[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 137 (Monday, July 18, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46768-46805]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14389]



[[Page 46767]]

Vol. 81

Monday,

No. 137

July 18, 2016

Part II





 Department of Energy





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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430





Energy Conservation Program: Final Coverage Determination; Test 
Procedures for Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 137 / Monday, July 18, 2016 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 46768]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0029 and EERE-2011-BT-DET-0072]
RIN 1904-AD44, 1904-AC66, and 1904-AC51


Energy Conservation Program: Final Coverage Determination; Test 
Procedures for Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule classifies a variety of refrigeration products 
that are collectively described as ``miscellaneous refrigeration 
products''--i.e., ``MREFs,'' as a covered product under Part A of Title 
III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (``EPCA''), as amended. 
These products include different types of refrigeration devices that 
include one or more compartments that maintain higher temperatures than 
typical refrigerator compartments, such as wine chillers and beverage 
coolers. Additionally, this final rule amends or establishes certain 
definitions related to these products and establishes test procedures 
for certain classes of MREFs. These procedures are based an earlier 
proposal the Department of Energy published on December 16, 2014, along 
with additional feedback provided as part of a negotiated rulemaking 
effort focusing on these products. The test procedures follow the same 
general methodology as those currently in place for refrigerators, 
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. Through this rule, the test 
procedures for MREFs will be codified. This rule also establishes 
similar clarifying amendments for freezers.

DATES: Effective Date: The effective date of this rule is August 17, 
2016, except for 10 CFR 429.14(c)(2) and (3), which are stayed 
indefinitely. DOE will publish a document in the Federal Register 
announcing the effective date of these provisions.
    Compliance Date: Except as noted in the definitions for, freezers, 
refrigerator, and refrigerator-freezers in 10 CFR 430.2, the final rule 
changes related to the test procedure provisions detailed in this 
document will be mandatory for representations of energy use starting 
January 17, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The docket, which includes Federal Register documents, 
public meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other 
supporting documents/materials, is available for review at 
regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed in the 
regulations.gov index. However, some documents listed in the index, 
such as those containing information that is exempt from public 
disclosure, may not be publicly available.
    A link to the docket Web page can be found at: https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-TP-0029 or https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2011-BT-DET-0072. These Web 
pages will contain a link to this document on the regulations.gov site. 
The regulations.gov Web page will contain simple instructions on how to 
access all documents, including public comments, in the dockets.
    For further information on how to review the docket, contact Ms. 
Brenda Edwards at (202) 586-2945 or by email: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Hagerman, U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building 
Technologies Office, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202)586-6590 Email: 
[email protected].
    Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
    A. General Rulemaking Authority
    B. Current Rulemaking Process
II. Summary of the Final Rule
III. Scope of Coverage
IV. Evaluation of Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products as Covered 
Products
    A. Coverage Necessary or Appropriate To Carry Out Purposes of 
EPCA
    B. Energy Use Estimates
    1. Coolers
    2. Combination Cooler Refrigeration Products
    3. Conclusions
V. Product Definitions
    A. Coolers
    B. Combination Cooler Refrigeration Products
    C. Refrigerators, Refrigerator Freezers, and Freezers
    D. General Terms for the Groups of Products Addressed in This 
Rule
VI. Test Procedure Discussion
    A. Test Procedure Sections and Appendices Addressing the Newly 
Covered Products
    B. Elimination of Definition Numbering in the Appendices
    C. Removal of Provisions for Externally-Vented Products
    D. Sampling Plans, Certification Reporting, and Measurement/
Verification of Volume
    E. Compartment Definition
    F. Cooler Compartments
    1. Cooler Compartment Standardized Temperature
    2. Cooler Compartment Temperature Measurement
    3. Cooler Compartments as Special Compartments
    4. Temperature Settings and Energy Use Calculations
    5. Volume Calculations
    6. Convertible Compartments
    G. Test Procedures for Coolers
    1. Ambient Temperature and Usage Factor
    2. Light Bulb Energy
    H. Non-Compressor Refrigeration Products
    1. Ambient Temperature for Non-Compressor Refrigeration Products
    2. Refrigeration System Cycles
    I. Extrapolation for Refrigeration Products
    J. Combination Cooler Refrigeration Product Test Procedures
    1. Ambient Temperature
    2. Usage Factor
    3. Temperature Control Settings and Energy Use Calculations
    K. Incidental Changes to Test Procedure Language To Improve 
Clarity
    L. Changes to Volume Measurement and Calculation Instructions
    M. Removal of Appendices A1 and B1
    N. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements
    1. Test Burden
    2. Changes in Measured Energy Use
    3. Standby and Off Mode Energy Use
VII. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    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 the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review
    M. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration 
Act of 1974
    N. Congressional Notification
VIII. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

A. General Rulemaking Authority

    Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, in context, ``the Act'') 
sets forth a variety of provisions designed to improve energy 
efficiency. Part B of title III, which for editorial reasons was re-
designated as Part A upon incorporation into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C. 
6291-

[[Page 46769]]

6309, as codified), establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program for 
Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.'' These products include 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, which are among the 
subjects of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(1)) This document also 
addresses coolers (e.g., wine coolers) and combination cooler-
refrigeration products (i.e., products that include warm compartments 
such as wine storage compartments in products that otherwise perform 
the functions of refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, or freezers). 
DOE is establishing coverage for these products as MREFs in this 
document.
    EPCA specifies a list of covered consumer products that includes 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. Although EPCA did 
not define any of these products, it specified that the extent of DOE's 
coverage would apply to those refrigerator, refrigerator-freezers, and 
freezers that can be operated by alternating current (``AC'') 
electricity, but excluding those products that are designed to be used 
without doors, and, separately, those products that do not include a 
compressor and condenser unit as an integral part of the cabinet 
assembly. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(1)) EPCA did not preclude or otherwise 
foreclose the possibility that other consumer refrigeration products, 
such as those consumer refrigeration products addressed in this 
rulemaking, could also be covered separately if they satisfy certain 
prerequisites. EPCA, in fact, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to 
classify additional types of consumer products not otherwise specified 
in Part A as covered products. For a type of consumer product to be 
classified as a covered product, the Secretary must determine that:
    (1) Classifying the product as a covered product is necessary for 
the purposes of EPCA; and
    (2) the average annual per-household energy use by products of such 
type is likely to exceed 100 kilowatt-hours per year (``kWh/yr''). (42 
U.S.C. 6292(b)(1)).
    Before prescribing an energy conservation standard for products for 
which the Secretary has extended regulatory coverage through 42 U.S.C. 
6292(b), the Secretary must determine that:
    (1) The average household energy use of the products has exceeded 
150 kWh per household for a 12-month period;
    (2) the aggregate 12-month energy use of the products has exceeded 
4.2 terawatt-hours (``TWh'');
    (3) substantial improvement in energy efficiency is technologically 
feasible; and
    (4) application of a labeling rule under 42 U.S.C. 6294 is unlikely 
to be sufficient to induce manufacturers to produce, and consumers and 
other persons to purchase, covered products of such type (or class) 
that achieve the maximum energy efficiency that is technologically 
feasible and economically justified.
    Any standards that the Secretary sets for products that are covered 
in this manner must also meet the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and 
(p). See 42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1).
    For those products for which coverage has been established under 
EPCA, the 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 (1) certifying to DOE that 
their products comply with the applicable energy conservation standards 
adopted under EPCA, and (2) making representations about the efficiency 
of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test procedures to 
determine whether the products comply with any relevant standards 
promulgated under EPCA.
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA provides that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section shall be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use and shall not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 
(42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is 
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the 
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test 
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test 
procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency of any covered 
product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(e)(1))
    EPCA further requires that any new or amended DOE test procedure 
for a covered product integrate measures of standby mode and off mode 
energy consumption into the overall energy efficiency, energy 
consumption, or other energy descriptor, unless the current test 
procedure already incorporates the standby mode and off mode energy 
consumption or such integration is technically infeasible. If an 
integrated test procedure is technically infeasible, DOE must prescribe 
a separate standby mode and off mode energy use test procedure for the 
covered product, if a separate test is technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(gg)(2)(A))

B. Current Rulemaking Process

    On November 8, 2011, DOE published a notice of proposed 
determination of coverage (``NOPD'') to address the potential coverage 
of consumer refrigeration products without compressors in anticipation 
of a rulemaking to address these and related consumer refrigeration 
products. 76 FR 69147.
    On February 23, 2012, DOE began a scoping process to set potential 
energy conservation standards and test procedures for wine chillers, 
consumer refrigeration products that operate without compressors, and 
consumer ice makers by publishing a notice of public meeting, and 
providing a framework document that addressed potential standards and 
test procedure rulemakings for these products. 77 FR 7547.
    On October 31, 2013, DOE published in the Federal Register a 
supplemental notice of proposed determination of coverage (``2013 
SNOPD'') in which it tentatively determined that MREFs, which at the 
time included wine chillers, non-compressor refrigeration products, 
hybrid products (i.e., refrigeration products that combine a wine 
chiller with a refrigerator and/or freezer), and consumer ice makers, 
would likely satisfy the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1). 78 FR 
65223.
    DOE published a notice of public meeting that also announced the 
availability of a preliminary technical support document (``TSD'') for 
MREFs on December 3, 2014 (``Preliminary Analysis''). 79 FR 71705. This 
Preliminary Analysis considered potential standards for those products 
DOE proposed to cover in its 2013 SNOPD. DOE held a public meeting to 
discuss and receive comments on the Preliminary Analysis, which covered 
the analytical framework, models, and tools that DOE used to evaluate 
potential standards; the results of preliminary analyses performed by 
DOE for these products; the potential energy conservation standard 
levels derived from these analyses that DOE had been considering 
consistent with its obligations under EPCA; and all other issues raised 
relevant to the development of energy conservation

[[Page 46770]]

standards for the different categories of MREFs.
    DOE also published a test procedure NOPR on December 16, 2014 
(``Test Procedure NOPR''), proposing definitions and test procedures 
for MREFs, including the product categories addressed in the 2013 
SNOPD. See 79 FR 74894. The proposed test procedures, which would be 
included at title 10 of the CFR, part 430, subpart B, appendix A 
(''appendix A''), detailed how to measure MREF energy efficiency, 
energy use, and estimated annual operating cost during a representative 
average use period. In DOE's view, the procedure would, consistent with 
42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3), not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
    After reviewing the comments received in response to both the 
Preliminary Analysis and the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE ultimately 
determined that its efforts at developing test procedures and potential 
energy conservation standards for these products would benefit from the 
direct and comprehensive input provided through the negotiated 
rulemaking process. On April 1, 2015, DOE published a notice of intent 
to establish a Working Group under the Appliance Standards and 
Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (``ASRAC'') that would use the 
negotiated rulemaking process to discuss and, if possible, reach 
consensus recommendations on the scope of coverage, definitions, test 
procedures, and energy conservation standards for MREFs. 80 FR 17355. 
Subsequently, DOE formed a Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products Working 
Group (``MREF Working Group'' or, in context, ``the Working Group'') to 
address these issues. The Working Group consisted of 15 members, 
including two members from ASRAC and one DOE representative. Table I.1 
summarizes the MREF Working Group members. The MREF Working Group met 
in-person during six sets of meetings held in 2015 on May 4-5, June 11-
12, July 15-16, August 11-12, September 16-17, and October 20.

                  Table I.1--MREF Working Group Members
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Represented organization     Organization type      ASRAC  member
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earthjustice...................  Efficiency         No.
                                  Organization.
GE.............................  Manufacturer.....  No.
AHAM...........................  Trade Association  Yes.
Traulsen.......................  Manufacturer.....  No.
Department of Energy...........  Government.......  No.
True Manufacturing.............  Manufacturer.....  Yes.
Southern California Edison.....  Utility..........  No.
U-Line Corporation.............  Manufacturer.....  No.
Appliance Standards Awareness    Efficiency         No.
 Project.                         Organization.
Whirlpool Corporation..........  Manufacturer.....  No.
Haier America..................  Manufacturer.....  No.
Mile High Equipment LLC........  Manufacturer.....  No.
Scotsman Ice Systems...........  Manufacturer.....  No.
Hoshizaki America, Inc.........  Manufacturer.....  No.
Sub-Zero Group, Inc............  Manufacturer.....  No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On August 11, 2015, the MREF Working Group reached consensus on a 
term sheet that recommended the relevant scope of coverage, 
definitions, and test procedures for MREFs. See public docket EERE-
2011-BT-STD-0043-0113 (``Term Sheet #1''). On October 20, 2015, the 
MREF Working Group reached consensus on a term sheet to recommend 
energy conservation standards for coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products. See public docket EERE-2011-BT-STD-0043-0111 
(``Term Sheet #2''). ASRAC approved both term sheets during separate 
public meetings on December 18, 2015, and January 20, 2016, and sent 
them to the Secretary of Energy for further consideration. Although 
many of the MREF Working Group members commented on topics related to 
MREF coverage, definitions, and the test procedure in response to the 
Test Procedure NOPR, the Working Group members further discussed these 
concerns during the MREF Working Group meetings. As a result of these 
discussions, many Working Group members adjusted their positions from 
the comments initially submitted in response to the Test Procedure 
NOPR. Consequently, DOE's discussion in this document reflects the 
latest views of these Working Group members. These views are contained 
in summaries of the Working Group discussions and recommendations in 
the relevant sections of this document.
    On March 4, 2016, DOE published a SNOPD proposing a scope of 
coverage and definitions for MREFs consistent with the recommendations 
of the MREF Working Group (``2016 SNOPD''). See 81 FR 11454. That 
document proposed that coolers and combination cooler refrigeration 
products would be considered covered products under EPCA, as well as 
definitions for these product categories and additional subcategories. 
DOE received comments in response to the 2016 SNOPD, but none that 
would alter its proposed determination; therefore, DOE is classifying 
MREFs as a covered product in this final rule. Specific comments 
received in response to the 2016 SNOPD are discussed in the relevant 
sections of this document.

II. Summary of the Final Rule

    DOE has determined that MREFs, the definition of which DOE is 
adding to 10 CFR 430.2 and discusses in this notice, meet the statutory 
requirements under 42 U.S.C. 6292(b)(1), and is classifying them as a 
covered product. DOE has also determined that MREFs satisfy at least 
two of the four criteria required under EPCA in order for the Secretary 
to set standards for a product whose coverage is added pursuant to 42 
U.S.C. 6292(b). DOE will determine if MREFs satisfy the other two 
provisions of 42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1) during the course of the energy 
conservation standards rulemaking.\1\
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    \1\ On www.regulations.gov, see docket ID EERE-2011-BT-STD-0043 
for information regarding the energy conservation standards 
rulemaking.
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    In addition to establishing coverage over MREFs and determining 
that these products satisfy the necessary criteria under 42 U.S.C. 
6295(l) for DOE to set energy conservation standards for them,

[[Page 46771]]

this rule establishes test procedures for MREFs and establishes or 
clarifies a number of definitions necessary to identify and distinguish 
MREFs from other currently covered products. MREFs include coolers 
(e.g., wine chillers) and combination cooler refrigeration products 
(i.e., products that include at least one warm-temperature compartment 
combined with a fresh food and/or freezer compartment). Although the 
2013 SNOPD and the Test Procedure NOPR proposed coverage and testing 
provisions, respectively, for non-compressor refrigerators and ice 
makers, this final rule does not establish coverage or test procedures 
for these products.
    With respect to the definitions addressed in this document, DOE is 
finalizing a series of definitions for consumer refrigeration products 
generally consistent with those proposed in the 2016 SNOPD. 
Accordingly, this final rule establishes or revises definitions for a 
variety of terms to help ensure their compatibility with the changes 
introduced by the coverage of MREFs and to clarify their application to 
MREFs and other currently regulated refrigeration products (i.e., 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers). This final rule 
also moves the ``all-refrigerator'' definition from its current 
location in appendix A to 10 CFR 430.2, establishes a definition for 
``cooler-all-refrigerator'' in 10 CFR 430.2, establishes a definition 
for ``cooler compartment'' in appendix A, and revises the existing 
``special compartment'' definition in appendix A.
    This final rule also establishes test procedures for coolers that 
address testing set-up, temperature control adjustment, volume 
measurements, energy use measurements, and calculations. These test 
procedures are similar to the test procedures in appendix A for 
refrigerators, but apply a different compartment standardized 
temperature (55 degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F) instead of 39[emsp14][deg]F 
for refrigerators) and usage adjustment factor (0.55 instead of 1.0 for 
refrigerators). These differences reflect the different consumer use 
for coolers as compared to refrigerators.
    Additionally, this final rule also establishes test procedures for 
combination cooler refrigeration products that take effect on the 
compliance date of any energy conservation standards established for 
combination cooler refrigeration products. Until that date, combination 
cooler refrigeration products are required to comply with the existing 
refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, and freezer energy conservation 
standards based on testing according to the relevant test procedure 
waivers. The test procedures established in this final rule include 
temperature settings, volume measurements and calculations, and 
measuring and calculating energy use for these products. Similar to the 
test procedures established for coolers, cooler compartments within 
combination cooler refrigeration products are tested to a standardized 
compartment temperature of 55[emsp14][deg]F with a usage adjustment 
factor of 0.55.
    In addition, DOE is establishing a new section, 10 CFR 430.23(dd), 
to include the test procedures for coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products. All of the detailed provisions for testing 
these products are incorporated in appendix A. Although coolers and 
combination cooler refrigeration products are covered separately from 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, there are many similarities 
among these products that warrant similar test methods. Therefore, DOE 
is amending appendix A to incorporate testing provisions for coolers 
and combination cooler refrigeration products rather than establishing 
a separate appendix for them. However, as described in the previous 
paragraph, the testing provisions for combination cooler refrigeration 
products do not take effect until the compliance date of MREF energy 
conservation standards.
    Test methods for freezers continue to be found at 10 CFR part 430, 
appendix B (``appendix B''), which DOE is not amending for testing 
MREFs. However, DOE is amending appendix B to incorporate additional 
clarifications to the test procedure consistent with the changes being 
made to appendix A in this final rule.
    The amendments to appendix A established in this final rule 
primarily reflect the proposals from the Test Procedure NOPR. However, 
DOE has revised parts of the Test Procedure NOPR proposal based on 
feedback from the MREF Working Group.\2\ The MREF Working Group 
recommended test procedures are found in Term Sheet #1 (see p. 2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See, for example, the intermediate drafts at documents 59 
and 68 in docket ID EERE-2011-BT-STD-0043 on www.regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to the specific MREF test procedures in this final 
rule, DOE is also amending the test procedures to: (1) Address minor 
technical corrections needed in appendices A and B; (2) improve testing 
clarity; (3) incorporate volume measurement guidance; (4) remove 
provisions for externally-vented products; (5) introduce rounding 
requirements; and (6) remove the previous (and obsolete) test 
procedures found at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix A1 and 
appendix B1.
    When amending a test procedure, DOE typically determines the extent 
to which its proposal would alter the measured energy efficiency of any 
covered product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(e)(1)) DOE notes that DOE has not yet established energy 
conservation standards for the products that are the focus of this rule 
(i.e., coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products). Hence, 
there would be no change in measured energy efficiency by an amendment 
to a test procedure. For currently covered consumer refrigeration 
products (refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers), the 
clarifying amendments to appendices A and B established in this final 
rule would not result in a change in measured energy use compared to 
the existing test procedures.
    DOE notes that certain combination cooler refrigeration products, 
according to the definitions established in this rule, are currently 
certified for compliance with the existing refrigerator, refrigerator-
freezer, and freezer energy conservation standards based on testing 
according to test procedure waivers.\3\ To ensure that these products 
continue to satisfy a minimum level of energy efficiency, these 
products would continue to be treated as refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, or freezers (as applicable) until the compliance date of 
energy conservation standards established for MREFs. On that date, 
these products would no longer be within the scope of the definitions 
of refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, or freezers, and would only be 
subject to the relevant MREF test procedures and standards. 
Accordingly, they would no longer be required to comply with the 
existing refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, or freezer regulations, 
and any granted waivers or interim waivers would no longer apply.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See, for example, the interim waiver granted to Panasonic 
Appliances Refrigeration Systems Corporation of America (PAPRSA) on 
January 26, 2016. 81 FR 4270.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For coolers, manufacturers may, on a voluntary basis, make 
representations of energy use starting on August 17, 2016 according to 
the provisions in appendix A established in this final rule. For 
combination cooler refrigeration products, manufacturers must use the 
test procedures in appendix A for all representations of energy use on 
or after the compliance date of any energy conservation standards for 
these

[[Page 46772]]

products. For all other miscellaneous refrigeration products (e.g., 
coolers), manufacturers must use the test procedures in appendix A for 
all representations of energy use on or after January 17, 2017.
    Table II.1 describes the amendments proposed in the Test Procedure 
NOPR and the final amendments established in this final rule.

 Table II.1--Summary of Proposed Changes and Affected Sections of 10 CFR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Affected sections           NOPR proposal        Final rule action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part 429
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   429.14..............  Revise section         Finalized as
                              header, clarify        proposed with
                              volume                 additional
                              determinations,        clarifications,
                              introduce rounding     except product
                              requirements,          category
                              clarify product        determination would
                              category               be based on
                              determinations.        operation in a 90
                                                     [deg]F ambient
                                                     temperature.
Sec.   429.61..............  Establish sampling     Finalized sampling
                              plan, certification    plan, certification
                              report requirements,   report, and
                              rounding               rounding
                              requirements, and      requirements with
                              product category       additional
                              determinations for     clarifications;
                              MREFs.                 revised product
                                                     category
                                                     determination based
                                                     on operation in a
                                                     90 [deg]F ambient
                                                     temperature.
Sec.   429.72..............  Allow for use of       Finalized as
                              computer-aided         proposed.
                              design models to
                              determine MREF
                              volumes.
Sec.   429.134.............  Update refrigerator,   Finalized as
                              refrigerator-          proposed.
                              freezer, and freezer
                              provisions to
                              include rounding
                              requirements;
                              establish
                              enforcement
                              provisions for MREFs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part 430
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   430.2...............  Establish product      Finalized as
                              definitions for        proposed with
                              MREFs and amend        updates to
                              existing               definitions and
                              refrigerator,          coverage as
                              refrigerator-          recommended by the
                              freezer, and freezer   MREF Working Group;
                              definitions for        clarified timing
                              similar structure.     between
                                                     refrigerator,
                                                     refrigerator-
                                                     freezer, and
                                                     freezer and
                                                     combination cooler
                                                     refrigeration
                                                     product definitions
                                                     (formerly hybrid
                                                     refrigeration
                                                     products).
Sec.   430.3...............  Remove reference to    Finalized as
                              outdated industry      proposed.
                              standard.
Sec.   430.23..............  Modify test            Finalized as
                              procedures sections    proposed for
                              to address the         sections (a) and
                              amendments to the      (b); section (dd)
                              refrigerator,          finalized as
                              refrigerator-          proposed with
                              freezer, and freezer   updates to reflect
                              appendices; insert     revised scope of
                              new section to         coverage.
                              address MREFs and
                              clarify application
                              of appendices to
                              products without
                              vapor-compression
                              refrigeration
                              systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Definitions.............  Include ``cellar       Updated to ``cooler
                              compartment''          compartment'' and
                              definition.            incorporated MREF
                                                     Working Group
                                                     feedback.
                             Establish definition   Excluded from final
                              for ``compartment''.   amendments.
                             Add ``multiple         Finalized as
                              refrigeration system   proposed.
                              product'' definition.
                             No specific proposal.  Added clarification
                                                     to ``special
                                                     compartment''
                                                     definition per
                                                     feedback from the
                                                     MREF Working Group
                                                     and related
                                                     recommendation.
2. Test Conditions.........  Establish test         Finalized as
                              conditions for MREFs   proposed except
                              consistent with        that all ambient
                              existing               temperatures for
                              refrigerator and       testing shall be 90
                              refrigerator-freezer   [deg]F.
                              requirements, except
                              for testing in a 72
                              [deg]F ambient for
                              non-compressor
                              coolers.
3. Test Control Settings...  Add a standardized     Finalized as
                              cooler compartment     proposed.
                              temperature of 55
                              [deg]F and otherwise
                              follow existing
                              control settings
                              requirements.
4. Test Period.............  No proposal..........  Inserted missing
                                                     Figure 1 and
                                                     updated language to
                                                     general compartment
                                                     references (to
                                                     include cooler
                                                     compartments).
5. Test Measurements.......  Measure temperatures   Finalized as
                              for MREFs consistent   proposed.
                              with existing
                              appendix A
                              requirements.
                             Establish usage        Established 0.55
                              factors of 0.55 for    usage factor for
                              vapor-compression      all MREFs.
                              coolers, 1.2 for non-
                              compressor coolers,
                              0.85 for combination
                              cooler refrigeration
                              products.
                             Incorporate MREFs      Finalized as
                              into existing          proposed.
                              requirements.
6. Calculations............  Include volume         Volume adjustment
                              adjustment factor of   factor of 1.0 for
                              0.69 for cooler        all cooler
                              compartments in        compartments.
                              combination cooler
                              refrigeration
                              products.
                             Incorporate MREFs      Finalized as
                              into existing          proposed.
                              calculations based
                              on 55 [deg]F
                              standardized cooler
                              compartment
                              temperature.
                             Remove provisions for  Finalized as
                              externally-vented      proposed.
                              products.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Part 430, Subpart B, Appendices A and B
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Definitions.............  Eliminate definition   Finalized as
                              numbering.             proposed.
2. Test Conditions.........  Clarify movable        Finalized as
                              subdividing barrier    proposed.
                              positions.

