LightBulbs Direct in the News
Loophole lights the way for ‘specialist’ 100-watt bulbs
Householders eager to defy the ban on old-fashioned light bulbs will still be able to buy them from specialist retailers under a loophole in the law, it emerged today.
This week, the EU banned shops from stocking up on traditional 100-watt bulbs and any type of frosted bulb in a bid to slash Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions.
However, the legislation refers only to ‘household bulbs’ and does not cover the near-identical traditional bulbs intended for ‘industrial use’. These heavy-duty bulbs look exactly the same as an old-fashioned bulb but are designed to withstand the battering of a building site, mine or factory.
Although they are not available from supermarkets or high-street DIY chains, they can be bought from specialist shops and internet retailers for about £1 each.
They are sold as ‘rough-service bulbs’ and come in screw and bayonet fittings.
Patrick Hudgell, managing director of internet shop Light bulbs Direct, said he was continuing to stock rough service bulbs.
‘There’s no problem with them - they are not covered by the ban,’ he said. ‘There isn’t a great variety of them. They are only available as standard 60- and 100-watt but they are reinforced so if you shake them they don’t break. I use them in my garage door where a normal bulb would break each time I opened it.’
To be exempt from the ban the bulbs must come in a box stating they are not intended for household use.
From today it became illegal for anyone to import household frosted and 100-watt bulbs into the EU, or for a manufacturer to supply them to a shop. Stocks are expect to run out within a few months.
Major retailers introduced a voluntary ban on 100-watt bulbs in January.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs says a typical home will save £37 a year on their electricity bill by fitting low-energy fluorescent and halogen bulbs.
But independent retailers and critics say the change was rushed, badly advertised and that many of the low-energy alternatives are ugly, expensive and produce poor-quality light.
And doctors have warned that compact fluorescent lights may trigger rashes in light-sensitive patients.
A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed that heavy-duty industrial light bulbs were exempt from the ban.
‘They are for use in cold temperatures and areas such as mines, factories or garages.
‘The legislation cannot prescribe what bulbs can be used for and you will be able to get them from specialist retailers - they are not on sale in Tesco and Asda,’ he said.
‘But they are more expensive that ordinary incandescent light and they will not save any money in energy.’
The Government wants people to replace their conventional bulbs with one of two low-energy alternatives.
The most economical to run are CFLs (compact fluorescent lights). They cost about £2 to £3 each, use a fifth of the energy of a conventional incandescent bulb and are designed to fit every type of socket. Dimmable CFL bulbs are available but cost about £15.
Manufacturers have also created a range of low-energy ‘halogen’ light bulbs that look just like traditional incandescent ones and cost about £2. These work with dimmer switches, have a warmer light but save 30 per cent of energy.
Europe plans to phase out 60-watt clear lamps from September 2011.
The Daily Mail 2nd September 2009
Lights out: The end of tungsten
Love them or loathe them, we’re all going to have to start using low-energy bulbs. They’re good for the planet, but not everyone is seeing the light. Kate Watson-Smyth illuminates a domestic dilemma
So that’s it then. The end of light as we know it. Shops have stopped replenishing their stocks of traditional tungsten light bulbs, and expect to have run out by the end of the week. But to judge from the hoo-ha surrounding this announcement, you could be forgiven for thinking that Britain is about to be full of very cross people sitting in the dark.
The withdrawal of conventional bulbs is the second part of a government campaign to force people into buying low-energy fluorescent bulbs, which started with the scrapping of the 150-watt equivalent last year. The powers that be say the switch to low-energy will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around five million tonnes a year.
Stocks of 100W and 75W bulbs will be run down now while 60W bulbs, commonly used for table and reading lamps, will be phased out this time next year. All incandescent bulbs will be banned by 2012.
So from now on, whether we like it or not, we will all have to use eco-lights. First, the good news. An energy-saving bulb uses one sixth of the electricity and lasts 12 times as long as a conventional one, which means an annual saving of around £90 over the life of the bulb, which is not to be sniffed at in the current climate.
But eco-lighting is not without its critics. Have you tried energy-efficient bulbs? Did your heart sink as you stood in a dim, dreary glow while the bulbs warm up? You’re not alone. In addition, they contain mercury, which means you can no longer chuck them in the bin but have to dispose of them responsibly. And you have time for that? That’s not all. Some medical charities say the subtle flicker of these bulbs can trigger migraines and epilepsy attacks, so they’re lobbying the Government for an opt-out for people with health problems, to allow them to continue using the old-style bulbs.
