[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 142 (Monday, July 25, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48620-48646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17139]
[[Page 48619]]
Vol. 81
Monday,
No. 142
July 25, 2016
Part V
Department of Energy
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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Ceiling Fans; Final
Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 142 / Monday, July 25, 2016 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 48620]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050]
RIN 1904-AD10
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Ceiling Fans
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing a final rule to
amend the test procedures for ceiling fans. DOE is establishing an
integrated efficiency metric for ceiling fans, based on airflow and
power consumption at high and low speed for low-speed small-diameter
ceiling fans; at high speed for high-speed small-diameter ceiling fans;
and at up to five speeds for large-diameter ceiling fans. The
integrated efficiency metric also accounts for power consumed in
standby mode. DOE is also adopting new test procedures for large-
diameter ceiling fans, multi-mount ceiling fans, ceiling fans with
multiple fan heads, and ceiling fans where the airflow is not directed
vertically, and clarifying when these methods must be conducted.
Additionally, DOE is adopting the following changes to the current test
procedure: Eliminating the test cylinder from the test setup;
specifying the method of measuring the distance between the ceiling fan
blades and the air velocity sensors during testing; specifying the fan
configuration during testing for ceiling fans that can be mounted in
more than one configuration; specifying the test method for ceiling
fans with heaters; specifying that a ceiling fan is not subject to the
test procedure if the plane of rotation of the ceiling fan's blades
cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal; specifying that centrifugal
ceiling fans are not subject to the test procedure; specifying that all
small-diameter ceiling fans must be mounted directly to the real
ceiling for testing; revising the allowable measurement tolerance for
air velocity sensors; revising the allowable mounting tolerance for air
velocity sensors; revising the testing temperature requirement;
requiring measurement axes to be perpendicular to walls; specifying the
position of air conditioning vents and doors during testing; specifying
operation of room conditioning equipment; specifying the power source
and how power measurements are to be made; and specifying stable
measurement criteria and a method for determining stability.
DATES: The effective date of this rule is August 24, 2016. The final
rule changes will be mandatory for representations made with respect to
the energy use or efficiency of ceiling fans starting January 23, 2017.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this
rule was approved by the Director of the Federal Register on August 24,
2016.
ADDRESSES: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, 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: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050. This Web
page will contain a link to the docket for 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 docket.
For further information on how to review the docket, contact Ms.
Lucy deButts at (202) 287-1604 or by email: [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Lucy deButts, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-2J,
1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 287-1604. Email: [email protected].
Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-
0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7796. Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule incorporates by reference
into part 430 the following industry standards:
(1) ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-15, (``AMCA 230-15''), ``Laboratory
Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and Certification,''
ANSI approved October 16, 2015.
(2) IEC 62301, (``IEC 62301-U''), ``Household electrical
appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' (Edition 2.0, 2011-01).
You can obtain copies of ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-15 from the
American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd Street, 4th Floor,
New York, NY 10036, 212-642-4900, or www.ansi.org. You can obtain
copies of IEC 62301:2011 from the International Electrotechnical
Commission, 3, rue de Varemb[eacute], P.O. Box 131, CH--1211 Geneva
20--Switzerland, or https://webstore.iec.ch.
For a further discussion of these standards, see section IV.M.
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
II. Synopsis of the Final Rule
III. Discussion
A. Scope of Applicability
1. Clarification of the Statutory Definition of a Ceiling Fan
2. Ceiling Fans Not Subject to the Test Procedure
3. Definitions of Low-Speed Small-Diameter, High-Speed Small-
Diameter, and Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
4. Definitions of Hugger, Standard, Multi-Mount, Highly-
Decorative, Belt-Driven, and Very-Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
B. Compliance Date
C. Existing Test Procedure
D. Integrated Efficiency Metric
1. Low-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
2. High-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
3. Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
E. Modifications to Existing Test Procedure
1. Required Testing Speeds for Low-Speed Small-Diameter and
High-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
2. Elimination of Test Cylinder From Test Setup and
Specification of Effective Area
3. Specification of Method of Measuring the Distance Between
Ceiling Fan Blades and Air Velocity Sensors During Testing
4. Specification of Fan Configuration During Testing
5. Specification of Test Method for Ceiling Fans With Heaters
6. Specification on Mounting Fans to Real Ceiling for Testing
7. Revised Allowable Measurement Tolerance for Air Velocity
Sensors
8. Revised Allowable Mounting Tolerance for Air Velocity Sensors
9. Specifications To Reduce Testing Variation
10. Revised Testing Temperature Requirement
11. Specification of Air Delivery Room Doors and Air
Conditioning Vents
12. Specification of Power Source and Measurement
13. Specification of Blade Span Measurement
F. Additional Test Methods
1. Test Method for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
2. Test Method for Multi-Mount Ceiling Fans
3. Test Method for Ceiling Fans With Multiple Fan Heads
4. Test Method for Ceiling Fans Where the Airflow Is Not
Directed Vertically
5. Test Method for Power Consumption in Standby Mode
G. Certification and Enforcement
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
[[Page 48621]]
1. Description of the Need For, and Objectives of, the Rule
2. Description of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comment
3. Description of Comments Submitted by the Small Business
Administration
4. Description of Estimated Number of Small Entities Regulated
5. Description of the Projected Compliance Requirements of the
Final Rule
6. Description of Steps Taken To Minimize Impacts to Small
Businesses
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
N. Congressional Notification
V. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (42
U.S.C. 6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. Part B of title III,
which for editorial reasons was redesignated as Part A upon
incorporation into the U.S. Code (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as codified),
establishes the ``Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products
Other Than Automobiles.'' These consumer products include ceiling fans,
the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 6291(49), 6293(b)(16)(A)(i)
and (B), and 6295(ff))
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. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
that DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered products, including ceiling fans. EPCA provides that any test
procedures must be reasonably designed to produce test results that
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 must 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))
EPCA established energy conservation standards (design standards)
for ceiling fans, as well as requirements for the ceiling fan test
procedure. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff) and 6293(b)(16)(A)(1)) Specifically,
EPCA requires that test procedures for ceiling fans be based on the
``ENERGY STAR Testing Facility Guidance Manual: Building a Testing
Facility and Performing the Solid State Test Method for ENERGY STAR
Qualified Ceiling Fans, Version 1.1.'' Id. The current DOE ceiling fan
test procedure, based on that source, was published in a 2006 final
rule (71 FR 71341 (Dec. 8, 2006)), which codified the test procedure in
DOE's regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 10 CFR
430.23(w) and 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix U, ``Uniform Test
Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Ceiling Fans.''