[[Page 46773]]

 
3. Test Control Settings...  Use extrapolation      No energy use rating
                              approach for           for models unable
                              compartments unable    to maintain
                              to maintain            standardized
                              standardized           temperatures (would
                              temperatures.          require a
                                                     manufacturer to
                                                     seek and justify an
                                                     application for a
                                                     test procedure
                                                     waiver).
5. Test Measurements.......  Clarify temperature    Finalized as
                              measurement            proposed.
                              requirements.
                             Incorporate volume     Finalized as
                              measurement guidance.  proposed.
5 and 6....................  Include volume         Finalized as
                              rounding               proposed, with note
                              requirements.          that rounding is
                                                     not required for
                                                     refrigerators,
                                                     refrigerator-
                                                     freezers, and
                                                     freezers until the
                                                     compliance date of
                                                     any amended energy
                                                     conservation
                                                     standards for those
                                                     products.
6. Calculations............  Refer to different     Finalized as
                              temperature setting    proposed.
                              tests as ``tests''
                              rather than ``test
                              periods''.
7. Test Procedure Waivers..  Revise text to         Finalized as
                              general terms that     proposed.
                              would include MREFs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Part 430, Subpart B, Appendices A1 and B1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Remove obsolete        Finalized as
                              appendices.            proposed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Scope of Coverage

    In response to the feedback received from interested parties on the 
Preliminary Analysis and Test Procedure NOPR, the MREF Working Group 
was tasked with recommending a scope of coverage for MREFs. To this 
end, the Working Group's Term Sheet #1 recommended that DOE not include 
two product categories for which it had proposed coverage in the 2013 
SNOPD (and for which DOE proposed test procedures in the Test Procedure 
NOPR): Non-compressor refrigerators and icemakers. See Term Sheet #1.
    DOE proposed in the 2016 SNOPD that MREF coverage would apply only 
to coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products, consistent 
with the MREF Working Group recommendation, and proposed definitions 
for these product categories. DOE agreed with Working Group members 
that consumer ice makers are significantly different from the other 
product categories considered for coverage under MREFs, and, therefore, 
proposed to exclude them from MREF coverage. Additionally, DOE did not 
propose a separate product category for non-compressor refrigerators 
because it was not aware of any such products available on the market. 
See 81 FR 11454, 11456.
    The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (``ASAP'') and 
Earthjustice (jointly referred to as ``Joint Commenters''); Pacific Gas 
and Electric Company (``PG&E''), Southern California Gas Company 
(``SCGC''), Southern California Edison (``SCE''), and San Diego Gas and 
Electric Company (``SDG&E'') (jointly referred to as the ``California 
Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)''); and the Association of Home 
Appliance Manufacturers (``AHAM'') agreed with DOE's proposed scope of 
coverage for MREFs, which included coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products, but excluded ice makers. (Joint Commenters, No. 
23 at p. 1; California IOUs, No. 25 at p. 1; AHAM, No. 24 at p. 2) \4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ A notation in the form ``Joint Commenters, No. 23 at p. 1'' 
identifies a written comment: (1) Made by the Joint Commenters; (2) 
recorded in document number 23 that is filed in the coverage 
determination docket (Docket No. EERE-2011-BT-DET-0072) and 
available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3) which appears 
on page 1 of document number 23.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because interested parties supported the 2016 SNOPD's proposed 
scope of coverage, DOE is establishing that MREFs be defined as 
consumer refrigeration products other than refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, or freezers, and which include coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products, as discussed further in this document.

IV. Evaluation of Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products as Covered 
Products

    In order for MREFs to be classified as a covered product, they are 
required to satisfy certain statutory criteria. As stated earlier in 
this notice, DOE may classify a consumer product as a covered product 
if (1) classifying products of such type as covered products is 
necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA; and (2) 
the average annual per household energy use by products of such type is 
likely to exceed 100 kWh (or its Btu equivalent) per year. (42 U.S.C. 
6292(b)(1))

A. Coverage Necessary or Appropriate To Carry Out Purposes of EPCA

    In this document, DOE has determined that the coverage of MREFs is 
both necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of EPCA. 
MREFs, which comprise a small but significant and growing sector of the 
consumer refrigeration market, consume energy generated from limited 
energy supplies and regulating their energy efficiency would be likely 
to help conserve these limited energy supplies. As a coverage 
determination is a prerequisite to establishing standards for these 
products, classifying MREFs as a covered product is clearly necessary 
and appropriate to carry out EPCA's purposes to: (1) Conserve energy 
supplies through energy conservation programs; and (2) provide for 
improved energy efficiency of major appliances and certain other 
consumer products. (42 U.S.C. 6201)

B. Energy Use Estimates

    In the 2016 SNOPD, DOE estimated the average household energy use 
for MREFs--coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products. 
Because these products were included in the proposed definition of 
``miscellaneous refrigeration products,'' their estimated average 
household energy use provides a conservative estimate of whether the 
average annual per-household energy use of MREFs exceeds 100 kWh/yr, as 
required for coverage under EPCA. DOE presented these results and a 
detailed discussion of the methodology used for the analysis in Section 
IV.B of the 2016 SNOPD. 81 FR at 11456-11457.
1. Coolers
    DOE used market data, engineering models, and manufacturer feedback

[[Page 46774]]

received under non-disclosure agreements and during the MREF Working 
Group meetings to estimate average household energy use for coolers. In 
the 2016 SNOPD, DOE organized the analysis for consistency with the 
scope of coverage and product definitions recommended by the MREF 
Working Group. The cooler definition proposed in the 2016 SNOPD would 
incorporate products, regardless of refrigeration system, under the 
same definition. Additionally, DOE proposed four product categories 
within the cooler definition based on refrigerated volume and 
installation configuration. The analysis conducted for the 2016 SNOPD 
separated coolers into these four product categories. 81 FR at 11456-
11457.
    Table IV.1 shows the estimated annual energy use for each category 
of cooler analyzed in the 2016 SNOPD. DOE found that across all cooler 
categories, coolers have an average lifetime of over 10 years and an 
average annual energy consumption of 440 kWh per household. Id.

                                               Table IV.1--2016 SNOPD Coolers Estimated Annual Energy Use
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Product type
                                                        Units            ----------------------------------------------------------------    Totals or
                                                                           Compact FS *    Compact BI *        FS *            BI *          averages
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Energy Consumption (per unit).....  kWh/yr......................             450             250             370             340             440
Stock.....................................  Units, 2014.................      14,500,000          55,000         610,000         120,000      15,300,000
National Energy Consumption...............  TWh/yr......................             6.5           0.014            0.23           0.042             6.8
Average Lifetime..........................  Years.......................            10.3            10.3            17.4            17.4            10.6
Annual Sales..............................  Units, 2014.................       1,400,000           5,400          35,000           7,100       1,460,000
Saturation................................  %...........................            12.6            0.05             0.5             0.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* FS = Freestanding, BI = Built-in.

    DOE received no comments on the methodology or analysis used in the 
2016 SNOPD to estimate cooler energy use. Therefore, DOE has maintained 
the cooler analysis as presented in the 2016 SNOPD and in Table IV.1 
for this final determination.
2. Combination Cooler Refrigeration Products
    DOE used market data, engineering models, and manufacturer feedback 
received under non-disclosure agreements and during the MREF Working 
Group meetings to estimate average household energy use for combination 
cooler refrigeration products. Similar to the updated coolers analysis, 
DOE revised its combination cooler refrigeration product analysis in 
the 2016 SNOPD to be consistent with the scope of coverage and product 
definitions recommended by the MREF Working Group. For example, the 
definition of combination cooler refrigeration product proposed in the 
2016 SNOPD removed the 50-percent cooler compartment volume requirement 
originally proposed in the 2013 SNOPD. DOE also updated its estimates 
of annual shipments, product lifetimes, and energy consumption per unit 
for these products based on manufacturer feedback, recommendations from 
the MREF Working Group, and more recent product information. 81 FR at 
11457.
    Table IV.2 shows the estimated annual energy use for each category 
of combination cooler refrigeration product analyzed in the 2016 SNOPD. 
DOE found that across all categories, combination cooler refrigeration 
products have an average lifetime of 12.6 years and an average annual 
energy consumption of 222 kWh per household. Id.

                                   Table IV.2--2016 SNOPD Combination Cooler Refrigeration Products Annual Energy Use
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Product type *
                                                        Units            ----------------------------------------------------------------    Totals or
                                                                              C3A-BI           C9-BI           C13A           C13A-BI        averages
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Energy Consumption (per unit).....  kWh/yr......................             210             280             210             220             220
Stock.....................................  Units, 2014.................          70,000          70,000         160,000         120,000         430,000
National Energy Consumption...............  TWh/yr......................           0.015           0.019           0.035           0.027           0.095
Average Lifetime..........................  Years.......................            17.4            17.4            10.3            10.3            12.6
Annual Sales..............................  Units, 2014.................           4,000           4,000          16,000          12,000          36,000
Saturation................................  ............................           0.06%           0.06%           0.14%           0.11%  ..............
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Product types for combination cooler refrigeration products are based on the product class of refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, or freezer that the
  product would be categorized under if it did not have a cooler compartment.

    DOE received no comments on the methodology or analysis used in the 
2016 SNOPD to estimate combination cooler refrigeration product energy 
use. Therefore, DOE has maintained the combination cooler refrigeration 
product analysis as presented in the 2016 SNOPD and in Table IV.2 for 
this final determination.
3. Conclusions
    Based on the evaluations summarized in Tables IV.1 and IV.2, the 
MREF categories examined by DOE consume significantly more than 100 kWh 
annually, which led DOE to tentatively determine in the 2016 SNOPD that 
these products would satisfy the average annual per household energy 
use threshold set by EPCA to classify a product as covered. 81 FR at 
11457.
    In response to the 2016 SNOPD, the Joint Commenters and California 
IOUs agreed with DOE's tentative determination that MREFs satisfy the 
energy consumption criteria for coverage under EPCA. (Joint Commenters, 
No. 23 at p. 1; California IOUs, No. 25 at p. 2) DOE received no

[[Page 46775]]

comments challenging its tentative determination.
    Based upon its evaluations of coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products, which DOE has not changed since the 2016 SNOPD 
analysis, DOE has determined that these products, on average, are 
likely to exceed the 100 kWh/yr threshold set by EPCA to classify a 
product as covered. Moreover, DOE has determined that MREFs, on 
average, consume more than 150 kWh/yr, and that the aggregate annual 
national energy use of these products exceeds 4.2 TWh. Accordingly, 
these data indicate that MREFs satisfy at least two of the four 
criteria required under EPCA in order for the Secretary to set 
standards for a product whose coverage is added pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 
6292(b). See 42 U.S.C. 6295(l)(1)(A)-(D).

V. Product Definitions

    Consistent with the scope of coverage outlined in the 2013 SNOPD, 
the Test Procedure NOPR proposed definitions for the following four 
product categories that DOE indicated would be considered as MREFs: 
Cooled cabinets, non-compressor refrigerators, hybrid refrigerators, 
and ice makers. See 79 FR at 74899-74904.
    The MREF Working Group subsequently discussed how and whether to 
define the various terms related to MREFs. The Working Group ultimately 
reached a consensus that is reflected in Term Sheet #1's 
recommendations, which included dropping DOE's proposed definitions for 
non-compressor refrigerators and ice makers, updating the terms used to 
describe the covered MREF product categories based on the discussions 
and analyses conducted during the Working Group meetings, revising the 
proposed MREF product definitions, and amending the existing 
definitions for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers to 
ensure consistency with the recommended MREF definitions. See Term 
Sheet #1.
    Consistent with these recommendations, the 2016 SNOPD contained 
proposals for new and amended definitions that would be added to 10 CFR 
430.2. DOE proposed new definitions to clearly delineate which products 
would fall within the MREF scope of coverage and to define the 
individual product categories comprising MREFs. DOE also proposed 
similar conforming amendments to the existing definitions for 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers for consistency with 
the proposed MREF definitions. The proposed amendments were intended to 
eliminate confusion with the proposed MREF definitions, and would not 
affect the scope of coverage under the existing refrigerator, 
refrigerator-freezer, and freezer definitions, other than for those 
products that would fall under the combination cooler refrigeration 
products category. The proposed definitions generally followed the MREF 
Working Group recommendations with minor revisions to improve clarity. 
81 FR at 11457-11461.
    In response to the 2016 SNOPD, the Joint Commenters supported the 
proposed product definitions. (Joint Commenters, No. 23 at pp. 1-2) The 
California IOUs also stated that DOE should adopt the definitions from 
Term Sheet #1 to clearly delineate MREF products from those that are 
already considered covered products. (California IOUs, No. 25 at p. 2) 
Industry representatives raised specific concerns regarding particular 
aspects of the various definitions that DOE proposed. Those specific 
concerns are addressed in the sections that follow.
    As described in section III of this notice, DOE is maintaining the 
scope of coverage for MREFs as proposed in the 2016 SNOPD. Therefore, 
DOE is establishing definitions for the same terms as proposed in the 
2016 SNOPD. The following sections describe each of the new or amended 
definitions.

A. Coolers

    In the 2016 SNOPD, DOE proposed to define the term ``cooler'' using 
the definition for ``cooled cabinet'' proposed in the Test Procedure 
NOPR as a starting point and updated to reflect the Working Group's 
recommendations (see Term Sheet #1). DOE proposed to define a 
``cooler'' as a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that has a source 
of refrigeration capable of operating on single-phase, alternating 
current and is capable of maintaining compartment temperatures either 
no lower than 39 [deg]F, or in a range that extends no lower than 37 
[deg]F but at least as high as 60 [deg]F. The proposal also clarified 
that these compartment temperatures would be determined in a 90 [deg]F 
ambient temperature. 81 FR at 11458-11459.
    The California IOUs supported a definition for coolers that would 
not differentiate compressor-based coolers from non-compressor coolers. 
(California IOUs, No. 25 at p. 2)
    AHAM commented that DOE should retain the language excluding 
products ``designed to be used without doors'' in the regulatory text, 
consistent with the wording included in the statutory language in 42 
U.S.C. 6292(a)(1) and agreed upon by the MREF Working Group. (AHAM, No. 
24 at pp. 3-4)
    DOE notes that the term sheet expressly indicated that the 
definitions were in draft form and would be subject to further revision 
and modification. See Term Sheet #1, Appendix 2. This provision, which 
was presented in the beginning of the appendix in boldfaced-type, 
indicated that some modifications to these definitions were possible to 
enable DOE to ensure the clarity and consistency of its regulations.
    In DOE's view, the proposed revisions to the Working Group's text 
would more clearly define the contours of what a ``cooler'' is. 
Specifically, by including the phrase ``used with one or more doors,'' 
the definition states that a product must have at least one door in 
order to fall into the category. This phrasing, in addition to being 
clearer and more direct, accomplishes the same purpose as the language 
referenced by AHAM. Additionally, the revised text does not require a 
subjective determination as to the intent of a product's design. If a 
product is used with one or more doors, it would be considered a cooler 
regardless of the design intent. Therefore, DOE is maintaining the 
language of ``used with one or more doors'' in the cooler definition as 
well as the combination cooler refrigeration product category 
definitions established in this final rule.
    AHAM also expressed concern that the proposed definitions state 
that compartment temperatures would be ``as determined according to the 
provisions in Sec.  429.61(d)(2) [proposed at 79 FR 74894 (December 16, 
2014)],'' which included a 72 [deg]F ambient temperature for 
determining compartment temperatures. AHAM commented that DOE likely 
did not intend to suggest that it will finalize a rule that includes a 
72 [deg]F ambient temperature and that, instead, DOE plans to finalize 
a rule that will include a 90 [deg]F ambient temperature in Sec.  
429.61(d)(2). AHAM stated that its support of the definitions 
containing that reference is contingent on that assumption, as it would 
strongly object to a 72 [deg]F ambient temperature. (AHAM, No. 24 at p. 
3) As noted in the Preamble of the 2016 SNOPD, DOE agreed with the MREF 
Working Group recommendation that compartment temperatures be 
determined in a 90 [deg]F ambient temperature. 81 FR 11454, 11458. The 
requirements in Sec.  429.61(d)(2) reference the MREF test procedure 
temperature measurements. In this final rule, DOE is establishing that 
compartment temperatures are determined in the test procedure in a 90 
[deg]F ambient temperature. Therefore, the definitions with references 
to Sec.  429.61(d)(2) refer to operation in a 90

[[Page 46776]]

[deg]F ambient temperature, as AHAM supported.
    Liebherr Canada Ltd. (``Liebherr'') stated that it manufactures a 
humidor product for storing cigars that operates at storage 
temperatures between 61 [deg]F and 68 [deg]F, and that the product was 
designed exclusively for the storage of tobacco products in an optimal 
humidity condition. Although the proposed cooler definition did not 
refer to the storage of wine and other beverages, Liebherr noted that 
this phrase was included in the cooler compartment definition in Term 
Sheet #1. Liebherr commented that products such as its humidor should 
be excluded from coverage because they are not intended for cooling 
food or beverages and because they cannot maintain a 55 [deg]F storage 
temperature. Liebherr suggested DOE implement a revised cooler 
definition that would require the product to be capable of maintaining 
a 55 [deg]F storage temperature, noting that this requirement would not 
exclude any of the beverage center or wine cooler appliances as 
customers would not accept beverages as warm as or warmer than 55 
[deg]F. Additionally, Liebherr stated that including products that 
cannot reach 55 [deg]F storage temperature would create excessive 
burden, as manufacturers would be required to obtain test procedure 
waivers for those products. (Liebherr, No. 21 at pp. 2-3)
    In the 2016 SNOPD, DOE proposed a cooler definition that did not 
include the requirement that the product be designed for the storage of 
wine and other beverages to limit potential circumvention. By relying 
on quantifiable characteristics, such as compartment temperature, the 
proposed definition would allow a third-party to verify a product's 
appropriate classification without knowledge of the manufacturer's 
design intent. For that reason, DOE is not including reference to the 
storage of food or beverages in the cooler definition established in 
this final rule.
    DOE also considered including the requirement that a product be 
able to maintain a 55 [deg]F storage temperature in its cooler 
definition. However, as described in the Preliminary Analysis, DOE is 
aware of many products marketed for the storage of food and beverages 
that are not able to maintain 55 [deg]F compartment temperatures when 
tested in a 90 [deg]F ambient temperature. See chapter 3 of the 
preliminary TSD. Accordingly, including a 55 [deg]F compartment 
temperature requirement in the cooler definition would exclude such 
products from being considered coolers subject to test procedures or 
any subsequent energy conservation standards. To avoid excluding these 
products from coverage, DOE is not including a 55 [deg]F compartment 
temperature requirement in the cooler definition. Because humidors such 
as the one identified in the Liebherr comment meet the definition for 
cooler, they would be subject to DOE's cooler test procedures and any 
energy conservation standards for coolers. For products that cannot 
maintain the standardized compartment temperatures required in the test 
procedure, manufacturers would have to apply for test procedure waivers 
according to 10 CFR 430.27 to establish an acceptable test procedure 
for each such product.
    For the reasons explained above, DOE is adopting, without 
modifications, the definition of ``cooler'' proposed in the 2016 SNOPD.
    The 2016 SNOPD also contained a proposal to provide additional 
definitions for four subcategories within the cooler definition based 
on refrigerated volume and configuration, consistent with the same 
requirements and definitions currently in place for refrigerators, 
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. DOE proposed four categories of 
coolers: Freestanding coolers, freestanding compact coolers, built-in 
coolers, and built-in compact coolers. 81 FR at 11459. DOE did not 
receive any comments opposing these proposed cooler product categories 
proposed in 2016 SNOPD. Therefore, DOE is adopting its proposed 
definitions for these four product categories.

B. Combination Cooler Refrigeration Products

    In the 2016 SNOPD, DOE proposed to define terms for combination 
cooler refrigeration products consistent with the MREF Working Group 
recommendations in Term Sheet #1, including ``cooler-refrigerator,'' 
``cooler-refrigerator-freezer,'' and ``cooler-freezer.'' The proposed 
definitions addressed products that combine warm-temperature 
compartments, referred to as cooler compartments, with a fresh food 
and/or freezer compartment. Additionally, the proposed definitions did 
not require that the cooler compartment make up at least 50 percent of 
the product's total refrigerated volume, as initially proposed in the 
definition for ``hybrid refrigeration product'' in the Test Procedure 
NOPR. Similar to the cooler definitions proposed in the 2016 SNOPD, the 
proposed combination cooler refrigeration product definitions included 
the requirements that the products be used with one or more doors, 
operate using single-phase, alternating current electric energy input, 
and maintain compartment temperatures as determined in a 
90[emsp14][deg]F ambient temperature. 81 FR at 11459.
    The California IOUs supported the adoption of combination cooler 
refrigeration product definitions that would not exclude non-compressor 
products from coverage. (California IOUs, No. 25 at p. 2) Consistent 
with its proposal, DOE's definitions for combination cooler 
refrigeration products do not exclude non-compressor products.
    Similar to the discussion for coolers in section V.A of this 
rulemaking, AHAM questioned DOE's proposal to include language in each 
of the combination cooler refrigeration product definitions specifying 
the use of one or more doors as well as the proposal that compartment 
temperatures be determined according to Sec.  429.61(d)(2). (AHAM, No. 
24 at pp. 3-4) For the reasons discussed in section V.A of this 
rulemaking, DOE is adopting the phrase ``used with one or more doors'' 
for each of the combination cooler refrigeration product definitions, 
as proposed in the 2016 SNOPD, and is establishing in this final rule 
that the provisions in Sec.  429.61(d)(2) refer to testing in a 
90[emsp14][deg]F ambient temperature.
    Additionally, AHAM and Sub Zero Group, Inc. (``Sub Zero'') 
separately objected to DOE's proposal to remove references to 
8[emsp14][deg]F that were contained in the definitions for cooler-
refrigerator and cooler-refrigerator-freezer. (AHAM, No. 24 at pp. 2-3; 
Sub Zero, No. 22 at pp. 1-2) DOE proposed definitions for combination 
cooler refrigeration products that were consistent with the definitions 
proposed for the non-MREF product types (refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers), but with the requirement that they include a 
cooler compartment. As discussed elsewhere in this document, DOE 
determined that the proposed temperature updates in the refrigerator 
and refrigerator-freezer definitions are not necessary to differentiate 
the existing product definitions from the new MREF definitions. 
Therefore, DOE is revising its 2016 SNOPD proposal and establishing the 
original reference to 8[emsp14][deg]F in the definitions for 
refrigerator and refrigerator-freezer. For consistency, DOE is also 
establishing 8[emsp14][deg]F as the reference temperature in the 
definitions for cooler-refrigerator and cooler-refrigerator-freezer.
    AHAM also noted that the 2016 SNOPD did not consistently revise the 
Celsius temperature references associated with the proposed change from 
8[emsp14][deg]F to 0[emsp14][deg]F. (AHAM, No. 24 at p. 3) DOE has 
revised the definitions proposed in the 2016 SNOPD as

[[Page 46777]]

described in the previous paragraph, and has incorporated the correct 
Celsius temperature references in this final rule.
    As discussed in section V.C of this document, DOE is amending the 
relevant refrigerator definitions to exclude products that operate 
within the temperature ranges used to define coolers. This revision 
would avoid the possibility that a product could be considered both a 
cooler and a refrigerator. The relevant combination cooler 
refrigeration product definitions use similar language in describing 
the non-cooler compartments which will help avoid potential overlapping 
definitions.
    Other than these temperature-related changes, DOE is establishing 
the cooler-refrigerator, cooler-refrigerator-freezer, and cooler-
freezer definitions as proposed in the 2016 SNOPD.
    As discussed in the 2016 SNOPD, DOE refers to the term ``cooler 
compartment'' but offered no definition for this term, indicating 
instead that this term would be defined through the separate MREF test 
procedure rulemaking. See 81 FR at 11457-11459. Additionally, AHAM 
commented that the MREF Working Group also defined the terms ``cooler-
all-refrigerator'' and ``all-refrigerator'' in Term Sheet #1, but that 
these definitions were not present in the 2016 SNOPD. AHAM recommended 
that these definitions be included in the test procedure final rule. 
(AHAM, No. 24 at p. 4)
    DOE proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR to move the definition for 
``all-refrigerator'' from appendix A to 10 CFR 430.2. 79 FR at 74901. 
The MREF Working Group supported this proposal, and DOE is 
incorporating this change in this final rule. DOE is similarly 
establishing a definition for ``cooler-all-refrigerator'' in 10 CFR 
430.2, consistent with the MREF Working Group recommendation.
    DOE did not propose in the 2016 SNOPD definitions that would be 
included in appendix A. In this final rule, DOE is establishing a 
definition for ``cooler compartment'' (instead of the term ``cellar 
compartment'' as used in the Test Procedure NOPR) in appendix A as a 
refrigerated compartment designed exclusively for wine or other 
beverages within a consumer refrigeration product that is capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures either (a) no lower than 
39[emsp14][deg]F (3.9 [deg]C), or (b) in a range that extends no lower 
than 37[emsp14][deg]F (2.8 [deg]C) but at least as high as 
60[emsp14][deg]F (15.6 [deg]C). The temperature ranges in this 
definition are consistent with the Test Procedure NOPR proposal and the 
temperature ranges used to define coolers, as discussed in section V.A 
of this document. Consistent with the other definitions established in 
this document, DOE is establishing that the compartment temperature 
ranges be determined in a 90[emsp14][deg]F ambient temperature. 
Additionally, the inclusion of an explanation that a cooler compartment 
is designed exclusively for wine or other beverages clarifies the 
differences between a cooler compartment and a special compartment. DOE 
is similarly amending the definition of ``special compartment'' in 
appendix A to exclude cooler compartments, consistent with the MREF 
Working Group's recommendation.

