For decades, fluorescent lamps were the standard solution for interior lighting in laboratory equipment such as biological safety cabinets and climate chambers. However, their mercury content, limited service life and comparatively poor energy efficiency make them an obsolete technology today. The switch to LED lighting is not only required by law, but is also clearly recommended from a technical, economic and ergonomic point of view. This article examines the regulatory background, the market situation in Switzerland and key aspects of conversion and use from the perspective of practical application.
Legal requirements
Switzerland has adopted the relevant EU regulations, in particular the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and implemented them nationally in the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance(ORRChem). Since February 24, 2023, no compact fluorescent lamps (CFL with plug-in base) and since August 24, 2023, no linear T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes may be imported or sold in Switzerland. Only the operation of existing installations and the sale of stock is still permitted.
For laboratory users, this means that replacement in the event of damage is almost impossible to plan for and a timely upgrade should be approached proactively.
Availability and planning security
The production of conventional fluorescent lamps has been discontinued throughout Europe. Manufacturers such as Philips/Signify and Osram/LEDVANCE have withdrawn from this segment. Only special lamps, such as UV-C disinfection tubes, remain temporarily available. There is no longer a permanent replacement supply for classic white light sources. Existing stocks will only last for a few months at best.
In the worst case scenario, a tube failure can lead to an unplanned standstill of the safety cabinet. Especially in sensitive laboratory environments, where quality and time play a critical role, such failures represent an avoidable risk. Converting to LED technology creates safety here.
(Note: Transitional periods apply for certain applications where there is currently no LED alternative. One example is UV-C disinfection lamps in safety cabinets: these fall under "special purpose" and may continue to be used and produced for a few more years. However, such exceptions do not apply to normal white light fluorescent tubes for lighting purposes).
Sustainable retrofitting solutions
There are basically two options available:
LED retrofit tubes can be used as a cost-effective plug-and-play solution. However, they have functional limitations, particularly in terms of dimmability, light distribution and device compatibility. They are not a sustainable long-term solution.
Manufacturer-specific LED conversion kits are the clear recommendation in terms of technology, safety and ergonomics. These sets are precisely matched to the appliance and ensure homogeneous light distribution and reliable integration. VITARIS offers LED sets with a 3-year guarantee. The conversion itself is completed in less than two hours and causes only minimal downtime - practically irrelevant if the conversion is planned.
Energy efficiency in practice: example Mars 1200
The Labogene ScanLaf Mars 1200 is a clear example of the effect: switching from fluorescence to LED reduces energy consumption from around 112 watts to 92 watts. This corresponds to an energy saving of around 20 % with the same or better light quality. In view of the long service life of many workbenches, this effect is economically and ecologically relevant.
User comfort and ergonomics
In addition to the technical advantages, users also benefit noticeably: LED lighting offers a more pleasant light temperature, free from the flickering oscillation of typical fluorescent tubes. This has a positive effect on concentration, well-being and, in the long term, eye health - especially in working environments with high visual stress.
Operational and process reliability
In laboratory operations, predictability is crucial. An unplanned failure of a lighting unit not only leads to safety risks, but also to interruptions in the process flow. Stockpiling fluorescent tubes is no longer a solution in the medium term. By converting to LED at an early stage, you create clear operational conditions - without emergency replacement procurement or temporary downtime.
Another decisive advantage: a planned complete replacement including ballast can usually be implemented within two hours. As a result, the downtime of the affected safety cabinet remains minimal - even in the event of a comprehensive conversion. This not only ensures the technical sustainability of your devices, but also the seamless continuation of your laboratory processes.
Conclusion
The future of laboratory lighting clearly lies in LED technology: energy-efficient, durable and user-friendly. Early conversion not only makes economic sense but is also recommended for safety reasons.
VITARIS offers specially developed LED conversion kits from the manufacturer for Labogene safety cabinets. These kits are fully matched, guarantee optimum light quality and can be installed with minimal interruption to operation.
Retrofitting today creates clear technical and regulatory conditions, reduces energy costs and protects process reliability in the laboratory.
VITARIS supports you as an experienced partner with tried-and-tested solutions.
Our conversion offer
for Labogene safety cabinets
flat rate per device incl. VAT.
Volume discounts for the same location:
- 2 devices: 5% discount
- 3 devices: 10% discount
- 4 devices: 15% discount
- from 5 devices: 20% discount
benefit and convert to LED lighting now?
We will be happy to arrange an appointment with you immediately.
