[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 3, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31487-31505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13169]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 106 / Wednesday, June 3, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 31487]]



DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050]
RIN 1904-AD10


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Ceiling Fans

AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of 
Energy.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR), 
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes a number of changes to the 
proposed test procedure rule published on October 17, 2014. 
Specifically, DOE proposes to clarify that a ceiling fan is not subject 
to the test procedure if the plane of rotation of the ceiling fan's 
blades cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal, rather than exempt 
air circulators (or air-circulating fan heads) from the test procedure. 
DOE also proposes to test high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans 
according to test procedures based on the current DOE test procedure 
for ceiling fans, rather than the Air Movement and Control Association 
International, Inc. (AMCA) 230 test procedure. All ceiling fans larger 
than seven feet in diameter would still be tested according to a test 
procedure based on the AMCA 230 test procedure, but all ceiling fans 
less than seven feet in diameter would be tested according to test 
procedures based on the current DOE test procedure. DOE also proposes 
that the test require mounting all ceiling fans with blade spans less 
than or equal to seven feet to the real ceiling, rather than a false 
ceiling, during testing. The proposed test method would also increase 
the number of speeds at which ceiling fans with blade spans greater 
than seven feet are tested, and clarify the weighting associated with 
each tested speed in the energy efficiency metric and update the test 
room dimensions for ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven 
feet. Finally, DOE proposes to clarify the effective date corresponding 
to the NOPR proposal to reinterpret the statutory definition of a 
ceiling fan to include hugger ceiling fans.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
SNOPR until August 17, 2015. See section V, ``Public Participation,'' 
for details.

ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted must identify the SNOPR for Test 
Procedures for Ceiling Fans, and provide docket number EERE-2013-BT-TP-
0050 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) number 1904-AD10. 
Comments may be submitted using any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: [email protected]. Include the docket number and/or 
RIN in the subject line of the message.
    3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building 
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a 
CD. It is not necessary to include printed copies.
    4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible, 
please submit all items on a CD. It is not necessary to include printed 
copies.
    For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional 
information on the rulemaking process, see section V of this document 
(Public Participation).
    Docket: The docket is available for review at regulations.gov, 
including Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and 
transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All 
documents in the docket are listed in the regulations.gov index. 
However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly 
available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure.
    A link to the docket Web page can be found at: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/rulemaking.aspx/ruleid/101. This Web page will contain a link to the docket for this 
document on the regulations.gov site. The regulations.gov Web page 
contains simple instructions on how to access all documents, including 
public comments, in the docket. See section V for information on how to 
submit comments through regulations.gov.
    For further information on how to submit a comment, review other 
public comments and the docket, or participate in the public meeting, 
contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 287-1604. Email: [email protected].
Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7796. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOE intends to incorporate by reference the 
following industry standard into 10 CFR part 430: ANSI/AMCA 230-12 
(``AMCA 230''), Air Movement and Control Association Laboratory Methods 
of Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and Certification. Copies of 
ANSI/AMCA 230-12 can be obtained from the American National Standards 
Institute, 25 W. 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, 212-642-
4900, or go to http://www.ansi.org.

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
II. Synopsis of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
    A. Ceiling Fans for Which the Plane of Rotation of the Ceiling 
Fan's Blades Cannot Be Within 45 Degrees of Horizontal Are Not 
Subject to the Test Procedure
    B. Update Test Procedures for High-Volume Small-Diameter Ceiling 
Fans
    C. Mount All Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Less Than or Equal to 
Seven Feet to the Real Ceiling for Testing
    D. Test Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Greater Than Seven Feet at 
Five Speeds
    E. Update Test Room Dimensions for Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans 
Greater Than Seven Feet
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

[[Page 31488]]

    B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
    F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
    G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 1999
    I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001
    K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
    L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration 
Act of 1974
    M. Description of Material Incorporated by Reference
V. Public Participation
    A. Submission of Comments
    B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 
6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of 
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. (All references to 
EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the EPS Service Parts Act 
of 2014, Pub. L. 113-263 (Dec. 18, 2014)). Part B of title III, which 
for editorial reasons was redesignated as Part A upon incorporation 
into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309), establishes the ``Energy 
Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.''
    Under EPCA, this energy conservation program consists essentially 
of four parts: (1) Testing; (2) labeling; (3) Federal energy 
conservation standards; and (4) certification and enforcement 
procedures. The testing requirements consist of test procedures that 
manufacturers of covered products must use as the basis for certifying 
to DOE that their products comply with the applicable energy 
conservation standards adopted pursuant to EPCA and for making other 
representations about the efficiency of those products. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(c) and 6295(s)) Similarly, DOE must use these test requirements to 
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards 
promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))

II. Synopsis of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    After careful consideration of comments received on the NOPR, DOE 
is issuing this SNOPR to propose that manufacturers are not required to 
test ceiling fans pursuant to the test procedure if the plane of 
rotation of the ceiling fan's blades cannot be within 45 degrees of 
horizontal. This approach replaces that in the proposed rule issued on 
October 17, 2014 (79 FR 62521) (October 2014 NOPR), where DOE proposed 
to exempt ceiling fans from the test procedure based on the potentially 
ambiguous terms ``air circulator'' or ``air-circulating fan head''. DOE 
also proposes test procedures for high-volume small-diameter ceiling 
fans based on the current DOE ceiling fan test procedure and require 
all ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet to 
be mounted directly to the real ceiling during testing. In addition, 
for ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet, DOE proposes 
to increase the number of speeds at which the fans are tested and 
clarify the weighting associated with each speed in the proposed energy 
efficiency metric, as well as update the test room dimensions.
    This SNOPR summarizes and addresses comments received on the NOPR 
that are related to the changes proposed in this SNOPR. DOE received 
comments on the NOPR regarding a number of other topics that are not 
addressed in this SNOPR; these comments will be addressed in the final 
rule. The following paragraphs summarize the proposed changes in this 
SNOPR, with further detail provided in Section III, Discussion.

Ceiling Fans for Which the Plane of Rotation of the Ceiling Fan's 
Blades Cannot Be Within 45 Degrees of Horizontal Are Not Subject to the 
Test Procedure

    DOE proposes that manufacturers not be required to test a ceiling 
fan pursuant to the test procedure if the plane of rotation of the 
ceiling fan's blades cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal. This 
proposal would replace DOE's NOPR proposal that the test procedure does 
not apply to air circulators (or air-circulating fan heads), thereby 
removing any ambiguity associated with the terms ``air circulator'' or 
``air-circulating fan heads.'' This proposal ensures that only those 
ceiling fans whose performance the test procedure was designed to 
evaluate will be subject to the test procedure.

Update Test Procedures for High-Volume Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans

    DOE proposes to test high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans 
according to test procedures based on the current DOE test procedure 
for ceiling fans, rather than the Air Movement and Control Association 
International, Inc. (AMCA) 230 test procedure. As a result, all ceiling 
fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet would be tested 
according to the test procedures for low-volume ceiling fans proposed 
in the NOPR, with the distinction that high-volume small-diameter 
ceiling fans would be tested only at high speed, whereas low volume 
ceiling fans would be tested at both high speed and low speed, as 
proposed in the NOPR.

Mount All Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Less Than or Equal to Seven 
Feet to the Real Ceiling for Testing

    DOE proposes to test all ceiling fans with blade spans less than or 
equal to seven feet with the ceiling fan mounted to the real ceiling, 
rather than a false ceiling, while maintaining the required vertical 
distance between the air velocity sensor heads and the bottom of the 
ceiling fan blades. This would provide a better representation of 
ceiling fan efficiency and would likely incur less test burden than 
testing with the ceiling fan mounted to a false ceiling.

Test Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Greater Than Seven Feet at Five 
Speeds

    DOE proposes to test all ceiling fans with blade spans greater than 
seven feet at five speeds spaced equally over the range of available 
speeds: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of the measured maximum speed 
revolutions per minute (rpm). DOE also proposes to clarify the 
weighting associated with each tested speed in the energy efficiency 
metric.

Update Test Room Dimensions for Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Greater 
Than Seven Feet

    DOE proposes to update the test room dimensions for all ceiling 
fans with blade spans greater than seven feet. The updates represent 
potential increases to the required test room dimensions relative to 
those dimensions proposed in the NOPR for high-volume ceiling fans.

III. Discussion

A. Ceiling Fans for Which the Plane of Rotation of the Ceiling Fan's 
Blades Cannot Be Within 45 Degrees of Horizontal Are Not Subject to the 
Test Procedure

    In the NOPR, DOE stated that the proposed test procedures would not 
apply to air circulators (or air-circulating fan heads) that are 
typically mounted on a pedestal but could also include wall, ceiling, 
or I-beam mounting brackets. DOE then referenced section 5.1.1 of AMCA 
230-12 for the definition of an air circulator. In response, DOE 
received comments from Fanimation, Matthews Fan Company, and BAS 
requesting clarification of the definition of the term ``air 
circulator,'' as

[[Page 31489]]

the language in AMCA 230 is ambiguous. (Fanimation, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 83 at p. 21; Matthews Fan Company, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 83 at pp. 22-23; Big Ass Solutions, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 83 at pp. 23-24) ALA further requested that DOE clarify 
if a fan head assembly consisting of a motor, impeller, and guard 
mounted on a downrod classified as an air circulator. (American 
Lighting Association, No. 8 at pp. 4-5)
    Per suggestion by BAS to review other sections of AMCA 230 for a 
clearer definition of an air circulator, DOE reviewed AMCA 230-12 for 
more specific language, but only found potentially ambiguous language. 
DOE's intention in excluding air circulators from the test procedure 
was to ensure that only ceiling fans that could be properly assessed 
with the test procedure were subject to the test procedure. For 
example, DOE intended to exclude ceiling fans that only moved air 
horizontally, rather than primarily downward, as the test procedure is 
not designed to provide accurate performance data for such fans. In 
this supplemental proposal, DOE proposes that if the plane of rotation 
of a ceiling fan's blades cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal, 
the ceiling fan is not subject to the test procedure. In this way, DOE 
is not specifically excluding ``air circulators''; instead, DOE is 
excluding from the test procedure only ceiling fans that do not have 
the majority of their airflow directed vertically downward.