C. Refrigerators, Refrigerator Freezers, and Freezers

    In the 2016 SNOPD, DOE proposed several changes to the existing 
definitions for ``refrigerator,'' ``refrigerator-freezer,'' and 
``freezer'' to establish a similar structure with the proposed MREF 
definitions, improve their clarity, and eliminate potential overlap 
among these definitions.\5\ DOE did not propose to redefine the scope 
of coverage for these products or to amend the definitions in a manner 
that would affect how a currently covered product would be classified 
(other than to treat combination cooler refrigeration products as 
MREFs). The proposals were consistent with the MREF Working Group 
recommendations except for the changes described earlier (i.e., 
revising references to 8[emsp14][deg]F to 0[emsp14][deg]F for freezer 
compartment temperatures and inclusion of ``used with one or more 
doors'' language). DOE also proposed to eliminate the redundant terms 
``electric refrigerator'' and ``electric refrigerator-freezer'' from 10 
CFR 430.2. 81 FR at 11459-11460.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The current definitions for ``refrigerator,'' 
``refrigerator-freezer,'' and ``freezer'' are found under the 
definitions for ``electric refrigerator,'' ``electric refrigerator-
freezer,'' and ``freezer'' found in 10 CFR 430.2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As it did in its comments on DOE's proposed ``cooler'' definition, 
see supra section V.A, AHAM questioned DOE's use of language in the 
definition that would specify that products falling into one of the 
refrigeration product categories be those products that are equipped 
with one or more doors. AHAM also questioned the proposal's inclusion 
of a requirement that compartment temperatures be determined according 
to Sec.  429.61(d)(2). (AHAM, No. 24 at pp. 3-4) For the reasons 
discussed in section V.A of this document, DOE is adopting the phrase 
``used with one or more doors'' for each of the existing refrigeration 
product definitions, as proposed in the 2016 SNOPD, and is establishing 
that Sec.  429.61(d)(2) refers to testing in a 90[emsp14][deg]F ambient 
temperature.
    Also as noted in section V.B of this document, AHAM and Sub Zero 
opposed DOE's proposal to remove references to 8[emsp14][deg]F in the 
definitions for cooler-refrigerator, cooler-refrigerator-freezer, 
refrigerator, and refrigerator-freezer. They noted that this change was 
not consistent with the MREF Working Group's recommendation of amending 
the refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, and freezer definitions only as 
necessary to clarify the differentiation with new MREF definitions. 
AHAM and Sub Zero stated that the proposed definition would alter the 
scope of coverage for those products, noting that the existing 
definition requires that a compartment be capable of maintaining 
temperatures below 8[emsp14][deg]F and may be adjusted to 
0[emsp14][deg]F. Specifically, AHAM commented that the proposed 
definition could create a situation where products that are now 
considered refrigerator-freezers could change to refrigerators, or that 
some products (depending on defrost type) may no longer have an 
applicable product class and would require waivers. (AHAM, No. 24 at 
pp. 2-3; Sub Zero, No. 22 at pp. 1-2)
    DOE proposed the revised temperature structure to align the 
proposed definitions with the test procedure to limit the possibility 
of a product meeting the definition requirements but not being able to 
be tested. However, DOE acknowledges that this revision is not directly 
related to improving clarity or establishing consistency with respect 
to the new MREF product definitions. Accordingly, DOE determined that 
this potential issue would be more appropriately addressed during a 
rulemaking specific to refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and 
freezers. Therefore, DOE is establishing references to 8[emsp14][deg]F 
for the freezer compartment temperature requirements in the definitions 
for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, and in the associated 
combination cooler refrigeration product definitions.
    DOE is, however, establishing an additional amendment to the 
existing definitions for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and 
freezers. The temperature ranges used to define coolers overlap with 
those used to define refrigerators, which may lead to uncertainty 
regarding appropriate product classification (i.e., products with 
compartments capable of maintaining temperatures between 
37[emsp14][deg]F and 39[emsp14][deg]F and as high as 60[emsp14][deg]F 
would meet both the cooler and existing refrigerator definitions). As 
originally discussed in the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE observed that 
products with

[[Page 46778]]

compartment temperatures that reach no lower than 37[emsp14][deg]F but 
that can also reach at least as high as 60[emsp14][deg]F are more 
appropriately classified as coolers instead of refrigerators. 79 FR 
74894, 74901-74902. To eliminate uncertainty in product classification, 
DOE is amending the refrigerator and related definitions to clarify 
that products that meet the cooler temperature ranges are excluded from 
the refrigerator and related definitions. However, DOE is clarifying 
that these exclusions take effect on the compliance date of any energy 
conservation standards for combination cooler refrigeration products.
    In clarifying their application, DOE notes that the phrase ``must 
comply with an applicable miscellaneous refrigeration product energy 
conservation standard'' used in the definitions of refrigerator, 
freezer, and refrigerator-freezer adopted in this rule is intended to 
more clearly express the same meaning as if the term ``subject to an 
applicable energy conservation standard,'' as that term is used in 10 
CFR 429.12, were used. In other words, the variation of the term 
adopted here is not intended to convey a different meaning than if the 
term used in 10 CFR 429.12 were used.
    In sum, other than the clarifying revisions noted earlier, DOE is 
amending the definitions for refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, and 
freezer in a manner consistent with the 2016 SNOPD proposal.

D. General Terms for the Groups of Products Addressed in This Rule

    In the 2016 SNOPD, DOE proposed to define the terms ``miscellaneous 
refrigeration product'' and ``consumer refrigeration product'' in a 
manner consistent with the MREF Working Group recommendations in Term 
Sheet #1. ``Miscellaneous refrigeration product'' would refer to a 
consumer refrigeration product other than a refrigerator, refrigerator-
freezer, or freezer, which includes coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products. ``Consumer refrigeration product'' would refer 
to a refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, freezer, or miscellaneous 
refrigeration product. These proposed terms would allow for simpler 
references when referring to the groups of products addressed in this 
final determination.
    DOE did not receive any comments on the proposed definitions for 
``miscellaneous refrigeration product'' and ``consumer refrigeration 
product'' in response to the 2016 SNOPD. Therefore, DOE is establishing 
the definitions as proposed in the 2016 SNOPD in this final rule.
    Additionally, because DOE has determined that MREFs meet the 
criteria for coverage under EPCA, as discussed in section IV of this 
final determination, DOE is amending the definition of ``covered 
product'' in 10 CFR 430.2 to include MREFs.

VI. Test Procedure Discussion

A. Test Procedure Sections and Appendices Addressing the Newly Covered 
Products

    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to modify appendix A to 
incorporate provisions that would address the test procedures for 
coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products. 79 FR at 74904. 
DOE did not receive any comment on this proposal, and is amending 
appendix A to include the testing requirements for all newly covered 
MREFs, as proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR.
    DOE also proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR to amend both 
appendices A and B to improve their clarity and incorporate minor 
technical corrections. 79 FR 74894. Comments received on these 
provisions are addressed in the following discussion sections. After 
considering these comments, DOE is adopting these additional amendments 
for both appendices A and B to improve clarity and to maintain 
consistency between the two related test procedures.

B. Elimination of Definition Numbering in the Appendices

    Appendices A, B, A1, and B1 each include an introductory section 
(``Section 1'') that defines terms that are important for describing 
the test procedures for these products. These sections are currently 
numbered such that each definition has a unique sub-section number. In 
the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE explained that because the definitions are 
all listed in alphabetical order, the current organizational structure 
is unnecessary. To improve the readability of these sections and to 
limit confusion from renumbering when definitions are added or removed, 
DOE proposed to eliminate the sub-section numbering to simplify the 
structure of these sections of the appendices. 79 FR at 74904-74905.
    DOE did not receive any comments regarding this aspect of its Test 
Procedure NOPR proposal, and is removing the section numbering for 
definitions from appendices A and B in this final rule. DOE is not 
making a corresponding change to appendices A1 and B1 because, as 
described in section VI.M of this document, DOE is removing these 
appendices from the CFR because they are no longer relevant.

C. Removal of Provisions for Externally-Vented Products

    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed removing provisions 
related to externally-vented products from appendix A to help simplify 
and improve the appendix's clarity. These changes entailed the removal 
of a number of provisions, including certain definitions, testing 
conditions, measurements, and calculations relevant to these products. 
DOE also proposed to remove all references to externally-vented 
products from the regulatory text in Sec.  430.23(a) of subpart B. 79 
FR at 74905.
    DOE did not receive any comments in response to the Test Procedure 
NOPR proposal on this topic and is incorporating these changes to 
appendix A.

D. Sampling Plans, Certification Reporting, and Measurement/
Verification of Volume

    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to apply the same 
statistical evaluation criteria for consumer product test samples to 
MREFs. In addition, DOE proposed to establish a new section 10 CFR 
429.61, which would be titled ``Miscellaneous refrigeration products,'' 
to address sampling plans, certification reports, rounding 
requirements, and product category determinations for these products. 
79 FR at 74905.
    DOE did not receive any comments on the proposed requirements to be 
included in 10 CFR 429.61, and is establishing the relevant sampling 
plan, certification reporting, rounding, and product category 
determination requirements for coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products in this document. DOE notes that the provisions 
within 10 CFR 429.61 clarify that compartment temperatures used to 
determine the appropriate product category must be determined in a 
90[emsp14][deg]F ambient temperature (by referencing appendix A). 
Additionally, DOE has incorporated clarifying edits to the product 
category determination section to specify which measured values must be 
used in making the determination. This final rule also updates the 
refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, and freezer requirements in 10 CFR 
429.14 to include these clarifications (referencing appendix A for 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, and appendix B for freezers). 
DOE is also clarifying in 10 CFR 429.14 which volume values must be 
reported and that the rounding

[[Page 46779]]

requirements for certified volumes do not apply until the compliance 
date of amended energy conservation standards for refrigerators, 
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers is reached. For both of these 
sections in 10 CFR part 429, DOE is also clarifying their section 
headings to specify that they refer to consumer products.
    DOE's product-specific enforcement provisions are included in 10 
CFR 429.134. Within this section, paragraph (b) describes the specific 
requirements for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. In 
the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed adding a new section within 10 
CFR 429.134 to include product-specific enforcement provisions for 
MREFs. DOE proposed that the MREF requirements be consistent with those 
in place for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. 79 FR 
at 74905.
    DOE did not receive comments in response to the proposed 
enforcement provisions for MREFs. In this final rule, DOE is 
establishing a new section within 10 CFR 429.134 to include enforcement 
requirements for MREFs that are consistent with those currently in 
place for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. DOE is 
also amending the enforcement provisions for refrigerators, 
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers for consistency with the rounding 
requirements discussed in section VI.L of this document.
    DOE's current regulations in 10 CFR 429.72(c) allow the use of 
computer-aided design (``CAD'') models when determining volume for 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. In the Test 
Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to add Sec.  429.72(d) to establish the 
same approach for MREFs. 79 FR at 74905.
    Felix Storch, Inc. (``FSI'') commented that it strongly agreed with 
DOE's proposal to allow CAD models in place of measured volumes for 
certifying volumes and testing products. (FSI, Test Procedure NOPR, No. 
15 at p. 2) \6\ DOE received no other comments regarding this aspect of 
its proposal.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ A notation in the form ``FSI, Test Procedure NOPR, No. 15 at 
p. 1'' identifies a written comment: (1) Made by Felix Storch, Inc. 
(FSI); (2) recorded in document number 15 that is filed in the 
docket of the test procedure rulemaking for miscellaneous 
refrigeration products (Docket No. EERE-2013- BT-TP-0029) and 
available for review at www.regulations.gov; and (3) which appears 
on page 1 of document number 15.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In this final rule, DOE is establishing Sec.  429.72(d) as proposed 
in the Test Procedure NOPR, to allow the use of CAD models when 
determining volume for MREFs.

E. Compartment Definition

    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE noted that although the term 
``compartment'' is used extensively in the DOE test procedures, it had 
not been defined. The DOE test procedure uses the term to refer to both 
individual enclosed spaces within a product (e.g., referring to a 
specific freezer compartment), as well as all enclosed spaces within a 
product that meet the same temperature criteria (e.g., referring to the 
freezer compartment temperature--a volume-weighted average temperature 
for all individual freezer compartments within a product). DOE noted 
that ``compartment'' is defined in the Australian/New Zealand test 
procedures (AS/NZS 4474.1-2007); however, DOE noted that the AS/NZS 
4474.1-2007 approach is not fully consistent with how the term 
``compartment'' is used in the DOE test procedures. To limit the extent 
of test procedure changes necessary when including a compartment 
definition, DOE proposed a definition for ``compartment'' that included 
the two key meanings in the test procedures. 79 FR at 74905-74907.
    DOE also proposed additional instructional language in section 5.3 
of appendix A and appendix B to clarify how the concept of compartments 
should be used in the test procedures: (1) Each compartment to be 
evaluated would be an enclosed space without subdividing barriers that 
divide the space--a subdividing barrier would be defined as a solid 
barrier (including those that contain thermal insulation) that is 
sealed around all of its edges to prevent air movement from one side to 
the other, or has edge gaps insufficient to permit thermal convection 
transfer from one side to the other that would cause the temperatures 
on both sides of the barrier to equilibrate; (2) each evaluated 
compartment would not be a zone of a larger compartment unless the zone 
is separated from the larger compartment by subdividing barriers; and 
(3) if a subdividing barrier can be placed in multiple locations, it 
would be placed in the median position, or, if it can be placed in an 
even number of locations, it would be placed in the near-median 
position that results in a smaller (rather than larger) cooler 
compartment volume. DOE also proposed to include the set-up requirement 
for movable subdividing barriers in section 2.7 of appendix A and in 
section 2.5 of appendix B. 79 FR at 74906-74906.
    The MREF Working Group considered the issue of a compartment 
definition in its discussions. Working Group members indicated that the 
intent of the term ``compartment,'' as included in the existing test 
procedures, was well-understood by industry and test laboratories, and 
that a definition intended to cover the multiple uses in the test 
procedure would potentially introduce confusion. Accordingly, the MREF 
Working Group recommended that DOE not include a ``compartment'' 
definition, and that DOE address this issue in a future rulemaking for 
refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, and freezer test procedures. The 
MREF Working Group suggested that, at that time, DOE consider adopting 
a definition based on the definition in AS/NZS 4474.1-2007. The MREF 
Working Group also recommended that DOE include the additional 
clarifications for considering compartments in sections 2.7 and 5.3 of 
appendix A and sections 2.5 and 5.3 appendix B. The MREF Working Group 
further recommended that DOE clarify the definition of ``special 
compartment'' to more clearly distinguish between special compartments 
and cooler compartments within combination cooler refrigeration 
products. See Term Sheet #1 at pp. 7, 10, 17-18, and 32-33.
    Consistent with the MREF Working Group recommendation, DOE is not 
amending appendix A or appendix B to include a definition for the term 
compartment. Instead, this final rule amends appendix A and appendix B 
to include the additional clarifications regarding compartments as 
proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR. DOE is also amending the current 
definition for ``special compartment,'' consistent with the MREF 
Working Group recommendation, to refer to any compartment, other than a 
butter conditioner or a cooler compartment, without doors that are 
directly accessible from the exterior, and with a separate temperature 
control (such as crispers convertible to meat keepers) that is not 
convertible from the fresh food temperature range to the freezer 
temperature range.

F. Cooler Compartments

1. Cooler Compartment Standardized Temperature
    In order to ensure that test results are both repeatable and 
representative of consumer use, the DOE test procedures require the use 
of standardized compartment temperatures representative of typical 
consumer use. In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed a standardized 
cooler compartment temperature of 55[emsp14][deg]F, which would apply 
to coolers and cooler compartments within

[[Page 46780]]

combination cooler refrigeration products. DOE noted that this 
temperature is already widely in use in other industry test methods. In 
addition, DOE market research of products with cooler compartments 
revealed typical temperature ranges of 45[emsp14][deg]F to 
65[emsp14][deg]F, with 55[emsp14][deg]F often representing the most 
common target temperature. 79 FR at 74907-74908.
    The MREF Working Group supported DOE's proposal from the Test 
Procedure NOPR because 55[emsp14][deg]F is already the industry-
accepted compartment temperature for these types of products. The MREF 
Working Group recommended that DOE adopt the 55[emsp14][deg]F cooler 
compartment temperature in its test procedures for MREFs. See Term 
Sheet #1 at p. 20.
    For the reasons outlined in the Test Procedure NOPR, and as 
supported by the MREF Working Group, DOE is establishing 
55[emsp14][deg]F as the standardized cooler compartment temperature 
used for testing in appendix A.
2. Cooler Compartment Temperature Measurement
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to reference section 
5.5.5.4 of AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008, (``HRF-1-2008''), Association of 
Home Appliance Manufacturers, Energy and Internal Volume of 
Refrigerating Appliances (2008) for the temperature measurement 
requirements in cooler compartments in coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products. The proposed sensor placements would be 
consistent with the existing requirements for fresh food compartments. 
To implement this change, DOE proposed to add a reference to cooler 
compartments in section 5.1 of appendix A, indicating that temperature 
sensor placement within these compartments would be performed as 
indicated in Figure 5.1 of AHAM HRF-1-2008. DOE also proposed to 
require volume-weighted averaging of cooler compartment temperatures in 
cases where there are multiple cooler compartments, similar to the 
current requirements for volume-weighted averaging of fresh food and 
freezer compartments in sections 5.1.3 and 5.1.4 of appendix A. 79 FR 
at 74908.
    The MREF Working Group did not specifically address these proposals 
in its meetings, but it did recommend that DOE follow the same approach 
as outlined in the Test Procedure NOPR. See Term Sheet #1 at pp. 23-26.
    Because DOE received supporting feedback, and none opposing, the 
Test Procedure NOPR approach, it has incorporated the proposed 
temperature measurement requirements for cooler compartments into 
appendix A.
3. Cooler Compartments as Special Compartments
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to treat a product as a 
combination cooler refrigeration product only if the cooler 
compartment(s) comprised at least 50 percent of the total refrigerated 
volume. DOE proposed that cooler compartments in products that 
comprised less than 50 percent of the total cooler compartment volume 
would be treated as special compartments. Special compartments would be 
tested at their coldest temperature setting. 79 FR at 74908.
    As discussed in section V.B of this document, DOE has eliminated 
the 50-percent cooler compartment volume requirement from the 
combination cooler refrigeration product definition. Accordingly, the 
final rule will not require that cooler compartments be treated as 
special compartments, regardless of their volume.
4. Temperature Settings and Energy Use Calculations
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed that the temperature 
settings and energy use calculations for MREFs would use an approach 
similar to those used in the existing refrigerator and refrigerator-
freezer test procedure. Specifically, DOE proposed adding the following 
steps to section 3 of appendix A:
    (1) The temperature controls for cooler compartments would be 
placed in the median position for a first test.
    (2) The temperature control setting for the second test would 
depend on all of the measured compartment temperatures, including that 
of the cooler compartment. The setting would be warm for all 
compartments, including the cooler compartment, if the compartment 
temperatures measured for the first test are all below their 
standardized temperatures; otherwise, the temperature controls would 
all be set to their coldest settings.
    (3) If all of the measured compartment temperatures are lower than 
their standardized temperatures for both tests, the energy use 
calculation would be based only on the second (warmest setting) test.
    (4) If the measured compartment temperature of any compartment is 
warmer than its standardized temperatures for a test with the controls 
in the cold setting, the energy use calculation would be based on cold- 
and warm-setting tests, subject to specific restrictions based on 
compartment temperatures, measured energy use, except that for non-
compressor refrigeration products, the energy use calculation would be 
based only on the cold-setting test.
    (5) If neither (3) nor (4) occur, the energy use calculation would 
be based on both tests.
    (6) The test procedure would also allow an energy use rating to be 
based simply on the results of a single first test, if that test is 
conducted with the compartment temperature controls in their warmest 
setting, provided that the measured compartment temperatures are all 
below their standardized temperatures.

79 FR at 74908-74909.

    DOE proposed that the energy use calculations would follow the same 
approach as for the existing test procedures for refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers, in which energy use is interpolated to the 
standardized compartment temperatures. For combination cooler 
refrigeration products, DOE proposed that the highest of the three 
possible energy use calculations (one each for cooler compartments, 
fresh food compartments and/or freezer compartments) would be used to 
determine overall energy consumption, consistent with the approach for 
refrigerator-freezers. For products unable to maintain compartment 
temperatures below the standardized compartment temperatures at any 
control setting, DOE proposed extrapolating to the standardized 
compartment temperature using the test results at the warm and cold 
settings. In the case of non-compressor refrigerators unable to 
maintain standardized compartment temperatures, DOE proposed that the 
test results be based on the result of the cold setting test only. 79 
FR at 74909.
    The MREF Working Group discussed appropriate test settings and 
energy use calculations for MREFs. Working Group members disagreed with 
the Test Procedure NOPR proposals for addressing products unable to 
maintain standardized compartment temperatures. The MREF Working Group 
ultimately recommended that the test procedure provide no energy use 
rating for products unable to maintain standardized compartment 
temperatures, consistent with the requirements included in appendix A. 
The MREF Working Group supported the other proposals related to 
temperature settings and energy use calculations, which were consistent 
with the existing requirements for refrigerators and refrigerator-
freezers. The Working Group also recommended that DOE revise the 
current version of

[[Page 46781]]

Table 1 in appendix A to simplify the required temperature settings for 
each possible compartment temperature result. See Term Sheet #1 at pp. 
21-22.
    The existing test procedure in appendix A states that if a product 
cannot maintain the applicable standardized temperature, it would 
receive no energy use rating. Many of the products that would receive 
no energy use rating would now be considered coolers under the 
definitions described in section V of this document, and would receive 
an energy use rating under the test procedures established for those 
products in this final rule. However, DOE is aware that certain 
products marketed as coolers, particularly those with non-compressor 
refrigeration systems, are unable to maintain a 55 [deg]F compartment 
temperature in the 90 [deg]F ambient test condition. While these 
products would meet the cooler definition, DOE agrees with the MREF 
Working Group recommendation and has specified in appendix A that these 
products would receive no energy use rating. DOE expects that the 
extrapolation approach for these products would not reflect actual 
energy consumption in the field, and as a result, no energy use rating 
is appropriate. Manufacturers of these products would be required to 
pursue a test procedure waiver, as described in section 7 of appendix 
A, to determine an appropriate energy use rating for these products 
that reflects actual energy use under normal consumer use.
    DOE is maintaining the remaining relevant temperature setting and 
energy use calculation requirements as proposed and explained in the 
Test Procedure NOPR and recommended by the MREF Working Group.
5. Volume Calculations
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed that the refrigerated 
volume calculation for a cooler compartment would be conducted in the 
same way as the existing volume calculations for a fresh food 
compartment. Specifically, the volume measurements would be conducted 
according to section 3.30 and sections 4.2 through 4.3 of HRF-1-2008, 
with additional clarifications as included in appendix A. In 
calculating the adjusted volume of coolers, DOE proposed a volume 
adjustment factor equal to 1.0. 79 FR at 74909.
    For combination cooler refrigeration products, DOE proposed to 
apply a volume adjustment factor of 0.69 for cooler compartments. This 
adjustment factor was intended to account for the warmer temperature 
and reduced thermal load of the cooler compartment when compared to a 
fresh food or freezer compartment. The value of 0.69 was based on the 
difference between the 55 [deg]F standardized compartment temperature 
and the 90 [deg]F ambient temperature relative to the difference 
between the 39 [deg]F fresh food standardized compartment temperature 
and the 90 [deg]F ambient temperature (fresh food compartments have a 
volume adjustment factor of 1.0). 79 FR at 74909.
    The MREF Working Group considered cooler compartment volume 
adjustment factors in its test procedure recommendation to DOE. The 
Working Group agreed with the Test Procedure NOPR proposal of using a 
volume adjustment factor of 1.0 for cooler compartment volumes within 
coolers (i.e., products including only cooler compartments). For 
combination cooler refrigeration products, the Working Group also 
recommended a volume adjustment factor of 1.0 for the cooler 
compartment volumes. While the approach proposed in the Test Procedure 
NOPR is consistent with the calculation to determine the freezer volume 
adjustment factor, the Working Group determined that a corresponding 
calculation would not be appropriate for cooler compartments. The group 
discussed that cooler compartments typically have glass doors, a factor 
that leads to an increased thermal load for these compartments despite 
their higher internal compartment temperatures. The higher temperature 
of a cooler compartment combined with a glass door leads to a thermal 
load similar to a fresh food compartment with a solid door. 
Accordingly, the MREF Working Group recommended that DOE apply a volume 
adjustment factor of 1.0 to all cooler compartments in both coolers and 
combination cooler refrigeration products. See Term Sheet #1 at pp. 34-
35.
    DOE provided analytical support to the MREF Working Group 
discussions which led to the group's recommendation to DOE. In modeling 
the performance of combination cooler refrigeration products, DOE found 
that fresh food and cooler compartments with typical construction had 
very similar thermal loads. For example, assuming a 6-cubic foot volume 
for both the fresh food and cooler compartment in a combination cooler 
refrigerator with 1.5-inch wall insulation and a mid-tech glass door 
for the cooler compartment (i.e., dual-pane with inert gas fill and 
low-emissivity coating) resulted in thermal loads of 28.1 Watts (W) for 
the cooler compartment and 27.3 W for the fresh food compartment.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ The analysis is included in the ``2015-10-20 Working Group 
Meeting Materials: Combination Cooler Engineering Results'' file in 
docket ID EERE-2011-BT-STD-0043, accessible on regulations.gov.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on the recommendations from the MREF Working Group and the 
supporting modeling data, DOE is establishing the volume calculations 
as proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR, except with a volume adjustment 
factor of 1.0 for all cooler compartments.
6. Convertible Compartments
    Certain compartments may be convertible between the temperature 
ranges that define coolers, refrigerators, and freezers (i.e., cooler, 
fresh food, and freezer compartment temperatures). To address this 
possibility, DOE proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR to modify the 
requirements for convertible compartments in appendix A. The proposed 
changes included temperature ranges in appendix A, sections 2.7 and 
3.2.3, to define whether a compartment is convertible to a cooler 
compartment and to provide appropriate temperature settings for 
convertible compartments that would be tested as cooler compartments. 
The existing requirement that the convertible compartment be tested in 
its highest energy use position would not change, nor would the 
requirement that separate auxiliary convertible compartments be tested 
with the convertible compartment set as the compartment type that 
represents the highest energy use position. 79 FR at 74909.
    DOE did not receive comments in response to the Test Procedure NOPR 
proposal for convertible compartments, and the MREF Working Group did 
not specifically address this topic in its discussions. However, the 
MREF Working Group included the convertible compartment requirements as 
proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR in its test procedure 
recommendation to DOE. See Term Sheet #1 at pp. 17-18, 22-23. For these 
reasons, DOE is adopting the proposed convertible compartment 
requirements from its Test Procedure NOPR for inclusion in appendix A.