EPCA requires DOE, at least once every 7 years, to conduct an
evaluation of the test procedures for all covered products and either
amend the test procedures (if the Secretary determines that amended
test procedures would more accurately or fully comply with the
requirements of 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) or publish a determination in the
Federal Register not to amend them. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) The final
rule resulting from this rulemaking will satisfy this requirement.
In addition, for covered products with test procedures that do not
fully account for standby-mode and off-mode energy consumption, EPCA
directs DOE to amend its test procedures to do so with such energy
consumption integrated into the overall energy efficiency, energy
consumption, or other energy descriptor, if technically feasible. (42
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) If an integrated test procedure is technically
infeasible, DOE must prescribe a separate standby-mode and off-mode
test procedure for the covered product, if technically feasible. Id.
This test procedure rulemaking addresses standby-mode and off-mode
power consumption.
DOE is concurrently conducting an energy conservation standards
rulemaking for ceiling fans.\1\ On September 29, 2014, DOE published in
the Federal Register a Notice of Public Meeting and Availability of the
Preliminary Technical Support Document for the energy conservation
standards rulemaking for ceiling fans. 79 FR 58290. DOE held the
preliminary analysis public meeting on November 19, 2014. DOE requested
feedback in the preliminary analysis document and received both written
comments and comments at the public meeting from interested parties on
many issues related to test methods for evaluating the airflow and
electrical consumption performance of ceiling fans. Some of the
comments that DOE received related to the test procedure for ceiling
fans were addressed in the test procedure SNOPR (80 FR 31487 (Jun. 3,
2015)), and the remaining comments are addressed throughout this final
rule. The ceiling fan energy conservation standards NOPR was published
on January 13, 2016, and the associated public meeting was held on
February 3, 2016. (81 FR 1688) DOE received comments on the standards
NOPR pertaining to various aspects of the test procedure, particularly
regarding definitions of ceiling fan types, and these comments are also
addressed throughout this final rule.
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\1\ The ceiling fan energy conservation standard rulemaking
information is available at regulations.gov under docket number
EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045.
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II. Synopsis of the Final Rule
This final rule amends DOE's current test procedures for ceiling
fans contained in 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix U; 10 CFR
429.32; and 10 CFR 430.23(w). This final rule: (1) Specifies new test
procedures for large-diameter ceiling fans, multi-mount ceiling fans,
ceiling fans with multiple fan heads, and ceiling fans where the
airflow is not directed vertically, and (2) adopts the following
changes to the current test procedure: (a) Low-speed small-diameter
ceiling fans must be tested at high and low speeds; (b) high-speed
small-diameter ceiling fans must be tested at high speed only; (c)
large-diameter ceiling fans must be tested at
[[Page 48622]]
up to five speeds; (d) a test cylinder is not to be used during
testing; (e) fans that can be mounted at more than one height are to be
mounted in the configuration that minimizes the distance between the
fan blades and the ceiling; (f) any heater installed with a ceiling fan
is to be switched off during testing; (g) small-diameter ceiling fans
must be mounted directly to the real ceiling; (h) the allowable
measurement tolerance for air velocity sensors is 5%; (i)
the allowable mounting distance tolerance for air velocity sensors is
1/16''; (j) the air delivery room must be at 70 F 5 F during testing; (k) air delivery room doors and air
conditioning vents must be closed and forced-air conditioning equipment
turned off during testing; (l) small-diameter ceiling fans capable of
being operated on both single- and multi-phase power must be tested
with single-phase power, and large-diameter ceiling fans capable of
being operated on both single- and multi-phase power must be tested
with multi-phase power; (m) any fan rated for operation either at 120 V
or at 240 V must be tested at that voltage, otherwise a fan must be
tested at its lowest rated voltage or the mean of its lowest rated
voltage range; (n) measurement axes must be perpendicular to test room
walls; and (o) measurement stabilization requirements must be met for a
valid test (i.e., average air velocity for all axes for each sensor
must be within 5% and average electrical power measurement must be
within 1% for successive measurements).\2\ DOE also determines that
belt-driven ceiling fans, centrifugal ceiling fans, oscillating ceiling
fans, and ceiling fans for which the plane of rotation of the fan
blades cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal are not subject to
this final rule.
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\2\ This provision allows for in-axis variation amongst sensors
while making sure the measurement as a whole is stable.
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Additionally, to support the ongoing energy conservation standards
rulemaking for ceiling fans, this final rule establishes test
procedures for an integrated efficiency metric measured in cubic feet
per minute per watt (CFM/W) that is applicable to all ceiling fans for
which DOE has proposed energy conservation standards.\3\ In this final
rule, DOE also addresses standby mode and off-mode power consumption
for ceiling fans. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A) and (3))
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\3\ The docket for the concurrent ceiling fans energy
conservation standards rulemaking is located here: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045.