B. Update Test Procedures for High-Volume Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans

    In the NOPR, DOE proposed different test methods for low-volume 
ceiling fans and high-volume, small-diameter ceiling fans. 
Specifically, DOE proposed to test low-volume ceiling fans according to 
a modified version of the current DOE test procedure, which is based on 
the ``Energy Star Testing Facility Guidance Manual: Building a Testing 
Facility and Performing the Solid State Test Method for ENERGY STAR 
Qualified Ceiling Fans, Version 1.1.'' In contrast, DOE proposed to 
test all high-volume ceiling fans (including high-volume small-diameter 
ceiling fans) according to the test procedure set forth in AMCA 230-12, 
but subject to the proposed test room dimensions set forth in the NOPR. 
These two test procedures are fundamentally different, as the NOPR low-
volume ceiling fan test procedure determines airflow based on air 
velocity measurements, whereas the NOPR high-volume ceiling fan test 
procedure determines airflow based on load differential measured using 
a load cell.
    Data presented by Big Ass Solutions (BAS) at the November 19, 2014 
public meeting shows that the AMCA 230 test procedure results in a 
decrease in the measured performance for the same fan as compared to 
the NOPR test procedure for low-volume ceiling fans. (BAS, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 63-64).\1\ Given this, BAS expressed 
that there may be instances where a small-diameter fan has a large 
enough measured airflow under the NOPR low-volume test procedure to 
move it into the high-volume category, but when tested according to the 
NOPR high-volume test procedure, the measured airflow would be too low 
for the fan to qualify for the high-volume category. Id. BAS added that 
the decrease in rated performance of the high-volume small-diameter fan 
according to the NOPR test procedure could lead to a consumer selecting 
a less-efficient product when choosing between a low-volume and high-
volume small-diameter ceiling fans based on NOPR test method results. 
Id. BAS suggested that all ceiling fans with blade spans less than or 
equal to seven feet be tested according to the same test method, based 
on DOE's current test procedure for ceiling fans, and ceiling fans with 
blade spans of more than seven feet be tested according to AMCA 230. 
(BAS, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at p. 64) Emerson Electric 
Company (Emerson), Westinghouse Lighting (Westinghouse), Hunter Fan 
Company (Hunter), Fanimation, and Minka Group all agreed with BAS' 
suggestion. Furthermore, the American Lighting Association (ALA) stated 
that manufacturers are more familiar with the ENERGY STAR test 
procedure and prefer it for measuring the performance of all ceiling 
fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet. (ALA, No. 8 at 
pp. 7-8) In particular, ALA expressed concern about the repeatability 
and test burden associated with load-cell testing of high-volume 
ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet (as 
required in AMCA 230). (Id.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A notation in this form provides a reference for information 
that is in the docket of DOE's rulemaking to develop test procedures 
for ceiling fans (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050), which is 
maintained at www.regulations.gov. This notation indicates that the 
statement preceding the reference is document number 5 in the docket 
for the ceiling fan and ceiling fan light kits energy conservation 
standards rulemaking and appears at pages 63-64 of that document.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE recognizes the concerns put forth by BAS et al. According to 
ALA, manufacturers are already accustomed to testing ceiling fans with 
blade spans less than or equal to seven feet according to the current 
ENERGY STAR test procedure which, along with the current DOE test 
procedure and the test procedures proposed in the NOPR for low-volume 
ceiling fans, is based on ``Energy Star Testing Facility Guidance 
Manual: Building a Testing Facility and Performing the Solid State Test 
Method for ENERGY STAR Qualified Ceiling Fans, Version 1.1.'' DOE 
prefers to harmonize with the accepted industry test procedures where 
appropriate. Proposing test procedures for high-volume small-diameter 
ceiling fans based on the test procedures proposed in the NOPR for low-
volume ceiling fans is more consistent with this objective.
    In the NOPR, DOE proposed a different test procedure for all high-
volume ceiling fans (including those with blade spans less than or 
equal to seven feet) in part because some large-diameter ceiling fans 
(i.e., those ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet) are 
too large to be tested in current low-volume ceiling fan test 
facilities, and testing with a single load cell is more practical than 
testing with numerous air velocity sensors for large-diameter fans. For 
ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet, 
however, these experimental concerns are significantly less compelling. 
In the NOPR, DOE assumed that high-volume small-diameter and high-
volume large-diameter ceiling fans were substitutes for one another 
(for example an array of high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans 
substituting for a single high-volume large diameter ceiling fan) and 
proposed the same test procedure for all high-volume ceiling fans to 
allow for comparison. Feedback from stakeholders indicates that 
industry practice is to use an ENERGY STAR style test procedure for 
high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans and that high-volume small-
diameter ceiling fans may be substitutes for low-volume ceiling fans. 
Consequently, DOE agrees with interested parties that a test procedure 
for high-volume small-diameter fans based on the NOPR test procedure 
for low-volume ceiling fans would be more appropriate.
    Therefore, DOE proposes to test all ceiling fans with blade spans 
less than or equal to seven feet according to the low-volume ceiling 
fan test procedures proposed in the NOPR, except that, as in the NOPR, 
high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans would be tested at only high 
speed while low-volume ceiling fans would be tested at both high and 
low speed. A further modification to the NOPR test procedure for low-
volume ceiling fans and high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans is 
discussed in section III.C. High-volume small-

[[Page 31490]]

diameter ceiling fans would be tested at only high speed because, as 
discussed in the NOPR, high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans 
typically do not have discrete speeds so speeds other than high may not 
be well defined. Additionally, DOE does not have enough information to 
estimate a distribution of time spent at speeds other than high speed 
for the efficiency metric for high-volume small diameter ceiling fans.

C. Mount All Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Less Than or Equal to Seven 
Feet to the Real Ceiling for Testing

    In the NOPR, DOE proposed to mount all low-volume ceiling fans to a 
false ceiling for testing. Using an adjustable-height false ceiling 
would allow the air velocity sensor height to remain constant, while 
the ceiling fan mounting height could be adjusted to obtain the 
required distance between the bottom of the ceiling fan blades and the 
air velocity sensors. The NOPR proposal was based on an assumption that 
mounting the ceiling fans to an adjustable-height false ceiling for 
testing would be less burdensome than adjusting the height of the air 
velocity sensors.
    In response to the NOPR, at the November 2014 public meeting, BAS 
presented test results indicating a decrease in measured efficiency 
performance when a ceiling fan is mounted to a false ceiling rather 
than a real ceiling. (BAS, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 125-
126) BAS also stated that testing with the ceiling fan mounted to a 
real ceiling is more representative of actual use, and Fanimation and 
Minka Group agreed with Big Ass Solution's comments. (Id.; Fanimation, 
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at p. 129; Minka Group, Public Meeting 
Transcript, No. 5 at p. 129) In regard to test burden, BAS indicated 
that keeping the false ceiling level and in correct position during 
testing is more burdensome than adjusting the height of the air 
velocity sensors. (BAS, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at p. 131) 
Hunter Fan Company suggested that their lab uses a different air 
velocity sensor mounting system, and therefore it could be more 
burdensome to adjust the height of the air velocity sensors. (Hunter 
Fan Company, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at p. 131)
    DOE agrees with BAS that testing with the ceiling fan mounted to 
the real ceiling is more representative of actual use. DOE further 
acknowledges the concerns put forth by BAS--and the potential 
counterpoint provided by Hunter Fan Company--and has reviewed the 
proposal to mount all low-volume and high-volume small-diameter ceiling 
fans to a false ceiling during testing. DOE reviewed the data provided 
by BAS and noted a decrease in airflow efficiency of approximately 10% 
across the range of speeds tested when testing with a false ceiling 
rather than the real ceiling compelling. Additionally, DOE received 
test cost estimates from two test labs that show that testing with a 
false ceiling may be more financially burdensome than testing with the 
ceiling fan mounted to the real ceiling and adjusting the height of the 
air velocity sensors. The cost estimates received indicate a cost of 
$600-$1,800 for testing with a false ceiling, as opposed to $725-$1,500 
for testing with the real ceiling. The minimum expected cost for 
testing with a real ceiling is higher than for testing with a false 
ceiling due to the one-time cost associated with implementing a change 
to the experimental set up to allow for the adjustment of the height of 
the air velocity sensors. The average variable test costs for testing 
with the real ceiling, however, are lower compared to testing with a 
false ceiling. DOE approximates the fixed costs for the one-time 
modification to be $2000 or less. DOE expects that test labs will be 
able to amortize the fixed costs over many tests. Consequently, the 
total average costs for testing with the real ceiling are lower than 
testing with a false ceiling.
    Therefore, DOE proposes to mount all ceiling fans with blade spans 
less than or equal to seven feet to the real ceiling, rather than a 
false ceiling, for testing. DOE also clarifies that with this proposal 
to mount the ceiling fan to the real ceiling, the height of the air 
velocity sensors must be adjusted to achieve the specified vertical 
distance (43 inches) between the bottom of the fan blades and the air 
velocity sensor heads for each mounting configuration in which the 
ceiling fan is tested.

D. Test Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Greater Than Seven Feet at Five 
Speeds

    DOE proposed to test all high-volume ceiling fans--regardless of 
blade span--at high speed in the NOPR. DOE proposed testing only at a 
single speed because high-volume ceiling fans are often equipped with a 
speed controller that is continuously adjustable rather than having 
discrete speeds (e.g., low, medium, and high). In response to the NOPR 
proposal, DOE received several comments from stakeholders. MacroAir and 
the AMCA Committee indicated that an upcoming revision of AMCA 230 
would contain a requirement to test at five speeds (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 
and 100% of the maximum achievable speed) and suggested DOE harmonize 
with this approach. (MacroAir, No. 6 at p. 5; AMCA, No. 84 \2\ at pp. 
2-3) MacroAir also suggested that the overall efficiency of the ceiling 
fan should be calculated by taking performance data at each of the five 
speeds and then calculating a weighted average of those data based on 
the estimated operating hours at each speed. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's 
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans 
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE believes it is preferable to align the DOE ceiling fan test 
procedure with the accepted industry test procedures--in this case AMCA 
230--as much as possible. DOE also notes that testing at five speeds 
rather than just at high speed may provide a more holistic 
representation of a ceiling fan's performance over a range of service 
levels, which may in turn facilitate easier comparisons for consumers. 
Finally, MacroAir supported testing at five speeds. (MacroAir, No. 6 at 
p. 6) Given these points, DOE proposes in this SNOPR to test all 
ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet at five equally-
spaced speeds: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of the rpm of the maximum 
achievable speed. DOE clarifies that these speed settings are to be 
based on actual rpm measurements, and also notes that this proposal has 
no effect on ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven 
feet, as set forth in III.B.
    DOE is unaware of any ceiling fan with blade span greater than 
seven feet in diameter that does not have a speed controller that is 
continuously adjustable. DOE seeks comment and information on whether 
there are any ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet for 
which the proposed test procedure in this SNOPR could not be applied 
(i.e., any ceiling fans larger than seven feet in diameter that could 
not achieve the five speeds specified).
    The equation and daily operating hours proposed in the NOPR to 
calculate the efficiency of ceiling fans larger than seven feet in 
diameter would need to be updated to enable testing these fans at five 
speeds. In the NOPR, DOE proposed the following efficiency equation for 
all high-volume ceiling fans to be tested at only high speed:

[[Page 31491]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.002

Where:

CFMH = airflow at high speed,
OHA = operating hours in active mode,
WH = power consumptionat high speed.
OHSb = operating hours in standby mode, and
WSb = power consumption in standby mode

    Based on the proposal to test all ceiling fans with blade spans 
greater than seven feet at five speed settings, DOE proposes to use the 
following equation to calculate the weighted ceiling fan efficiency for 
these ceiling fans:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.003

Where:

CFMi = airflow at speed
OHi = operating hours at speed
Wi = power consumption at speed
OHsb = operating hours in standby mode, and
Wsb = power consumption in standby mode.

