High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Bulbs
HPS lighting are mostly used for street lighting as well as industrial uses.
City staff are required to buy LEDs. Compared to HPS lighting, LEDs do not contain toxic mercury, are more energy efficient and longer lasting.
Comply with the Guide for City staff below.
Can't avoid HPS lighting? Try Limited Use HPS lighting that meet criteria below. They have lower levels of toxic mercury than other HPS lighting.
Info on this product category: High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Bulbs
Criteria for High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Bulbs
When LED replacements do not exist, the following specifications apply:
HPS lamps, non-cycling, with a mogul (E39) base, up to 1000 watts:
- Minimum rated life (hours): 30,000
- Minimum warranty (years): 2
- Maximum mercury content (mg): 10 maximum; TCLP-compliant* required
HPS lamps, cycling, with a mogul (E39) base, up to 1000 watts:
- Minimum rated life (hours): 24,000
- Minimum warranty (years): 1
- Maximum mercury content (mg): No maximum; TCLP-compliant* required
Other HPS lamps (including medium base, standby models, and other types):
- Minimum rated life (hours): No minimum
- Minimum warranty (years): 1
- Maximum mercury content (mg): No maximum; TCLP-compliant* required
Prohibited high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps:
- Mercury vapor lamps;
- Low-pressure sodium lamps; and
- Probe start metal halide HID lamps (except models >400 watts).
* TCLP-compliant lamps have reduced mercury content and often are labeled “ECO”.
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Guide for City Staff
City staff should see the buy green guide for lamps (bulbs), ballasts, LED fixtures, and drivers, and recycling.
Need help switching to LEDs? Get funding for retrofits with the SF Public Utilities Commission: 415-554-2442, DAYoung@sfwater.org.
Recycling Instructions
Hang posters where lighting is collected for recycling.
In City-owned buildings, pay for a pickup from your lighting vendor or SF Department of Public Health (SFDPH).
In privately-owned buildings, use companies serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Guide for Small Businesses & Homes
- Get a free on-site assessment for low-cost installation of energy-saving equipment. Contact SF Energy Watch, 415-355-3769.
- Recycle lighting with companies serving the San Francisco Bay Area or the rest of the U.S.
Guide for Large Organizations
- Get a free on-site assessment for low-cost installation of energy-saving equipment. Contact SF Energy Watch, 415-355-3769.
- Recycle lighting with companies serving the San Francisco Bay Area or the rest of the U.S.
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