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III. Discussion
A. Scope of Applicability
EPCA defines a ``ceiling fan'' as ``a non-portable device that is
suspended from a ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan
blades.'' (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)) The test procedures described in this
final rule apply to any product meeting this definition, including
applications where large airflow volume may be needed and highly
decorative fans (as discussed in section III.A.4.), except for belt-
driven ceiling fans, centrifugal ceiling fans, oscillating ceiling
fans, or ceiling fans whose blades' plane of rotation cannot be within
45 degrees of horizontal (see Section III.A.2). All fans that meet the
statutory definition of a ceiling fan are ceiling fans and do not fall
within the scope of the rulemaking under consideration for commercial
and industrial fans and blowers.\4\
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\4\ https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-
STD-0006.
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1. Clarification of the Statutory Definition of a Ceiling Fan
DOE previously interpreted the definition of a ceiling fan such
that it excluded certain types of ceiling fans commonly referred to as
hugger fans. 71 FR 71343 (Dec. 8, 2006). However, in the test procedure
final rule for ceiling fan light kits (CFLKs), DOE reinterpreted the
definition of ceiling fan to include hugger fans and clarified that the
definition also includes fans capable of producing large volumes of
airflow. 80 FR 80209 (Dec. 24, 2015)
2. Ceiling Fans Not Subject to the Test Procedure
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed that
centrifugal ceiling fans (commonly referred to as ``bladeless'' ceiling
fans) would not be required to test such fans according to the ceiling
fan test procedure, which would not accurately measure the energy
efficiency of such fans. ALA supported this proposal, and DOE received
no comments expressing disagreement. (ALA, No. 8 at p. 1) DOE is
defining a centrifugal ceiling fan as a ceiling fan for which the
primary airflow direction is in the same plane as the rotation of the
fan blades. In this final rule, DOE is not requiring manufacturers of
centrifugal ceiling fans to test such fans according to the test
procedure.
In the ceiling fans test procedure supplemental notice of proposed
rulemaking (SNOPR) published on June 3, 2015, DOE proposed that
manufacturers are not required to test ceiling fans pursuant to the
test procedure if the plane of rotation of the ceiling fan's blades
cannot be within 45 degrees of horizontal, as the test procedure is not
designed to provide accurate performance data for such fans. 80 FR
31487. In response to this proposal, Big Ass Solutions (BAS) suggested
DOE base this exemption on the direction of discharge for the majority
of the airflow rather than on the plane of rotation of the ceiling
fan's blades. (BAS, No. 13 at pp. 1-2) \5\ BAS also provided two
examples of ceiling fans for which the blades have a horizontal plane
of rotation, but for which the proposed test procedure would not
adequately evaluate the ceiling fan's performance due to the direction
of the majority of the airflow not being vertically downward. (Id.)
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\5\ A notation in this form provides a reference for information
that is in the docket of DOE's rulemaking to develop test procedures
for ceiling fans (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050), which is
maintained at www.regulations.gov. This notation indicates that the
statement preceding the reference is document number 13 in the
docket and appears at pages 1-2 of that document.
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DOE considers the two example ceiling fans BAS provided to be
centrifugal ceiling fans, which DOE has separately determined will not
be subject to this final rule. Therefore, DOE maintains that ceiling
fans whose blades' plane of rotation cannot be within 45 degrees of
horizontal will not be subject to this final rule.
In the concurrent ceiling fans energy conservation standards NOPR,
DOE has proposed to define belt-driven ceiling fans as ceiling fans
with a series of one or more fan heads, each driven by a belt connected
to one or more motors. However, in the energy conservation standards
NOPR, DOE does not propose standards for belt-driven ceiling fans,
based on the limited number of basic models and lack of available data.
Therefore, although DOE is investigating appropriate test procedures
for belt-driven ceiling fans, such fans will not be subject to the test
procedure adopted here.
DOE has observed that there are ceiling fans capable of
oscillating, either through an oscillation of the axis of rotation of
individual fan heads or a rotation in position amongst multiple fan
heads. Such fans can be tested according to the appropriate proposed
test procedures for ceiling fans with tilt and/or multi-headed fans if
the axis of rotation of the fan blades can remain in a fixed position
relative to the ceiling (e.g., by switching off the oscillating
feature). However, DOE recognizes that not all ceiling fans capable of
oscillating can meet this requirement. In this final
[[Page 48623]]
rule, DOE is defining an ``oscillating ceiling fan'' as ``a ceiling fan
containing one or more fan heads for which the axis of rotation of the
fan blades cannot remain in a fixed position relative to the ceiling.
Such fans have no inherent means by which to disable the oscillating
function separate from the fan blade rotation.'' Although DOE is
investigating appropriate test procedures for oscillating ceiling fans,
fans with an oscillating function that cannot remain in a fixed
position relative to the ceiling will not be subject to the test
procedures adopted here. For the purpose of this test procedure, multi-
head ceiling fans for which the fan will not oscillate if fan blades
are only installed on one fan head do not meet the definition of
``oscillating fan'' and are subject to the test procedure established
by this final rule. For this rulemaking, because the airflow
measurement for multi-head fans is to be taken with the fan blades
installed on only one fan head, such ceiling fans are not considered
oscillating ceiling fans, and are therefore subject to the test
procedures adopted here.
3. Definitions of Low-Speed Small-Diameter, High-Speed Small-Diameter,
and Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed definitions
for low-volume and high-volume ceiling fans based on airflow volume,
blade span, blade edge thickness, and the maximum tip speed of the fan
blades. Furthermore, in the test procedure SNOPR, DOE proposed
different test procedures for low-volume ceiling fans, high-volume
ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet, and
high-volume ceiling fans with blade spans greater than seven feet.