    The daily operating hours at each of the five speeds are an input 
to this equation. In the NOPR, DOE proposed the following daily 
operating hours for all high-volume ceiling fans: 12 hours of active 
mode and 12 hours of non-active mode. In response to the proposed 
operating hours, MacroAir and BAS separately provided breakdowns of 
daily operating hours for large-diameter ceiling fans by speed setting 
(Table 1). (MacroAir, No. 6 at p. 5; BAS, No. 88 \3\ at pp. 37, 39).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's 
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans 
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).

                         Table 1--Manufacturer-Suggested Daily Operating Hours by Speed Setting for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Daily operation by speed setting (h)
                      Manufacturer                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              100%          80%           60%          40%          25%          20%        Off/Standby
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MacroAir................................................           3              4           6              4  ...........            1               6
Big Ass Solutions.......................................           0.6            3           1.2  ...........          7.2  ...........              12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In their comments, BAS did not provide this breakdown in daily 
operating hours explicitly; instead, BAS presented an alternative hours 
of use analysis in which they presented annual hours of operation at 
each of four speeds. In this alternative analysis, BAS did not alter 
DOE's proposed 12 hours of active use per day, so DOE assumes BAS 
agreed with this value.
    To account for both daily operating hours breakdowns, DOE 
calculated a simple average of the proposed operating hours by speed 
setting (in calculating this average, DOE mapped the 7.2 h at 25% speed 
suggested by BAS to the 20% speed setting). Using this simple average, 
DOE proposes in this SNOPR to use the daily operating hours in Table 2 
for all ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet for use 
in the efficiency calculation.

  Table 2--Daily Operating Hours by Speed Setting for Ceiling Fans With
                   Blade Spans Greater Than Seven Feet
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        No        With
                      Setting                        standby    standby
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100% (Max) Speed..................................        1.8        1.8
80% Speed.........................................        3.5        3.5
60% Speed.........................................        3.6        3.6
40% Speed.........................................        2.0        2.0
20% Speed.........................................        4.1        4.1
Standby Mode......................................        0.0        9.0
Off Mode..........................................        9.0        0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Update Test Room Dimensions for Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans 
Greater Than Seven Feet

    In the NOPR, DOE proposed to test all high-volume ceiling fans, 
including ceiling fans larger than seven feet in diameter, using a test 
procedure based on AMCA 230-12. Because AMCA 230-12 is only applicable 
to ceiling fans with blade spans of six feet or less, DOE proposed to 
modify the specified room dimensions to allow for the testing of larger 
ceiling fans. The NOPR proposed a test procedure with the following 
modifications to the room dimensions in AMCA 230-12: (1) The minimum 
distance between the ceiling and the blades of a ceiling fan being 
tested is 44 inches for all blade diameters, (2) ceiling fans larger 
than 6 feet in diameter must have a 20 foot clearance between the floor 
and the blades of the fan being tested, and (3) for ceiling fans larger 
than 6 feet in diameter, the minimum distance between the centerline of 
a ceiling fan being tested and walls and large obstructions all around 
is half the ceiling fan blade span plus 10 feet.
    BAS stated during the public meeting that AMCA 230 is currently 
being revised and suggested that the test room dimensions proposed by 
DOE and the updated version of AMCA 230 be harmonized. (BAS, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 141-142) BAS specifically disagreed 
with the proposed clearance above the ceiling fan blades. (BAS, Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at p. 143) Westinghouse did not comment on 
the clearance height above the ceiling fan blades, but did express 
acceptance of the ten feet of lateral clearance from the fan blade tips 
that DOE proposed. (Westinghouse, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at 
p. 144)
    AMCA has yet to release the updated version of AMCA 230, but the 
test room

[[Page 31492]]

dimensions currently being considered by the AMCA Committee for the 
updated standard have been made publicly available. The AMCA Committee 
is currently considering the following test room dimensions for the 
updated standard: (1) Minimum distance between the ceiling and the 
blades of a ceiling fan being tested shall be 40% of the ceiling fan 
blade span; (2) Minimum distance between the floor and the blades of 
the fan shall be the larger of 80% of the ceiling fan blade span or 15 
feet; and (3) Minimum distance between the centerline of a ceiling fan 
and walls and/or large obstructions is 150% of the ceiling fan blade 
span. (AMCA, No. 84 \4\ at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's 
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans 
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE considered whether the room dimension requirements expected to 
be included in the updated version of AMCA 230 would limit any 
manufacturers' access to a test facility large enough to meet the 
proposed test procedure requirements. DOE notes that, for ceiling fans 
with blade spans greater than or equal to 10 feet, the minimum distance 
between the ceiling and the top of the blades and the minimum distance 
between the centerline of the ceiling fan and walls or large 
obstructions is greater for the dimensions suggested by MacroAir and 
the AMCA Committee than for the dimensions proposed in the NOPR. 
However, DOE does not believe that access to test facilities for 
ceiling fan manufacturers is significantly decreased by the increased 
test room dimensions proposed in this SNOPR relative to the test room 
dimensions proposed in the NOPR. Therefore, this SNOPR proposes that 
the test room dimensions for ceiling fans with blade spans larger than 
seven feet meet the following criteria: (1) Minimum distance between 
the ceiling and the blades of a ceiling fan being tested shall be 40% 
of the ceiling fan blade span; (2) Minimum distance between the floor 
and the blades of the fan shall be the larger of 80% of the ceiling fan 
blade span or 15 feet; and (3) Minimum distance between the centerline 
of a ceiling fan and walls and/or large obstructions is 150% of the 
ceiling fan blade span. DOE intends to review the final published 
version of AMCA 230 when it is available. If the test room dimensions 
specified in the final version are identical in substance to the test 
procedure test room requirements DOE has proposed for high-volume 
ceiling fans, DOE will consider incorporating AMCA 230 by reference in 
the rule. Alternatively, DOE may also decide to incorporate it by 
reference, but with modifications. DOE notes that in accordance with 
the proposal in section III.B of this SNOPR, the room dimensions would 
only apply to ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet.

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test 
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory 
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory 
Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this 
regulatory action was not subject to review under the Executive Order 
by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires 
preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis (RFA) for any rule 
that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the agency 
certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. As required 
by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in 
Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (Aug. 16, 2002), DOE published 
procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that the 
potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly 
considered during the DOE rulemaking process. (68 FR 7990 (Feb. 19, 
2003)). DOE has made its procedures and policies available on the 
Office of the General Counsel's Web site: http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
    DOE reviewed this proposed rule under the provisions of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) and the policies and procedures 
published on February 19, 2003. The proposed rule prescribes test 
procedure amendments that would be used to determine compliance with 
any amended energy conservation standards that DOE may prescribe for 
ceiling fans. DOE has prepared an initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis (IRFA) for this rulemaking. The IRFA describes potential 
impacts on small businesses associated with ceiling fan testing 
requirements. DOE seeks comment on the discussion below and will 
develop a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) for any final 
test procedures developed in this test procedure rulemaking.
    DOE has transmitted a copy of this IRFA to the Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for review.
    (1) Description of the reasons why action by the agency is being 
considered.
    A description of the reasons why DOE is considering this test 
procedure is provided elsewhere in the preamble and not repeated here.
    (2) Succinct statement of the objectives of, and legal basis for, 
the proposed rule.
    The objectives of and legal basis for the proposed rule are stated 
elsewhere in the preamble and not repeated here.
    (3) Description of and, where feasible, an estimate of the number 
of small entities to which the proposed rule will apply.
    For the manufacturers of the covered ceiling fan products, the 
Small Business Administration (SBA) has set a size threshold, which 
defines those entities classified as ``small businesses'' for the 
purposes of the statute. DOE used the SBA's small business size 
standards to determine whether any small entities would be subject to 
the requirements of the rule. 13 CFR part 121. The size standards are 
listed by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 
and industry description and are available at: http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. Ceiling fan manufacturing 
is classified under NAICS code 335210, ``Small Electrical Appliance 
Manufacturing'' or NAICS code 333412, ``Industrial and Commercial Fan 
and Blower Manufacturing.'' The SBA sets a threshold for NAICS 
classification for 335210 and 333412 of 750 employees or less and 500 
employees or less, respectively.\5\ DOE reviewed ALA's list of ceiling 
fan manufacturers,\6\ the ENERGY STAR Product Databases for Ceiling 
Fans,\7\ the California Energy Commission's Appliance Database for 
Ceiling Fans,\8\ and the Federal Trade Commission's Appliance Energy

[[Page 31493]]

