ministers insisted the move would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by five million tons a year. But the new bulbs have been linked to health problems including skin rashes, migraine and epilepsy.
END EXCERPT
This is such a dumb idea, it had to come from government. We all know how bright a 40W, 60W or 100W bulb is, but, I'd be willing to bet few could tell you the equivilent lumens for each.
By Katie Davies
The Daily Mail EXCERPT:
Last updated at 10:44 PM on 23rd May 2009
Lightbulbs are to lose their wattage markings, thanks to new European Union rules.
It has decided to replace the energy measurement, named after 19th Century Scottish scientist James Watt, with wording revealing the power in 'lumens' - the amount of light a bulb gives out.
The change will be introduced from September next year.
The EU claims it will enable people to make more accurate choices in lighting - despite critics arguing it will cause widescale confusion.
Watts going on?: The EU will replace wattage markings with 'lumens'
When the changes take place bulbs will appear with the symbol Lm for Lumens instead of W for Watt. A 60W bulb, for example, will be given the label 800 Lm.
The type of bulb also affects the number of lumens per watt output, with normal bulbs creating 12-13 lumens per watt and halogen lightbulbs creating around 40 lumens per watt.
Many Britons have been infuriated after traditional 100W bulbs virtually disappeared from shops
The move followed a Government decision to sign up to EU regulations last year, stating that traditional bulbs should be replaced with greener, low-energy alternatives. An 11W new-style bulb, for example, is the equivalent of an old 60W bulb. after more than a century.
Ministers insisted the move would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by five million tons a year. But the new bulbs have been linked to health problems including skin rashes, migraine and epilepsy.
END EXCERPT
This is such a dumb idea, it had to come from government. We all know how bright a 40W, 60W or 100W bulb is, but, I'd be willing to bet few could tell you the equivilent lumens for each.
. 
