Batteries Plus Prepares Businesses For T12 Phase Out

HARTLAND, WI, July 05, 2012 (Press-News.org) The T12 has been the most widely-used fluorescent lamp in commercial and industrial buildings over the past 60 years. However, many businesses are unaware that they will soon be forced to look into alternative lighting options because as of July 14, 2012, the T12 can no longer be manufactured or imported by suppliers. Batteries Plus, the nation's first, largest and fastest-growing battery and light bulb chain, is able to guide business consumers through this confusing change and recommend alternative replacement lighting options. These alternatives will save energy consumption and maintenance costs over time.

"It's very important that businesses are aware of the change that's about to take place. Right now, lighting suppliers are already starting to discontinue part numbers due to them being out of stock," said Batteries Plus CEO Russ Reynolds. "There are several lighting alternatives for businesses that can help them improve their energy footprint. Also, they may be unaware that local utility rebates can help cover some of the replacement costs."

Businesses can take two routes:

•Change T12 lamps to more efficient T8 lamps with a new, electronic ballast:
This option provides many possibilities for businesses. It allows businesses to not only improve energy usage and decrease the cost of electricity, but also to improve the quality of light. T8 lamps generally have a higher lumen output and CRI (Color Rendering Index) than the T12 lamps they are replacing.

•Change T12 lamps to T8 LED lamps with a little electrical work:
This option is relatively new to the market. T8 LED lamps offer further savings on energy consumption with the added benefit of an extended life span. These lamps generally last 50,000 hours and come with a five-year warranty. The electrical work required is minimal: Simply bypass the ballast and connect the lamp directly to the fixture. These lamps are becoming increasingly cost effective and will be a very popular replacement in the near future.

"Our lighting experts can come out to your business and conduct an on-site analysis, offering expert advice on ways to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs in the workplace," said Reynolds. "Whether it's replacing their current T12 lamps or recommending other energy-efficient lighting options, we'll help guide businesses through this confusing process and help them find the cost-effective, energy-saving lighting options that are best for them."

Batteries Plus is the nation's first, largest and fastest-growing battery and light bulb franchise. Batteries Plus, designated by Franchise Times as the nation's 5th fastest-growing franchise in terms of percentage unit growth from 2009 to 2010, and ranked as the #1 Retail Battery Franchise by both Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 and D&B AllBusiness.com, has over 515 locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico. Batteries Plus is owned by Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm. With access to more than 40,000 types of batteries, light bulbs and accessories, Batteries Plus has the widest selection of battery and light bulb products available and offers unmatched service to consumers, businesses and government entities at the national and local levels. Batteries Plus continues its reign as the undisputed leader in the expanding $30.7 billion U.S. battery replacement market and in the growing U.S light bulb replacement market estimated to be at $17 billion. To learn more about our exciting franchise opportunities please visit http://www.batteriesplus.com/franchising for more information.