Specifically, DOE proposed to test all ceiling fans with blade spans
less than or equal to seven feet (i.e., both low-volume ceiling fans
and high-volume ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to
seven feet) using a test procedure based on version 1.1 of the ENERGY
STAR test method, while all high-volume ceiling fans with blade spans
greater than seven feet would be tested using a modified version of the
AMCA 230-12 test procedure. DOE further proposed that high-volume
ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal to seven feet would be
tested at only high speed, whereas other ceiling fans with blade spans
less than or equal to seven feet (i.e., low-volume ceiling fans) would
be tested at both high and low speeds. DOE proposed this change to
harmonize the DOE test procedure with accepted industry testing
practices, and DOE received no stakeholder feedback in disagreement
with this approach.
In this final rule, DOE is employing different terminology to
delineate fans that were previously known as low-volume, high-volume
small-diameter, and high-volume. To maintain consistency with the
definitions proposed in the concurrent ceiling fans energy conservation
standards rulemaking, DOE is defining the following categories of
ceiling fans for use in this final rule: (1) A ``large-diameter ceiling
fan'' is a ceiling fan that is greater than seven feet in diameter; (2)
A ``small-diameter ceiling fan'' is a ceiling fan that is less than or
equal to seven feet in diameter; (3) A ``low-speed small-diameter
ceiling fan'' is a small diameter ceiling fan that meets both
requirements in Table 1; and (4) A ``high-speed small-diameter ceiling
fan'' is a small diameter ceiling fan that fails to meet at least one
of the requirements in Table 1. Table 1 indicates maximum speed tip for
low-speed small-diameter ceiling fans, depending on blade thickness.
The values in Table 1 are based on the Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
ceiling fan safety standard (UL Standard 507-1999, ``UL Standard for
Safety for Electric Fans'') which designates maximum fan tip speeds
(for a given thicknesses at the edge of the blades) that are safe for
use in applications where the distance between the fan blades and the
floor is 10 feet or less. Given the definitions and the requirements
set forth in Table 1, DOE notes that any small-diameter ceiling fan
with blade edge thickness less than 3.2 mm is necessarily a high-speed
small-diameter (HSSD) ceiling fan. DOE also notes that, in response to
the ceiling fan energy conservation standards NOPR, ALA provided minor,
clarifying edits to the definitions of several fan types, including
high-speed small diameter ceiling fans, standard ceiling fans and
hugger ceiling fans. (ALA, No. 137 \6\ at pp. 4-5) These edits have
been incorporated into the definitions in this final rule.
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\6\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
Table 1--UL 507 Blade Thickness and Maximum Tip Speed Limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thickness (t) of edges of Maximum speed at tip of blades
blades -----------------------------------
Airflow direction * -------------------------------- (feet per
(mm) (Inch) (m/s) minute)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downward-only............................... 4.8 > t >= 3.2 3/16 > t >= 1/ 16.3 3200
8
Downward-only............................... t >= 4.8 t >= 3/16 20.3 4000
Reversible.................................. 4.8 > t >= 3.2 3/16 > t >= 1/ 12.2 2400
8
Reversible.................................. t >= 4.8 t >= 3/16 16.3 3200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The ``downward-only'' and ``reversible'' airflow directions are mutually exclusive; therefore, a ceiling fan
that can only produce airflow in the downward direction need only meet the ``downward-only'' blade edge
thickness and tip speed requirements and a ceiling fan that can produce airflow in the downward and upward
directions need only meet the ``reversible'' requirements.
4. Definitions of Hugger, Standard, Multi-Mount, Highly-Decorative,
Belt-Driven, and Very-Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to define a
hugger ceiling fan as ``a ceiling fan where the lowest point on the fan
blades is no more than ten inches from the ceiling.'' Furthermore, DOE
proposed to define standard and multi-mount ceiling fans as ``a ceiling
fan where the lowest point on the fan blades is more than ten inches
from the ceiling'' and ``a ceiling fan that can be mounted in both the
standard and hugger ceiling fan configurations,'' respectively.
Stakeholders did not object to the 10-inch threshold specified in the
October 2014 test procedure NOPR, but DOE did receive comments from
Emerson and Westinghouse Lighting asking for the inclusion of a blade
warpage tolerance. (Emerson, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at pp.
86-87; Westinghouse Lighting, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at p.
89) DOE understands the concern put forth by Emerson and Westinghouse
Lighting, but DOE
[[Page 48624]]
concludes that a specific distance needs to be selected to provide a
clear division between the product classes for hugger and standard
ceiling fans. For example, DOE found that standard ceiling fans on the
market have a median distance of 12 inches from the ceiling to the fan
blades; therefore, increasing the 10-inch distance by way of a blade
warpage tolerance could result in the miscategorization of ceiling
fans.
DOE also proposed regulatory definitions for hugger and standard
ceiling fans and other low-speed small-diameter (LSSD) ceiling fans as
part of the ceiling fans energy conservation standards rulemaking.