Database for Ceiling Fans.\9\ Based on this review, using data on the 
companies for which DOE was able to obtain information on the numbers 
of employees, DOE estimates that there are between 25 and 35 small 
business manufacturers of low-volume ceiling fans. To determine the 
number of small business manufacturers of high-volume ceiling fans, DOE 
reviewed SBA's Web site, high-volume ceiling fan manufacturers Web 
sites, and company reports from Hoovers.com, in addition to speaking 
with industry experts. Based on this review, DOE estimates that there 
are between 5 and 10 small business manufacturers of high-volume small-
diameter ceiling fans and DOE estimates there are between 10 and 15 
small business manufacturers of high-volume large-diameter fans. DOE 
invites interested parties to comment on the estimated number of small 
business manufacturers of ceiling fans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ U.S. Small Business Administration, Table of Small Business 
Size Standards (August 22, 2008) (Available at: http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf).
    \6\ The American Lighting Association, list of Manufacturers & 
Representatives (Available at: http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/Members/Resources/Manufacturers-Representatives.aspx).
    \7\ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. 
Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR Ceiling Fans--Product Databases 
for Ceiling Fans (Available at: http://www.energystar.gov/products/certified-products/detail/ceiling-fans).
    \8\ The California Energy Commission, Appliance Database for 
Ceiling Fans (Available at: http://www.appliances.energy.ca.gov/QuickSearch.aspx).
    \9\ The Federal Trade Commission, Appliance Energy Databases for 
Ceiling Fans (Available at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/eande/appliances/ceilfan.htm).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) Description of the projected compliance requirements of the 
proposed rule.
    In the test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to reinterpret the 
statutory definition of a ceiling fan to include hugger ceiling fans. 
DOE also proposed that high-volume fans meet the definition of a 
ceiling fan. The proposed changes in interpretation of the ceiling fan 
definition discussed above would result in the applicability of the 
design standards set forth in EPCA at 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(1) to the 
following types of fans 30 days after the publication of any final test 
procedure adopting such changes in interpretation:
    1. Fans suspended from the ceiling using a downrod or other means 
of suspension such that the fan is not mounted directly to the ceiling;
    2. Fans suspended such that they are mounted directly or close to 
the ceiling;
    3. Fans sold with the option of being suspended with or without a 
downrod; and
    4. Fans capable of producing large volumes of airflow.
    DOE research indicates that all ceiling fans currently on the 
market, including hugger ceiling fans and high-volume ceiling fans, 
appear to meet the EPCA design standards. DOE conducted an analysis of 
Hansen Wholesale, an online wholesaler that sells over 2000 models of 
ceiling fans, including a wide variety of ceiling fan brands. Hansen 
Wholesale provides product specifications on its Web site, including 
the number of speeds and whether a ceiling fan is reversible. DOE 
examined all of the ceiling fans that were self-identified as hugger 
ceiling fans and found that they all had fan controls separate from 
lighting controls, were capable of being operated at more than one 
speed, and were capable of being operated in reverse.
    For high-volume ceiling fans, DOE searched for product 
specifications on the Web sites of manufacturers of high-volume large-
diameter ceiling fans and from Web sites of retailers of high-volume 
small-diameter ceiling fans. Only one high-volume ceiling fan model was 
found with a light kit, and the fan controls were separate from the 
lighting controls for that fan. All high-volume ceiling fans appeared 
to be capable of operating at more than one speed (typically with an 
adjustable speed control). High-volume ceiling fans are primarily sold 
for industrial purposes and are therefore not subject to the 
requirement to be capable of operating in reverse.
    Based on this research, DOE does not expect any cost of complying 
with the design requirements for manufacturers of hugger or high-volume 
ceiling fans.
    DOE proposes measures to limit the burden of testing on all 
manufacturers, including small business manufacturers, while providing 
a representative measurement of ceiling fan efficiency for consumers. 
Low-volume ceiling fans (excluding hugger fans) are currently required 
to test at high speed due to FTC's labeling requirement for ceiling 
fans. As discussed in more detail in the TP NOPR, DOE proposed to 
specify that low speed is to be tested as well as high speed to have a 
test procedure that is representative of typical use. DOE estimates 
that the cost to test at low speed, in addition to high speed, 
represents an average additional cost of $87.5 (or $175 per basic 
model) above the high-speed test cost.
    DOE notes that if the concurrent rulemaking regarding energy 
conservation standards for ceiling fans results in efficiency 
performance standards, DOE would require testing for certification of 
two ceiling fans per basic model, the minimum sample size required by 
10 CFR 429.11. To determine the potential cost of the proposed test 
procedure on small ceiling fan manufacturers under a potential energy 
conservation standard for ceiling fans, DOE estimated the cost of 
testing two ceiling fans. The cost of testing was then multiplied over 
the estimated number of basic models produced by a small manufacturer. 
The estimated cost of testing is discussed in further detail below.
    In the test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to: (1) Reinterpret the 
statutory definition of a ceiling fan such that it would include hugger 
ceiling fans; the proposed test method for hugger ceiling fans would be 
the same as the proposed test method for all other low volume ceiling 
fans; (2) clarify that low-volume ceiling fans should be tested at low 
and high speeds; (3) eliminate the requirement to use a test cylinder; 
and (4) add a test method for power consumption in standby mode.
    In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to: (1) Not require testing of a 
ceiling fan if the plane of rotation of the ceiling fan's blades cannot 
be within 45 degrees of horizontal; (2) test high-volume small-diameter 
ceiling fans based on the current DOE ceiling fan test procedure; (3) 
require all ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven 
feet be mounted directly to the real ceiling during testing; (4) 
increase the number of speeds at which ceiling fans with blade spans 
greater than seven feet are tested, and also clarify the weighting 
associated with each speed in the energy efficiency metric; and (5) 
update the test room dimensions for all ceiling fans with blade spans 
greater than seven feet.
    DOE estimated the cost to test a low-volume ceiling fan based on 
estimates from third-party testing facilities of the cost to perform 
the current ENERGY STAR test procedure for ceiling fans, which is 
similar to DOE's proposed test procedure, and the changes in cost 
associated with the key differences between the two test procedures. 
DOE's proposed test procedure for low-volume ceiling fans differs from 
the current ENERGY STAR test procedure in that it (1) requires testing 
at only two fan speeds instead of three, (2) requires mounting the 
ceiling fan to the real ceiling, (3) does not require the use of a test 
cylinder, (4) requires less warm up time before testing at low speed, 
(5) requires adjusting the height of the air velocity sensors, and (6) 
requires standby-mode testing.
    In aggregate, DOE estimates that these differences will result in a 
lower test cost for the proposed DOE test procedure for low-volume 
ceiling fans when compared to the ENERGY STAR test procedure for 
ceiling fans. Testing at only two speeds instead of three yields a 
total test time that is approximately 35 minutes shorter than the 
ENERGY STAR test procedure. The proposed test procedure would also 
require mounting ceiling fans to the real ceiling, which would involve 
a one-time lab cost for a mechanism that allows for the adjustment of 
the height of the air velocity sensors to keep the distance

[[Page 31494]]

between the bottom of the fan blades and the air velocity sensor heads 
at a specified vertical distance (43 inches). Based on the materials 
employed and test quotes from third-party labs, DOE estimates the one-
time cost to construct a mechanism to allow for the adjustment of the 
height of the air velocity sensors is less than $2000. Once the 
mechanism is constructed, it can be used to test all low-volume ceiling 
fans, and therefore would not add substantial test cost thereafter.
    DOE's proposed test procedure, which would not require use of a 
test cylinder, also eliminates any potential costs associated with 
purchasing new test cylinders. If the test procedure required the use 
of test cylinders, then a new cylinder would be necessary to test any 
ceiling fan with a diameter that does not correspond to one of the 
cylinders in a test lab's existing inventory. Based on discussions with 
third-party testing facilities, DOE estimates that new test cylinders 
would cost approximately $2000-3000 per cylinder. By not using a 
cylinder, these costs will be avoided. Not requiring a test cylinder 
also shortens the test time of DOE's proposed test procedure relative 
to ENERGY STAR's test procedure for all low-volume ceiling fans, 
because time is not required to put a test cylinder in place for each 
test (estimated to take 15 minutes). Additionally, DOE's proposed test 
procedure only requires 15 minutes of warm up time before testing at 
low speed compared to 30 minutes in the ENERGY STAR test procedure, 
further reducing the relative amount of time required for DOE's 
proposed test procedure by 15 minutes. In total, DOE estimates that the 
typical time to perform the proposed test procedure will be shorter by 
65 minutes compared to ENERGY STAR's test procedure.
    The test procedure NOPR proposed to add a requirement for standby-
mode testing for ceiling fans with standby functionality. A study 
performed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that 7.4% of 
low-volume ceiling fans have standby capability.\10\ Using the quotes 
provided by third-party testing facilities, DOE estimates that the 
standby test for all ceiling fans with standby functionality will cost 
$200 per basic model.
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    \10\ Kantner, C. L. S., S. J. Young, S. M. Donovan, and K. 
Garbesi. Ceiling Fan and Ceiling Fan Light Kit Use in the U.S.--
Results of a Survey on Amazon Mechanical Turk. 2013. Lawrence 
Berkeley National Laboratory: Berkeley, CA. Report No. LBNL-6332E. 
http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/3r67c1f9.
_____________________________________-

