Electronic Ballast Replacement:
On October 24, 1992, the
Energy Policy Act (EPACT) was signed into law. This law regulates the minimum
efficiency of lighting products.
As per EPACT, by 2005 the
efficiency for the T12 magnetic ballast will have to be at a level equivalent to
the electronic ballast. This requirement will practically eliminate the magnetic
T12 ballast from the market.
At present, the market conversion to T8 technology is close to being completed due to several factors:
Sprinkler Recall:
The Central Sprinkler Company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
have announced a voluntary replacement program for O-ring type sprinkler heads. The recall affects approximately 33 million wet
sprinkler heads and approximately 2 million dry sprinkler heads.
The recall was launched when it became evident that minerals, salts and other
contaminants in the water supply were found to be corrosive to the O-rings in
the sprinkler heads.
Although laboratory testing has indicated that the majority of the sprinklers
would operate in a fire, some failed to operate because they required higher
water pressure than would be normally available in many buildings.
The recalled sprinklers were manufacture between 1970 and 2001, in a variety
of models and installed in a wide variety of properties across North America.
These properties include single-family homes, apartments, hospitals, day
care facilities, schools, dormitories, nursing homes, hotels parking garages,
supermarkets, warehouses and office buildings.
Even if your building was built prior to 1970, you still may be affected
because O-ring heads may have been used for sprinkler repairs or renovation.
Due to the large number of affected sprinkler heads, replacement will occur
over time with priority based on the age of the sprinklers, the population
affected and whether the sprinkler heads show signs of corrosion or leakage.
When Central has processed your claim, they will send replacement heads
directly to you, but for some it may be several years before the heads are
replaced.
To find out if you have any of the recalled sprinkler heads in your
buildings, contact your independent fire pump and sprinkler company.
Special thanks to BC AOMA and The Apartment Investor for bringing
this important issue to our attention.