Under the proposed definitions, a hugger ceiling fan is ``a ceiling fan
that is not a very small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-decorative
ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan; and where the lowest point on
fan blades is <= 10 inches from the ceiling; and has a blade thickness
of >=3.2 mm at the edge and a maximum tip speed <= the applicable limit
in the table in this definition,'' and a standard ceiling fan is ``a
ceiling fan that is not a very small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-
decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan; and where the lowest
point on fan blades is >10 inches from the ceiling; and has a blade
thickness of >=3.2 mm at the edge and a maximum tip speed <= the
applicable limit in the table in this definition.'' (81 FR 1688
(January 13, 2016)) In both of these definitions, the table referenced
is Table 1 above. DOE finalizes these definitions, with minor
clarifying edits suggested by ALA (ALA, No. 137 \7\ at pp. 4-5), in
this rulemaking. DOE also defines a multi-mount ceiling fan as ``a
ceiling fan that can be mounted in the configurations associated with
the definitions of both standard and hugger ceiling fans,'' consistent
with the proposed definition in the October 2014 test procedure NOPR.
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\7\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE also proposed regulatory definitions for highly-decorative,
belt-driven, and very-small diameter ceiling fans as part of the energy
conservation standards rulemaking. Because the hugger and standard
ceiling fan definitions finalized here invoke these terms, DOE is
addressing any comments related to the definitions of these terms here.
DOE proposed to define a highly-decorative ceiling fan as ``a ceiling
fan with a maximum rotational speed of 90 RPM and less than 1,840 CFM
airflow at high speed;'' a belt-driven ceiling fan as ``a ceiling fan
with a series of one or more fan heads, each driven by a belt connected
to one or more motors;'' and a very-small-diameter ceiling fan as ``a
ceiling fan that is not a highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven
ceiling fan; and has one or more fan heads, each of which has a blade
span of 18 inches or less.''
ALA did not oppose the inclusion of RPM and CFM in the highly-
decorative ceiling fan definition. (ALA, No. 137 \8\ at p. 6) However,
BAS commented that the proposed definition for highly-decorative fans
should be based on tip speed, rather than a combination of RPM and CFM.
According to BAS, using RPM as a basis for the definition without
incorporating blade span limits smaller-diameter fans more than larger-
diameter fans. BAS added that the use of tip speed rather than RPM is
consistent with the definitions for standard and hugger fans, and RPM
and blade span measurements are generally easier to make than airflow
measurements for highly-decorative fans. BAS therefore suggests DOE
adopt a definition requiring that only highly-decorative ceiling fans
have tip speeds less than or equal to 700 feet per minute. (BAS, No.
138 \9\ at pp. 2-4)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
\9\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE understands BAS's concern regarding the potential for
disproportionate impact on fans of different diameters if RPM is the
sole criterion for determining whether a ceiling fan is highly-
decorative, but it is for this reason that a maximum airflow
requirement is also part of the definition of a highly-decorative
ceiling fan. In regard to BAS's comment that basing the definition of
highly-decorative ceiling fans off of tip speed rather than RPM is
consistent with the definition for standard and hugger fans, DOE notes
that the tip speed limits in the standard and hugger ceiling fan
definitions that delineate those fans from high-speed small-diameter
ceiling fans are drawn from UL Standard 507 and based on safety
considerations for fans installed in the residential sector. EPCA
describes highly-decorative ceiling fans as ceiling fans for which air
movement performance is a secondary design feature; therefore, the
criteria are different for highly-decorative ceiling fans and including
an airflow limit in the definition for highly-decorative ceiling fans
is consistent with the statutory intent. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(B)(ii))
Furthermore, BAS did not elaborate on the statement that measuring the
airflow of highly-decorative fans is more difficult than measuring RPM
and blade span, and no other stakeholders expressed concern with
measuring the airflow of highly-decorative fans. Therefore, DOE is
finalizing the definition of a highly-decorative ceiling fan as ``a
ceiling fan with a maximum rotational speed of 90 RPM and less than
1,840 CFM airflow at high speed, as determined by sections 3 and 4 of
appendix U.''
DOE notes that efficiency performance standards have not been
proposed for highly-decorative ceiling fans in the concurrent energy
conservation standards rulemaking (81 FR 1688 (January 13, 2016)). If
DOE does not establish performance standards for highly-decorative
fans, manufacturers would continue to submit certification reports to
DOE for such fans with respect to the statutory design standards. Both
DOE and manufacturers would determine whether a fan met the definition
of a highly decorative fan using the final test procedure, though
manufacturers would not be required to submit the supporting
information, including any test data, that supports their highly
decorative classification as part of their certification submission to
DOE. In addition, manufacturers would be required to test highly-
decorative fans according to the test procedure established in this
final rule to make representations of the energy efficiency of such
fans (e.g., for the EnergyGuide label).
The CA IOUs recommended that DOE include in the proposed definition
of belt-driven ceiling fans that belt-driven ceiling fans have one or
more motors located outside of the fan head. (CA IOUs, No.
144[hairsp]\10\ at p. 1) To reduce potential regulatory ambiguity, DOE
is finalizing the definition of a belt-driven ceiling fan as ``a
ceiling fan with a series of one or more fan heads, each driven by a
belt connected to one or more motors that are located outside of the
fan head.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE received no comments in the proposed definition of very-small-
diameter ceiling fans; therefore, DOE is finalizing the definition of a
very-small-diameter ceiling fan as ``a ceiling fan that is not a
highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan; and has one
or more fan heads, each of which has a blade span of 18 inches or
less.''
[[Page 48625]]
B. Compliance Date
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed a compliance
date 180 days after the publication of any final amended test
procedures in the Federal Register. ALA urged DOE to not require use of
a revised ceiling fans test procedure until the compliance date of the
energy conservation standards established by the ongoing standards
rulemaking, because DOE's revised test procedure will require
manufacturers to retest every basic model of ceiling fan currently on
the market. Additionally, DOE regulations already contain a test
procedure for ceiling fans that can continue to be used up to the
compliance date of the new ceiling fan efficiency standards. (ALA, No.