G.Test Procedures for Coolers

1. Ambient Temperature and Usage Factor
    DOE's existing test procedures for refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers require testing with the cabinet doors kept 
closed in an environmentally-controlled room at 90 [deg]F temperature. 
This test condition is intended to simulate operation in more typical 
room temperature conditions (72

[[Page 46782]]

[deg]F) with door openings. The test procedures for freezers apply 
adjustment factors to the measurements of energy use during the test to 
adjust for less frequent usage when compared to refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers. Appendix B applies correction factors of 0.7 for 
chest freezers and 0.85 for upright freezers.
    DOE proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR to test vapor-compression 
coolers in a 90 [deg]F ambient condition, consistent with the existing 
test procedures, but with a usage factor of 0.55. This proposed usage 
factor is lower than the 0.85 usage factor required by California 
Energy Commission (``CEC'') and Natural Resources Canada (``NRCan'') 
regulations, and applied in the AHAM test procedure these products. DOE 
developed the 0.55 factor by combining data on the performance impacts 
of the ambient temperature (72 [deg]F for typical operation versus 90 
[deg]F for testing) and the estimated thermal loads for these products 
based on typical consumer use. DOE found that operation in the 72 
[deg]F temperature resulted in an average measured energy consumption 
of 0.46 times the value measured at the 90 [deg]F ambient temperature. 
DOE estimated that consumer use for door openings and food loads would 
represent a 20-percent additional thermal load (based on the ratio of 
the 0.85 to 0.7 usage factors for upright versus chest freezers, 
respectively). Multiplying 0.46 by 1.2 results in the overall usage 
factor of 0.55 proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR for vapor-
compression coolers. 79 FR at 74910-74912.
    DOE testing of non-compressor coolers prior to the Test Procedure 
NOPR showed that certain units were unable to maintain standardized 
compartment temperatures in a 90 [deg]F ambient condition. To address 
this issue, DOE proposed that non-compressor coolers be tested in a 72 
[deg]F ambient condition with a usage factor of 1.2 to represent the 
additional thermal loads associated with consumer use. 79 FR at 74910-
74912.
    The MREF Working Group considered ambient conditions and usage 
factors for cooler testing in its recommendations to DOE. The Working 
Group agreed with DOE's proposals for testing vapor-compression 
coolers, and recommended that DOE require testing in a 90 [deg]F 
ambient with a 0.55 usage factor for these products. For non-compressor 
coolers, the Working Group disagreed with DOE's proposal. The Working 
Group recommended that DOE establish consistent testing requirements 
for all coolers, regardless of refrigeration technology. See Term Sheet 
#1 at pp. 14, 27.
    After considering the MREF Working Group recommendations, DOE is 
establishing one set of test requirements for testing coolers in 
appendix A, regardless of refrigeration technology. DOE has included 
the 90 [deg]F ambient test temperature and 0.55 usage factor as 
initially proposed for vapor-compression coolers in the Test Procedure 
NOPR. Establishing one set of test requirements ensures that all 
products offering the same consumer utility and function are rated on a 
consistent basis, providing consumers with a meaningful basis to 
compare product energy consumptions. As discussed in section VI.F.4 of 
this document, manufacturers of products unable to maintain the 
standardized compartment temperature in a 90 [deg]F test condition 
would be required to pursue a test procedure waiver, as described in 
section 7 of appendix A.
2. Light Bulb Energy
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE noted that coolers often have glass 
doors that permit consumers to display stored items and manually-
operated lighting to illuminate these items for better viewing. The 
procedures under appendices A and B require that electrically-powered 
features not required for normal operation and that are manually-
initiated and manually-terminated must be set in their lowest energy 
use position during the energy test. However, Canadian Standards 
Association, Standard C300-08 (``CSA C300-08'') requires two tests, one 
each with the lights on and off, and an average energy use result. 
Based on field surveys conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National 
Laboratory (``LBNL''), which indicated that 90 percent of consumers 
kept light switches off in coolers,\8\ DOE proposed to only test with 
any light switches in the off position. 79 FR at 74912.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ U.S. Residential Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products: 
Results from Amazon Mechanical Turk Surveys, LBNL-6194E, No. 10 at 
pp. 43-44.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The MREF Working Group supported DOE's proposal in the Test 
Procedure NOPR, and recommended that DOE require testing coolers with 
any light switches in the off position. See Term Sheet #1 at p. 15 
(recommending use of the operational conditions for a unit under test 
prescribed in specific provisions from HRF-1-2008).
    Based on the data cited in the Test Procedure NOPR and the MREF 
Working Group recommendation, DOE is requiring that cooler compartments 
be tested with any light switches in the off position. This requirement 
is consistent with the existing provisions in appendix A and appendix B 
for electrically-powered features not required for normal operation and 
that are manually-initiated and manually-terminated.

H. Non-Compressor Refrigeration Products

1. Ambient Temperature for Non-Compressor Refrigeration Products
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed definitions and specific 
test provisions for non-compressor refrigerators. 79 FR at 74912-74913.
    As discussed in section III of this document, DOE did not establish 
coverage for non-compressor refrigerators as MREFs because it is not 
aware of any of these products available on the market.
    In response to the Test Procedure NOPR proposals, Indel B S.p.a. 
(``Indel B'') commented that at a 90 [deg]F ambient temperature, it is 
impossible for some absorption refrigerators to work. It stated that 
for reasons based on the properties of the chemicals involved, raising 
the ambient temperature is not the same as door openings because gas 
mixes have a worse performance at 90 [deg]F as opposed to a 72 [deg]F 
ambient conditions. (Indel B, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 14 at p. 
106) \9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ A notation in the form ``Indel B, Public Meeting Transcript, 
No. 14 at p. 106'' identifies an oral comment that DOE received on 
January 8, 2015 during the Test Procedure NOPR public meeting, was 
recorded in the public meeting transcript in the docket for the test 
procedure rulemaking (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0029). This 
particular notation refers to a comment (1) made by Indel B S.p.a. 
(Indel B) during the public meeting; (2) recorded in document number 
14, which is the public meeting transcript that is filed in the 
docket of the test procedure rulemaking; and (3) which appears on 
page 106.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Products with non-compressor refrigeration systems would be 
considered coolers, not refrigerators, based on DOE's testing and the 
product definitions discussed earlier in this document, and would be 
subject to the cooler testing requirements detailed elsewhere in this 
final rule. Accordingly, DOE is not establishing specific testing 
provisions for non-compressor refrigerators in appendix A. DOE notes 
that while non-compressor products likely cannot maintain a 39 [deg]F 
compartment temperature in a 90 [deg]F ambient temperature, many are 
capable of maintaining the 55 [deg]F compartment temperature required 
for cooler testing. If testing in the 90 [deg]F ambient condition is 
not appropriate for certain products, manufacturers of those products 
would be required to pursue a test procedure waiver, as described in 
section 7 of appendix A, to determine an appropriate energy use rating 
for these products.

[[Page 46783]]

2. Refrigeration System Cycles
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to clarify in 10 CFR 
430.23 that, in the context of non-compressor products, the term 
``compressor cycle'' means a ``refrigeration cycle'' and that the term 
``compressor'' refers to a ``refrigeration system.'' The proposal would 
clarify references in appendix A to specifically refer to compressor 
operation or complete compressor cycles. DOE proposed this approach 
rather than establishing parallel identical test procedures for non-
compressor products, or inserting the phrase ``or refrigeration system 
cycles for non-compressors products,'' to simplify the text in appendix 
A. DOE also proposed that the test procedure requirements in place for 
refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers with multiple compressors would 
also apply to non-compressor products with multiple refrigeration 
systems. 79 FR at 74913-74914.
    DOE did not receive feedback in response to this proposal in the 
Test Procedure NOPR. Therefore, in this final rule, DOE is establishing 
the clarification in 10 CFR 430.23(dd) as proposed in the Test 
Procedure NOPR.

I. Extrapolation for Refrigeration Products

    Appendices A and B do not currently provide energy use ratings for 
products that are unable to maintain standardized compartment 
temperatures. The previous test procedures in appendices A1 and B1 
included an extrapolation calculation based on the warm and cold test 
setting energy use results to estimate energy use at the standardized 
compartment temperatures.
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to include the 
extrapolation method in appendix A and appendix B to determine energy 
use ratings for refrigeration products other than non-compressor 
refrigerators--the Test Procedure NOPR proposed using the cold setting 
results only in the case of non-compressor refrigerators unable to 
maintain standardized compartment temperatures. The proposal would also 
ensure that the extrapolation method would only be used when the 
calculations would provide meaningful energy use results (i.e., higher 
energy consumption associated with extrapolating to the lower 
compartment temperatures) by requiring that the measured warm-setting 
compartment temperature(s) are warmer than the cold-setting compartment 
temperature(s), and the measured energy use must be lower in the warm 
setting. 79 FR at 74914.
    The MREF Working Group recommended that DOE not include the 
extrapolation approach in Appendix A for products unable to maintain 
standardized compartment temperatures. Instead, the Working Group 
recommended that DOE maintain the ``no energy use rating'' approach for 
these products. See Term Sheet #1 at pp. 21-22.
    DOE notes that extrapolating energy use results from the warm and 
cold test settings for a test unit may result in a final energy use 
that would be higher than any actual energy use possible in the field. 
For this reason, DOE has not included the extrapolation approach in 
appendix A or appendix B, consistent with the recommendation from the 
MREF Working Group. For any units unable to maintain standardized 
compartment temperatures, manufacturers would instead need to apply for 
a test procedure waiver that would ensure representative test results.

J. Combination Cooler Refrigeration Product Test Procedures

    To properly address testing issues involved with assessing the 
energy usage of combination cooler refrigeration products, DOE examined 
a number of factors. These factors included appropriate ambient 
temperatures, usage factors, standardized temperatures, and temperature 
control settings and energy use calculations. These different elements, 
along with the test requirements DOE is establishing in this final 
rule, are discussed in detail below. The test provisions for 
combination cooler refrigeration products discussed in this section 
will be required on the compliance date for any future energy 
conservation standards established for combination cooler refrigeration 
products.
1. Ambient Temperature
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to require that 
combination cooler refrigeration products be tested in a 90 [deg]F 
ambient temperature. DOE proposed this test condition for consistency 
with the test requirements for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, 
and freezers. 79 FR at 74914-74915.
    The MREF Working Group recommended DOE maintain the test conditions 
as proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR. See Term Sheet #1 at p. 14.
    In this final rule, DOE is establishing that combination cooler 
refrigeration products must be tested in a 90 [deg]F ambient 
temperature, consistent with the existing requirements for 
refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, as well as the 
newly established ambient conditions for coolers, as discussed in 
section VI.G.1 of this document.
2. Usage Factor
    For combination cooler refrigeration products, DOE proposed in the 
Test Procedure NOPR that a usage adjustment factor of 0.85 be applied 
in the energy use calculations. Because a portion of these products is 
made up of a cooler compartment, DOE noted that the door opening 
frequency would likely be closer to that of a cooler than a 
refrigerator. Despite proposing a usage factor of 0.55 for coolers in 
the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed a higher value for combination 
cooler refrigeration products because the 90 [deg]F ambient temperature 
likely has a lesser impact on the performance of these products when 
compared to coolers. 79 FR at 74914-74915.
    The MREF Working Group discussed the appropriate usage factor for 
combination cooler refrigeration products, and recommended that DOE 
include a factor of 0.55 for these products, consistent with the usage 
factor proposed and recommended for coolers. See Term Sheet #1 at p. 
27. In reaching this recommendation, the Working Group also discussed 
limited consumer use data provided by AHAM in comments submitted in 
response to the Test Procedure NOPR, which indicated that combination 
cooler refrigeration products are used much less frequently than 
refrigerators or refrigerator-freezers. (AHAM, Test Procedure NOPR, No. 
18 at p. 9)
    Consistent with the MREF Working Group recommendation, and based on 
the limited available data, DOE expects that combination cooler 
refrigeration products are used in a similar manner to coolers--i.e., 
not as the primary food-storage product for the residence, and 
typically used to store beverages. Therefore, DOE is establishing a 
usage factor of 0.55 in the appendix A calculations for these products, 
consistent with the usage factor established for coolers.
3. Temperature Control Settings and Energy Use Calculations
    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE also proposed to require that the 
temperature setting requirements and resulting energy use calculations 
for combination cooler refrigeration products be consistent with the 
existing approach used for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and 
freezers. 79 FR at 74915.
    The MREF Working Group supported the approach outlined in the Test

[[Page 46784]]

Procedure NOPR; however, as discussed in section VI.I of this document, 
the Working Group recommended that DOE remove the extrapolation 
calculation for products not able to maintain the standardized 
compartment temperatures. See Term Sheet #1 at pp. 21-22.
    Based on the Test Procedure NOPR proposal and the MREF Working 
Group's feedback, DOE is establishing the following test setting and 
energy use calculation approach for combination cooler refrigeration 
products, consistent with the existing requirements for refrigerators, 
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers:
    (1) A first test would be conducted with all temperature controls 
set in their median position.
    (2) If the measured compartment temperatures during the first test 
are all lower than the compartments' standardized temperatures, a 
second test would be conducted with all temperature controls set in 
their warmest positions. If the measured compartment temperatures for 
the second test are still lower than the compartments' standardized 
temperatures, the energy use would be calculated based on the results 
of the second test only. Otherwise, the energy use would be calculated 
based on the results of both tests.
    (3) Conversely, if one or more of the measured compartment 
temperatures during the first test are warmer than the standardized 
temperature(s), the second test would be conducted with all temperature 
controls set in their coldest positions. If, for this second test, the 
measured compartment temperatures are all lower than the compartments' 
standardized temperatures, the results of both tests would be used to 
calculate the energy consumption. If one or more of the compartment 
temperatures are still warmer than the standardized temperatures, the 
test would not result in an energy use rating.
    (4) Alternatively, the energy use could be calculated based on a 
single test conducted with all temperature controls set in their 
warmest position, if the measured compartment temperatures are all 
lower than their compartments' standardized temperatures.
    For combination cooler refrigeration products, DOE is requiring 
that the energy use be determined based on the above steps for each 
individual compartment type in the product. The final energy use rating 
is then based on the highest calculated energy consumption from the 
different compartment types. This is consistent with the existing 
approach for refrigerator-freezers.
    Because DOE is incorporating test procedures for coolers and 
combination cooler refrigeration products into appendix A, DOE is also 
revising the text and tables in section 3.2.1 of appendix A to simplify 
the description of the test setting requirements as they apply to all 
products that may be tested.

K. Incidental Changes To Test Procedure Language To Improve Clarity

    In the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE proposed additional revisions to 
the appendix A and appendix B test procedures to improve clarity.
    DOE proposed to revise the references to the different control 
settings needed for testing. Specifically, DOE proposed to change the 
language to refer to ``tests'' rather than ``test periods'' in appendix 
A and appendix B. 79 FR at 74923.
    DOE proposed to amend the regulatory language associated with 
separate auxiliary compartments. Rather than discussing ``first'' fresh 
food or freezer compartments, DOE proposed to use the term ``primary'' 
fresh food or freezer compartments. Id.
    DOE proposed to modify its definition for variable defrost. Rather 
than indicating that the times between defrost should vary with 
different usage patterns and include a continuum of lengths of time 
between defrosts as inputs vary, DOE proposed to modify the language by 
replacing ``should'' with ``must.'' Id.
    DOE proposed to extend certain set-up provisions to some of the new 
product classes addressed by this document. For example, section 2.4 of 
appendix A describes requirements for automatic defrost refrigerator-
freezers. DOE proposed to indicate in the title of this section that 
this provision would apply to all automatic defrost refrigeration 
products covered by appendix A that have freezer compartments with a 
temperature range equivalent to the freezer compartments of 
refrigerator-freezers (which would include cooler-refrigerator-freezers 
and cooler-freezers). Also, section 2.5 of appendix A describes 
requirements for all-refrigerators with small compartments for the 
freezing and storage of ice. DOE proposed that the title of this 
section be modified to also reference cooler-all-refrigerators (as well 
as other product types that are no longer relevant). Finally, section 
2.11 of appendix A addresses refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers 
with demand-response capability. DOE proposed that this requirement 
would generally apply to refrigeration products covered by the test 
procedure. Id.
    The MREF Working Group included the clarifications as described 
above in its test procedure recommendation to DOE. See Term Sheet #1 at 
pp. 15-19. DOE did not receive any additional feedback on these 
proposals; therefore, DOE is establishing the clarifications in 
appendix A and appendix B as proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR.
    In addition to the clarifications described above and proposed in 
the Test Procedure NOPR, DOE is also correcting an error identified in 
appendix A. DOE published a final rule in the Federal Register on 
January 25, 2012, which, in relevant part, updated Figure 1 in section 
4.2.1.1 of appendix A. 79 FR 22320. On April 21, 2014, DOE published a 
final rule that inadvertently removed Figure 1 from section 4.2.1.1 of 
appendix A. DOE is reinserting Figure 1 into section 4.2.1.1 to improve 
the clarity of the test procedure. Neither the error nor the correction 
in this document affect the substance of the test procedure or 
compliance with existing energy conservation standards. Accordingly, 
DOE finds that notice and comment is unnecessary for this clarifying 
amendment.
    DOE is also amending certain sections in appendix A to remove 
specific references to fresh food and freezer compartments. The 
existing phrasing in appendix A would exclude MREFs containing cooler 
compartments.
    In section 5.1(b) of appendices A and B, DOE is clarifying that 
thermocouples may be relocated to maintain a minimum 1-inch air space 
from adjustable shelves or component, but that the sensors shall not be 
relocated if the instructions in HRF-1-2008 specify a location with 
less than 1 inch distance to a component.

L. Changes to Volume Measurement and Calculation Instructions

    Due to questions received regarding how to account for certain 
component volumes, DOE issued guidance on the proper treatment of such 
components in August 2012 (``Guidance on Component Consideration in 
Volume Measurements,'' No. 11, (``August 2012 Guidance'')).\10\ DOE 
proposed in the Test Procedure NOPR to amend appendices A and B to 
clarify the appropriate volume measurements consistent with the 
instructions provided in the August 2012 Guidance. DOE also proposed 
rounding requirements for compartment and overall volumes, and to refer 
to adjusted total volume as ``AV'' rather than ``VA''

[[Page 46785]]

in appendix A and appendix B. 79 FR at 74923.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ This and other DOE guidance documents are available for 
viewing at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/guidance/default.aspx?pid=2&spid=1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The MREF Working Group discussed the Test Procedure NOPR proposals 
for volume measurements and calculations, and generally supported their 
inclusion in the test procedures. However, the Working Group 
recommended that the new rounding requirements for refrigerator, 
refrigerator-freezer, and freezer volumes not be required for use until 
the compliance date of any amended energy conservation standards for 
these products. The MREF Working Group recommended that the test 
procedure include an introductory note to clarify this point. See Term 
Sheet #1 at p. 8.
    DOE agrees with the MREF Working Group recommendations regarding 
volume measurements and calculations. Additionally, although the 
Working Group did not make specific recommendations for updating 
appendix B for freezers, DOE is incorporating similar changes into 
appendix B to maintain consistency between the two test procedures. 
Accordingly, DOE is establishing the following requirements and 
clarifications in appendix A and appendix B.
    The following component volumes shall not be included in the 
compartment volume measurements: Icemaker compartment insulation (e.g., 
insulation isolating the icemaker compartment from the fresh food 
compartment of a product with a bottom-mounted freezer with through-
the-door ice service), fountain recess, dispenser insulation, and ice 
chute (if there is a plug, cover, or cap over the chute per Figure 4-2 
of HRF-2-2008). However, the following component volumes shall be 
included in the compartment volume measurements: icemaker auger motor 
(if housed inside the insulated space of the cabinet), icemaker kit, 
ice storage bin, and ice chute (up to the dispenser flap, if there is 
no plug, cover, or cap over the ice chute per Figure 4-3 of HRF-1-
2008).
    Adjusted total volume was previously designated VA in appendices A 
and B, whereas it is designated AV in 10 CFR 430.32. DOE is changing 
the designation to AV in the test procedure appendices for consistency.
    Volumes of freezer, fresh food, and cooler compartments shall be 
rounded to the nearest 0.01 cubic foot, and if the volumes of these 
compartments are recorded in liters, they shall be converted to cubic 
feet and rounded to the nearest 0.01 cubic foot before using these 
values when calculating the total refrigerated volume or adjusted total 
volume. Total refrigerated volume and adjusted volume shall be recorded 
to the nearest 0.1 cubic foot. DOE is also including the clarifying 
note as recommended by the MREF Working Group to explain that the new 
rounding requirements are not required until the compliance date of any 
amended energy conservation standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers.

M. Removal of Appendices A1 and B1

    The most recent energy conservation standards for refrigerators, 
refrigerator-freezers, and freezers took effect for products 
manufactured on or after September 15, 2014. To prevent confusion and 
to eliminate unnecessary regulatory text, DOE proposed in the Test 
Procedure NOPR to remove appendix A1 and appendix B1 from subpart B to 
10 CFR part 430 and to remove reference to these appendices in other 
parts of the regulations. 79 FR at 74923-74924.
    Appendices A1 and B1 incorporated by reference ANSI/AHAM HRF-1-
1979, (Revision of ANSI B38.1-1970), (``HRF-1-1979''), American 
National Standard, Household Refrigerators, Combination Refrigerator-
Freezers and Household Freezers. DOE proposed removing HRF-1-1979 from 
the list of standards incorporated by reference, corresponding to the 
removal of appendix A1 and appendix B1. 79 FR at 74924.
    DOE did not receive any comments on this topic, and is removing 
appendix A1 and appendix B1 from 10 CFR part 430, subpart B. DOE is 
also removing HRF-1-1979 from the list of standards incorporated by 
reference in 10 CFR 430.3.

N. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements

1. Test Burden
    EPCA requires that the test procedures DOE prescribes or amends be 
reasonably designed to produce test results that measure the energy 
efficiency, energy use, or estimated annual operating cost of a covered 
product during a representative average use cycle or period of use. 
These procedures must also not be unduly burdensome to conduct. 42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3). DOE has concluded that the amendments established by 
this final rule satisfy this requirement.
    The test procedures established in this final rule apply primarily 
to products currently unregulated by DOE. Most of these products are 
very similar to refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, and 
use refrigeration systems to keep the interiors of insulated cabinets 
cool. The test procedures are based on, and consistent with, test 
procedures currently required for testing refrigerators, refrigerator-
freezers, and freezers and would not represent any greater test burden 
than DOE's test procedures for these products.
    DOE considered whether the test procedures could be modified to 
further reduce test burden without negatively affecting test accuracy 
and concluded that there are no such options for modification at this 
time that would significantly reduce the burden beyond the steps 
already taken and described above.
2. Changes in Measured Energy Use
    There currently are no DOE test procedures or energy conservation 
standards for coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products. 
Hence, the amendments established in this final rule do not change the 
measured energy use for these products.
    For refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, the 
amendments established in this final rule only clarify the existing 
test provisions for these products and do not result in any changes in 
measured energy use. However, as discussed in sections V.B and VI.J of 
this document, combination cooler refrigeration products, according to 
the definitions established in this rule, are currently certified for 
compliance with the existing refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, and 
freezer energy conservation standards based on testing according to 
test procedure waivers. The amendments established in this final rule 
will not affect the measured energy use for these products, and 
corresponding compliance with existing energy conservation standards, 
because the relevant test procedure amendments will not take effect 
until the compliance date of energy conservation standards for 
combination cooler refrigeration products. Accordingly, manufacturers 
of combination cooler refrigeration products will continue to meet 
these current standards until the compliance date of any applicable 
MREF standards is reached--at which point, these products will be 
required to satisfy the new MREF standards.
3. Standby and Off Mode Energy Use
    EPCA directs DOE to amend its test procedures to include standby 
mode and off mode energy consumption. It also requires that this energy 
consumption be integrated into the overall energy consumption 
descriptor for the product, unless DOE determines that the current test 
procedures for the product already fully account for and incorporate 
the standby and off mode

[[Page 46786]]

energy consumption of the covered product. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(gg)(2)(A)(i)).
    The test procedures established in this final rule measure the 
energy use of the affected products during extended time periods that 
include periods when the compressor and other key components are cycled 
off. All of the energy these products use during the ``off cycles'' 
would be included in the measurements. A given refrigeration product 
being tested could include auxiliary features that draw power in a 
standby or off mode. In such instances, HRF-1-2008, which is 
incorporated in relevant part into the DOE test procedures, generally 
instructs manufacturers to set certain auxiliary features to the lowest 
power position during testing. In this lowest power position, any 
standby or off mode energy use of such auxiliary features would be 
included in the energy measurement. Hence, no additional test procedure 
changes are necessary to account for standby and off mode energy 
consumption.

VII. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that 
coverage determination and 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). Additionally, the definitions established in this document 
clarify the definitions of certain specific products already regulated 
by DOE and those products that are under consideration for potential 
regulatory coverage. Accordingly, this action was not subject to review 
under the Executive Order by the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs (``OIRA'') in the OMB.

B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act of 1996) requires 
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (``IRFA'') 
for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment and a 
final regulatory flexibility analysis (``FRFA'') for any such rule that 
an agency adopts as a final rule, unless the agency certifies that the 
rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. A regulatory flexibility analysis 
examines the impact of the rule on small entities and considers 
alternative ways of reducing negative effects. 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. 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 final 
rule under the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the 
procedures and policies published on February 19, 2003. DOE has 
concluded that the rule would not have a significant impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for this 
certification is as follows:
    For manufacturers of consumer refrigeration 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 size standards published on 
January 31, 1996, as amended, to determine whether any small entities 
would be required to comply with the rule. 61 FR 3280, 3286, as amended 
at 67 FR 3041, 3045 (Jan. 23, 2002) and at 69 FR 29192, 29203 (May 21, 
2004); see also 65 FR 30836, 30850 (May 15, 2000), as amended at 65 FR 
53533, 53545 (Sept. 5, 2000). The size standards are codified at 13 CFR 
part 121. The 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/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. MREF manufacturers are classified under NAICS 
335222, ``Household Refrigerator and Home Freezer Manufacturing'' and 
NAICS 333415, ``Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and 
Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing.'' The 
SBA sets a threshold of 1,250 employees or less for an entity to be 
considered as a small business for NAICS 335222 and 333415.
    In this final rule, DOE establishes coverage and test procedures 
for MREFs, comprising coolers and combination cooler refrigeration 
products. As described in section VI.N.2, there are no current DOE 
energy conservation standards for MREFs; however, certain products that 
would be considered MREFs currently must meet and certify compliance 
with, existing refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, and freezer energy 
conservation standards.
    The test procedures established in this final rule may impact 
manufacturers who are required to test their products in accordance 
with these requirements. DOE has analyzed these impacts on small 
businesses and presents its findings below.
    DOE examined the potential impacts of the new testing procedures 
established in this rulemaking under the provisions of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies published on February 
19, 2003. In using these procedures, DOE conducted a more focused 
inquiry into small business manufacturers of products that would be 
covered by this proposal. During its market survey, DOE used all 
available public information to identify potential small manufacturers. 
DOE's research involved reviewing product databases (e.g., CEC and 
NRCan databases) and individual company Web sites to create a list of 
companies that manufacture or sell MREFs. DOE reviewed these data to 
determine whether the entities met the SBA's definition of a small 
business manufacturer of MREFs and screened out companies that: (1) Do 
not offer products that would be affected by the proposed amendments, 
(2) do not meet the definition of a ``small business,'' or (3) are 
foreign-owned and operated.
    Using the SBA's definition, DOE identified two small businesses 
that would be affected by this final rule. From its analysis, DOE 
determined the expected impacts of the final rule on affected small 
businesses and whether DOE could certify that this rulemaking would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    This final rule establishes test procedures for manufacturers to 
use as a basis for representations of the energy efficiency of all 
coolers beginning on January 17, 2017, and of combination cooler 
refrigeration products starting on the effective date of energy 
conservation standards for those products. Coolers are currently 
regulated by the CEC and NRCan as wine chillers. DOE assumes that such 
products sold in California and/or Canada are the same products sold in 
the remaining states. Hence, manufacturers likely have already tested 
such products in order to report energy use to CEC and/or NRCan. The 
established test procedures modify the calculation of energy use for 
these products compared to the calculations used by these regulatory 
entities, but do not require retesting of individual models. With 
respect to manufacturers of combination cooler refrigeration products, 
these manufacturers already apply a test method (through a DOE-

[[Page 46787]]

granted test procedure waiver) that accounts for the warmer cooler 
compartment temperatures of these products. Similar to coolers, these 
products would require a modified calculation of energy use, but would 
not require retesting. For any products not currently tested by 
manufacturers, DOE estimates an average of $2,500 per test. This 
estimate is based on input from third-party testing laboratories for 
conducting these and similar tests.
    FSI commented that DOE's estimate of $2,500 per test is too low, 
and that it had received quotes of $4,500 per test from two 
laboratories. (FSI, Test Procedure NOPR, No. 15 at pp. 4-5) As 
explained earlier in this section, DOE believes that all newly covered 
products that will be subject to the testing requirements established 
in this final rule are already tested according to similar test 
methods. Therefore, DOE does not expect this rule to require any 
additional manufacturer testing beyond what is currently in place. 
However, if additional testing were to be required, the costs would 
likely be within the range identified by DOE and the FSI comment.
    The primary cost for small businesses under this rulemaking would 
result from the aforementioned modified calculations and potential 
testing requirements. As mentioned above, existing cooler models that 
are being sold in the U.S. are assumed to have already been tested and 
would require only an adjustment of the calculated energy use. DOE 
estimated that 23 basic models of coolers are available from the 
identified small businesses. DOE estimated that revising the energy use 
representations for these products would require 220 hours of effort 
for each manufacturer. The average hourly salary for an engineer 
completing these tasks is estimated to be $44.36.\11\ Fringe benefits 
are estimated to be 30 percent of total compensation, which brings the 
hourly costs to employers associated with reviewing and filing of 
reports to $57.67.\12\ Therefore, total costs to small businesses to 
implement the requirements of this rulemaking are estimated to be 
$25,000, or an average of $12,500 per small business.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2011. 
National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Washington, DC.
    \12\ U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2010. 
Employer Costs for Employee Compensation--Management, Professional, 
and Related Employees. Washington, DC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE also analyzed the testing cost burden relative to the revenues 
of small manufacturers. Based on this analysis, DOE estimates that the 
cost burden for revising representations of coolers ranges from 0.02 to 
0.04 percent of annual revenues, depending on the specific small 
business. DOE concludes that these values are unlikely to represent a 
significant economic impact for small businesses.
    Based on the criteria outlined above, DOE has determined that the 
test procedures established in this final rule would not have a 
``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities,'' and the preparation of a regulatory flexibility analysis is 
not required. DOE has transmitted its certification and supporting 
statement of factual basis for both the coverage determination and test 
procedure to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    DOE's coverage determination does not impose any new information or 
record-keeping requirements on manufacturers. Manufacturers of MREFs 
must test their products in accordance with the DOE test procedure and 
are required to retain records of that testing. Should DOE promulgate 
energy conservation standards for MREF products, manufacturers must 
certify to DOE that their products comply with any applicable energy 
conservation standards. DOE has established regulations for the 
certification and recordkeeping requirements for all covered consumer 
products and commercial equipment. See 10 CFR part 429, subpart B. The 
collection-of-information requirement for the certification and 
recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by OMB under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA''). This requirement has been approved 
by OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for 
the certification is estimated to average 30 hours per response, 
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data 
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    DOE has determined that MREFs (as defined in this document) meet 
the criteria for classification as covered products and that future 
energy conservation standards may be warranted to regulate their energy 
usage. Should DOE pursue that option, the relevant environmental 
impacts would be explored as part of that rulemaking. Additionally, 
this final rule establishes test procedures for MREFs and amends the 
existing test procedures for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and 
freezers. 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. First, this action 
establishes a class of products (``MREFs'') for which energy 
conservation standards would be appropriate. However, this action does 
not establish energy conservation standards, and, therefore, does not 
result in any environmental impacts. Thus, this action is covered by 
Categorical Exclusion A6 ``Procedural rulemakings'' under 10 CFR part 
1021, subpart D. Second, this rule amends the existing test procedures 
without affecting the amount, quality or distribution of energy usage, 
and, therefore, will 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, under either of these exclusions, neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999) 
imposes certain requirements on 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. DOE examined this final rule and has

[[Page 46788]]

determined that it will 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 rule. States can petition DOE 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.
    DOE notes that currently existing State and local level energy 
conservation standards for MREFs that were prescribed or enacted prior 
to the publication of any standards that DOE may set for these products 
will not be preempted until the compliance date of those Federal 
standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ii)(1)).

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. 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 determined that, to the extent permitted by law, 
this final 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 regulatory action resulting 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 
document and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. On March 18, 1997, 
DOE published a statement of policy on its process for 
intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820 (This policy is 
also available at http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel). DOE 
examined this final rule according to UMRA and its statement of policy 
and determined that the rule contains neither an intergovernmental 
mandate, nor a mandate that may result in the expenditure 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 final rule will 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

    DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), DOE determined that this final 
determination and final rule does 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 agencies to review most 
disseminations of information to the public under 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 final 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 OMB, 
a Statement of Energy Effects for any 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 if the regulation is implemented, 
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected 
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
    This regulatory action establishes coverage over MREFs and 
determines that they meet the criteria for a covered product for which 
the Secretary may prescribe an energy conservation standard pursuant to 
42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p). Additionally, this action sets out certain 
definitions related to these products and test procedures to measure 
their energy efficiency. None of these actions, in part or as a whole, 
comprises a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. 
Moreover, this rule will not have a significant adverse effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy, nor has it been designated as

[[Page 46789]]

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.

L. Review Under the Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review

    On December 16, 2004, OMB, in consultation with the Office of 
Science and Technology Policy (``OSTP''), issued its Final Information 
Quality Bulletin for Peer Review (the Bulletin). 70 FR 2664 (January 
14, 2005). The Bulletin establishes that certain scientific information 
shall be peer reviewed by qualified specialists before it is 
disseminated by the Federal government, including influential 
scientific information related to agency regulatory actions. The 
purpose of the Bulletin is to enhance the quality and credibility of 
the Government's scientific information. DOE has determined that the 
analyses conducted for the regulatory action discussed in this document 
do not constitute ``influential scientific information,'' which the 
Bulletin defines as ``scientific information the agency reasonably can 
determine will have or does have a clear and substantial impact on 
important public policies or private sector decisions.'' 70 FR 2667 
(January 14, 2005). The analyses were subject to pre-dissemination 
review prior to issuance of this rulemaking.
    DOE will determine the appropriate level of review that would apply 
to any future rulemaking to establish energy conservation standards for 
MREFs.

M. 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), DOE must comply with section 32 of the 
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal 
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (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 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 Federal Trade Commission 
(FTC) concerning the impact of the commercial or industry standards on 
competition. DOE has complied with these requirements.

N. Congressional Notification

    As required by 5 U.S.C. 801, DOE will report to Congress on the 
promulgation of this rule before its effective date. The report will 
state that it has been determined that the rule is not a ``major rule'' 
as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

VIII. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this final 
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 June 10, 2016.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE is amending parts 429 
and 430 of chapter II 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 429.12 is amended by revising the fifth entry of the table 
in paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  429.12  General requirements applicable to certification reports.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Deadline for data
              Product category                        submission
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
Residential refrigerators, Residential       Aug. 1.
 refrigerators-freezers, Residential
 freezers, Commercial refrigerator,
 freezer, and refrigerator-freezer,
 Automatic commercial automatic ice makers,
 Refrigerated bottled or canned beverage
 vending machine, Walk-in coolers, Walk-in
 freezers, and Miscellaneous refrigeration
 products.
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

0
3. Section 429.14 is amended by:
0
a. Revising the section heading and paragraph (a)(3); and
0
b. Adding paragraphs (c) and (d), with paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) stayed 
indefinitely.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  429.14  Consumer refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers and 
freezers.

    (a) * * *
    (3) The value of total refrigerated volume of a basic model 
reported in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be 
the mean of the total refrigerated volumes measured for each tested 
unit of the basic model or the total refrigerated volume of the basic 
model as calculated in accordance with Sec.  429.72(c). The value of 
adjusted total volume of a basic model reported in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be the mean of the adjusted 
total volumes measured for each tested unit of the basic model or the 
adjusted total volume of the basic model as calculated in accordance 
with Sec.  429.72(c).
* * * * *
    (c) Rounding requirements for representative values, including 
certified and rated values. (1) The represented value of annual energy 
use must be rounded to the nearest kilowatt hour per year.
    (2) The represented value of total refrigerated volume must be 
rounded to the nearest 0.1 cubic foot.

[[Page 46790]]

    (3) The represented value of adjusted total volume must be rounded 
to the nearest 0.1 cubic foot.
    (d) Product category determination. Each basic model shall be 
certified according to the appropriate product category as defined in 
Sec.  430.2 based on compartment volumes and compartment temperatures.
    (1) Compartment volumes used to determine product category shall be 
the mean of the measured compartment volumes for each tested unit of 
the basic model according to the provisions in section 5.3 of appendix 
A of subpart B of part 430 of this chapter for refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers and section 5.3 of appendix B of subpart B of 
part 430 of this chapter for freezers, or the compartment volumes of 
the basic model as calculated in accordance with Sec.  429.72(d); and
    (2) Compartment temperatures used to determine product category 
shall be the mean of the measured compartment temperatures at the 
coldest setting for each tested unit of the basic model according to 
the provisions section 5.1 of appendix A of subpart B of part 430 of 
this chapter for refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers and section 
5.1 of appendix B of subpart B of part 430 of this chapter for 
freezers.

0
4. Section 429.61 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  429.61  Consumer miscellaneous refrigeration products.

    (a) Sampling plan for selection of units for testing. (1) The 
requirements of Sec.  429.11 are applicable to miscellaneous 
refrigeration products; and
    (2) For each basic model of miscellaneous refrigeration product, a 
sample of sufficient size shall be randomly selected and tested to 
ensure that--
    (i) Any represented value of estimated annual operating cost, 
energy consumption, or other measure of energy consumption of a basic 
model for which consumers would favor lower values shall be greater 
than or equal to the higher of:
    (A) The mean of the sample, where:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.000
    
    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 1.10, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.001

    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 of this subpart).

and
    (ii) Any represented value of the energy factor or other measure of 
energy consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor 
higher values shall be less than or equal to the lower of:
    (A) The mean of the sample, where:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.002
    
    And, x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and 
xi is the ith sample; or
    (B) The lower 95 percent confidence limit (LCL) of the true mean 
divided by 0.90, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.003

    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 of this subpart).
    (3) The value of total refrigerated volume of a basic model 
reported in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be 
the mean of the total refrigerated volumes measured for each tested 
unit of the basic model or the total refrigerated volume of the basic 
model as calculated in accordance with Sec.  429.72(d). The value of 
adjusted total volume of a basic model reported in accordance with 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be the mean of the adjusted 
total volumes measured for each tested unit of the basic model or the 
adjusted total volume of the basic model as calculated in accordance 
with Sec.  429.72(d).
    (b) Certification reports. (1) The requirements of Sec.  429.12 are 
applicable to miscellaneous refrigeration products; and
    (2) Pursuant to Sec.  429.12(b)(13), a certification report must 
include the following public product-specific information: The annual 
energy use in kilowatt hours per year (kWh/yr); the total refrigerated 
volume in cubic feet (cu ft) and the total adjusted volume in cubic 
feet (cu ft).
    (3) Pursuant to Sec.  429.12(b)(13), a certification report coolers 
or combination cooler refrigeration products shall include the 
following additional product-specific information: Whether the basic 
model has variable defrost control (in which case, manufacturers must 
also report the values, if any, of CTL and CTM 
(for an example, see section 5.2.1.3 in appendix A to subpart B of part 
430 of this chapter) used in the calculation of energy consumption), 
whether the basic model has variable anti-sweat heater control (in 
which case, manufacturers must also report the values of heater Watts 
at the ten humidity levels 5%, 15%, through 95% used to calculate the 
variable anti-sweat heater ``Correction Factor''), and whether testing 
has been conducted with modifications to the standard temperature 
sensor locations specified by the figures referenced in section 5.1 of 
appendix A to subpart B of part 430 of this chapter.
    (c) Rounding requirements for representative values, including 
certified and rated values. (1) The represented value of annual energy 
use must be rounded to the nearest kilowatt hour per year.
    (2) The represented value of total refrigerated volume must be 
rounded to the nearest 0.1 cubic foot.
    (3) The represented value of adjusted total volume must be rounded 
to the nearest 0.1 cubic foot.
    (d) Product category determination. Each basic model of 
miscellaneous refrigeration product must be certified according to the 
appropriate product category as defined in Sec.  430.2 based on 
compartment volumes and compartment temperatures.
    (1) Compartment volumes used to determine product category shall be 
the mean of the measured compartment volumes for each tested unit of 
the basic model according to the provisions in section 5.3 of appendix 
A to subpart B of part 430 of this chapter, or the compartment volumes 
of the basic model as calculated in accordance with Sec.  429.72(d); 
and
    (2) Compartment temperatures used to determine product category 
shall be the mean of the measured compartment temperatures at the 
coldest setting for each tested unit of the basic model according to 
the provisions section 5.1 of appendix A to subpart B of part 430 of 
this chapter. For cooler compartments with temperatures below 39 [deg]F 
(3.9 [deg]C) but no lower than 37 [deg]F (2.8 [deg]C), the compartment 
temperatures used to determine product category shall also include the 
mean of the measured compartment temperatures at the warmest setting 
for each tested unit of the basic model according to the provisions 
section 5.1 of appendix A to subpart B of part 430 of this chapter.

0
5. Section 429.72 is amended by adding paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:

[[Page 46791]]

Sec.  429.72  Alternative methods for determining non-energy ratings.

* * * * *
    (d) Miscellaneous refrigeration products. The total refrigerated 
volume of a miscellaneous refrigeration product basic model may be 
determined by performing a calculation of the volume based upon 
computer-aided design (CAD) models of the basic model in lieu of 
physical measurements of a production unit of the basic model. Any 
value of total adjusted volume and value of total refrigerated volume 
of a basic model reported to DOE in a certification of compliance in 
accordance with Sec.  429.61(b)(2) must be calculated using the CAD-
derived volume(s) and the applicable provisions in the test procedures 
in part 430 of this chapter for measuring volume. The calculated value 
must be within two percent, or 0.5 cubic feet (0.2 cubic feet for 
products with total refrigerated volume less than 7.75 cubic feet (220 
liters)), whichever is greater, of the volume of a production unit of 
the basic model measured in accordance with the applicable test 
procedure in part 430 of this chapter.

0
6. Section 429.134 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(B) and 
adding paragraph (l) to read as follows:


Sec.  429.134  Product-specific enforcement provisions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (B) If the certified total refrigerated volume is found to be 
invalid, the average measured adjusted total volume, rounded to the 
nearest 0.1 cubic foot, will serve as the basis for calculation of 
maximum allowed energy use for the tested basic model.
* * * * *
    (l) Miscellaneous refrigeration products--(1) Verification of total 
refrigerated volume. For all miscellaneous refrigeration products, the 
total refrigerated volume of the basic model will be measured pursuant 
to the test requirements of part 430 of this chapter for each unit 
tested. The results of the measurement(s) will be averaged and compared 
to the value of total refrigerated volume certified by the 
manufacturer. The certified total refrigerated volume will be 
considered valid only if:
    (i) The measurement is within two percent, or 0.5 cubic feet (0.2 
cubic feet for products with total refrigerated volume less than 7.75 
cubic feet (220 liters)), whichever is greater, of the certified total 
refrigerated volume; or
    (ii) The measurement is greater than the certified total 
refrigerated volume.
    (A) If the certified total refrigerated volume is found to be 
valid, the certified adjusted total volume will be used as the basis 
for calculating the maximum allowed energy use for the tested basic 
model.
    (B) If the certified total refrigerated volume is found to be 
invalid, the average measured adjusted total volume, rounded to the 
nearest 0.1 cubic foot, will serve as the basis for calculating the 
maximum allowed energy use for the tested basic model.
    (2) Test for models with two compartments, each having its own 
user-operable temperature control. The test described in section 3.3 of 
the applicable test procedure in appendix A to subpart B part 430 of 
this chapter shall be used for all units of a tested basic model before 
DOE makes a determination of noncompliance with respect to the basic 
model.