    Based on all of the differences between the test procedure proposed 
and the ENERGY STAR test procedure, and estimates from third-party 
testing facilities of the labor costs associated with these 
differences, DOE estimates that the test procedure proposed for 
standard, hugger and multi-head ceiling fans will cost $1500 on average 
per basic model, once the mechanism for the adjustment of the height of 
the air velocity sensors is constructed. Therefore, DOE estimates that 
the total weighted average test cost for the proposed test procedure 
and standby testing for standard, hugger and multi-head ceiling fans 
will be $1515. For multi-mount ceiling fans, DOE estimates that the 
test cost will be approximately double the cost for standard, hugger 
and multi-head ceiling fans.
    For the approximately 25-35 small business manufacturers of low-
volume ceiling fans that DOE identified, the number of basic models 
produced per manufacturer varies significantly from one to 
approximately 80. DOE notes that standard, hugger and multi-head 
ceiling fans represent about 95% of basic models for low-volume ceiling 
fans and multi-mount ceiling fans represent about 5% of basic models 
for low-volume ceiling fans. Therefore, based on the test cost per 
ceiling fan basic model, the weighted average testing cost in the first 
year would range from approximately $1515 to $127,243 for small 
manufacturers of ceiling fans. DOE expects this cost to be lower in 
subsequent years because only new or redesigned ceiling fan models 
would need to be tested.
    The proposed test method for ceiling fans with blade span less than 
or equal to seven feet is also applicable to high-volume small-diameter 
ceiling fans. The key differences between the proposed test method for 
low-volume ceiling fans and high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans are 
that high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans require testing at only 
one fan speed instead of two speeds. DOE estimates that the test costs 
for high-volume small-diameter fans are reduced by $175 per basic model 
due to testing at one speed. Therefore a typical test for a single-
headed high-volume small-diameter ceiling fan would cost approximately 
$1325 per basic model. DOE did not find accurate data on the percentage 
of high-volume small-diameter fans with standby capability, though DOE 
located some high-volume small-diameter fans without standby capability 
in web searches. To provide a conservative cost estimate, DOE made the 
assumption that all high-volume small-diameter fans should be tested 
for standby power. DOE estimates that the total test cost for the 
proposed test procedure and standby testing for a single-headed high-
volume small-diameter ceiling fans will be $1525.
    For the approximately 10-15 small business manufacturers of high-
volume small-diameter ceiling fans that DOE identified, the number of 
basic models produced per manufacturer varies significantly from one to 
approximately 30. Therefore, based on the test cost per ceiling fan 
basic model, the testing cost in the first year would range from 
approximately $1525 to $45,750 for small manufacturers of high-volume 
small-diameter ceiling fans. DOE expects this cost to be lower in 
subsequent years because only new or redesigned ceiling fan models 
would need to be tested.
    DOE estimated the cost to test a high-volume large-diameter ceiling 
fan based on discussions with testing facilities capable of performing 
the AMCA 230 test procedure as well as cost estimates based on the time 
and labor costs necessary to perform the proposed test procedure on 
high-volume large-diameter ceiling fans. DOE estimates that the one-
time cost for a lab to buy a load-cell, a fabricated load-cell frame, 
power meter, and one air velocity sensor is approximately $4500. DOE 
estimates that the test procedure proposed in this SNOPR for high-
volume large-diameter ceiling fans will cost manufacturers on average 
$7500 per basic model. Hence, DOE estimates that the total test cost 
for the proposed test procedure and standby testing for a high-volume 
large-diameter ceiling fans will be $7,700.
    For the approximately 5-10 small business manufacturers of high-
volume large-diameter ceiling fans that DOE identified, the number of 
basic models produced per manufacturer varies from one to 30. 
Therefore, based on the test cost per ceiling fan basic model, the 
testing cost in the first year would range from approximately $7700 to 
$231,000 for small manufacturers of high-volume large-diameter ceiling 
fans. DOE expects this cost to be lower in subsequent years because 
only new or redesigned ceiling fan models would need to be tested.
    DOE used company reports from Hoovers.com, information from 
manufacturers' Web sites and feedback from manufacturers to estimate 
the revenue for the small business manufacturers of low and high-volume 
ceiling fans identified. The median revenue of the small business 
manufacturers of low-volume ceiling fans is approximately $15M. 
Relative to the median revenue for a small business manufacturer, the 
total testing cost ranges from 0.01 percent to 0.85 percent of the 
median revenue. The median revenue of the small business manufacturers 
of high-volume small-

[[Page 31495]]

diameter ceiling fans is approximately $11M. Relative to the median 
revenue for a small business manufacturer of high-volume ceiling fans, 
the total testing cost ranges from 0.01 percent to 0.42 percent of the 
median revenue. The median revenue of the small business manufacturers 
of high-volume large-diameter ceiling fans is approximately $9M. 
Relative to the median revenue for a small business manufacturer of 
high-volume ceiling fans, the total testing cost ranges from 0.09 
percent to 2.6 percent of the median revenue.
    For both low and high-volume ceiling fans, DOE does not expect that 
small manufacturers would necessarily have fewer basic models than 
large manufacturers, because ceiling fans are highly customized 
throughout the industry. A small manufacturer could have the same total 
cost of testing as a large manufacturer, but this cost would be a 
higher percentage of a small manufacturer's annual revenues. DOE 
requests comments on its analysis of burden to small businesses for 
testing ceiling fans according to the proposed test procedure.
    (5) Relevant Federal rules which may duplicate, overlap or conflict 
with the proposed rule.
    DOE is not aware of any other Federal rules that would duplicate, 
overlap or conflict with the rule being proposed.
    (6) Description of any significant alternatives to the proposed 
rule.
    DOE considered a number of industry and governmental test 
procedures that measure the efficiency of ceiling fans to develop the 
proposed test procedure in this rulemaking. There appear to be two 
common approaches to testing ceiling fans: An approach based on using 
air velocity sensors to calculate airflow, such as the current DOE test 
procedure for ceiling fans, ENERGY STAR's test procedure, and CAN/CSA-
C814-10, and an approach based on using a load cell to measure thrust, 
such as AMCA 230.
    In principle, either approach could be used to measure the airflow 
efficiency of all ceiling fans, but maintaining consistency with 
industry practice would minimize test burden for all ceiling fan 
manufacturers. Though a load-cell based approach appears to be a 
potentially simpler method of estimating airflow efficiency, in 
industry, low-volume ceiling fans have historically been tested 
according to the air-velocity sensor based approach. High-volume large-
diameter ceiling fans, on the other hand, have historically been tested 
according to the load-cell based approach. It also appears to be cost-
prohibitive to scale up the air-velocity sensor based approach to the 
high-volume large-diameter ceiling fans currently on the market given 
the number of sensors that would be required to cover ceiling fans 24 
feet in diameter and the cost of constructing an appropriate rotating 
sensor arm.
    DOE seeks comment and information on any alternative test methods 
that, consistent with EPCA requirements, would reduce the economic 
impact of the rule on small entities. DOE will consider the feasibility 
of such alternatives and determine whether they should be incorporated 
into the final rule.

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    All collections of information from the public by a Federal agency 
must receive prior approval from OMB. DOE has established regulations 
for the certification and recordkeeping requirements for covered 
consumer products and industrial equipment. 10 CFR part 429, subpart B. 
Currently, the certification requirement for ceiling fans only 
addresses design standards.\11\ In an application to renew the OMB 
information collection approval for DOE's certification and 
recordkeeping requirements, DOE included an estimated burden for 
manufacturers of ceiling fans in case DOE ultimately issues a coverage 
determination and sets energy conservation standards for these 
products. OMB has approved the revised information collection for DOE's 
certification and recordkeeping requirements. 80 FR 5099 (January 30, 
2015). DOE estimated that it will take each respondent approximately 30 
hours total per company per year to comply with the certification and 
recordkeeping requirements based on 20 hours of technician/technical 
work and 10 hours clerical work to actually submit the Compliance and 
Certification Management System (CCMS) templates. This rulemaking would 
include recordkeeping requirements on manufacturers that are associated 
with executing and maintaining the test data for these products. DOE 
notes that the certification requirements would be established in a 
final rule establishing energy conservation standards for ceiling fans. 
DOE recognizes that recordkeeping burden may vary substantially based 
on company preferences and practices. DOE requests comment on this 
burden estimate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ DOE collects fan performance information through its 
Compliance Certification Management System (CCMS) on behalf of the 
Federal Trade Commission (FTC); however, that data collection is 
covered under an OMB Control Number issued to FTC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    In this proposed rule, DOE proposes test procedure amendments that 
it expects will be used to develop and implement future energy 
conservation standards for ceiling fans. DOE has determined that this 
rule falls into a class of actions that are categorically excluded from 
review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) and DOE's implementing regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. 
Specifically, this proposed rule would amend the existing test 
procedures without affecting the amount, quality, or distribution of 
energy usage, and, therefore, would not result in any environmental 
impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered by Categorical Exclusion A5 
under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which applies to any rulemaking that 
interprets or amends an existing rule without changing the 
environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly, neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 10, 1999), 
imposes certain requirements on Federal agencies formulating and 
implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that 
have Federalism implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to 
examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any 
action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States and 
to carefully assess the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order 
also requires agencies to have an accountable process to ensure 
meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the 
development of regulatory policies that have Federalism implications. 
On March 14, 2000, DOE published a statement of policy describing the 
intergovernmental consultation process it will follow in the 
development of such regulations. (65 FR 13735 (Mar. 14, 2000)). DOE has 
examined this proposed rule and has tentatively determined that it 
would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal preemption of State 
regulations as to energy conservation for the products that are the 
subject of this proposed rule. States can petition DOE

[[Page 31496]]

for exemption from such preemption to the extent, and based on 
criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further action is 
required by Executive Order 13132.

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation 
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal 
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) 
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to 
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected 
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification 
and burden reduction. Regarding the review required by section 3(a), 
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that 
Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the 
regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) 
clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3) 
provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting 
simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive 
effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses 
other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship 
under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of 
Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations 
in light of applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine 
whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. 
DOE has completed the required review and tentatively determined that, 
to the extent permitted by law, the proposed rule meets the relevant 
standards of Executive Order 12988.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the 
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). 
For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may 
cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one 
year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a 
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the 
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. 
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)). The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers 
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving 
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect them. On March 18, 1997, DOE published 
a statement of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation 
under UMRA. (62 FR 12820 (Mar. 18, 1997)). (This policy is also 
available at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.) DOE examined 
this proposed rule according to UMRA and its statement of policy and 
has tentatively determined that the rule contains neither an 
intergovernmental mandate, nor a mandate that may result in the 
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any year. 
Accordingly, no further assessment or analysis is required under UMRA.

H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family 
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being. 
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the 
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not 
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.

I. Review Under Executive Order 12630

    Pursuant to Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental Actions and 
Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights,'' 53 FR 
8859 (Mar. 18, 1988), DOE has determined that this proposed regulation 
would not result in any takings that might require compensation under 
the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for Federal agencies to review 
most disseminations of information to the public under information 
quality guidelines established by each agency pursuant to general 
guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 
(Feb. 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 
(Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed this proposed rule under the OMB and 
DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is consistent with applicable 
policies in those guidelines.

K. Review Under Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355 
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OIRA 
at OMB, a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant 
energy action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action 
by an agency that promulgates or is expected to lead to promulgation of 
a final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a 
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action, 
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on 
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, 
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected 
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
    This regulatory action to amend the test procedure for measuring 
the energy efficiency of ceiling fans is not a significant regulatory 
action under Executive Order 12866 or any successor order. Moreover, it 
would not have a significant adverse effect on the supply, 
distribution, or use of energy, nor has it been designated as a 
significant energy action by the Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it 
is not a significant energy action, and, accordingly, DOE has not 
prepared a Statement of Energy Effects for this rulemaking.

