Maintaining CE mark: This is how it works when converting lights 

Hallmarks of both existing and new lighting should always be in order. The use and maintenance of the CE mark is a frequently mentioned issue in this context.

Those wishing to convert existing lighting (e.g. from fluorescent to LED) should consider any implications for retaining the mandatory CE marking. 

In general, the existing CE marking of lighting will expire the moment it is converted.

CE-labelled fluorescent tubes will lose their necessary guarantee when they are replaced with a new, energy-efficient LED variant. As a result, products lose their necessary safety guarantee, which can cause problems with inspection and insurance. 

By choosing Deetronix retrofit LED modules this problem can be avoided effortlessly. Our LED fluorescent modules come with all the necessary approval marks as standard, so a refitted (LED) fluorescent luminaire can easily receive a new CE marking. Moreover, retrofitting is a relatively easy and cost-efficient procedure. 

Avoid insurance issues when switching to LED fluorescent lighting. D-Lighted is ready to support partners and customers in maintaining necessary labels and safety obligations.

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What is the CE mark? 

The CE mark is a mandatory certification for all products within the European Economic Area (EEA), which indicates that the producer has produced the product in accordance with European directives on safety, health and sustainability. CE marking is mandatory to sell a product on the European (and therefore also Dutch) market. 

CE marking indicates that the product complies with applicable European laws and regulations. It does not necessarily mean that the product was manufactured in Europe itself, or EEA member countries. It mainly concerns sales of the product within the EEA zone. 

In the case of (LED) lighting, manufacturers have the option of applying self-declaration. With this, the manufacturer self-declares that all relevant requirements are met. Complex LED luminaires may need a conformity assessment, which means that a third party will inspect the product and check whether it meets the set requirements. 

Why CE marking is important 

When converting existing lighting, in many cases the CE mark will expire. However, it is very important for companies and organisations to ensure that the CE mark is always present on the existing lighting. There are a number of reasons for this: 

1. Safety: Making modifications to products may alter wiring and increase the risk of short circuits. The incorrect conversion of light modules may cause (directly or indirectly) overheating, electric shock, an increased fire risk, or, for example, the disconnection of certain components in the product. 

2. Insurance: Many insurers will not pay out when an emergency occurs as a result of a product that has incorrect certification. When converting existing lighting, the CE marking will in principle lapse. As a result, the product no longer complies with the applicable safety standards. 

3. Liability: The absence of a valid CE mark may make the manufacturer or installer liable for any defects, damage, or accidents resulting from the use of a product. 

4. Inspection: When existing (emergency) lighting is inspected by a third party, lighting without valid certification may be rejected on the grounds of safety risks. It will have to be replaced for CE-marked LED lighting in such a situation. 

5. Compliance: When converting existing lighting, functions may be added or removed. Different laws and regulations may apply to this. The modernised lighting may fall into a different product category. This may increase safety requirements. Always check whether these additional requirements are met when converting luminaires. 

6. Image: Companies and organisations that are professionally managed use high-quality products. When present lighting does not meet the requirements, it can cause image damage. 

CE marking retained when converting to LED 

Because of the above reasons, it is crucial to maintain a valid CE mark at all possible times. In the context of converting existing (LED) fluorescent tubes to new LED fluorescent lighting, there are basically two ways to ensure this.  

First, the preservation of the CE mark can be ensured by using a process called 'retrofitting'. Here, a lighting module is modified or replaced by a new component, without replacing the lighting as a whole. In this process, the new retrofit modules and luminaires already bear a new CE marking, as in the case of our own Deetronix LED retrofit modules. 

Another option is to make an immediate new CE marking apply to the converted product. This is the best choice when the modifications to the existing lighting are more substantial. In this situation, converting ensures that the original technical documentation is no longer valid. This process provides assurance and an additional check, but is generally costly and time-consuming. 

Getting certification right with Deetronix 

In most cases, choosing LED retrofit modules is the most cost-efficient and quick way to modernise existing lighting modules. Besides maintaining the CE mark, other types of certification are also important. 

By choosing the Deetronix product line, light modules will always bear the following relevant approvals and test protocols, among others: 

• CE: Indicates that a product complies with European legislation and is safe for use within the European Economic Area (EEA). 

• RoHS: Indicates that an electronic device (such as lighting) complies with the European directive around the amount of hazardous substances incorporated in the product. The so-called 'Restriction of Hazardous Substances' label states, among other things, that lead, mercury, cadmium and other potentially toxic substances are not incorporated in the product. 

• TÜV: To be divided into TÜV EMC and TÜV LVD. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) means that a product does not emit disturbing electromagnetic radiation and is insensitive to similar radiation from other products in the vicinity. LVD refers to the Low Voltage Directive, which sets requirements around insulation, overheating and protection against electric shock. LVD deals specifically with electrical appliances between 50 and 1000 volts.  

• CB: Similar function to CE marking. The Certification Body (CB) scheme is a seal of approval that guarantees product safety and reliability for several international markets. 

• ENEC: Indicates that a product meets relevant European standards. It includes testing for safety, performance and quality of the product. Tests for this certification are carried out independently by a testing institute accredited by the European Certification Organisation (ECB). 

• TM21: Test protocol specifically designed for the life expectancy of LED modules, carried out by an independent institute. For example, the L90B10 (&L80B50) of Deetronix modular line lighting has been set at >54,000 hours of operation (an outstanding score). 

• LM79 & LM80: Test protocols specifically designed to measure the performance and lifetime of LED products. These include key product aspects such as brightness, colour rendering, or voltage. These are determined for both initial performance (LM79) and light degradation of the product over time (LM80). 

Hallmarks in order with Deetronix LED modules 

Entrepreneurs and organisations that want to have their certifications fully in order can seek advice from D-Lighted on the options around modernising existing lighting. Our Deetronix product line is specifically designed to make the switch to LED as trouble-free as possible, without loss of certification. 

Ask about the possibilities today by contacting one of our advisers with no obligation. For more information on the Deetronix product range, download the 'Sustainable Lighting' brochure, which can be downloaded via the link below: