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High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps

Last Updated: October 2007
See the federal standards main page to view current status

High intensity discharge lamps include metal halide, high pressure sodium and mercury vapor lamps.  These lamps are commonly used outdoors and in high ceiling applications such as factories, gymnasiums and big-box retail stores.  Some types of metal halide lamps are also used in low ceiling applications.

Several years ago a new type of metal halide lamp called a “pulse start” lamp has been introduced that uses about 15% less energy than the older “probe start” lamp.  California began requiring the use of pulse start ballasts in new fixtures in 2004. Nine other states took similar action.  California may consider additional restrictions that require high efficiency electronic ballasts and cut electricity use by another 11%. DOE is not currently working on standards for these products.   

The U.S. Department of Energy is scheduled to make a determination on whether to consider standards for HID lamps only. This determination is scheduled to be published by June 2010. 

• Federal Documentation (DOE Web site)

Update
In December 2007, the Congress enacted H.R. 6, setting initial minimum efficiency standards for metal halide lamp fixtures.  Effective January 1st, 2009, the law requires a minimum ballast efficiency of 88% for pulse start ballasts and a minimum ballast efficiency of 94% for magnetic probe start ballasts.  DOE must complete a rulemaking to consider increased standards by January 1st, 2012.  Any revision would be effective January 1st, 2015.  A second review and potential revisions is due by January 1st, 2019 and would be effective January 1st, 2022.  (February 2008)