L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 
1974

    Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act 
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), DOE must comply with all laws 
applicable to the former Federal Energy Administration, including 
section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 
93-275), as amended by the Federal Energy Administration Authorization 
Act of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-70). (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA) Section 32 
essentially provides in relevant part that, where a proposed rule 
authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the notice of 
proposed rulemaking must

[[Page 31497]]

inform the public of the use and background of such standards. In 
addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with the Attorney 
General and the Chairman of the FTC concerning the impact of the 
commercial or industry standards on competition.
    This proposed rule would incorporate testing methods contained in 
the following commercial standard: ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-12, 
``Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and 
Certification.'' The Department has evaluated this standard and is 
unable to conclude whether it fully complies with the requirements of 
section 32(b) of the FEAA, (i.e., that it was developed in a manner 
that fully provides for public participation, comment, and review). DOE 
will consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the FTC 
concerning the impact on competition of requiring manufacturers to use 
the test methods contained in this standard prior to prescribing a 
final rule.

M. Description of Material Incorporated by Reference

    In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to incorporate by reference the test 
standard published by ANSI/AMCA, titled ``Air Movement and Control 
Association Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for 
Rating and Certification,'' ANSI/AMCA 230-12. ANSI/AMCA 230-12 is an 
industry accepted test standard that specifies test methods for ceiling 
fans with blade spans less than six feet (and other air circulating 
fans) and is applicable to products sold in North America. The test 
procedures proposed in this SNOPR reference ANSI/AMCA 230-12 for the 
test apparatus and instructions for testing ceiling fans, as specified 
in Section 3 (``Units of Measurement''), Section 4 (``Symbols and 
Subscripts''), Section 5 (``Definitions''), Section 6 (``Instruments 
and Methods of Measurement''), and Section 7 (``Equipment and Setups'') 
of ANSI/AMCA 230-12. ANSI/AMCA 230-12 is readily available on AMCA's 
Web site at http://www.amca.org/store/.
    DOE also proposes to incorporate by reference the test standard 
published by IEC, titled ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement 
of standby power,'' IEC 62301 (Edition 2.0). IEC 62301 is an industry 
accepted test standard that specifies methods for measuring the standby 
mode power of electrical products and is applicable to products sold in 
North America. The test procedures proposed in this SNOPR reference 
sections of IEC 62301 that address test conditions and procedures for 
measuring the standby mode power of ceiling fans capable of standby 
mode operation. IEC 62301 is readily available on IEC's Web site at 
http://webstore.iec.ch/.

V. Public Participation

A. Submission of Comments

    DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
proposed rule no later than the date provided in the DATES section at 
the beginning of this proposed rule. Interested parties may submit 
comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at 
the beginning of this SNOPR.
    Submitting comments via regulations.gov. The regulations.gov Web 
page will require you to provide your name and contact information. 
Your contact information will be viewable to DOE Building Technologies 
staff only. Your contact information will not be publicly viewable 
except for your first and last names, organization name (if any), and 
submitter representative name (if any). If your comment is not 
processed properly because of technical difficulties, DOE will use this 
information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your comment due to 
technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, DOE 
may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to regulations.gov information for which disclosure 
is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and commercial or 
financial information (hereinafter referred to as Confidential Business 
Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through regulations.gov cannot 
be claimed as CBI. Comments received through the Web site will waive 
any CBI claims for the information submitted. For information on 
submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through regulations.gov before 
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being 
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed 
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several 
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that regulations.gov 
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or mail. Comments and 
documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or mail also will be 
posted to regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact 
information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment 
or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact 
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, email 
address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover 
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any 
comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand 
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not 
necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be 
accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are written in English, free of any defects or viruses, and not 
secured. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: one copy 
of the document marked confidential including all the information 
believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked non-
confidential with the information believed to be confidential deleted. 
Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make 
its own determination about the confidential status of the information 
and treat it according to its determination.
    Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat 
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the 
items; (2) whether

[[Page 31498]]

and why such items are customarily treated as confidential within the 
industry; (3) whether the information is generally known by or 
available from other sources; (4) whether the information has 
previously been made available to others without obligation concerning 
its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the competitive injury to 
the submitting person which would result from public disclosure; (6) 
when such information might lose its confidential character due to the 
passage of time; and (7) why disclosure of the information would be 
contrary to the public interest.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment

    Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE 
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of 
interested parties concerning the following issues:
    1. Instead of specifically defining ``air circulator'' and 
exempting air circulators from the test procedure, DOE proposes to not 
subject a ceiling fan to the test procedure if the plane of rotation of 
the ceiling fan's blades cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal. DOE 
requests comment on this approach.
    2. DOE seeks comment on its proposal to test high-volume small-
diameter ceiling fans based on the low-volume ceiling fans test 
procedures proposed in the NOPR, with the distinction that high-volume 
small-diameter ceiling fans would be tested at only high speed.
    3. DOE seeks comment and any available data on average daily hours 
of use, fan speeds utilized, and fraction of time spent at each speed 
for high-volume small-diameter ceiling fans.
    4. DOE seeks comment on the percentage of high-volume small 
diameter ceiling fans that come with standby capability.
    5. DOE seeks comment on its proposal to mount all ceiling fans with 
blade spans less than or equal to seven feet to the real ceiling during 
testing.
    6. DOE seeks comment on its proposal to test all ceiling fans with 
blade spans greater than seven feet at five equally-spaced speeds, 
specifically 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% of maximum speed achievable. 
DOE also specifically seeks information on whether there are any 
ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet for which the 
proposed test procedure in this SNOPR could not be applied (i.e., any 
ceiling fans larger than seven feet in diameter that could not achieve 
the five speeds specified).
    7. DOE seeks comment on the proposed daily hours of use for ceiling 
fans larger than seven feet in diameter.
    8. DOE seeks comment on its proposal to harmonize the test room 
dimensions for testing high-volume large-diameter ceiling fans with the 
dimensions expected to be set forth in an updated version of AMCA 230.

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed 
rule.

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

    Confidential business information, Energy conservation, Household 
appliances, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

10 CFR Part 430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small 
businesses.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on May 26, 2015.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts 
429 and 430 of Chapter II, Subchapter D of Title 10, Code of Federal 
Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER 
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.

0
2. Section 429.32 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  429.32  Ceiling fans.

    (a) Determination of represented value. Manufacturers must 
determine the represented value, which includes the certified rating, 
for each basic model of ceiling fan by testing, in conjuction with the 
following sampling provisions:
    (1) The requirements of Sec.  429.11 are applicable to ceiling 
fans; and
    (2) For each basic model of ceiling fan selected for testing, a 
sample of sufficient size shall be randomly selected and tested to 
ensure that--
    (i) Any represented value of the efficiency or airflow shall be 
less than or equal to the lower of:
    (A) The mean of the sample, where:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.004
    
And x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and xi 
is the ith sample; or

    (B) The lower 90 percent confidence limit (LCL) of the true mean 
divided by 0.9, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.005

And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the 
number of samples; and t0.90 is the t statistic for a 90% 
one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from 
Appendix A to this subpart); and


[[Page 31499]]


    (ii) Any represented value of the wattage shall be greater than or 
equal to the higher of:
    (A) The mean of the sample, where:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.006
    
And x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and xi 
is the ith sample; or

    (B) The upper 95 percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true mean 
divided by 1.1, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.007

And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is the 
number of samples; and t0.95 is the t statistic for a 95% 
one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from 
Appendix A to this subpart).
* * * * *

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

0
3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

0
4. Section 430.2 is amended by adding the definitions for ``High-volume 
ceiling fan,'' ``Hugger ceiling fan,'' ``Low-volume ceiling fan,'' 
``Multi-mount ceiling fan,'' and ``Standard ceiling fan'' in 
alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  430.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    High-volume ceiling fan means a ceiling fan that:
    (1) Is greater than 7 feet in diameter; or
    (2) Has a blade thickness of less than 3.2 mm at the edge or a 
maximum tip speed that exceeds the threshold in the table in the 
definition of low-volume ceiling fan in this section and has a maximum 
airflow volume greater than 5,000 CFM.
* * * * *
    Hugger ceiling fan means a ceiling fan where the lowest point on 
the fan blades is no more than ten inches from the ceiling.
* * * * *
    Low-volume ceiling fan means a ceiling fan that:
    (1) Is less than or equal to 7 feet in diameter; and
    (2) Has a blade thickness greater than or equal to 3.2 mm at the 
edge and a maximum tip speed less than or equal to the limit in the 
table in this definition, or has a maximum airflow volume less than or 
equal to 5,000 CFM.

                               Low-Volume Ceiling Fans, 7 Feet or Less in Diameter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Thickness (t) of edges of blades          Maximum speed at tip of blades
      Airflow direction       ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         mm                   inch                 m/s          feet per minute
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downward-only................  4.8 > t >= 3.2.......  3/16 > t >= 1/8.....               16.3              3,200
Downward-only................  t >= 4.8.............  t >= 3/16...........               20.3              4,000
Reversible...................  4.8 > t >= 3.2.......  3/16 > t >= 1/8.....               12.2              2,400
Reversible...................  t >= 4.8.............  t >= 3/16...........               16.3              3,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    Multi-mount ceiling fan means a ceiling fan that can be mounted in 
both the standard and hugger ceiling fan configurations.
* * * * *
    Standard ceiling fan means a ceiling fan where the lowest point on 
the fan blades is more than ten inches from the ceiling.
* * * * *
0
5. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Adding paragraph (d)(20); and
0
b. Removing in paragraph (p)(4), ``and X to subpart B'' and adding in 
its place, ``U, and X to subpart B of this part''.
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  430.3  Materials incorporated by reference.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (20) ANSI/AMCA 230-12 (``AMCA 230''), Air Movement and Control 
Association Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for 
Rating and Certification, approved February 22, 2012, IBR approved for 
appendix U to subpart B of this part.
* * * * *
0
6. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (w) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  430.23  Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water 
consumption.

