Lot 20: are you ready?

Televisions, light bulbs and washing machines are just a small sample of products which have already had alterations made to their design and manufacture to ensure they play a part in enabling the EU to meet its objective of a 20% energy saving by the year 2020. In this Q&A, John-Paul Bailey, Category Manager at Rexel, explains how EU regulations are set to affect space heaters, and what electrical contractors need to know to stay ahead.

What is Lot 20?
The next phase of this directive Lot 20, (or EU 2015/1188 as it is officially referred to) comes into effect from 1st January 2018. The latest addition will see all local space heaters, which use electricity, become the next product range required by law to comply with a minimum efficiency standard, removing inefficient technologies, while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.

Lot 20 will affect heaters of all kinds, manufactured after 1st January 2018, including storage heaters and electric radiators right through to fan and convector heaters. And, when you consider over half the energy used domestically heats water and space, Lot 20 is a major contributing factor in ensuring future energy efficiency targets are met.

How will I know if products are compliant?
Lot 20 requires that the consumption and emissions for local space heaters must be reduced by applying 'existing, non-proprietary technologies'. In addition, these changes must also be made without an increase in the combined costs of purchasing and operating the product. Compliant products will increase the efficiency of local space heaters by regulating their operation through the use of intelligent timers and controls.

Put simply, electric space heaters will become more energy efficient by the use of smart technologies and controls, with the additional costs of the products being off-set by the reduced energy costs of running the heater over its lifetime.

At Rexel, through our approved partners, electrical contractors can take advantage of a range of space heaters which already incorporate mechanical and electrical room temperature controls, presence detection, open window detection, and day or week timers, all of which are integral to local space heaters in order to meet the requirements of Lot 20.

When will Lot 20 come into effect?
Lot 20 is applicable to all products manufactured after 1st January 2018. Non-compliant products already in stock after this date can still be sold and installed, but many manufacturers are already beginning to phase out these older models. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to supply compliant products, however it is important that electrical contractors begin to familiarise themselves with the changes and what it may mean for them.

Working alongside a reputable distributor, such as Rexel, electrical contractors can get to grips with Lot 20 and can confidently specify compliant products. At Rexel, we will be working closely with key manufacturers to ensure that all products sold after 1st January are fully compliant with Lot 20, taking a lot of the uncertainty surrounding the regulatory changes out of contractors’ hands.

What are the potential commercial benefits to contractors?
Added value for contractors will come from their ability to offer a more comprehensive range of solutions to customers, incorporating smart technologies and controls which are increasingly being sought by consumers. The added value of products will also increase the value of the basket of products sold enabling contractors to leverage a number of upselling opportunities. By understanding why Lot 20 is being implemented and how it will result in cost savings to consumers in the form of reduced energy bills, Lot 20 will provide a win : win for both consumer and contractor.

While there is still some time to go before Lot 20 comes into effect, it is important that contractors now begin taking the necessary steps that mean when the new regulation comes into force they aren’t left behind, and can successfully capitalise on the opportunities it brings.

By working alongside trusted suppliers, like Rexel, electrical contractors are able to access products which not only incorporate the latest smart technologies to help keep running costs to a minimum, but also comply with Lot 20 legislation, ahead of 1st January 2018.