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Incandescent Reflector Lamps

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

Reflector lamps are the very common cone-shaped light bulbs most typically used in "recessed can" light fixtures (recessed cans are low-cost light fixtures that mount flush with a ceiling such that the socket and bulb are recessed into the ceiling. They are very common in residential and commercial construction.). The cone is lined with a reflective coating to direct the light. "Bulged" reflector (BR) lamps are specific types of reflector lamps. "Blown" PAR (BPAR) are reflector lamps designed to be a low-cost substitute for widely used PAR lamps. Use of BR lamps has mushroomed in recent years as manufacturers have taken advantage of a loophole that exempts them from federal standards. BPAR lamp sales have also increased.

Incandescent reflector (R) lamps are covered under the 1992 EPACT standard for general service incandescent and fluorescent lamps. Several types of specialty reflector lamps (ellipsoidal (ER), BR, and BPAR lamps) do not have to comply with the law due to a number of exemptions and loopholes that can no longer be justified. Since the law was enacted, manufacturers have taken advantage of this loophole and the market shares of exempted lamps have increased from 1% to 50% of all reflector lamp sales. To address these gaps in the federal standard, California developed a standard on specific exampted products that is an effective expansion of the federal rule for standard R and PAR lamps. In 2005 and 2006, California was joined by Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Rhode Island and Vermont in enacting the standards, which includes an exemption for some 50 and 65 W BR lamps.

Update
In December 2007, Congress enacted H.R. 6, which, effective June 2008, requires that the EPAct1992 reflector standards be extended to previously exempted lamp types.  EPAct 1992 had exempted certain niche lamp types, especially BR lamps, which subsequently grew to about 50% market share. DOE is considering updating reflector lamp standards as part of a lamp rulemaking scheduled for completion by spring 2009. (February 2008)