* * * * *
    (w) Ceiling fans. The efficiency of a ceiling fan, expressed in 
cubic feet per minute per watt (CFM/watt), shall be measured in 
accordance with sections 2.3, 2.5, 2.6 and 3 of appendix U to this 
subpart.
* * * * *
0
7. Appendix U to subpart B of part 430 is revised to read as follows:

[[Page 31500]]

Appendix U to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Ceiling Fans

    Prior to [DATE 180 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE IN 
THE FEDERAL REGISTER], manufacturers must make any representations 
with respect to the energy use or efficiency of ceiling fans, except 
hugger ceiling fans, multi-mount ceiling fans in the hugger 
configuration, and high-volume ceiling fans, as defined in 10 CFR 
430.2 in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this 
appendix or the procedures in appendix U as it appeared at 10 CFR 
part 430, subpart B, appendix U, in the 10 CFR parts 200 to 499 
edition revised as of January 1, 2015. On or after [DATE 180 DAYS 
AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL RULE], manufacturers of 
ceiling fans must make any representations with respect to energy 
use or efficiency in accordance with the results of testing pursuant 
to this appendix.
    1. Definitions:
    1.1. Airflow means the rate of air movement at a specific fan-
speed setting expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
    1.2. Ceiling fan efficiency means the ratio of the total airflow 
to the total power consumption, in units of cubic feet per minute 
per watt (CFM/W).
    1.3. High speed means the highest available ceiling fan speed.
    1.4. 20% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade 
revolutions per minute (RPM) are measured to be 20% of the blade RPM 
measured at high speed.
    1.5. 40% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade 
RPM are measured to be 40% of the blade RPM measured at high speed.
    1.6. 60% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade 
RPM are measured to be 60% of the blade RPM measured at high speed.
    1.7. 80% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade 
RPM are measured to be80% of the blade RPM measured at high speed.
    1.8. Low speed means the lowest available ceiling fan speed.
    1.9. Multi-head ceiling fan means a ceiling fan with more than 
one fan head, i.e., more than one set of rotating fan blades.
    1.10. Total airflow means the sum of the product of airflow and 
hours of operation at all tested speeds.
    2. General Instructions, Test Apparatus, and Test Measurement:
    General instructions apply to characterizing the energy 
performance of both low-volume and high-volume ceiling fans. The 
test apparatus and test measurement used to characterize energy 
performance depend on the ceiling fan's blade span and, if the blade 
span is less than or equal to seven feet, whether the ceiling fan is 
low-volume or high-volume. If the plane of rotation of a ceiling 
fan's blades is not less than or equal to 45 degrees from 
horizontal, or cannot be adjusted based on the manufacturer's 
specifications to be less than or equal to 45 degrees from 
horizontal, the ceiling fan is not subject to these test procedures.
    2.1. General instructions
    Record measurements at the resolution of the test 
instrumentation. Round off calculations to the same number of 
significant digits as the previous step. Round the final ceiling fan 
efficiency value to the nearest whole number as follows:
    2.1.1. A fractional number at or above the midpoint between the 
two consecutive whole numbers shall be rounded up to the higher of 
the two whole numbers; or
    2.1.2. A fractional number below the midpoint between the two 
consecutive whole numbers shall be rounded down to the lower of the 
two whole numbers.
    For multi-head ceiling fans, the effective blade span is the 
blade span of an individual fan head, if all fan heads are the same 
size. If the fan heads are of varying sizes, the effective blade 
span is the blade span of the largest fan head.
    2.2. Test apparatus for ceiling fans with a blade span less than 
or equal to seven feet:
    All instruments are to have tolerances within 1% of 
reading, except for the air velocity sensors, which should have 
tolerances within 5% of reading. Equipment is to be 
calibrated at least once a year to compensate for variation over 
time.
    2.2.1. Air Delivery Room Requirements
    The air delivery room dimensions are to be 20 0.75 
ft. x 20 0.75 ft. with an 11 0.75 ft. high 
ceiling. The control room shall be constructed external to the air 
delivery room.
    The ceiling shall be constructed of sheet rock or stainless 
plate. The walls shall be of adequate thickness to maintain the 
specified temperature and humidity during the test. The paint used 
on the walls, as well as the wall material, must be of a type that 
minimizes absorption of humidity and that keeps the temperature of 
the room constant during the test (e.g., oil-based paint).
    The room shall have no ventilation other than an air 
conditioning and return system used to control the temperature and 
humidity of the room. The construction of the room must ensure 
consistent air circulation patterns within the room. Vents must have 
electronically-operated damper doors controllable from a switch 
outside of the testing room.
    2.2.2. Equipment Set-Up
    Hang the ceiling fan to be tested directly from the ceiling, 
according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. All 
standard and hugger ceiling fans shall be hung in the fan 
configuration that minimizes the distance between the ceiling and 
the fan blades. Multi-mount fans shall be hung and tested in two 
configurations: In the configuration that meets the definition of a 
standard ceiling fan, while minimizing the distance the ceiling and 
the lowest part of the fan blades; and in the configuration that 
meets the definition of a hugger ceiling fan, while minimizing the 
distance between the ceiling and the lowest part of the fan blades.
    With the ceiling fan installed, adjust the height of the air 
velocity sensors to ensure the vertical distance between the lowest 
point on the ceiling fan blades and the air velocity sensors is 43 
inches.
    Either a rotating sensor arm or four fixed sensor arms can be 
used to take airflow measurements along four axes, labeled A-D. Axes 
A, B, C, and D are at 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree positions. Axes A-D 
can be designated either by using the four walls or four corners of 
the room. See Figure 1 of this appendix.

[[Page 31501]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.008

    The amount of exposed wiring must be minimized. All sensor lead 
wires must be stored under the floor, if possible.
    The sensors shall be placed at exactly 4-inch intervals along a 
sensor arm, starting with the first sensor at the point where the 
four axes intersect. Do not touch the actual sensor prior to 
testing. Enough sensors shall be used to record air delivery within 
a circle 8 inches larger in diameter than the blade span of the 
ceiling fan being tested. A proper experimental set-up is shown in 
Figure 2 of this appendix.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.009


[[Page 31502]]


    Table 1 of this appendix shows the appropriate number of sensors 
needed per each of four axes (including the first sensor at the 
intersection of the axes) for each fan size.

 Table 1 to Appendix U to Subpart B of Part 430: Sensor Selection Guide
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Number of
                 Fan blade span * (inches)                     sensors
------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.........................................................            6
42.........................................................            7
44.........................................................            7
48.........................................................            7
52.........................................................            8
54.........................................................            8
56.........................................................            8
60.........................................................            9
72.........................................................           10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The fan sizes listed are intended simply to be illustrative and do not
  restrict which ceiling fan sizes can be tested.

    An RPM (revolutions per minute) meter, or tachometer, should be 
installed so that the RPM of the ceiling fan blades can be measured 
during testing.
    Use an RMS sensor capable of measuring power with an accuracy of 
1% to measure ceiling fan power consumption. Prior to 
testing, the test laboratory must verify the performance of the 
sensor and sensor software to be used during the test.
    2.2.3. Multi-Head Ceiling Fan Test Set-Up
    Multi-headed ceiling fans are to be hung from the ceiling such 
that one of the ceiling fan heads is directly over sensor 1 (i.e., 
at the intersection of axes A, B, C, and D). The distance between 
the lowest point on the fan blades of the centered fan head and the 
air velocity sensors is to be such that it is the same as for all 
other low-volume ceiling fans (see Figure 2 of this appendix). 
Switching on only the centered fan head, the airflow measurements 
are to be made in the same manner as for all other ceiling fans with 
blade spans less than or equal to seven feet. The power consumption 
measurements are to be made separately, with all fan heads on.
    2.2.4. Test Set-Up for Ceiling Fans with Airflow Not Directly 
Downward
    For ceiling fans where the airflow is not directly downward, the 
ceiling fan head is to be adjusted such that the airflow is as 
vertical as possible prior to testing. The distance between the 
lowest point on the blades and the air velocity sensors should be 
the same as for all other low-volume ceiling fans (43 inches). For 
ceiling fans where a fully vertical orientation of airflow cannot be 
achieved, the ceiling fan is to be oriented such that any remaining 
tilt is aligned along one of the four sensor axes. Instead of 
measuring the air velocity for only those sensors directly beneath 
the ceiling fan, the air velocity is to be measured at all sensors 
along that axis, as well as the axis oriented 180 degrees with 
respect to that axis. For example, if the tilt is oriented along 
axis A, air velocity measurements are to be taken for all sensors 
along the A-C axis. No measurements would need to be taken along the 
B-D axis in this case.
    2.3. Active mode test measurement for ceiling fans with blade 
spans less than or equal to seven feet.
    2.3.1. Test conditions to be followed when testing:
     The temperature and humidity setting shall be 76 
degrees 2 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% 5% 
relative humidity. These shall be held constant during the entire 
test process.
     Allow the sensors to be turned on and the fan to run 
for 15 minutes at each fan speed/setting before taking readings.
     If present, the ceiling fan light fixture is to be 
installed but turned off during testing.
     If present, any heater is to be installed but turned 
off during testing.
     The tests shall be conducted with the fan connected to 
a supply circuit with a voltage of (a) 120 V for fans rated on the 
nameplate from 105 to 125 V; and (b) 240 V for fans rated on the 
nameplate from 208 to 250 V. The test voltage shall not vary by more 
than 1% during the tests.
     The test shall be conducted with the fan connected to a 
supply circuit at the rated frequency.
     Air conditioning vents shall be closed during testing.
    2.3.2. Airflow and Power Consumption Testing Procedure:
    Measure the airflow (CFM) and power consumption (watt) for low-
volume ceiling fans at high and low speed. For high-volume ceiling 
fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet, measure the 
airflow and power consumption only at high speed.
    Step 1: Make sure the transformer power is off. Hang fan and 
connect wires as directed by manufacturer's wiring instructions. 
Note: Assemble fan prior to the test; lab personnel must follow the 
instructions provided by the fan manufacturer. The fan blade 
assembly shall be balanced in accordance with the manufacturer's 
instructions to avoid excessive vibration of the motor assembly (at 
any speed) during operation.
    Step 2: Adjust the height of the air-velocity sensors such that 
the lowest point on the fan blades is 43 inches above the height of 
the sensor heads.
    Step 3: Set the first sensor arm (if using four fixed arms) or 
single sensor arm (if using a single rotating arm) to the 0 degree 
Position (Axis A). If necessary, use marking as reference. If using 
a single rotating arm, adjust the sensor arm alignment until it is 
at the 0 degree position by remotely controlling the antenna 
rotator.
    Step 4: Set software up to read and record air velocity, 
expressed in feet per minute (FPM) in 1 second intervals. 
(Temperature does not need to be recorded in 1 second intervals.) 
Record current barometric pressure.
    Step 5: Allow test fan to run 15 minutes at rated voltage and at 
high speed. Turn off all environmental conditioning equipment 
entering the chamber (e.g., air conditioning), close all doors and 
vents, and wait an additional 3 minutes prior to starting test 
session.
    Step 6: Begin recording readings. Take 100 readings (100 seconds 
run-time) and save these data.
    Step 7: Similarly, take 100 readings (100 seconds run-time) for 
Axes B, C, and D; save these data as well. If using four fixed 
sensor arms, the readings for all sensor arms should be taken 
simultaneously.
    Step 8: Repeat steps 3 through 7 above on low fan speed for low-
volume ceiling fans. Note: Ensure that temperature and humidity 
readings are held within the required tolerances for the duration of 
the test (all tested speeds). It may be helpful to turn on 
environmental conditioning equipment between test sessions to ready 
the room for the following speed test.
    Step 9: If testing a multi-mount ceiling fan, repeat steps 1 
through 8 with the ceiling fan hung in the configuration (either 
hugger or standard) not already tested.
    If a multi-head ceiling fan includes more than one type of 
ceiling fan head, then test at least one of each unique type. A fan 
head with different construction that could affect air movement or 
power consumption, such as housing, blade pitch, or motor, would 
constitute a different type of fan head.
    Measure power input at a point that includes all power-consuming 
components of the ceiling fan (but without any attached light kit or 
heater energized). Measure power continuously at the rated voltage 
that represents normal operation over the time period for which the 
airflow test is conducted for each speed, and record the average 
value of the power measurement at that speed in watts (W).
    Measure ceiling fan power consumption simultaneously with the 
airflow test, except for multi-head ceiling fans. For multi-head 
ceiling fans, measure power consumption at each speed continuously 
for 100 seconds with all fan heads turned on, and record the average 
value at each speed in watts (W).
    2.4. Test apparatus for ceiling fans with blade spans greater 
than seven feet:
    The test apparatus and instructions for testing ceiling fans 
with blade spans greater than seven feet shall conform to the 
requirements specified in Section 3 (``Units of Measurement''), 
Section 4 (``Symbols and Subscripts''), Section 5 (``Definitions''), 
Section 6 (``Instruments and Methods of Measurement''), and Section 
7 (``Equipment and Setups'') of the Air Movement and Control 
Association (AMCA) International's ``AMCA 230: Laboratory Methods of 
Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and Certification,'' 
February 22, 2012 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), with 
the following modifications:
    2.4.1. The test procedure is applicable to ceiling fans up to 24 
feet in diameter.
    2.4.2. A ``ceiling fan'' is defined as in Sec.  430.2.
    2.4.3. For all ceiling fans, the minimum distance between the 
ceiling and the blades of a ceiling fan being tested is 40% of the 
ceiling fan blade span.
    2.4.4. For all ceiling fans, the minimum distance between the 
floor and the blades of a ceiling fan being tested is the larger of: 
1) 80% of the ceiling fan blade span, and 2) 15 feet.
    2.4.5. For all ceiling fans, the minimum distance between the 
centerline of a ceiling fan being tested and walls and/or large 
obstructions is 150% of the ceiling fan blade span.