Patrick Hudgell, managing director of Lightbulbs Direct, says: “I think the unilateral ban is ridiculous. There are cases where the incandescent bulb is right for the job. What happens to the person with a beautiful 1930s Art Deco lamp? There is no energy-saving bulb for them – and that renders the lamp useless.”
The Independent 7th January 2009
Customers buy up traditional light bulbs before switch to low energy alternatives
Shopkeepers say customers are “panic-buying” armfuls of the 100 watt bulbs, which are becoming increasingly scarce since many supermarkets agreed to phase them out ahead of the end-of-August deadline.
The ban on sales is supported by the government, which wants consumers to switch to low energy compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) to help meet its climate change targets.
CFLs typically cost more than four times as much as a traditional incandescent bulb – starting from £2 each compared to 50p or less – but use one fifth of the energy and can reduce electricity bills by £7 a year for each light in the home.
Many householders, however, believe the switch is unnecessary and say CFLs produce harsh and flickery light, while campaign groups blame them for triggering migraines and skin rashes. Most CFLs do not work properly in dimmer switches and those that are compatible can cost up to £12.
The 100w bulbs, as well as less common 80w bulbs, will no longer be sold after August 31. Frosted glass bulbs of all types will also be banned.
Many supermarkets and high street chains have already agreed not to replenish existing stocks as part of a voluntary agreement with the government. Traditional 60w bulbs will be allowed until the end of August 2011, with all phased out by 2013.
Patrick Hudgell, managing director of online retailer Light Bulbs Direct said: “We have been taking large orders both from individuals and from shops. It is possible a lot of these bulbs will be turning up on offer at car boot sales once the changes take effect.”
The European Commission has admitted the bulb switch may lead to the loss of as many as 3,000 jobs in Europe because most incandescent bulbs sold in the EU are made there, while most integrated electronic lights such as compact fluorescent lamps are made in the Far East.
The Daily Telegraph 19th April 2009
Could it be time to switch?
The traditional lightbulb is on its way out. From January you will no longer be able to buy a 150-watt incandescent bulb, and more will be phased out each year. By 2011, Thomas Edison’s invention will belong to the history books.
So where does that leave us? Many of you will be groaning at the thought of having to put up with those dreary energy-saving bulbs that take ages to give out any light and then flicker just enough to be annoying when they are on full power. And that’s not to mention their cold and rather unwelcoming light.
But hang on. Lighting technology is changing all the time, and almost every week new products are launched. In addition to bulbs, there are also directional and funky light shades in polypropelene - the most recyclable form of plastic out there - and others made simply from recycled paper and plywood. Eco-lighting can be fun and functional.
So what are the alternatives? Patrick Hudgell, managing director of Lightbulbs Direct www.lightbulbs-direct.com 01494 723286) has one of the largest range of energy-saving bulbs available in the UK. He says you can replace every bulb in your house with the appropriate energy-saving equivalent and not notice any difference in the quality of light. His website lists the choices available, from halogen energy savers to bulb-shaped lights high wattage and spotlights.
“The technology has moved on and most of these now give instant light so you don’t need to wait for them to warm up,” he says. “In addition, many of them can be used with dimmer switches now. It really is a no-brainer. You save about one-third of the energy as soon as you install it because they are lower wattage and they use less energy.
“Some of these bulbs even last for 15,000 hours. There are nearly 9,000 hours in a year - of which around 2,000 will require lighting, assuming you have the lights on for about five or six hours a day, so you can see how long they last.
“You might feel they are expensive to buy initially but when you balance it against the ultimate savings it really is worth it.”
The Independent Newspaper 10th October 2007
Let there be light
Next time a light bulb blows, why not change it for an energy saving model from www.lightbulbs-direct.com and its new Energy Saving Selector?
It has more than 200 different types of energy-saving bulbs, from standard to halogen spotlights, candle bulbs and outdoor spotlights.
Don’t know the technical spec of your bulb? Just click on a picture of your existing bulb to be automatically shown the energy saving equivalent.
Evening Standard Homes & Property 19th September 2007
How to be a shining example
Q: Is there an alternative to the oversized and unattractive energy-saving light bulbs that we are all supposed to buy?
A: It’s that time of year, isn’t it? Clocks go back tomorrow (now you know in advance so no excuses) and sunlight lovers, like me, will have to survive on a watery, wintery glow for months. But this is also the UK’s 9th Annual Energy Saving Week, an opportunity for the humble light bulb to shine environmentally in the gloom. Blazing the trail could well be the government-subsidised Philips Softone 6-year Energy Saver (£2.65; www.lightbulbs-direct.com, John Lewis and Argos). It is only a fraction larger than a normal bulb, uses a mere 20 watts and has the same output as a standard 100-watt bulb. Even better you can depend on it for 6 years if you put it to normal domestic use.