14 at p. 2)
This final rule, which would amend appendix U to Subpart B of 10
CFR 430, would not affect a manufacturer's ability to comply with
current energy conservation standards, because DOE does not currently
have performance-based standards for ceiling fans as measured by the
airflow efficiency. As a result, manufacturers will not need time to
re-design and re-tool their ceiling fans to meet any energy
conservation standards based on the updated test procedures. The key
requirement manufacturers will need to meet prior to the compliance
date of the concurrent ceiling fan energy conservation standards is the
requirement that any representations of ceiling fan efficiency be based
on the test procedures set forth in this final rule on and after the
compliance date of this final rule. Because re-tooling and re-design of
ceiling fans will not be required, a compliance date 180 days after the
publication of this final rule in the Federal Register will give
manufacturers enough time to have their ceiling fans tested to meet the
representation requirement.
Manufacturers are required to use the revised appendix U for
representations of ceiling fan efficiency 180 days after the
publication of any final amended test procedures in the Federal
Register. If DOE establishes minimum energy conservation standards for
ceiling fans based on airflow efficiency in the concurrent energy
conservation standards rulemaking, manufacturers will be required to
use the revised appendix U for determining compliance with any amended
standards.
With respect to hugger fans, compliance with requirements related
to the ceiling fan reinterpretation (see Section III.A.1) was discussed
in the CFLK test procedure final rule. 80 FR 80209 (Dec. 24, 2015) As
discussed in that rulemaking, DOE will not assert civil penalty
authority for violations of the applicable standards arising as a
result of the reinterpretation of the ceiling fan definition before
June 26, 2017.
C. Existing Test Procedure
DOE's test procedure for ceiling fans is codified in appendix U to
subpart B of part 430 of Title 10 of the CFR; 10 CFR 429.32; and 10 CFR
430.23(w). The current DOE test procedure references the ``ENERGY
STAR[supreg] Testing Facility Guidance Manual: Building a Testing
Facility and Performing the Solid State Test Method for ENERGY STAR
Qualified Ceiling Fans,'' version 1.1.\11\ ENERGY STAR has since
revised its test procedure, creating version 1.2 of ENERGY STAR's
guidance manual.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR[supreg]
Testing Facility Guidance Manual: Building a Testing Facility and
Performing the Solid State Test Method for ENERGY STAR Qualified
Ceiling Fans: Version 1.1. 2002. (Last accessed October 9, 2015.)
https://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/manuf_res/downloads/ceiltestfinal.pdf.
\12\ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR[supreg]
Laboratory Guidance Manual: Building a Testing Facility and
Performing the Solid State Test Method for ENERGY STAR Qualification
of Ceiling Fans: Version 1.2. 2011. (Last accessed October 9, 2015.)
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/manuf_res/downloads/Ceiling_Fan_Laboratory_Guidance_Manual.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although certain proposals in this rulemaking are consistent with
version 1.2 of the ENERGY STAR test procedure, including test room
dimensions and associated tolerances, DOE has proposed no modification
to the 15-minute ceiling fan warm-up time specified in the current DOE
test procedure, which is in accordance with the specifications of
version 1.1 (as opposed to the 30-minute warm-up time before low speed
specified in version 1.2). On this issue, the People's Republic of
China (P.R. China) commented that International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) standard 60879:1986, Performance and Construction of
Electric Circulating Fans and Regulators, requires a warm-up time of
two hours to achieve steady-state conditions at the test voltage. (P.R.
China, No. 17 at p. 3)
DOE determined, however, that a 15-minute warm-up time for testing
is sufficient to bring the fan's performance into near-steady-state
conditions while still keeping test burden (in this case, time) to a
minimum. Therefore, DOE has retained the 15-minute warm-up time in this
final rule.
D. Integrated Efficiency Metric
DOE is applying a single metric based on airflow efficiency to all
ceiling fans required to be tested according to the procedure
established in this final rule (see Section III.A.2 for a discussion of
ceiling fans not required to be tested). Airflow efficiency appears to
be a nearly-universal metric used to describe the efficiency of ceiling
fans and consists of airflow (i.e., the service provided by a ceiling
fan), as measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), divided by power
consumption, as measured in watts (W). Additionally, in accordance with
the proposal in the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE is amending
10 CFR 429.32 to provide sampling requirements for determining the
represented values for ceiling fans.
Stakeholders generally agreed with DOE's test procedure NOPR
proposal to use airflow efficiency as the efficiency metric for ceiling
fans; however, MacroAir suggested DOE use fan efficiency--the amount of
wind power produced by the fan divided by the power consumption of the
fan--instead. (MacroAir, No. 6 at pp. 1-4) Part of MacroAir's argument
for using fan efficiency as opposed to airflow efficiency is that fan
efficiency does not overly inflate when revolutions per minute (RPM)
are reduced, whereas airflow efficiency tends to be higher at lower fan
speeds. DOE analyzed reports from testing over 30 ceiling fans in early
2014 and found that while airflow efficiency does tend to be lower at
higher RPM, the reverse is true for fan efficiency: Fan efficiency
tends to be lower at lower RPM and higher at higher RPM. Therefore, in
the same way that manufacturers could opt to add more lower-RPM speeds
on their ceiling fans to increase their overall airflow efficiency,
manufacturers could opt to remove lower-RPM speeds on their ceiling
fans to increase their overall fan efficiency. DOE notes that lower-RPM
speeds consume less energy than higher-RPM speeds, and the removal of
lower-RPM speeds eliminates the ability of consumers to use lower
speeds when appropriate. Additionally, the fan efficiency calculation
provided by MacroAir incorporates blade span as an input, which could
result in unintentional market shifts (in this case, toward smaller
blade spans). Because airflow efficiency is the metric accepted by the
majority of the ceiling fan industry, DOE is using airflow efficiency
as the basis of the integrated efficiency metric for ceiling fans in
this final rule.
