Seeing the light on energy efficient fittings
The detail
Since the mandatory inclusion of energy efficient lighting considerations in the 2006 changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, most new and refurbished homes have seen the installation of light-fittings that only accept energy efficient three-pin and four-pin bulbs. Unfortunately, resident feedback shows that these unconventional fittings are having an unintended negative impact on our customers, both in terms of their finances and their safety.
Building Regulations require that “reasonable provision” be made for occupants to obtain the benefits of energy efficient lighting when properties are extended, built or re-wired. Common interpretation by Building Control is that a proportion of fixed three-pin or four-pin fittings must be installed to replace standard two-pin bayonet or screw fittings, preventing residents from installing inefficient, incandescent bulbs.
However, in practice, the bulbs that fit these sockets are expensive, sometimes costing up to £10, are not widely available, and do not provide any additional energy saving benefit to equivalent two-pin low-energy bulbs that are widely available at a fraction of the cost (some available for as little as 20p).
Case studies have shown that when these bulbs blow, residents struggle to replace them and sometimes resort to measures that have an impact on their safety in their home. We’ve seen examples of residents lighting corridors and landings with free-standing lamps, leaving the cables as a trip hazard and even seen examples of people taking a DIY approach to modifying the fittings to accept 2-pin bulbs.
We believe that with the European phasing out of inefficient bulbs, these fittings are no longer necessary to further the improvement of domestic energy efficiency in the UK housing stock.
We fully support the inclusion of energy efficient lighting in the Building Regulations as well as any improvements that help alleviate fuel poverty and tackle climate change. However, in this instance, we believe that the common interpretation of requiring the installation of specialist fittings is having a negative effect on customers that could be avoided by a more practical interpretation of the Building Regulations.
Metropolitan Housing Partnership is a unique network of locally focused member organisations working together to provide housing, regeneration, community, care and support services.