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

0
7. 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
8. Section 430.2 is amended by:
0
a. Adding, in alphabetical order, definitions for ``all-refrigerator,'' 
``built-in compact cooler,'' ``built-in cooler,'' ``combination cooler 
refrigeration product,'' ``consumer refrigeration product,'' 
``cooler,'' ``cooler-all-refrigerator,'' ``cooler-freezer,'' ``cooler-
refrigerator,'' ``cooler-refrigerator-freezer,'' ``freestanding compact 
cooler,'' ``freestanding cooler,'' and ``miscellaneous refrigeration 
product'';
0
b. Revising the definitions for ``covered product,'' ``freezer,'' 
``refrigerator,'' and ``refrigerator-freezer''; and
0
c. Removing the definitions for ``electric refrigerator'' and 
``electric refrigerator-freezer.''
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  430.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    All-refrigerator means a refrigerator that does not include a 
compartment capable of maintaining compartment temperatures below 32 
[deg]F (0 [deg]C) as determined according to the provisions in Sec.  
429.14(d)(2) of this chapter. It may include a compartment of 0.50 
cubic-foot capacity (14.2 liters) or less for the freezing and storage 
of ice.
* * * * *
    Built-in compact cooler means any cooler with a total refrigerated 
volume less than 7.75 cubic feet and no more than 24 inches in depth, 
excluding doors, handles, and custom front panels, that is designed, 
intended, and marketed exclusively to be:
    (1) Installed totally encased by cabinetry or panels that are 
attached during installation;
    (2) Securely fastened to adjacent cabinetry, walls or floor;
    (3) Equipped with unfinished sides that are not visible after 
installation; and
    (4) Equipped with an integral factory-finished face or built to 
accept a custom front panel.
    Built-in cooler means any cooler with a total refrigerated volume 
of 7.75 cubic feet or greater and no more than 24 inches in depth, 
excluding doors, handles, and custom front panels; that is designed, 
intended, and marketed exclusively to be:
    (1) Installed totally encased by cabinetry or panels that are 
attached during installation;
    (2) Securely fastened to adjacent cabinetry, walls or floor;
    (3) Equipped with unfinished sides that are not visible after 
installation; and
    (4) Equipped with an integral factory-finished face or built to 
accept a custom front panel.
* * * * *
    Combination cooler refrigeration product means any cooler-
refrigerator, cooler-refrigerator-freezer, or cooler-freezer.
* * * * *
    Consumer refrigeration product means a refrigerator, refrigerator-
freezer, freezer, or miscellaneous refrigeration product.
* * * * *
    Cooler means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that has a 
source of refrigeration capable of operating on single-phase, 
alternating current and is capable of maintaining compartment 
temperatures either:
    (1) No lower than 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C); or
    (2) In a range that extends no lower than 37 [deg]F (2.8 [deg]C) 
but at least as high as 60 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C) as determined according 
to the applicable provisions in Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of this chapter.
    Cooler-all-refrigerator means a cooler-refrigerator that does not 
include a compartment capable of maintaining compartment temperatures 
below 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) as determined according to the provisions in 
Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of this chapter. It may include a compartment of 
0.50 cubic-foot capacity (14.2 liters) or less for the freezing and 
storage of ice.
    Cooler-freezer means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that 
has a source of refrigeration that requires

[[Page 46792]]

single-phase, alternating current electric energy input only, and 
consists of two or more compartments, including at least one cooler 
compartment as defined in appendix A of subpart B of this part, where 
the remaining compartment(s) are capable of maintaining compartment 
temperatures at 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) or below as determined 
according to the provisions in Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of this chapter.
    Cooler-refrigerator means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, 
that has a source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, 
alternating current electric energy input only, and consists of two or 
more compartments, including at least one cooler compartment as defined 
in appendix A of subpart B of this part, where:
    (1) At least one of the remaining compartments is not a cooler 
compartment as defined in appendix A of subpart B of this part and is 
capable of maintaining compartment temperatures above 32 [deg]F (0 
[deg]C) and below 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) as determined according to 
Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of this chapter;
    (2) The cabinet may also include a compartment capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures below 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) as 
determined according to Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of this chapter; but
    (3) The cabinet does not provide a separate low temperature 
compartment capable of maintaining compartment temperatures below 8 
[deg]F (-13.3 [deg]C) as determined according to Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of 
this chapter.
    Cooler-refrigerator-freezer means a cabinet, used with one or more 
doors, that has a source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, 
alternating current electric energy input only, and consists of three 
or more compartments, including at least one cooler compartment as 
defined in appendix A of subpart B of this part, where:
    (1) At least one of the remaining compartments is not a cooler 
compartment as defined in appendix A of subpart B of this part and is 
capable of maintaining compartment temperatures above 32 [deg]F (0 
[deg]C) and below 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) as determined according to 
Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of this chapter; and
    (2) At least one other compartment is capable of maintaining 
compartment temperatures below 8 [deg]F (-13.3 [deg]C) and may be 
adjusted by the user to a temperature of 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) or 
below as determined according to Sec.  429.61(d)(2) of this chapter.
* * * * *
    Covered product means a consumer product--
    (1) Of a type specified in section 322 of the Act; or
    (2) That is a ceiling fan, ceiling fan light kit, medium base 
compact fluorescent lamp, dehumidifier, battery charger, external power 
supply, torchiere, portable air conditioner, or miscellaneous 
refrigeration product.
* * * * *
    Freestanding compact cooler means any cooler, excluding built-in 
compact coolers, with a total refrigerated volume less than 7.75 cubic 
feet.
    Freestanding cooler means any cooler, excluding built-in coolers, 
with a total refrigerated volume of 7.75 cubic feet or greater.
    Freezer means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that has a 
source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, alternating current 
electric energy input only and is capable of maintaining compartment 
temperatures of 0 [deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) or below as determined 
according to the provisions in Sec.  429.14(d)(2) of this chapter. It 
does not include any refrigerated cabinet that consists solely of an 
automatic ice maker and an ice storage bin arranged so that operation 
of the automatic icemaker fills the bin to its capacity. However, the 
term does not include:
    (1) Any product that does not include a compressor and condenser 
unit as an integral part of the cabinet assembly; or
    (2) Any miscellaneous refrigeration product that must comply with 
an applicable miscellaneous refrigeration product energy conservation 
standard.
* * * * *
    Miscellaneous refrigeration product means a consumer refrigeration 
product other than a refrigerator, refrigerator-freezer, or freezer, 
which includes coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products.
* * * * *
    Refrigerator means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, that has 
a source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, alternating 
current electric energy input only and is capable of maintaining 
compartment temperatures above 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) and below 39 [deg]F 
(3.9 [deg]C) as determined according to Sec.  429.14(d)(2) of this 
chapter. A refrigerator may include a compartment capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures below 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C), but 
does not provide a separate low temperature compartment capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures below 8 [deg]F (-13.3 [deg]C) as 
determined according to Sec.  429.14(d)(2). However, the term does not 
include:
    (1) Any product that does not include a compressor and condenser 
unit as an integral part of the cabinet assembly;
    (2) A cooler; or
    (3) Any miscellaneous refrigeration product that must comply with 
an applicable miscellaneous refrigeration product energy conservation 
standard.
    Refrigerator-freezer means a cabinet, used with one or more doors, 
that has a source of refrigeration that requires single-phase, 
alternating current electric energy input only and consists of two or 
more compartments where at least one of the compartments is capable of 
maintaining compartment temperatures above 32 [deg]F (0 [deg]C) and 
below 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) as determined according to Sec.  
429.14(d)(2) of this chapter, and at least one other compartment is 
capable of maintaining compartment temperatures of 8 [deg]F (-13.3 
[deg]C) and may be adjusted by the user to a temperature of 0 [deg]F (-
17.8 [deg]C) or below as determined according to Sec.  429.14(d)(2). 
However, the term does not include:
    (1) Any product that does not include a compressor and condenser 
unit as an integral part of the cabinet assembly; or
    (2) Any miscellaneous refrigeration product that must comply with 
an applicable miscellaneous refrigeration product energy conservation 
standard.
* * * * *


Sec.  430.3  [Amended]

0
9. Section 430.3 is amended by:
0
a. Removing paragraph (i)(5); and
0
b. Redesignating paragraphs (i)(6) through (8) as paragraphs (i)(5) 
through (7).

0
10. Section 430.23 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraphs (a) and (b); and
0
b. Adding paragraph (dd).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


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

* * * * *
    (a) Refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers. (1) The estimated 
annual operating cost for models without an anti-sweat heater switch 
shall be the product of the following three factors, with the resulting 
product then being rounded to the nearest dollar per year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard 
cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 
of appendix A of this subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (2) The estimated annual operating cost for models with an anti-
sweat

[[Page 46793]]

heater switch shall be the product of the following three factors, with 
the resulting product then being rounded to the nearest dollar per 
year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for 
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a 
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set 
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A of this subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (3) The estimated annual operating cost for any other specified 
cycle type shall be the product of the following three factors, the 
resulting product then being rounded to the nearest dollar per year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the specified 
cycle type, determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A of this 
subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (4) The energy factor, expressed in cubic feet per kilowatt-hour 
per cycle, shall be:
    (i) For models without an anti-sweat heater switch, the quotient 
of:
    (A) The adjusted total volume in cubic feet, determined according 
to section 6.1 of appendix A of this subpart, divided by--
    (B) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle 
in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 of 
appendix A of this subpart, the resulting quotient then being rounded 
to the second decimal place; and
    (ii) For models having an anti-sweat heater switch, the quotient 
of:
    (A) The adjusted total volume in cubic feet, determined according 
to 6.1 of appendix A of this subpart, divided by--
    (B) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for 
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a 
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set 
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A of this subpart, the 
resulting quotient then being rounded to the second decimal place.
    (5) The annual energy use, expressed in kilowatt-hours per year, 
shall be the following, rounded to the nearest kilowatt-hour per year:
    (i) For models without an anti-sweat heater switch, the 
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year multiplied by 
the average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle in 
kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 of 
appendix A of this subpart; and
    (ii) For models having an anti-sweat heater switch, the 
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year multiplied by 
half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for the 
standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a test 
cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set at the 
factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A of this subpart.
    (6) Other useful measures of energy consumption shall be those 
measures of energy consumption that the Secretary determines are likely 
to assist consumers in making purchasing decisions which are derived 
from the application of appendix A of this subpart.
    (7) The following principles of interpretation shall be applied to 
the test procedure. The intent of the energy test procedure is to 
simulate typical room conditions (72 [deg]F (22.2 [deg]C)) with door 
openings, by testing at 90 [deg]F (32.2 [deg]C) without door openings. 
Except for operating characteristics that are affected by ambient 
temperature (for example, compressor percent run time), the unit, when 
tested under this test procedure, shall operate in a manner equivalent 
to the unit's operation while in typical room conditions.
    (i) The energy used by the unit shall be calculated when a 
calculation is provided by the test procedure. Energy consuming 
components that operate in typical room conditions (including as a 
result of door openings, or a function of humidity), and that are not 
excluded by this test procedure, shall operate in an equivalent manner 
during energy testing under this test procedure, or be accounted for by 
all calculations as provided for in the test procedure. Examples:
    (A) Energy saving features that are designed to operate when there 
are no door openings for long periods of time shall not be functional 
during the energy test.
    (B) The defrost heater shall neither function nor turn off 
differently during the energy test than it would when in typical room 
conditions. Also, the product shall not recover differently during the 
defrost recovery period than it would in typical room conditions.
    (C) Electric heaters that would normally operate at typical room 
conditions with door openings shall also operate during the energy 
test.
    (D) Energy used during adaptive defrost shall continue to be 
measured and adjusted per the calculation provided in this test 
procedure.
    (ii) DOE recognizes that there may be situations that the test 
procedures do not completely address. In such cases, a manufacturer 
must obtain a waiver in accordance with the relevant provisions of 10 
CFR part 430 if:
    (A) A product contains energy consuming components that operate 
differently during the prescribed testing than they would during 
representative average consumer use; and
    (B) Applying the prescribed test to that product would evaluate it 
in a manner that is unrepresentative of its true energy consumption 
(thereby providing materially inaccurate comparative data).
    (b) Freezers. (1) The estimated annual operating cost for freezers 
without an anti-sweat heater switch shall be the product of the 
following three factors, with the resulting product then being rounded 
to the nearest dollar per year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard 
cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 
of appendix B of this subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (2) The estimated annual operating cost for freezers with an anti-
sweat heater switch shall be the product of the following three 
factors, with the resulting product then being rounded to the nearest 
dollar per year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for 
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a 
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set 
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix B of this subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (3) The estimated annual operating cost for any other specified 
cycle type for freezers shall be the product of the

[[Page 46794]]

following three factors, with the resulting product then being rounded 
to the nearest dollar per year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the specified 
cycle type, determined according to section 6.2 of appendix B of this 
subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (4) The energy factor for freezers, expressed in cubic feet per 
kilowatt-hour per cycle, shall be:
    (i) For freezers not having an anti-sweat heater switch, the 
quotient of:
    (A) The adjusted net refrigerated volume in cubic feet, determined 
according to section 6.1 of appendix B of this subpart, divided by--
    (B) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle 
in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to 6.2 of appendix B 
of this subpart, with the resulting quotient then being rounded to the 
second decimal place; and
    (ii) For freezers having an anti-sweat heater switch, the quotient 
of:
    (A) The adjusted net refrigerated volume in cubic feet, determined 
according to section 6.1 of appendix B of this subpart, divided by--
    (B) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for 
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a 
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set 
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix B of this subpart, with 
the resulting quotient then being rounded to the second decimal place.
    (5) The annual energy use of all freezers, expressed in kilowatt-
hours per year, shall be the following, rounded to the nearest 
kilowatt-hour per year:
    (i) For freezers not having an anti-sweat heater switch, the 
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year multiplied by 
the average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle in 
kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 of 
appendix B of this subpart; and
    (ii) For freezers having an anti-sweat heater switch, the 
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year multiplied by 
half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for the 
standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a test 
cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set at the 
factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix B of this subpart.
    (6) Other useful measures of energy consumption for freezers shall 
be those measures the Secretary determines are likely to assist 
consumers in making purchasing decisions and are derived from the 
application of appendix B of this subpart.
    (7) The following principles of interpretation shall be applied to 
the test procedure. The intent of the energy test procedure is to 
simulate typical room conditions (72[emsp14][deg]F (22.2 [deg]C)) with 
door openings by testing at 90[emsp14][deg]F (32.2 [deg]C) without door 
openings. Except for operating characteristics that are affected by 
ambient temperature (for example, compressor percent run time), the 
unit, when tested under this test procedure, shall operate in a manner 
equivalent to the unit's operation while in typical room conditions.
    (i) The energy used by the unit shall be calculated when a 
calculation is provided by the test procedure. Energy consuming 
components that operate in typical room conditions (including as a 
result of door openings, or a function of humidity), and that are not 
excluded by this test procedure, shall operate in an equivalent manner 
during energy testing under this test procedure, or be accounted for by 
all calculations as provided for in the test procedure. Examples:
    (A) Energy saving features that are designed to operate when there 
are no door openings for long periods of time shall not be functional 
during the energy test.
    (B) The defrost heater shall neither function nor turn off 
differently during the energy test than it would when in typical room 
conditions. Also, the product shall not recover differently during the 
defrost recovery period than it would in typical room conditions.
    (C) Electric heaters that would normally operate at typical room 
conditions with door openings shall also operate during the energy 
test.
    (D) Energy used during adaptive defrost shall continue to be 
measured and adjusted per the calculation provided for in this test 
procedure.
    (ii) DOE recognizes that there may be situations that the test 
procedures do not completely address. In such cases, a manufacturer 
must obtain a waiver in accordance with the relevant provisions of this 
part if:
    (A) A product contains energy consuming components that operate 
differently during the prescribed testing than they would during 
representative average consumer use; and
    (B) Applying the prescribed test to that product would evaluate it 
in a manner that is unrepresentative of its true energy consumption 
(thereby providing materially inaccurate comparative data).
* * * * *
    (dd) Coolers and combination cooler refrigeration products. (1) The 
estimated annual operating cost for models without an anti-sweat heater 
switch shall be the product of the following three factors, with the 
resulting product then being rounded to the nearest dollar per year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard 
cycle in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 
of appendix A of this subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (2) The estimated annual operating cost for models with an anti-
sweat heater switch shall be the product of the following three 
factors, with the resulting product then being rounded to the nearest 
dollar per year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for 
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a 
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set 
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A of this subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (3) The estimated annual operating cost for any other specified 
cycle type shall be the product of the following three factors, with 
the resulting product then being rounded to the nearest dollar per 
year:
    (i) The representative average-use cycle of 365 cycles per year;
    (ii) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the specified 
cycle type, determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A to this 
subpart; and
    (iii) The representative average unit cost of electricity in 
dollars per kilowatt-hour as provided by the Secretary.
    (4) The energy factor, expressed in cubic feet per kilowatt-hour 
per cycle, shall be:
    (i) For models without an anti-sweat heater switch, the quotient 
of:
    (A) The adjusted total volume in cubic feet, determined according 
to

[[Page 46795]]

section 6.1 of appendix A of this subpart, divided by--
    (B) The average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle 
in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 of 
appendix A of this subpart, with the resulting quotient then being 
rounded to the second decimal place; and
    (ii) For models having an anti-sweat heater switch, the quotient 
of:
    (A) The adjusted total volume in cubic feet, determined according 
to section 6.1 of appendix A of this subpart, divided by--
    (B) Half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for 
the standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a 
test cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set 
at the factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A of this subpart, with 
the resulting quotient then being rounded to the second decimal place.
    (5) The annual energy use, expressed in kilowatt-hours per year, 
shall be the following, rounded to the nearest kilowatt-hour per year:
    (i) For models without an anti-sweat heater switch, the 
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year multiplied by 
the average per-cycle energy consumption for the standard cycle in 
kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 6.2 of 
appendix A of this subpart; and
    (ii) For models having an anti-sweat heater switch, the 
representative average use cycle of 365 cycles per year multiplied by 
half the sum of the average per-cycle energy consumption for the 
standard cycle and the average per-cycle energy consumption for a test 
cycle type with the anti-sweat heater switch in the position set at the 
factory just before shipping, each in kilowatt-hours per cycle, 
determined according to section 6.2 of appendix A of this subpart.
    (6) Other useful measures of energy consumption shall be those 
measures of energy consumption that the Secretary determines are likely 
to assist consumers in making purchasing decisions which are derived 
from the application of appendix A of this subpart.
    (7) The following principles of interpretation shall be applied to 
the test procedure. The intent of the energy test procedure is to 
simulate operation in typical room conditions (72 [deg]F (22.2 [deg]C)) 
with door openings by testing at 90 [deg]F (32.2 [deg]C) ambient 
temperature without door openings. Except for operating characteristics 
that are affected by ambient temperature (for example, compressor 
percent run time), the unit, when tested under this test procedure, 
shall operate in a manner equivalent to the unit's operation while in 
typical room conditions.
    (i) The energy used by the unit shall be calculated when a 
calculation is provided by the test procedure. Energy consuming 
components that operate in typical room conditions (including as a 
result of door openings, or a function of humidity), and that are not 
excluded by this test procedure, shall operate in an equivalent manner 
during energy testing under this test procedure, or be accounted for by 
all calculations as provided for in the test procedure. Examples:
    (A) Energy saving features that are designed to operate when there 
are no door openings for long periods of time shall not be functional 
during the energy test.
    (B) The defrost heater shall neither function nor turn off 
differently during the energy test than it would when in typical room 
conditions. Also, the product shall not recover differently during the 
defrost recovery period than it would in typical room conditions.
    (C) Electric heaters that would normally operate at typical room 
conditions with door openings shall also operate during the energy 
test.
    (D) Energy used during adaptive defrost shall continue to be 
measured and adjusted per the calculation provided for in this test 
procedure.
    (ii) DOE recognizes that there may be situations that the test 
procedures do not completely address. In such cases, a manufacturer 
must obtain a waiver in accordance with the relevant provisions of this 
part if:
    (A) A product contains energy consuming components that operate 
differently during the prescribed testing than they would during 
representative average consumer use; and
    (B) Applying the prescribed test to that product would evaluate it 
in a manner that is unrepresentative of its true energy consumption 
(thereby providing materially inaccurate comparative data).
    (8) For non-compressor models, ``compressor'' and ``compressor 
cycles'' as used in appendix A of this subpart shall be interpreted to 
mean ``refrigeration system'' and ``refrigeration system cycles,'' 
respectively.

0
11. Appendix A to subpart B is amended by revising the heading, 
introductory text and sections 1, 2, 3, 4.2.1.1, 4.2.1.2, 5, 6, and 7 
to read as follows:

Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of Refrigerators, Refrigerator-Freezers, and 
Miscellaneous Refrigeration Products

    Note:  For refrigerators and refrigerator-freezers, the rounding 
requirements specified in sections 5.3.e and 6.1 of this appendix 
are not required for use until the compliance date of any amended 
energy conservation standards for these products. For combination 
cooler refrigeration products, manufacturers must use the test 
procedures in this appendix for all representations of energy use 
starting on the compliance date of any energy conservation standards 
for these products. For all other miscellaneous refrigeration 
products (e.g. coolers), manufacturers must use the test procedures 
in this appendix for all representations of energy use on or after 
January 17, 2017.

1. Definitions

    Section 3, Definitions, of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by 
reference; see Sec.  430.3) applies to this test procedure, except 
that the term ``wine chiller'' means ``cooler'' as defined in Sec.  
430.2 and the term ``wine chiller compartment'' means ``cooler 
compartment'' as defined in this appendix.
    Anti-sweat heater means a device incorporated into the design of 
a product to prevent the accumulation of moisture on the exterior or 
interior surfaces of the cabinet.
    Anti-sweat heater switch means a user-controllable switch or 
user interface which modifies the activation or control of anti-
sweat heaters.
    AS/NZS 4474.1:2007 means Australian/New Zealand Standard 
4474.1:2007, Performance of household electrical appliances--
Refrigerating appliances, Part 1: Energy consumption and 
performance. Only sections of AS/NZS 4474.1:2007 (incorporated by 
reference; see Sec.  430.3) specifically referenced in this test 
procedure are part of this test procedure. In cases where there is a 
conflict, the language of the test procedure in this appendix takes 
precedence over AS/NZS 4474.1:2007.
    Automatic defrost means a system in which the defrost cycle is 
automatically initiated and terminated, with resumption of normal 
refrigeration at the conclusion of the defrost operation. The system 
automatically prevents the permanent formation of frost on all 
refrigerated surfaces.
    Automatic icemaker means a device that can be supplied with 
water without user intervention, either from a pressurized water 
supply system or by transfer from a water reservoir located inside 
the cabinet, that automatically produces, harvests, and stores ice 
in a storage bin, with means to automatically interrupt the 
harvesting operation when the ice storage bin is filled to a pre-
determined level.
    Cooler compartment means a refrigerated compartment designed 
exclusively for wine or other beverages within a consumer 
refrigeration product that is capable of maintaining compartment 
temperatures either (a) no lower than 39 [deg]F (3.9 [deg]C), or (b) 
in a range that extends no lower than 37 [deg]F (2.8 [deg]C) but at 
least as high as 60 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C)

[[Page 46796]]

as determined according to Sec.  429.14(d)(2) or Sec.  429.61(d)(2) 
of this chapter.
    Complete temperature cycle means a time period defined based 
upon the cycling of compartment temperature that starts when the 
compartment temperature is at a maximum and ends when the 
compartment temperature returns to an equivalent maximum (within 
0.5[emsp14][deg]F of the starting temperature), having in the 
interim fallen to a minimum and subsequently risen again to reach 
the second maximum. Alternatively, a complete temperature cycle can 
be defined to start when the compartment temperature is at a minimum 
and ends when the compartment temperature returns to an equivalent 
minimum (within 0.5[emsp14][deg]F of the starting temperature), 
having in the interim risen to a maximum and subsequently fallen 
again to reach the second minimum.
    Cycle means a 24-hour period for which the energy use of a 
product is calculated based on the consumer-activated compartment 
temperature controls being set to maintain the standardized 
temperatures (see section 3.2 of this appendix).
    Cycle type means the set of test conditions having the 
calculated effect of operating a product for a period of 24 hours, 
with the consumer-activated controls, other than those that control 
compartment temperatures, set to establish various operating 
characteristics.
    Defrost cycle type means a distinct sequence of control whose 
function is to remove frost and/or ice from a refrigerated surface. 
There may be variations in the defrost control sequence, such as the 
number of defrost heaters energized. Each such variation establishes 
a separate, distinct defrost cycle type. However, defrost achieved 
regularly during the compressor off-cycles by warming of the 
evaporator without active heat addition, although a form of 
automatic defrost, does not constitute a unique defrost cycle type 
for the purposes of identifying the test period in accordance with 
section 4 of this appendix.
    HRF-1-2008 means AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008, Association of Home 
Appliance Manufacturers, Energy and Internal Volume of Refrigerating 
Appliances (2008), including Errata to Energy and Internal Volume of 
Refrigerating Appliances, Correction Sheet issued November 17, 2009. 
Only sections of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  
430.3) specifically referenced in this test procedure are part of 
this test procedure. In cases where there is a conflict, the 
language of the test procedure in this appendix takes precedence 
over HRF-1-2008.
    Ice storage bin means a container in which ice can be stored.
    Long-time automatic defrost means an automatic defrost system 
whose successive defrost cycles are separated by 14 hours or more of 
compressor operating time.
    Multiple-compressor product means a consumer refrigeration 
product with more than one compressor.
    Multiple refrigeration system product means a multiple-
compressor product or a miscellaneous refrigeration product with 
more than one refrigeration system for which the operation of the 
systems is not coordinated. For non-compressor multiple 
refrigeration system products, ``multiple-compressor product'' as 
used in this appendix shall be interpreted to mean ``multiple 
refrigeration system product.''
    Precooling means operating a refrigeration system before 
initiation of a defrost cycle to reduce one or more compartment 
temperatures significantly (more than 0.5[emsp14][deg]F) below its 
minimum during stable operation between defrosts.
    Recovery means operating a refrigeration system after the 
conclusion of a defrost cycle to reduce the temperature of one or 
more compartments to the temperature range that the compartment(s) 
exhibited during stable operation between defrosts.
    Separate auxiliary compartment means a separate freezer, fresh 
food, or cooler compartment that is not the primary freezer, primary 
fresh food, or primary cooler compartment. Separate auxiliary 
compartments may also be convertible (e.g., from fresh food to 
freezer). Separate auxiliary compartments may not be larger than the 
primary compartment of their type, but such size restrictions do not 
apply to separate auxiliary convertible compartments.
    Special compartment means any compartment other than a butter 
conditioner or a cooler compartment, without doors directly 
accessible from the exterior, and with separate temperature control 
(such as crispers convertible to meat keepers) that is not 
convertible from the fresh food temperature range to the freezer 
temperature range.
    Stable operation means operation after steady-state conditions 
have been achieved but excluding any events associated with defrost 
cycles. During stable operation the average rate of change of 
compartment temperatures must not exceed 0.042[emsp14][deg]F (0.023 
[deg]C) per hour for all compartment temperatures. Such a 
calculation performed for compartment temperatures at any two times, 
or for any two periods of time comprising complete cycles, during 
stable operation must meet this requirement.
    (a) If compartment temperatures do not cycle, the relevant 
calculation shall be the difference between the temperatures at two 
points in time divided by the difference, in hours, between those 
points in time.
    (b) If compartment temperatures cycle as a result of compressor 
cycling or other cycling operation of any system component (e.g., a 
damper, fan, heater, etc.), the relevant calculation shall be the 
difference between compartment temperature averages evaluated for 
the whole compressor cycles or complete temperature cycles divided 
by the difference, in hours, between either the starts, ends, or 
mid-times of the two cycles.
    Stabilization period means the total period of time during which 
steady-state conditions are being attained or evaluated.
    Standard cycle means the cycle type in which the anti-sweat 
heater control, when provided, is set in the highest energy-
consuming position.
    Through-the-door ice/water dispenser means a device incorporated 
within the cabinet, but outside the boundary of the refrigerated 
space, that delivers to the user on demand ice and may also deliver 
water from within the refrigerated space without opening an exterior 
door. This definition includes dispensers that are capable of 
dispensing ice and water or ice only.
    Variable anti-sweat heater control means an anti-sweat heater 
control that varies the average power input of the anti-sweat 
heater(s) based on operating condition variable(s) and/or ambient 
condition variable(s).
    Variable defrost control means an automatic defrost system in 
which successive defrost cycles are determined by an operating 
condition variable (or variables) other than solely compressor 
operating time. This includes any electrical or mechanical device 
performing this function. A control scheme that changes the defrost 
interval from a fixed length to an extended length (without any 
intermediate steps) is not considered a variable defrost control. A 
variable defrost control feature predicts the accumulation of frost 
on the evaporator and reacts accordingly. Therefore, the times 
between defrost must vary with different usage patterns and include 
a continuum of periods between defrosts as inputs vary.