With regard to the integrated efficiency metric, BAS and ALA
commented that the metric should incorporate the effect of energy-
saving controls (e.g., occupancy sensors) intended to reduce the amount
of time a ceiling fan is operated in active mode.
[[Page 48626]]
(BAS, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at p. 145; ALA, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 150-151) Results from a Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory (LBNL) survey of the residential sector \13\ showed
that ceiling fans are operated in unoccupied spaces more than 40% of
the time, on average, suggesting significant potential energy savings
for controls. However, DOE is unaware of any similar data for the
commercial or industrial sectors, or any data quantifying the actual
decrease in energy consumption from the use of ceiling fan controls and
sensors. Finally, ceiling fan sensors and controls are an emerging
technology, and such devices are currently rare, so it is difficult to
anticipate which controls may actually reduce energy use, or how much
energy use may be saved by a particular control or sensor type. Given
this, DOE has not considered measuring the energy savings of controls
or sensors in this final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ Kantner, C. L. S., S. J. Young, S. M. Donovan, and K.
Garbesi. Ceiling Fan and Ceiling Fan Light Kit Use in the U.S.--
Results of a Survey on Amazon Mechanical Turk. 2013. Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory: Berkeley, CA. Report No. LBNL-6332E.
(Last accessed October 13, 2015.) http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/3r67c1f9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Low-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
To apply a single energy efficiency metric to LSSD ceiling fans,
DOE is using a weighted average of the airflow and power consumption at
high and low fan speeds, defined as the highest available and lowest
available speeds, respectively. While most LSSD ceiling fans have one
or more speeds between high and low, DOE is using only high and low
speed in the metric to limit test burden and avoid confusion regarding
the definition of medium speed for ceiling fans with more than three
speeds.
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to use hours-
of-use results from a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)
survey of U.S. ceiling fan owners to weight the low and high speed test
results in the efficiency metric calculation for LSSD ceiling fans.\14\
The LBNL survey indicated these ceiling fans are operated on high
setting 41% of the time and on low setting 22% of the time. In
response, the American Lighting Association (ALA) requested that DOE
use data from an AcuPOLL survey indicating different hours of use--
specifically, that ceiling fans are operated only 26% of the time on
high setting and 36% of the time on low setting.\15\ (ALA, No. 8 at p.
6) Hunter Fan Company (Hunter) also asked DOE to review the hours-of-
use assumptions in light of the AcuPOLL survey results, especially
because energy consumption at medium speed is typically less than the
mid-point in energy consumption between high and low speeds. (Hunter,
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at pp. 15, 104) ALA again submitted a
comment in response to the TP SNOPR asking that DOE use the AcuPOLL
data for the LSSD ceiling fans efficiency metric weighting. (ALA, No.
14 at p. 6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\14\ Kantner, et al. (2013), op. cit.
\15\ AcuPOLL[supreg] Precision Research, Inc. Survey of Consumer
Ceiling Fan Usage and Operations. 2014.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In light of ALA's and Hunter's comments and the AcuPOLL survey
results, DOE compared the LBNL and AcuPOLL survey results and concluded
that both surveys are relevant sources of information that should be
taken into account to determine the fraction of time spent at each fan
speed. DOE therefore estimated that the fraction of time LSSD ceiling
fans were operated at each speed was equal to the simple average of the
fractions reported by the LBNL and AcuPOLL surveys: 33% on high speed,
38% on medium speed, and 29% on low speed. When normalized to 100%, the
fractions for high and low speed are 53% and 47%, respectively. DOE is
weighting the high and low speed test results for LSSD ceiling fans
based on these normalized fractions. Therefore, for calculating the
overall efficiency for LSSD ceiling fans, DOE apportions the following
daily operating hours (based on an overall daily usage of 6.4 hours per
day, as proposed in the October 2014 test procedure NOPR): 3.4 hours at
high speed, 3.0 hours at low speed, and 17.6 hours in off or standby
mode.
The CA IOUs supported DOE's use of airflow efficiency as the metric
for ceiling fan efficiency, but are concerned that DOE's proposal to
test LSSD ceiling fans at low speed and high speed may not be specific
enough. In particular, the CA IOUs suggest DOE require testing of
ceiling fans at speeds that provide a specific airflow, which allows
for a more direct comparison of the utility provided by ceiling fans.
(CA IOUs, No. 15 at pp. 1-3) This suggestion aligned with comments made
by BAS and Fanimation regarding HSSD and large-diameter ceiling fans
during the October 2014 test procedure NOPR public meeting. (BAS,
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 106-108; Fanimation, Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at p. 110) DOE concluded that, while airflow
is the main utility provided by ceiling fans, consumers of LSSD ceiling
fans are unlikely to select a particular ceiling fan setting based on
the specific amount of airflow that speed provides; instead, because
LSSD ceiling fans typically have a small number of discrete speeds,
consumers are expected to select the setting based on an imprecise
determination of whether a given setting is providing too much or too
little airflow. DOE also notes that as a consequence of LSSD ceiling
fans having discrete speeds, precise airflow comparisons between
different LSSD ceiling fans is impossible. Test burden would be added
by having to test all available speed settings to determine which
settings most closely align with the chosen airflow values. Therefore,
in this final rule DOE is requiring all LSSD ceiling fans to be tested
at their lowest and highest speed settings, regardless of the airflow
volume provided at those settings.
