Nothing like standards

Most EU citizens will recognise this sign. It is in place on electrical devices (fridges, freezers, washing machines...) so that the consumer can make an easy assessment of the power consumption and efficiency of the device and determine the true 'cost of ownership'. It has been used for about 15+ years and has gained widespread acceptance and recognition.


According to Monblot the EU has now decided to scrap it (under pressure from the manufacturers) and replace it with a numbering system. The higher the number, the more efficient. The problem is, the more efficient an item is/becomes, this number can go higher. The high to low scale is the opposite of how the current system is graded and will inevitably cause confusion and doubt in the consumers mind. Additionally, it is perfectly feasible for identical products to sit side by side in a store, be manufactured in the same factory in the same month, and to have different numbers. Confused? You will be.