2. Test Conditions

    2.1 Ambient Temperature Measurement. Temperature measuring 
devices shall be shielded so that indicated temperatures are not 
affected by the operation of the condensing unit or adjacent units.
    2.1.1 Ambient Temperature. Measure and record the ambient 
temperature at points located 3 feet (91.5 cm) above the floor and 
10 inches (25.4 cm) from the center of the two sides of the unit 
under test. The ambient temperature shall be 90.0  
1[emsp14][deg]F (32.2  0.6 [deg]C) during the 
stabilization period and the test period.
    2.1.2 Ambient Temperature Gradient. The test room vertical 
ambient temperature gradient in any foot of vertical distance from 2 
inches (5.1 cm) above the floor or supporting platform to a height 
of 1 foot (30.5 cm) above the top of the unit under test is not to 
exceed 0.5[emsp14][deg]F per foot (0.9 [deg]C per meter). The 
vertical ambient temperature gradient at locations 10 inches (25.4 
cm) out from the centers of the two sides of the unit being tested 
is to be maintained during the test. To demonstrate that this 
requirement has been met, test data must include measurements taken 
using temperature sensors at locations 10 inches (25.4 cm) from the 
center of the two sides of the unit under test at heights of 2 
inches (5.1 cm) and 36 inches (91.4 cm) above the floor or 
supporting platform and at a height of 1 foot (30.5 cm) above the 
unit under test.
    2.1.3 Platform. A platform must be used if the floor temperature 
is not within 3[emsp14][deg]F (1.7 [deg]C) of the measured ambient 
temperature. If a platform is used, it is to have a solid top with 
all sides open for air circulation underneath, and its top shall 
extend at least 1 foot (30.5 cm) beyond each side and the front of 
the unit under test and extend to the wall in the rear.
    2.2 Operational Conditions. The unit under test shall be 
installed and its operating conditions maintained in accordance with 
HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3), sections 
5.3.2 through 5.5.5.5 (excluding section 5.5.5.4). Exceptions and 
clarifications to the cited sections of HRF-1-

[[Page 46797]]

2008 are noted in sections 2.3 through 2.8 and 5.1 of this appendix.
    2.3 Anti-Sweat Heaters. The anti-sweat heater switch is to be on 
during one test and off during a second test. In the case of a unit 
equipped with variable anti-sweat heater control, the standard cycle 
energy use shall be the result of the calculation described in 
section 6.2.5 of this appendix.
    2.4 Conditions for Automatic Defrost Refrigerator-Freezers, 
Cooler-Refrigerator-Freezers and Cooler-Freezers. For these 
products, the freezer compartments shall not be loaded with any 
frozen food packages during testing. Cylindrical metallic masses of 
dimensions 1.12  0.25 inches (2.9  0.6 cm) 
in diameter and height shall be attached in good thermal contact 
with each temperature sensor within the refrigerated compartments. 
All temperature measuring sensor masses shall be supported by low-
thermal-conductivity supports in such a manner to ensure that there 
will be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of air space separating the thermal 
mass from contact with any interior surface or hardware inside the 
cabinet. In case of interference with hardware at the sensor 
locations specified in section 5.1 of this appendix, the sensors 
shall be placed at the nearest adjacent location such that there 
will be a 1-inch air space separating the sensor mass from the 
hardware.
    2.5 Conditions for All-Refrigerators and Cooler-All-
Refrigerators. There shall be no load in the freezer compartment 
during the test.
    2.6 The cabinet and its refrigerating mechanism shall be 
assembled and set up in accordance with the printed consumer 
instructions supplied with the cabinet. Set-up of the test unit 
shall not deviate from these instructions, unless explicitly 
required or allowed by this test procedure. Specific required or 
allowed deviations from such set-up include the following:
    (a) Connection of water lines and installation of water filters 
are not required;
    (b) Clearance requirements from surfaces of the product shall be 
as described in section 2.8 of this appendix;
    (c) The electric power supply shall be as described in HRF-1-
2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3), section 5.5.1;
    (d) Temperature control settings for testing shall be as 
described in section 3 of this appendix. Settings for convertible 
compartments and other temperature-controllable or special 
compartments shall be as described in section 2.7 of this appendix;
    (e) The product does not need to be anchored or otherwise 
secured to prevent tipping during energy testing;
    (f) All the product's chutes and throats required for the 
delivery of ice shall be free of packing, covers, or other blockages 
that may be fitted for shipping or when the icemaker is not in use; 
and
    (g) Ice storage bins shall be emptied of ice.
    For cases in which set-up is not clearly defined by this test 
procedure, manufacturers must submit a petition for a waiver (see 
section 7 of this appendix).
    2.7 Compartments that are convertible (e.g., from fresh food to 
freezer or cooler) shall be operated in the highest energy use 
position. A compartment may be considered to be convertible to a 
cooler compartment if it is capable of maintaining compartment 
temperatures at least as high as 55[emsp14][deg]F (12.8 [deg]C) and 
also capable of operating at storage temperatures less than 
37[emsp14][deg]F. For the special case of convertible separate 
auxiliary compartments, this means that the compartment shall be 
treated as a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment, or a 
cooler compartment, depending on which of these represents the 
highest energy use.
    Special compartments shall be tested with controls set to 
provide the coldest temperature. However, for special compartments 
in which temperature control is achieved using the addition of heat 
(including resistive electric heating, refrigeration system waste 
heat, or heat from any other source, but excluding the transfer of 
air from another part of the interior of the product) for any part 
of the controllable temperature range of that compartment, the 
product energy use shall be determined by averaging two sets of 
tests. The first set of tests shall be conducted with such special 
compartments at their coldest settings, and the second set of tests 
shall be conducted with such special compartments at their warmest 
settings. The requirements for the warmest or coldest temperature 
settings of this section do not apply to features or functions 
associated with temperature controls (such as fast chill 
compartments) that are initiated manually and terminated 
automatically within 168 hours.
    Movable subdividing barriers that separate compartments shall be 
placed in the median position. If such a subdividing barrier has an 
even number of positions, the near-median position representing the 
smallest volume of the warmer compartment(s) shall be used.
    2.8 Rear Clearance.
    (a) General. The space between the lowest edge of the rear plane 
of the cabinet and a vertical surface (the test room wall or 
simulated wall) shall be the minimum distance in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions, unless other provisions of this section 
apply. The rear plane shall be considered to be the largest flat 
surface at the rear of the cabinet, excluding features that protrude 
beyond this surface, such as brackets or compressors.
    (b) Maximum clearance. The clearance shall not be greater than 2 
inches (51 mm) from the lowest edge of the rear plane to the 
vertical surface, unless the provisions of paragraph (c) of this 
section apply.
    (c) If permanent rear spacers or other components that protrude 
beyond the rear plane extend further than the 2-inch (51 mm) 
distance, or if the highest edge of the rear plane is in contact 
with the vertical surface when the unit is positioned with the 
lowest edge of the rear plane at or further than the 2-inch (51 mm) 
distance from the vertical surface, the appliance shall be located 
with the spacers or other components protruding beyond the rear 
plane, or the highest edge of the rear plane, in contact with the 
vertical surface.
    (d) Rear-mounted condensers. If the product has a flat rear-
wall-mounted condenser (i.e., a rear-wall-mounted condenser with all 
refrigerant tube centerlines within 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) of the 
condenser plane), and the area of the condenser plane represents at 
least 25% of the total area of the rear wall of the cabinet, then 
the spacing to the vertical surface may be measured from the lowest 
edge of the condenser plane.
    2.9 Steady-State Condition. Steady-state conditions exist if the 
temperature measurements in all measured compartments taken at 4-
minute intervals or less during a stabilization period are not 
changing at a rate greater than 0.042[emsp14][deg]F (0.023 [deg]C) 
per hour as determined by the applicable condition of paragraph (a) 
or (b) of this section.
    (a) The average of the measurements during a 2-hour period if no 
cycling occurs or during a number of complete repetitive compressor 
cycles occurring through a period of no less than 2 hours is 
compared to the average over an equivalent time period with 3 hours 
elapsing between the two measurement periods.
    (b) If paragraph (a) of this section cannot be used, the average 
of the measurements during a number of complete repetitive 
compressor cycles occurring through a period of no less than 2 hours 
and including the last complete cycle before a defrost period (or if 
no cycling occurs, the average of the measurements during the last 2 
hours before a defrost period) are compared to the same averaging 
period before the following defrost period.
    2.10 Products with Demand-Response Capability. Products that 
have a communication module for demand-response functions that is 
located within the cabinet shall be tested with the communication 
module in the configuration set at the factory just before shipping.

3. Test Control Settings

    3.1 Model with No User-Operable Temperature Control. A test 
shall be performed to measure the compartment temperatures and 
energy use. A second test shall be performed with the temperature 
control electrically short circuited to cause the compressor to run 
continuously (or to cause the non-compressor refrigeration system to 
run continuously at maximum capacity).
    3.2 Models with User-Operable Temperature Control. Testing shall 
be performed in accordance with the procedure in this section using 
the following standardized temperatures:
    39[emsp14][deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) fresh food compartment 
temperature;
    0[emsp14][deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) freezer compartment temperature, 
except for freezer compartments in refrigerators and cooler-
refrigerators, in which case testing would use a 15[emsp14][deg]F (-
9.4 [deg]C) freezer compartment temperature; and
    55[emsp14][deg]F (12.8 [deg]C) cooler compartment temperature.
    For the purposes of comparing compartment temperatures with 
standardized temperatures, as described in sections 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 
of this appendix, the freezer compartment temperature shall be as 
specified in section 5.1.4 of this appendix, the fresh food 
compartment temperature shall be as specified in section 5.1.3 of 
this appendix, and the cooler compartment temperature shall be as 
specified in section 5.1.5 of this appendix.

[[Page 46798]]

    3.2.1 Temperature Control Settings and Tests to Use for Energy 
Use Calculations.
    3.2.1.1 Setting Temperature Controls. For mechanical control 
systems, (a) knob detents shall be mechanically defeated if 
necessary to attain a median setting, and (b) the warmest and 
coldest settings shall correspond to the positions in which the 
indicator is aligned with control symbols indicating the warmest and 
coldest settings. For electronic control systems, the test shall be 
performed with all compartment temperature controls set at the 
average of the coldest and warmest settings; if there is no setting 
equal to this average, the setting closest to the average shall be 
used. If there are two such settings equally close to the average, 
the higher of these temperature control settings shall be used.
    3.2.1.2 Test Sequence. A first test shall be performed with all 
compartment temperature controls set at their median position midway 
between their warmest and coldest settings. A second test shall be 
performed with all controls set at their warmest setting or all 
controls set at their coldest setting (not electrically or 
mechanically bypassed). For units with a single standardized 
temperature (e.g., all-refrigerator or cooler), this setting shall 
be the appropriate setting that attempts to achieve compartment 
temperatures measured during the two tests that bound (i.e., one is 
above and one is below) the standardized temperature. For other 
units, the second test shall be conducted with all controls at their 
coldest setting, unless all compartment temperatures measured during 
the first test are lower than the standardized temperatures, in 
which case the second test shall be conducted with all controls at 
their warmest setting. If any compartment is warmer than its 
standardized temperature for a test with all controls at their 
coldest position, the product receives no energy use rating and the 
manufacturer must submit a petition for a waiver (see section 7 of 
this appendix).
    3.2.1.3 Temperature Setting Table. See Table 1 of this section 
for a general description of which settings to use and which test 
results to use in the energy consumption calculation for products 
with one, two, or three standardized temperatures.

                          Table 1--Temperature Settings: General Chart for All Products
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     First test                                     Second test               Energy calculation
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------      based on:
             Setting                    Results             Setting             Results
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mid for all compartments........  All compartments    Warm for all        All compartments    Second Test Only.
                                   low.                compartments.       low.
                                                                          One or more         First and Second
                                                                           compartments high.  Test.
                                  One or more         Cold for all        All compartments    First and Second
                                   compartments high.  compartments.       low.                Test.
                                                                          One or more         No Energy Use
                                                                           compartments high.  Rating.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3.2.2 Alternatively, a first test may be performed with all 
temperature controls set at their warmest setting. If all 
compartment temperatures are below the appropriate standardized 
temperatures, then the result of this test alone will be used to 
determine energy consumption. If this condition is not met, then the 
unit shall be tested in accordance with section 3.2.1 of this 
appendix.
    3.2.3 Temperature Settings for Separate Auxiliary Convertible 
Compartments. For separate auxiliary convertible compartments tested 
as freezer compartments, the median setting shall be within 2 [deg]F 
(1.1 [deg]C) of the standardized freezer compartment temperature, 
and the warmest setting shall be at least 5 [deg]F (2.8 [deg]C) 
warmer than the standardized temperature. For separate auxiliary 
convertible compartments tested as fresh food compartments, the 
median setting shall be within 2 [deg]F (1.1 [deg]C) of 39 [deg]F 
(3.9 [deg]C), the coldest setting shall be below 34 [deg]F (1.1 
[deg]C), and the warmest setting shall be above 43 [deg]F (6.1 
[deg]C). For separate auxiliary convertible compartments tested as 
cooler compartments, the median setting shall be within 2 [deg]F 
(1.1 [deg]C) of 55 [deg]F (12.8 [deg]C), and the coldest setting 
shall be below 50 [deg]F (10.0 [deg]C). For compartments where 
control settings are not expressed as particular temperatures, the 
measured temperature of the convertible compartment rather than the 
settings shall meet the specified criteria.
    3.3 Optional Test for Models with Two Compartments and User-
Operable Controls. As an alternative to section 3.2 of this 
appendix, perform three tests such that the set of tests meets the 
``minimum requirements for interpolation'' of AS/NZS 4474.1:2007 
(incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3) appendix M, section M3, 
paragraphs (a) through (c) and as illustrated in Figure M1. The 
target temperatures txA and txB defined in 
section M4(a)(i) of AS/NZ 4474.1:2007 shall be the standardized 
temperatures defined in section 3.2 of this appendix.
* * * * *

4. Test Period

* * * * *
    4.2.1.1 Cycling Compressor System. For a system with a cycling 
compressor, the second part of the test starts at the termination of 
the last regular compressor ``on'' cycle. The average compartment 
temperatures measured from the termination of the previous 
compressor ``on'' cycle to the termination of the last regular 
compressor ``on'' cycle must both be within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C) 
of their average temperatures measured for the first part of the 
test. If any compressor cycles occur prior to the defrost heater 
being energized that cause the average temperature in any 
compartment to deviate from its average temperature for the first 
part of the test by more than 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C), these 
compressor cycles are not considered regular compressor cycles and 
must be included in the second part of the test. As an example, a 
``precooling'' cycle, which is an extended compressor cycle that 
lowers the temperature(s) of one or more compartments prior to 
energizing the defrost heater, must be included in the second part 
of the test. The test period for the second part of the test ends at 
the termination of the first regular compressor ``on'' cycle after 
compartment temperatures have fully recovered to their stable 
conditions. The average temperatures of the compartments measured 
from this termination of the first regular compressor ``on'' cycle 
until the termination of the next regular compressor ``on'' cycle 
must both be within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C) of their average 
temperatures measured for the first part of the test. See Figure 1 
of this section. Note that Figure 1 illustrates the concepts of 
precooling and recovery but does not represent all possible defrost 
cycles.

[[Page 46799]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.004

    4.2.1.2 Non-cycling Compressor System. For a system with a non-
cycling compressor, the second part of the test starts at a time 
before defrost during stable operation when compartment temperatures 
are within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C) of their average temperatures 
measured for the first part of the test. The second part stops at a 
time after defrost during stable operation when the compartment 
temperatures are within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C) of their average 
temperatures measured for the first part of the test. See Figure 2 
of this section.

[[Page 46800]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.005

* * * * *

5. Test Measurements

    5.1 Temperature Measurements. (a) Temperature measurements shall 
be made at the locations prescribed in HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by 
reference; see Sec.  430.3) Figure 5.1 for cooler and fresh food 
compartments and Figure 5.2 for freezer compartments and shall be 
accurate to within 0.5 [deg]F (0.3 [deg]C). No freezer 
temperature measurements need be taken in an all-refrigerator or 
cooler-all-refrigerator.
    (b) If the interior arrangements of the unit under test do not 
conform with those shown in Figures 5.1 or 5.2 of HRF-1-2008, as 
appropriate, the unit must be tested by relocating the temperature 
sensors from the locations specified in the figures to avoid 
interference with hardware or components within the unit, in which 
case the specific locations used for the temperature sensors shall 
be noted in the test data records maintained by the manufacturer in 
accordance with 10 CFR 429.71, and the certification report shall 
indicate that non-standard sensor locations were used. If any 
temperature sensor is relocated by any amount from the location 
prescribed in Figure 5.1 or 5.2 of HRF-1- 2008 in order to maintain 
a minimum 1-inch air space from adjustable shelves or other 
components that could be relocated by the consumer, except in cases 
in which the Figures prescribe a temperature sensor location within 
1 inch of a shelf or similar feature (e.g., sensor T3 in 
Figure 5.1), this constitutes a relocation of temperature sensors 
that must be recorded in the test data and reported in the 
certification report as described in this paragraph (b).
    5.1.1 Measured Temperature. The measured temperature of a 
compartment is the average of all sensor temperature readings taken 
in that compartment at a particular point in time. Measurements 
shall be taken at regular intervals not to exceed 4 minutes. 
Measurements for multiple refrigeration system products shall be 
taken at regular intervals not to exceed one minute.
    5.1.2 Compartment Temperature. The compartment temperature for 
each test period shall be an average of the measured temperatures 
taken in a compartment during the test period as defined in section 
4 of this appendix. For long-time automatic defrost models, 
compartment temperatures shall be those measured in the first part 
of the test period specified in section 4.2.1 of this appendix. For 
models with variable defrost controls, compartment temperatures 
shall be those measured in the first part of the test period 
specified in section 4.2.2 of this appendix. For models with 
automatic defrost that is neither long-time nor variable defrost, 
the compartment temperature shall be an average of the measured 
temperatures taken in a compartment during a stable period of 
compressor operation that:
    (a) Includes no defrost cycles or events associated with a 
defrost cycle, such as precooling or recovery;
    (b) Is no less than three hours in duration; and
    (c) Includes two or more whole compressor cycles. If the 
compressor does not cycle, the stable period used for the 
temperature average shall be three hours in duration.
    5.1.3 Fresh Food Compartment Temperature. The fresh food 
compartment temperature shall be calculated as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.006

Where:

R is the total number of applicable fresh food compartments, 
including the primary fresh food compartment and any separate 
auxiliary fresh food compartments (including separate auxiliary 
convertible compartments tested as fresh food compartments in 
accordance with section 2.7 of this appendix);
TRi is the compartment temperature of fresh food 
compartment ``i'' determined in accordance with section 5.1.2 of 
this appendix; and
VRi is the volume of fresh food compartment ``i.''

    5.1.4 Freezer Compartment Temperature. The freezer compartment 
temperature shall be calculated as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.007

Where:

F is the total number of applicable freezer compartments, which 
include the primary freezer compartment and any number of separate 
auxiliary freezer compartments (including separate auxiliary 
convertible compartments tested as freezer compartments in

[[Page 46801]]

accordance with section 2.7 of this appendix);
TFi is the compartment temperature of freezer compartment 
``i'' determined in accordance with section 5.1.2 of this appendix; 
and
VFi is the volume of freezer compartment ``i''.

    5.1.5 Cooler Compartment Temperature. The cooler compartment 
temperature shall be calculated as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.008

Where:

C is the total number of applicable cooler compartments (including 
separate auxiliary convertible compartments tested as cooler 
compartments in accordance with section 2.7 of this appendix);
TCi is the compartment temperature of cooler compartment 
``i'' determined in accordance with section 5.1.2 of this appendix; 
and
VCi is the volume of cooler compartment ``i.''

    5.2 Energy Measurements.
    5.2.1 Per-Day Energy Consumption. The energy consumption in 
kilowatt-hours per day, ET, for each test period shall be the energy 
expended during the test period as specified in section 4 of this 
appendix adjusted to a 24-hour period. The adjustment shall be 
determined as follows.
    5.2.1.1 Non-Automatic Defrost and Automatic Defrost. The energy 
consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent 
to:

ET = (EP x 1440 x K)/T

Where:

ET = test cycle energy expended in kilowatt-hours per day;
EP = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the test period;
T = length of time of the test period in minutes; and
1440 = conversion factor to adjust to a 24-hour period in minutes 
per day.
K = dimensionless correction factor of 1.0 for refrigerators and 
refrigerator-freezers; and 0.55 for coolers and combination cooler 
refrigeration products to adjust for average household usage.

    5.2.1.2 Long-time Automatic Defrost. If the two-part test method 
is used, the energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per day shall be 
calculated equivalent to:

ET = (1440 x K x EP1/T1) + (EP2 - (EP1 x T2/T1)) x K x (12/CT)
Where:

ET, 1440, and K are defined in section 5.2.1.1 of this appendix;
EP1 = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the first part of the 
test;
EP2 = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the second part of 
the test;
T1 and T2 = length of time in minutes of the first and second test 
parts respectively;
CT = defrost timer run time or compressor run time between defrosts 
in hours required to cause it to go through a complete cycle, 
rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour; and
12 = factor to adjust for a 50-percent run time of the compressor in 
hours per day.

    5.2.1.3 Variable Defrost Control. The energy consumption in 
kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:

ET = (1440 x K x EP1/T1) + (EP2 - (EP1 x T2/T1)) x K x (12/CT),

Where:

1440 and K are defined in section 5.2.1.1 of this appendix and EP1, 
EP2, T1, T2, and 12 are defined in section 5.2.1.2 of this appendix;
CT = (CTL x CTM)/(F x (CTM - 
CTL) + CTL);
CTL = the shortest compressor run time between defrosts 
used in the variable defrost control algorithm (greater than or 
equal to 6 but less than or equal to 12 hours), or the shortest 
compressor run time between defrosts observed for the test (if it is 
shorter than the shortest run time used in the control algorithm and 
is greater than 6 hours), or 6 hours (if the shortest observed run 
time is less than 6 hours), in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of 
an hour;
CTM = maximum compressor run time between defrosts in 
hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour (greater than 
CTL but not more than 96 hours);
F = ratio of per day energy consumption in excess of the least 
energy and the maximum difference in per-day energy consumption and 
is equal to 0.20.

    For variable defrost models with no values for CTL 
and CTM in the algorithm, the default values of 6 and 96 
shall be used, respectively.
    5.2.1.4 Multiple Compressor Products with Automatic Defrost. For 
multiple compressor products, the two-part test method in section 
4.2.3.4 of this appendix must be used. The energy consumption in 
kilowatt-hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.009

Where:

1440 and K are defined in section 5.2.1.1 of this appendix and EP1, 
T1, and 12 are defined in section 5.2.1.2 of this appendix;
i = a variable that can equal 1, 2, or more that identifies each 
individual compressor system that has automatic defrost;
D = the total number of compressor systems with automatic defrost.
EP2i = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the 
second part of the test for compressor system i;
T2i = length of time in minutes of the second part of the 
test for compressor system i;
CTi = the compressor run time between defrosts for 
compressor system i in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an 
hour, for long-time automatic defrost control equal to a fixed time 
in hours, and for variable defrost control equal to:

(CTLi x CTMi)/(F x (CTMi- 
CTLi) + CTLi);

Where:

CTLi = for compressor system i, the shortest compressor 
run time between defrosts used in the variable defrost control 
algorithm (greater than or equal to 6 but less than or equal to 12 
hours), or the shortest compressor run time between defrosts 
observed for the test (if it is shorter than the shortest run time 
used in the control algorithm and is greater than 6 hours), or 6 
hours (if the shortest observed run time is less than 6 hours), in 
hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour;
CTMi = for compressor system i, the maximum compressor 
run time between defrosts in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of 
an hour (greater than CTLi but not more than 96 hours);
F = default defrost energy consumption factor, equal to 0.20.

    For variable defrost models with no values for CTLi 
and CTMi in the algorithm, the default values of 6 and 96 
shall be used, respectively.
    5.2.1.5 Long-time or Variable Defrost Control for Systems with 
Multiple Defrost Cycle Types. The energy consumption in kilowatt-
hours per day shall be calculated equivalent to:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.010


[[Page 46802]]


Where:

1440 and K are defined in section 5.2.1.1 of this appendix and EP1, 
T1, and 12 are defined in section 5.2.1.2 of this appendix;
i is a variable that can equal 1, 2, or more that identifies the 
distinct defrost cycle types applicable for the product;
EP2i = energy expended in kilowatt-hours during the 
second part of the test for defrost cycle type i;
T2i = length of time in minutes of the second part of the 
test for defrost cycle type i;
CTi is the compressor run time between instances of 
defrost cycle type i, for long-time automatic defrost control equal 
to a fixed time in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an hour, 
and for variable defrost control equal to:
(CTLi x CTMi)/(F x (CTMi - 
CTLi) + CTLi);
CTLi = least or shortest compressor run time between 
instances of defrost cycle type i in hours rounded to the nearest 
tenth of an hour (CTL for the defrost cycle type with the 
longest compressor run time between defrosts must be greater than or 
equal to 6 but less than or equal to 12 hours);
CTMi = maximum compressor run time between instances of 
defrost cycle type i in hours rounded to the nearest tenth of an 
hour (greater than CTLi but not more than 96 hours);

    For cases in which there are more than one fixed CT value (for 
long-time defrost models) or more than one CTM and/or 
CTL value (for variable defrost models) for a given 
defrost cycle type, an average fixed CT value or average 
CTM and CTL values shall be selected for this 
cycle type so that 12 divided by this value or values is the 
frequency of occurrence of the defrost cycle type in a 24 hour 
period, assuming 50% compressor run time.

