RFP Development and Proposal Review
After several months of industry involvement and feedback on draft minimum technical specifications, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) issued a request for proposals for Reflector CFLs (R-CFL) intended for use in insulated ceiling rated airtight (ICAT) recessed can fixtures on October 25, 2002. Five manufacturers responded with proposals for 12 R-CFL models. PNNL evaluated each model for compliance with the minimum specifications, including maximum operating temperature, overall lamp length, beam angle, and minimum light output. PNNL also conducted short-term tests (six hours of operation in a simulated ICAT) to see if models operated within the manufacturer's rated maximum temperature. Short-term tests verified a number of the manufacturer claims, and long-term elevated temperature testing was initiated on the eight models that met the minimum specifications.
Phase I Winners
In 2004, two of the 10 lamp models submitted to the R-CFL Technology Procurement Project (Phase I) successfully completed over 6,000 hours of elevated temperature life testing and were deemed "winners." The SLS/ R40 20-watt and the EL/A BR30 16-watt Reflector Flood, are part of the Philips® MarathonTM line and are available through The Home Depot Supply Inc. (the commercial subsidiary of The Home Depot) and other channels. In 2005, a third lamp, Feit Model ESL15R30H, became available at Costco wholesale stores nationwide. Look for Conserv-Energy Item #BPCE15R30H/4.
By replacing incandescent reflector lamps with these energy-efficient R-CFLs, users will cut their lighting energy costs by about two-thirds. See the Phase 1 fact sheet for more information.