The Times body & soul 29th October 2005
The Ten Best Household Appliances
Osram 12 Year Lightbulb. Was £7.95 now only £2.65 each. These ultra-long-life energy saving bulbs are subsidised by the Government’s Energy Efficiency Commitment. Using 20W of electricity, yet giving the same light output as a normal 100W bulb, they have a rated life of 15,000 hours and last up to 12 years in normal domestic use. They are on special offer at this internet shop, so hurry to stock up. www.lightbulbs-direct.com.
The Independent 20th September 2005
Making light of it
Halogens give off a lovely clear light, but they can be expensive, especially if you have many of them. However, www.lightbulbs-direct.com is offering a box of 15 for only £37.84, including VAT and delivery - well under half the normal [shop] price.
Customers who order two boxes also get free delivery, in which case the unit price goes down to just £2.29 each (£68.74 for 30), including VAT.
Better still, the version sold by LightBulbs Direct is long life, lasting two to five times longer than many other brands.
Evening Standard Homes & Property 11th May 2005
LightBulbs Direct Wins DTI Award
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has just announced Buckinghamshire based Lightbulbs Direct as the winners of the ‘e-Business Start-up’ category of the 2004 DTI/InterForum E-Commerce Awards.
The 2004 Awards are testimony to the increasingly innovative ways in which the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses are reaping the benefits of integrating technologies into their business strategies.
Suppliers of light bulbs to homes and businesses, Lightbulbs Direct, impressed the judges with its simple yet effective website www.lightbulbs-direct.com which has enabled a reduction in costs, short turn around times and the opportunity to reach an international market.
Patrick Hudgell, Managing Director of Lightbulbs Direct comments: “By going online we aimed to reach an enormous number of potential customers, far more cost-effectively than we could have done using conventional direct mail or advertising methods. We also aim to provide a very user-friendly service with a fast, efficient and cost effective administration system, which could maximise customer service while minimising operating costs. We are delighted to have been chosen to receive the award for best eBusiness Start-up, it makes all the hard work worth while.”
Lightbulbs Direct was also highly commended for the category of e-Trading.
For further information on the Awards and the region’s winning companies, please visit http://www.ecommerce-awards.co.uk
Extract from SEEDA press release 20th September 2004
Clicked on Lightbulb Savings
Purchasing light bulbs may seem to be one of those costly but unavoidable tasks at the lower end of the technology purchasing spectrum but Patrick Hudgell, founder and Managing Director of www.lightbulbs-direct.com has brought the e-business benefits to the process with a business that promises massive savings to customers. Apart from the beneficial prices, the site offers a comprehensive range from top brands such as Bell, Philips, GE and Osram at up to 70% less than standard retail. But the site offers other benefits including the Spotlight Selector and Energy Saving Calculator. The site was launched last year and has become popular with thousands of satisfied customers who can browse for heavily reduced light bulbs from standard household to the latest technology spotlights, halogen, energy efficient and even obsolescent or discontinued bulbs.
Business Equipment Digest 28th June 2004
Keeping it in the family
Patrick Hudgell is Managing Director of LightBulbs Direct (www.lightbulbs-direct.com). “There are several advantages [of a family business] - the first thing is that you know all the people from the outset, you don’t have to develop a relationship. You know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and so forth, so you’re up and running immediately”. The lack of hierarchy also appeals to him. “The way we operate our family is that we are all very much equal and this has moved into the way we do business in the company”… “We all do what we have to do to make the business work”
Extract from The Guardian Business Solutions 29th April 2004
www.lightbulbs-direct.com
“You may not think that selling light bulbs for a living will pay the rent, but some bright spark has managed to tap into a largely untouched market with the launch of this mail order light bulbs service. … The cleanly designed site includes some smart product search capabilities, including a unique Bulb Finder, which lets you pick out the perfect light source for your needs because they all have different purposes you know.”
Extract from “The Dreamweaver Gallery”, Practical Web Projects Issue 17, January 2004
Bargain of the week
“I have discovered a great website that solves the irritating and time-consuming subject of finding the right light bulbs. At www.lightbulbs-direct.com you can buy just about every sort of domestic bulb, spot lamp, fluorescent tube, decorative and energy saving bulb imaginable, along with lamps for a vast range of commercial applications. If you cannot find the exact light bulb you need, call 01494-723286 for advice. The web site is well designed by bulb category, shape or application and, best of all, prices are up to 70 per cent less than on the high street”.
Extract from The Really Useful Column, by Alison Cork, London Evening Standard 1st October 2003