F = default defrost energy consumption factor, equal to 0.20.

    For variable defrost models with no values for CTLi 
and CTMi in the algorithm, the default values of 6 and 96 
shall be used, respectively.
    D is the total number of distinct defrost cycle types.
    5.3 Volume Measurements. (a) The unit's total refrigerated 
volume, VT, shall be measured in accordance with HRF-1-2008, 
(incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3), section 3.30 and 
sections 4.2 through 4.3. The measured volume shall include all 
spaces within the insulated volume of each compartment except for 
the volumes that must be deducted in accordance with section 4.2.2 
of HRF-1-2008, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, and be 
calculated equivalent to:

VT = VF + VFF + VC

Where:

VT = total refrigerated volume in cubic feet,
VF = freezer compartment volume in cubic feet,
VFF = fresh food compartment volume in cubic feet, and
VC = cooler compartment volume in cubic feet.

    (b) The following component volumes shall not be included in the 
compartment volume measurements: Icemaker compartment insulation 
(e.g., insulation isolating the icemaker compartment from the fresh 
food compartment of a product with a bottom-mounted freezer with 
through-the-door ice service), fountain recess, dispenser 
insulation, and ice chute (if there is a plug, cover, or cap over 
the chute per Figure 4-2 of HRF-1-2008). The following component 
volumes shall be included in the compartment volume measurements: 
Icemaker auger motor (if housed inside the insulated space of the 
cabinet), icemaker kit, ice storage bin, and ice chute (up to the 
dispenser flap, if there is no plug, cover, or cap over the ice 
chute per Figure 4-3 of HRF-1-2008).
    (c) Total refrigerated volume is determined by physical 
measurement of the test unit. Measurements and calculations used to 
determine the total refrigerated volume shall be retained as part of 
the test records underlying the certification of the basic model in 
accordance with 10 CFR 429.71.
    (d) Compartment classification shall be based on subdivision of 
the refrigerated volume into zones separated from each other by 
subdividing barriers: No evaluated compartment shall be a zone of a 
larger compartment unless the zone is separated from the remainder 
of the larger compartment by subdividing barriers; if there are no 
such subdividing barriers within the larger compartment, the larger 
compartment must be evaluated as a single compartment rather than as 
multiple compartments. If the cabinet contains a movable subdividing 
barrier, it must be placed as described in section 2.7 of this 
appendix.
    (e) Freezer, fresh food, and cooler compartment volumes shall be 
calculated and recorded to the nearest 0.01 cubic foot. Total 
refrigerated volume shall be calculated and recorded to the nearest 
0.1 cubic foot.

6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

    6.1 Adjusted Total Volume. The adjusted total volume of each 
tested unit must be determined based upon the volume measured in 
section 5.3 of this appendix using the following calculations. Where 
volume measurements for the freezer, fresh food, and cooler 
compartment are recorded in liters, the measured volume must be 
converted to cubic feet and rounded to the nearest 0.01 cubic foot 
prior to calculating the adjusted volume. Adjusted total volume 
shall be calculated and recorded to the nearest 0.1 cubic foot.
    6.1.1 Refrigerators, Coolers, and Cooler-Refrigerators. The 
adjusted total volume, AV, for refrigerators or cooler-refrigerators 
under test, shall be defined as:

AV = (VF x CR) + VFF + VC

Where:

AV = adjusted total volume in cubic feet;
VF, VFF, and VC are defined in section 5.3 of this appendix;
CR = dimensionless adjustment factor for freezer compartments of 
1.00 for all-refrigerators and cooler-all-refrigerators, or 1.47 for 
other types of refrigerators and cooler-refrigerators; and

    6.1.2 Refrigerator-Freezers, Cooler-Refrigerator-Freezers, and 
Cooler-Freezers. The adjusted total volume, AV, for refrigerator-
freezers, cooler-refrigerator-freezers, and cooler-freezers under 
test shall be calculated as follows:

AV = (VF x CRF) + VFF + VC

Where:

VF, VFF, and VC are defined in section 5.3 and AV is defined in 
section 6.1.1 of this appendix;
CRF = dimensionless adjustment factor for freezer compartments of 
1.76; and

    6.2 Average Per-Cycle Energy Consumption. The average per-cycle 
energy consumption for a cycle type, E, is expressed in kilowatt-
hours per cycle to the nearest one hundredth (0.01) kilowatt-hour 
and shall be calculated according to the sections below.
    6.2.1 All-Refrigerator Models. The average per-cycle energy 
consumption shall depend upon the temperature attainable in the 
fresh food compartment as shown in section 6.2.1.1 of this appendix.
    6.2.1.1 If the fresh food compartment temperature is always 
below 39.0[emsp14][deg]F (3.9 [deg]C), the average per-cycle energy 
consumption shall be equivalent to:

E = ET1

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix; and
The number 1 indicates the test during which the highest fresh food 
compartment temperature is measured.

    6.2.1.2 If the conditions of section 6.2.1.1 of this appendix do 
not apply, the average per-cycle energy consumption shall be 
equivalent to:

E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (39.0 - TR1)/(TR2 - TR1))

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
TR = fresh food compartment temperature determined according to 
section 5.1.3 of this appendix in degrees F;
The numbers 1 and 2 indicate measurements taken during the two tests 
to be used to calculate energy consumption, as specified in section 
3 of this appendix; and
39.0 = standardized fresh food compartment temperature in degrees F.

    6.2.2 Coolers. The average per-cycle energy consumption shall 
depend upon the temperature attainable in the cooler compartment as 
shown in section 6.2.2.1 of this appendix.
    6.2.2.1 If the cooler compartment temperature is always below 
55.0[emsp14][deg]F (12.8 [deg]C), the average per-cycle energy 
consumption shall be equivalent to:

E = ET1

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix; and
The number 1 indicates the test during which the highest cooler 
compartment temperature is measured.

    6.2.2.2 If the conditions of section 6.2.2.1 of this appendix do 
not apply, the average per-cycle energy consumption shall be 
equivalent to:


[[Page 46803]]


E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (55.0 - TC1)/(TC2 - TC1))

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
TC = cooler compartment temperature determined according to section 
5.1.5 of this appendix in degrees F;
The numbers 1 and 2 are defined in section 6.2.1.2 of this appendix; 
and
55.0 = standardized cooler compartment temperature in degrees F.

    6.2.3 Refrigerators and Refrigerator-Freezers. The average per-
cycle energy consumption shall be defined in one of the following 
ways as applicable.
    6.2.3.1 If the fresh food compartment temperature is always 
below 39[emsp14][deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) and the freezer compartment 
temperature is always below 15[emsp14][deg]F (-9.4 [deg]C) in both 
tests of a refrigerator or always below 0[emsp14][deg]F (-17.8 
[deg]C) in both tests of a refrigerator-freezer, the average per-
cycle energy consumption shall be:

E = ET1 + IET

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
IET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle, equals 0.23 for a 
product with an automatic icemaker and otherwise equals 0 (zero); 
and
The number 1 indicates the test during which the highest freezer 
compartment temperature was measured.

    6.2.3.2 If the conditions of section 6.2.3.1 of this appendix do 
not apply, the average per-cycle energy consumption shall be defined 
by the higher of the two values calculated by the following two 
formulas:

E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (39.0 - TR1)/(TR2 - TR1)) + IET

and

E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (k - TF1)/(TF2 - TF1)) + IET

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
IET is defined in section 6.2.3.1 of this appendix;
TR and the numbers 1 and 2 are defined in section 6.2.1.2 of this 
appendix;
TF = freezer compartment temperature determined according to section 
5.1.4 of this appendix in degrees F;
39.0 is a specified fresh food compartment temperature in degrees F; 
and
k is a constant 15.0 for refrigerators or 0.0 for refrigerator-
freezers, each being a standardized freezer compartment temperature 
in degrees F.

    6.2.4 Combination Cooler Refrigeration Products. The average 
per-cycle energy consumption shall be defined in one of the 
following ways as applicable.
    6.2.4.1 If the compartment temperatures are always below their 
compartments' standardized temperatures as defined in section 3.2 of 
this appendix (the fresh food compartment temperature is at or below 
39[emsp14][deg]F (3.9 [deg]C); the cooler compartment temperature is 
at or below 55[emsp14][deg]F (12.8 [deg]C); and the freezer 
compartment temperature is at or below 15[emsp14][deg]F (-9.4 
[deg]C) for a cooler-refrigerator, or the freezer compartment 
temperature is at or below 0[emsp14][deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C) for a 
cooler-refrigerator-freezer or cooler-freezer), the average per-
cycle energy consumption shall be:

E = ET1 + IET

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
IET is defined in section 6.2.3.1 of this appendix;
The number 1 indicates the test during which the highest freezer 
compartment temperature is measured. If the product has no freezer 
compartment, the number 1 indicates the test during which the 
highest fresh food compartment temperature is measured.

    6.2.4.2 If the conditions of section 6.2.4.1 of this appendix do 
not apply, the average per-cycle energy consumption shall be defined 
by the highest of the two or three values calculated by the 
following three formulas:

E = (ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (39.0 - TR1)/(TR2 - TR1)) + IET if the 
product has a fresh food compartment;
E = (ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (k - TF1)/(TF2 - TF1)) + IET if the 
product has a freezer compartment; and
E = (ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (55.0 - TC1)/(TC2 - TC1)) + IET

Where:

ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
IET is defined in section 6.2.3.1 of this appendix;
TR and the numbers 1 and 2 are defined in section 6.2.1.2 of this 
appendix;
TF is defined in section 6.2.3.2 of this appendix;
TC is defined in section 6.2.2.2 of this appendix;
39.0 is a specified fresh food compartment temperature in degrees F;
k is a constant 15.0 for cooler-refrigerators or 0.0 for cooler-
refrigerator-freezers and cooler-freezers, each being a standardized 
freezer compartment temperature in degrees F; and
55.0 is a specified cooler compartment temperature in degrees F.

    6.2.5 Variable Anti-Sweat Heater Models. The standard cycle 
energy consumption of a model with a variable anti-sweat heater 
control (Estd), expressed in kilowatt-hours per day, 
shall be calculated equivalent to:
    Estd = E + (Correction Factor) where E is determined 
by sections 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, or 6.2.4 of this appendix, 
whichever is appropriate, with the anti-sweat heater switch in the 
``off'' position or, for a product without an anti-sweat heater 
switch, the anti-sweat heater in its lowest energy use state.

Correction Factor = (Anti-sweat Heater Power x System-loss Factor) x 
(24 hrs/1 day) x (1 kW/1000 W)

Where:

Anti-sweat Heater Power = 0.034 * (Heater Watts at 5%RH)
+ 0.211 * (Heater Watts at 15%RH)
+ 0.204 * (Heater Watts at 25%RH)
+ 0.166 * (Heater Watts at 35%RH)
+ 0.126 * (Heater Watts at 45%RH)
+ 0.119 * (Heater Watts at 55%RH)
+ 0.069 * (Heater Watts at 65%RH)
+ 0.047 * (Heater Watts at 75%RH)
+ 0.008 * (Heater Watts at 85%RH)
+ 0.015 * (Heater Watts at 95%RH)
Heater Watts at a specific relative humidity = the nominal watts 
used by all heaters at that specific relative humidity, 
72[emsp14][deg]F (22.2 [deg]C) ambient, and DOE reference 
temperatures of fresh food (FF) average temperature of 
39[emsp14][deg]F (3.9 [deg]C) and freezer (FZ) average temperature 
of 0[emsp14][deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C).
System-loss Factor = 1.3.

7. Test Procedure Waivers

    To the extent that the procedures contained in this appendix do 
not provide a means for determining the energy consumption of a 
basic model, a manufacturer must obtain a waiver under Sec.  430.27 
to establish an acceptable test procedure for each such basic model. 
Such instances could, for example, include situations where the test 
set-up for a particular basic model is not clearly defined by the 
provisions of section 2 of this appendix. For details regarding the 
criteria and procedures for obtaining a waiver, please refer to 
Sec.  430.27.

Appendix A1--[Removed]

0
12. Appendix A1 to subpart B is removed.

0
13. Appendix B to subpart B is amended by revising the introductory 
text and sections 1, 2.5, 5.1.b, 5.1.3, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, and 7 
to read as follows:

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

    Note: For freezers, the rounding requirements specified in 
sections 5.3.e and 6.1 of this appendix are not required for use 
until the compliance date of any amended energy conservation 
standards for these products.

1. Definitions

    Section 3, Definitions, of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by 
reference; see Sec.  430.3) applies to this test procedure.
    Adjusted total volume means the product of the freezer volume as 
defined in HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3) 
in cubic feet multiplied by an adjustment factor.
    Anti-sweat heater means a device incorporated into the design of 
a freezer to prevent the accumulation of moisture on exterior or 
interior surfaces of the cabinet.
    Anti-sweat heater switch means a user-controllable switch or 
user interface which modifies the activation or control of anti-
sweat heaters.
    Automatic defrost means a system in which the defrost cycle is 
automatically initiated and terminated, with resumption of normal 
refrigeration at the conclusion of defrost operation. The system 
automatically prevents the permanent formation of frost on all 
refrigerated surfaces. Nominal refrigerated

[[Page 46804]]

food temperatures are maintained during the operation of the 
automatic defrost system.
    Automatic icemaker means a device that can be supplied with 
water without user intervention, either from a pressurized water 
supply system or by transfer from a water reservoir that 
automatically produces, harvests, and stores ice in a storage bin, 
with means to automatically interrupt the harvesting operation when 
the ice storage bin is filled to a pre-determined level.
    Complete temperature cycle means a time period defined based 
upon the cycling of compartment temperature that starts when the 
compartment temperature is at a maximum and ends when the 
compartment temperature returns to an equivalent maximum (within 
0.5[emsp14][deg]F of the starting temperature), having in the 
interim fallen to a minimum and subsequently risen again to reach 
the second maximum. Alternatively, a complete temperature cycle can 
be defined to start when the compartment temperature is at a minimum 
and end when the compartment temperature returns to an equivalent 
minimum (within 0.5[emsp14][deg]F of the starting temperature), 
having in the interim risen to a maximum and subsequently fallen 
again to reach the second minimum.
    Cycle means the period of 24 hours for which the energy use of a 
freezer is calculated as though the consumer-activated compartment 
temperature controls were set to maintain the standardized 
temperature (see section 3.2 of this appendix).
    Cycle type means the set of test conditions having the 
calculated effect of operating a freezer for a period of 24 hours 
with the consumer-activated controls other than the compartment 
temperature control set to establish various operating 
characteristics.
    HRF-1-2008 means AHAM Standard HRF-1-2008, Association of Home 
Appliance Manufacturers, Energy and Internal Volume of Refrigerating 
Appliances (2008), including Errata to Energy and Internal Volume of 
Refrigerating Appliances, Correction Sheet issued November 17, 2009. 
Only sections of HRF-1-2008 (incorporated by reference; see Sec.  
430.3) specifically referenced in this test procedure are part of 
this test procedure. In cases where there is a conflict, the 
language of the test procedure in this appendix takes precedence 
over HRF-1-2008.
    Ice storage bin means a container in which ice can be stored.
    Long-time automatic defrost means an automatic defrost system 
where successive defrost cycles are separated by 14 hours or more of 
compressor operating time.
    Precooling means operating a refrigeration system before 
initiation of a defrost cycle to reduce one or more compartment 
temperatures significantly (more than 0.5[emsp14][deg]F) below its 
minimum during stable operation between defrosts.
    Quick freeze means an optional feature on freezers that is 
initiated manually. It bypasses the thermostat control and operates 
continually until the feature is terminated either manually or 
automatically.
    Recovery means operating a refrigeration system after the 
conclusion of a defrost cycle to reduce the temperature of one or 
more compartments to the temperature range that the compartment(s) 
exhibited during stable operation between defrosts.
    Separate auxiliary compartment means a freezer compartment other 
than the primary freezer compartment of a freezer having more than 
one compartment. Access to a separate auxiliary compartment is 
through a separate exterior door or doors rather than through the 
door or doors of another compartment. Separate auxiliary freezer 
compartments may not be larger than the primary freezer compartment.
    Special compartment means any compartment without doors directly 
accessible from the exterior, and with separate temperature control 
that is not convertible from fresh food temperature range to freezer 
temperature range.
    Stabilization period means the total period of time during which 
steady-state conditions are being attained or evaluated.
    Stable operation means operation after steady-state conditions 
have been achieved but excluding any events associated with defrost 
cycles. During stable operation the average rate of change of 
compartment temperature must not exceed 0.042[emsp14][deg]F (0.023 
[deg]C) per hour. Such a calculation performed for compartment 
temperatures at any two times, or for any two periods of time 
comprising complete cycles, during stable operation must meet this 
requirement.
    (a) If compartment temperatures do not cycle, the relevant 
calculation shall be the difference between the temperatures at two 
points in time divided by the difference, in hours, between those 
points in time.
    (b) If compartment temperatures cycle as a result of compressor 
cycling or other cycling operation of any system component (e.g., a 
damper, fan, or heater), the relevant calculation shall be the 
difference between compartment temperature averages evaluated for 
whole compressor cycles or complete temperature cycles divided by 
the difference, in hours, between either the starts, ends, or mid-
times of the two cycles.
    Standard cycle means the cycle type in which the anti-sweat 
heater switch, when provided, is set in the highest energy-consuming 
position.
    Through-the-door ice/water dispenser means a device incorporated 
within the cabinet, but outside the boundary of the refrigerated 
space, that delivers to the user on demand ice and may also deliver 
water from within the refrigerated space without opening an exterior 
door. This definition includes dispensers that are capable of 
dispensing ice and water or ice only.
    Variable defrost control means an automatic defrost system in 
which successive defrost cycles are determined by an operating 
condition variable (or variables) other than solely compressor 
operating time. This includes any electrical or mechanical device 
performing this function. A control scheme that changes the defrost 
interval from a fixed length to an extended length (without any 
intermediate steps) is not considered a variable defrost control. A 
variable defrost control feature should predict the accumulation of 
frost on the evaporator and react accordingly. Therefore, the times 
between defrost must vary with different usage patterns and include 
a continuum of lengths of time between defrosts as inputs vary.

2. Test Conditions

* * * * *
    2.5 Special compartments shall be tested with controls set to 
provide the coldest temperature. However, for special compartments 
in which temperature control is achieved using the addition of heat 
(including resistive electric heating, refrigeration system waste 
heat, or heat from any other source, but excluding the transfer of 
air from another part of the interior of the product) for any part 
of the controllable temperature range of that compartment, the 
product energy use shall be determined by averaging two sets of 
tests. The first set of tests shall be conducted with such special 
compartments at their coldest settings, and the second set of tests 
shall be conducted with such special compartments at their warmest 
settings. The requirements for the warmest or coldest temperature 
settings of this section do not apply to features or functions 
associated with temperature control (such as quick freeze) that are 
initiated manually and terminated automatically within 168 hours.
    Movable subdividing barriers that separate compartments of 
different types (e.g., fresh food on one side and cooler on the 
other side) shall be placed in the median position. If such a 
subdividing barrier has an even number of positions, the near-median 
position representing the smallest volume of the warmer 
compartment(s) shall be used.
* * * * *

5. Test Measurements

    5.1 Temperature Measurements. * * *
    (b) If the interior arrangements of the unit under test do not 
conform with those shown in Figure 5.2 of HRF-1-2008, the unit must 
be tested by relocating the temperature sensors from the locations 
specified in the figures to avoid interference with hardware or 
components within the unit, in which case the specific locations 
used for the temperature sensors shall be noted in the test data 
records maintained by the manufacturer in accordance with 10 CFR 
429.71, and the certification report shall indicate that non-
standard sensor locations were used. If any temperature sensor is 
relocated by any amount from the location prescribed in Figure 5.2 
of HRF-1-2008 in order to maintain a minimum 1-inch air space from 
adjustable shelves or other components that could be relocated by 
the consumer, except in cases in which the Figure prescribe a 
temperature sensor location within 1 inch of a shelf or similar 
feature, this constitutes a relocation of temperature sensors that 
must be recorded in the test data and reported in the certification 
report as described above.
* * * * *
    5.1.3 Freezer Compartment Temperature. The freezer compartment 
temperature shall be calculated as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR18JY16.011

Where:

F is the total number of applicable freezer compartments, which 
include the primary freezer compartment and any

[[Page 46805]]

number of separate auxiliary freezer compartments;
TFi is the compartment temperature of freezer compartment 
``i'' determined in accordance with section 5.1.2 of this appendix; 
and
VFi is the volume of freezer compartment ``i''.
* * * * *
    5.3 Volume Measurements. (a) The unit's total refrigerated 
volume, VT, shall be measured in accordance with HRF-1-2008 
(incorporated by reference; see Sec.  430.3), section 3.30 and 
sections 4.2 through 4.3. The measured volume shall include all 
spaces within the insulated volume of each compartment except for 
the volumes that must be deducted in accordance with section 4.2.2 
of HRF-1-2008, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) The following component volumes shall not be included in the 
compartment volume measurements: Icemaker compartment insulation, 
fountain recess, dispenser insulation, and ice chute (if there is a 
plug, cover, or cap over the chute per Figure 4-2 of HRF-1-2008). 
The following component volumes shall be included in the compartment 
volume measurements: Icemaker auger motor (if housed inside the 
insulated space of the cabinet), icemaker kit, ice storage bin, and 
ice chute (up to the dispenser flap, if there is no plug, cover, or 
cap over the ice chute per Figure 4-3 of HRF-1-2008).
    (c) Total refrigerated volume is determined by physical 
measurement of the test unit. Measurements and calculations used to 
determine the total refrigerated volume shall be retained as part of 
the test records underlying the certification of the basic model in 
accordance with 10 CFR 429.71.
    (d) Compartment classification shall be based on subdivision of 
the refrigerated volume into zones separated from each other by 
subdividing barriers: No evaluated compartment shall be a zone of a 
larger compartment unless the zone is separated from the remainder 
of the larger compartment by subdividing barriers; if there are no 
such subdividing barriers within the larger compartment, the larger 
compartment must be evaluated as a single compartment rather than as 
multiple compartments. If the cabinet contains a movable subdividing 
barrier, it must be placed as described in section 2.5 of this 
appendix.
    (e) Freezer compartment volumes shall be calculated and recorded 
to the nearest 0.01 cubic feet. Total refrigerated volume shall be 
calculated and recorded to the nearest 0.1 cubic feet.

6. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements

    6.1 Adjusted Total Volume. The adjusted total volume of each 
tested unit must be determined based upon the volume measured in 
section 5.3 of this appendix using the following calculations. Where 
volume measurements for the freezer are recorded in liters, the 
measured volume must be converted to cubic feet and rounded to the 
nearest 0.01 cubic foot prior to calculating the adjusted volume. 
Adjusted total volume shall be calculated and recorded to the 
nearest 0.1 cubic foot. The adjusted total volume, AV, for freezers 
under test shall be defined as:

AV = VT x CF

Where:

VA = adjusted total volume in cubic feet;
VT = total refrigerated volume in cubic feet; and
CF = dimensionless correction factor of 1.76.
* * * * *
    6.2.1 If the compartment temperature is always below 
0.0[emsp14][deg]F (-17.8 [deg]C), the average per-cycle energy 
consumption shall be equivalent to:

E = ET1 + IET

Where:

E = total per-cycle energy consumption in kilowatt-hours per day;
ET is defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
The number 1 indicates the test during which the highest compartment 
temperature is measured; and
IET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle, equals 0.23 for a 
product with an automatic icemaker and otherwise equals 0 (zero).

    6.2.2 If one of the compartment temperatures measured for a test 
is greater than 0.0[emsp14][deg]F (17.8 [deg]C), the average per-
cycle energy consumption shall be equivalent to:

E = ET1 + ((ET2 - ET1) x (0.0 - TF1)/(TF2 - TF1)) + IET

Where:

E and IET are defined in section 6.2.1 of this appendix and ET is 
defined in section 5.2.1 of this appendix;
TF = freezer compartment temperature determined according to section 
5.1.3 of this appendix in degrees F;
The numbers 1 and 2 indicate measurements taken during the two tests 
to be used to calculate energy consumption, as specified in section 
3 of this appendix; and
0.0 = standardized compartment temperature in degrees F.
* * * * *

7. Test Procedure Waivers

    To the extent that the procedures contained in this appendix do 
not provide a means for determining the energy consumption of a 
basic model, a manufacturer must obtain a waiver under Sec.  430.27 
to establish an acceptable test procedure for each such basic model. 
Such instances could, for example, include situations where the test 
set-up for a particular basic model is not clearly defined by the 
provisions of section 2 of this appendix. For details regarding the 
criteria and procedures for obtaining a waiver, please refer to 
Sec.  430.27.

Appendix B1--[Removed]

0
14. Appendix B1 to subpart B is removed.

[FR Doc. 2016-14389 Filed 7-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P