[[Page 31503]]

    2.5. Active mode test measurement for ceiling fans with blade 
spans greater than seven feet:
    Calculate the airflow (CFM) and measure the power consumption 
(watt) for ceiling fans at high speed, 80% speed, 60% speed, 40% 
speed, and 20% speed. When testing at speeds other than high speed 
(i.e., X% speed where X is 80. 60, 40, or 20), ensure the average 
measured RPM corresponds to X%  1% of the average RPM at 
high speed (e.g., For testing at 80% speed, the average measured RPM 
should be between 79% and 81% of the average measured RPM during 
testing at high speed). If the average measured RPM falls outside of 
this tolerance, adjust the ceiling fan speed and repeat the test. 
Calculate the airflow and measure the power consumption in 
accordance with the test requirements specified in Section 8 
(``Observations and Conduct of Test'') and Section 9 
(``Calculations'') of AMCA 230 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
430.3), with the following modifications:
    2.5.1. Measure power consumption at a point that includes all 
power-consuming components of the ceiling fan (but without any 
attached light kit or heater energized).
    2.5.2. Measure power consumption continuously at the rated 
voltage that represents normal operation over the time period for 
which the load differential test is conducted.
    2.6. Test measurement for standby power consumption
    Standby power consumption must be measured for all ceiling fans 
that offer one or more of the following user-oriented or protective 
functions:
     The ability to facilitate the activation or 
deactivation of other functions (including active mode) by remote 
switch (including remote control), internal sensor, or timer.
     Continuous functions, including information or status 
displays (including clocks), or sensor-based functions.
    Standby power consumption must be measured after completion of 
active mode testing and after the active mode functionality has been 
switched off (i.e., the rotation of the ceiling fan blades is no 
longer energized). The ceiling fan must remain connected to the main 
power supply and be in the same configuration as in active mode 
(i.e., any ceiling fan light fixture should still be attached). 
Measure standby power consumption according to IEC 62301 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3) with the following 
modifications:
    2.6.1. Allow 3 minutes between switching off active mode 
functionality and beginning the standby power test. (No additional 
time before measurement is required.)
    2.6.2. Measure power consumption continuously for 100 seconds, 
and record the average value of the standby power measurement in 
watts (W).
    3. Calculation of Ceiling Fan Efficiency from the Test Results:
    The efficacy of a ceiling fan is the ceiling fan efficiency (as 
defined in section 1 of this appendix). Two ceiling fan efficiencies 
will be calculated for low-volume multi-mount ceiling fans: One 
efficiency will correspond to the ceiling fan being mounted in the 
hugger configuration, and the other efficiency will correspond to 
the ceiling fan being mounted in the standard configuration.
    Using the airflow and power consumption measurements from 
section 2 (high and low speed for low-volume ceiling fans, only high 
speed for high-volume ceiling fans with blade spans less than or 
equal to seven feet) and section 3 (for all tested settings for 
ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet) calculate the 
efficiency for any ceiling fan as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.010

Where:

CFMi = airflow at speed i,
OHi = operating hours at speed i,
Wi = power consumption at speed i,
OHSb = operating hours in standby mode, and
WSb = power consumption in standby mode.

    Table 2 of this appendix specifies the daily hours of operation to 
be used in calculating ceiling fan efficiency:

  Table 2 to Appendix U to Subpart B of Part 430: Daily Operating Hours
                 for Calculating Ceiling Fan Efficiency
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        No        With
                                                     standby    standby
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Daily Operating Hours for Low-Volume Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Speed........................................        4.2        4.2
Low Speed.........................................        2.2        2.2
Standby Mode......................................        0.0       17.6
Off Mode..........................................       17.6        0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Operating Hours for High-Volume Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Less
                       Than or Equal to Seven Feet
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Speed........................................       12.0       12.0
Standby Mode......................................        0.0       12.0
Off Mode..........................................       12.0        0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Daily Operating Hours for Ceiling Fans With Blade Spans Greater Than
                               Seven Feet
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Speed........................................        1.8        1.8
80% Speed.........................................        3.5        3.5
60% Speed.........................................        3.6        3.6
40% Speed.........................................        2.0        2.0
20% Speed.........................................        4.1        4.1
Standby Mode......................................        0.0        9.0
Off Mode..........................................        9.0        0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The effective area corresponding to each sensor used in the test 
method for ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven 
feet is to be calculated with the following equations:
    For sensor 1, the sensor located directly underneath the center of 
the ceiling fan, the effective width of the circle is 2 inches, and the 
effective area is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.011

    For the sensors between sensor 1 and the last sensor used in the 
measurement, the effective area has a width of 4 inches. If a sensor is 
a distance d, in inches, from sensor 1, then the effective area is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.012


[[Page 31504]]


    For the last sensor, the width of the effective area depends on the 
horizontal displacement between the last sensor and the point on the 
ceiling fan blades furthest radially from the center of the fan. The 
total area included in an airflow calculation is the area of a circle 8 
inches larger in diameter than the ceiling fan blade span.
    Therefore, for example, for a 42-inch ceiling fan, the last sensor 
is 3 inches beyond the end of the ceiling fan blades. Because only the 
area within 4 inches of the end of the ceiling fan blades is included 
in the airflow calculation, the effective width of the circle 
corresponding to the last sensor would be 3 inches. The calculation for 
the effective area corresponding to the last sensor would then be:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.013

    For a 46-inch ceiling fan, the effective area of the last sensor 
would have a width of 5 inches, and the effective area would be:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.014

    3.1.1. Ceiling fan efficiency calculations for multi-head ceiling 
fans
    To determine the airflow at a given speed for a multi-head ceiling 
fan, measure the airflow for each fan head. Repeat for each fan head. 
Testing of each fan head is not required if the fan heads are 
essentially identical (i.e., do not have differences in construction 
such as housing, blade pitch, or motor could affect air movement or 
power consumption); instead, the measurements for one fan head can be 
used for each essentially identical fan head. Sum the measured airflow 
for each fan head included in the ceiling fan. The power consumption is 
the measured power consumption with all fan heads on.
    Using the airflow and power consumption measurements from section 2 
of this appendix, calculate ceiling fan efficiency for a multi-head 
ceiling fan as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.015

Where:

CFMi = sum of airflow at a given speed for each head,
OHi = operating hours at a given speed,
Wi = total power consumption at a given speed,
OHSb = operating hours in standby mode, and
WSb = power consumption in standby mode.

    3.1.2. Ceiling fan efficiency calculations for ceiling fans with 
airflow not directly downward
    Using a set of sensors that cover the same diameter as if the 
airflow were directly downward, the airflow at each speed should be 
calculated based on the continuous set of sensors with the largest air 
velocity measurements. This continuous set of sensors should be along 
the axis that the ceiling fan tilt is directed in (and along the axis 
that is 180 degrees from the first axis). For example, a 42-inch fan 
tilted toward axis A may create the pattern of air velocity shown in 
Figure 3 of this appendix. As shown in Table 1 of this appendix, a 42-
inch fan would normally require 7 active sensors. However because the 
fan is not directed downward, all sensors must record data. In this 
case, because the set of sensors corresponding to maximum air velocity 
are centered 3 sensor positions away from the sensor 1 along the A 
axis, substitute the air velocity at A axis sensor 4 for the average 
air velocity at sensor 1. Take the average of the air velocity at A 
axis sensors 3 and 5 as a substitute for the average air velocity at 
sensor 2, take the average of the air velocity at A axis sensors 2 and 
6 as a substitute for the average air velocity at sensor 3, etc. 
Lastly, take the average of the air velocities at A axis sensor 10 and 
C axis sensor 4 as a substitute for the average air velocity at sensor 
7. Any air velocity measurements made along the B-D axis are not 
included in the calculation of average air velocity.

[[Page 31505]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP03JN15.016

[FR Doc. 2015-13169 Filed 6-2-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P