As of January 1st 2026, Canada has begun prohibiting the manufacture and sale of most standard mercury-containing fluorescent lamps. This marks the first stage of a broader federal initiative led by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to reduce mercury pollution nationwide as part Canada’s commitment under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a United Nations agreement signed by more than 140 countries to reduce the environmental and health impacts of mercury.
Over the past several decades, an estimated 100 million lamps containing mercury have been sold across Canada. These lamps (most commonly fluorescent tubes) have been widely used in commercial and institutional buildings due to their efficiency and long service life.
Retailers are still permitted to sell existing fluorescent lamp inventory until the end of 2029, but no new stock will be entering the supply chain. Beginning January 1, 2026, many commonly used fluorescent lamps for general lighting can no longer be manufactured or imported into Canada. The intent is to push the market fully toward mercury-free alternatives such as LED lighting.
When the federal government formally announced this ban in mid-2024, it was described as a necessary step to align Canada with international mercury-reduction standards. By 2035, these regulations are expected to reduce mercury released into the environment from lamps by approximately 91 percent—about 681 kilograms—while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 4.6 megatonnes.
From Incandescent to Fluorescent—and Now to LED
In 2013, Canada phased out incandescent light bulbs due to poor energy efficiency (they consumed about 300% as much power as fluorescents, and up to 1000% as much as LED). At the time, LED lamps were still relatively new and expensive, so many consumers went for fluorescents instead.
Today, with fluorescent lighting being phased out, LEDs become the long-term standard for both residential and commercial applications. LEDs are far less fragile than fluorescent lamps and don’t contain mercury or any other gases — in fact, LEDs are solid-state, and don’t really “contain” anything.
Understanding Mercury in Lighting
Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is toxic to living organisms. This may seem an odd thing to add to lamps, but mercury (in the form of vapour) is how they produce light — electrical current excites the vapour, which generates UV light that then activates the phosphor coating on the lamp’s glass, causing it to glow. That phenomenon is called “fluorescence”, hence the name of that type of lamp. It’s that glow that we perceive as visible light. As long as the lamp is unbroken, the mercury is safely contained — issues arise when lamps break, which then releases the mercury vapour within.
Impact on Commercial Buildings and 347-Volt Systems
Many commercial and industrial buildings operate lighting systems at 347 volts, particularly warehouses, manufacturing facilities, retail stores, and institutional spaces. These systems were designed around the fluorescent fixtures and ballasts that are now being discontinued.
As fluorescent lamps are phased out, manufacturers are also scaling back or eliminating production of 347-volt ballasts, drivers, and control components. These were already specialty items, and availability is now becoming increasingly limited. In practice, this means longer lead times, discontinued models, and fewer compatible replacements.
From a maintenance perspective, this changes how lighting failures are handled. A ballast failure that once meant a simple part swap may now result in extended downtime due to parts availability issues. In some cases, direct replacement ballasts are no longer available at all, making LED conversion the only viable option.
How LED Retrofits Work in 347-Volt Applications
LED retrofits in 347-volt commercial systems are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The approach depends on the existing fixtures, wiring condition, and long-term goals of the facility.
Ballast-Bypass (Direct-Wire) LED Retrofits
This is one of the most common solutions in 347-volt buildings. The existing fluorescent ballast is removed or bypassed, and the LED lamps are wired directly to the supply voltage. This eliminates the ballast entirely, which removes one of the most failure-prone components in the system.
For 347-volt installations, this requires LED lamps specifically rated for that voltage. While these products are available, they are more specialized than standard 120-volt LED lamps and must be installed correctly to meet code and manufacturer requirements.
LED Retrofit Kits
In many commercial spaces, especially where fixtures are still in good physical condition, LED retrofit kits are a practical option. These kits typically include LED light engines or panels, a new LED driver rated for 347 volts, and updated internal wiring and mounting hardware. The existing fixture housing remains in place, but the internal components are converted to LED. This approach provides a clean, modern light output without replacing the entire fixture and is often preferred in large facilities where consistency and appearance matter.
Full Fixture Replacement
In some cases, particularly with older or damaged fixtures, complete replacement makes the most sense. New LED fixtures designed for 347-volt systems offer improved efficiency, better light distribution, and longer service life with fewer components to fail. This has a higher upfront cost, but it often reduces long-term maintenance and avoids compatibility issues associated with retrofitting aging equipment.
Will I still see energy savings if my system’s voltage stays at 347v?
Yes, because voltage isn’t a measure of power consumption – wattage is. Watts = Volts multiplied by Amps, and LEDs have a lower amperage draw than fluorescents, so the wattage will be lower even if the voltage remains the same. In our experience, a LED will draw about half the wattage of an equivalent fluorescent.
Ask a Pro
We realize this can be a complex decision, especially since facilities with that 347-volt setup tend to be larger in terms of square footage and the number of fixtures. Give us a call for a free consultation — we can help you determine the best course of action.
