In June 2007 LIF issued statements addressing concerns over T5 Adaptors..... Click here to download LIF Statement >

In June 2007 CELMA issued statements addressing concerns over T5 Adaptors..... Click here to download CELMA Statement >

More recently Osram issued a similar one page statement on a certain type of T5 Adaptor...... Click here to download OSRAM Statement >

There are various concerns and included :

BS / EN Standards and the compliance of  T5 Adaptor products Operating T5 high-frequency adaptors through the existing T8 or T12 control gear Running 230v current to the T5 adaptor through the existing T8 / T12 fitting, fixtures, starter or wiring Under powering the T5 tube and insufficient light output. Optical issues Serious issues relating to EMC and more recently EMF.

Some are common sense, safety issues other are more complicated.

For example : It is not  safe to run 230v incoming mains voltage through the existing components of a fluorescent fitting, especially when some
older T12 can be 30 years old. To run 230v incoming voltage to the new T5 Adaptor through a 30 year old ballast, wiring, end-caps and starter is
an obvious safety issue.  All incoming voltage must be wired directly to the T5 adaptor and not through any other light fitting, fixture,
component or end-cap.

EMC, EMF and other issues are more complicated.  When a T5 Adaptor is tested for BS 55015 it is tested on a stand-alone basis in the test lab. 
If it achieves compliance it is awarded the relevant standard. However if the same product is then wired in conjunction with other components
in a fluorescent fitting the EMC characteristics are changed and the BS Standard becomes invalid. This has insurance and legal implications.

The CELMA Statement gives an example of an EMC graph which shows the EMC on  non-complaint T5 adaptor. This adaptor is shown to be 9
dBuV higher than the allowed limits would not be permitted due to possible interference with radio communication, digital TV, police and fire
department radio frequencies.   Please download this CELMA Statement and refer to pages 4 & 5 which shows graphs and statements.

The LIF and CELMA issued concerns over T5 adaptors and the 8to5 was re-designed to take these, and other safety concerns into consideration. 
The HF power-supply was designed in accordance to a specification issued by Local Government Consultant and includes thermal fuse, pcb fuse,
end of life protection and other features.  The new model was successfully tested in the UK in Feb 2008 and the BS Test Report is a available on request.

To the best of our knowledge the 8to5 Adaptor from MG Lites Ltd is the only T5 adaptor product that is fully tested to BS Standards in the UK.
When installed it is in fact an independent T5 light unit with valid BS Standards. It operates from direct incoming mains 230v voltage and does
run 230v through ANY of the existing components in the light fitting. The existing light fitting is only used to physically hold the 8to5 unit in place.
It is a totally independent T5 light unit with its own fully complaint, BS Tested High frequency power supply.

There are serious legal, commercial (insurance), health & safety standards implications for installation products that should comply to
EMC / EMF Standards but do not.  It is therefore important that you know the current regulations and standards. 

For further information please contact Mr. Keith Steele, Technical Services Manager, MG Lites Ltd >+44 (0) 7553 346 667

To the best of knowledge our 8to5 adapter is the only product that fully complies with both Celma & LIF Regulations,
we have also been awarded an EC declaration of conformity along with BS 55015.


This safety standard regulates against illegal electronic interference and radiated emissions which can and do often affect wireless radio
and electrical equipment including some health products...... So if you are thinking of changing your current light fittings make
sure your preferred choice is fully compliant.