2. High-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
For reasons set forth in the test procedure SNOPR, DOE proposed in
the SNOPR to test all ceiling fans with blade spans less than or equal
to seven feet according to a test procedure based on air velocity
sensor measurements (i.e., as in the ENERGY STAR test procedure), with
the caveat that HSSD fans would still be tested only at high speed. BAS
and ALA supported testing HSSD fans at high speed only. (BAS, No. 13 at
p. 2; ALA, No. 14 at p. 6) DOE is keeping the proposal to test HSSD
fans only at high speed because they typically do not have discrete
speeds, and therefore speeds other than high may not be well defined.
Additionally, DOE does not have enough information to estimate a
distribution of time spent at speeds other than high speed for the
efficiency metric for HSSD ceiling fans.
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed operating
hours for HSSD ceiling fans of 12 hours per day. No stakeholders
indicated disagreement with the SNOPR testing proposal nor the NOPR's
proposed operating hours for HSSD fans; therefore, for calculating the
overall efficiency for these ceiling fans, DOE apportions the following
daily operating hours: 12 hours at high speed and 12 hours in off or
standby mode.
3. Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
In the test procedure SNOPR, DOE proposed to test all large-
diameter ceiling fans at five equally-spaced speeds: 100% (max speed),
80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%. The SNOPR also proposed that each speed other
than 100% is given a tolerance of 1% of the average
measured RPM at 100% speed.
[[Page 48627]]
BAS and AMCA commented that if testing at multiple speeds is required,
the tolerance should be revised to be the greater of 2 RPM and 1% of the average measured RPM at 100% speed. (BAS, No. 13 at p.
8; AMCA, No. 140 \16\ at p. 2) The tolerance DOE proposed in the SNOPR
would mean that the RPM tolerance for fans that only achieve 50 RPM at
high speed would be 0.5 RPM.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\16\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE has concluded that the proposed tolerance may be too stringent,
and perhaps not measurable, given the measurement tolerance of the test
lab equipment. On the other hand, BAS's suggested tolerance means in
practice that the 2 RPM tolerance would be in effect for any large-
diameter ceiling fans that provide 200 RPM or less on high speed (which
is a significant fraction of the large-diameter ceiling fan market).
According to BAS's proposal, a ceiling fan that only provides 50 RPM at
high speed would have a tolerance of 4% of the average
measured RPM at high speed, which DOE believes may be insufficient to
ensure repeatability in test measurements. Therefore, in this final
rule, DOE specifies an RPM tolerance of the greater of 1 RPM and 1% of the average measured RPM at 100% speed.
In the test procedure SNOPR, to weight the performance results of
the ceiling fans at each of the five speeds, DOE took a simple average
of hours-of-use estimates provided by BAS and MacroAir. In doing so,
DOE assumed that BAS agreed with DOE's estimate in the October 2014
NOPR of 12 hours of active mode operation per day. (BAS, No. 13 at pp.
5-6) BAS took issue with DOE's assumption and, therefore, disagreed
with DOE's overall active mode estimate of 15 hours per day, calculated
using a simple average of the 12 hours assumed from BAS and the 18
hours of active mode operation submitted by MacroAir. Id. DOE received
no new operating hours estimates that could be used to calculate an
alternative active mode operation time for large-diameter ceiling fans;
however, based on BAS's comment and the lack of available large-
diameter hours-of-use data, DOE has determined that using the active
mode time of 12 hours per day originally proposed in the October 2014
test procedure NOPR is the most appropriate and representative
estimate. As a result, DOE retains the 12 hours of daily active-mode
operation for large-diameter ceiling fans proposed in the October 2014
test procedure NOPR.
In response to the SNOPR, BAS suggested that DOE require testing
only at high speed for large-diameter ceiling fans. (BAS, No. 13 at p.
8) BAS also provided examples of multiple large-diameter fans that are
unable to operate at those five equally-spaced speeds; therefore, BAS
suggests that if testing at multiple speeds is required, DOE report the
results of each tested speed separately. (BAS, No. 13 at pp. 4-5) The
California investor-owned utilities (CA IOUs) suggested reporting the
airflow and power draw of each of the speeds tested, in addition to the
weighted airflow efficiency. (CA IOUs, No. 15 at pp. 1-3) BAS added
that no reputable source of hours-of-use data exist for large-volume
ceiling fans, which would be required to calculate the weighted airflow
efficiency of the ceiling fan if such fans are tested at five speeds.
(BAS, No. 13 at pp. 5-6)
While hours-of-use for large-diameter ceiling fans have not been
well-studied, a more representative ceiling fan efficiency can be
calculated by testing large-diameter ceiling fans at multiple speeds
and weighting all those speeds equally (when compared to calculating
the efficiency at only high speed). Therefore, as explained in more
detail in Section III.F.1, DOE will require testing of large-diameter
ceiling fans at up to five speeds. For calculating a ceiling fan's
overall efficiency, the calculated efficiency at each tested speed will
be apportioned active mode operating hours equally (e.g., if five
speeds are tested, each speed is given 20% of the overall daily
operating hours).
E. Modifications to Existing Test Procedure
1. Required Testing Speeds for Low-Speed Small-Diameter and High-Speed
Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
As discussed in Section III.D.1, DOE is requiring all LSSD ceiling
fans to be tested at high and low speeds. DOE has concluded that this
approach will yield a more representative airflow efficiency than
testing only at high speed, while limiting test burden and avoiding
confusion regarding the definition of medium speed for ceiling fans
with more than three speeds. In the test procedure SNOPR, DOE proposed
to test LSSD ceiling fans at high speed first, and then to test them at
low speed. BAS suggested DOE reverse this proposal, requiring low speed
to be tested prior to high speed to reduce the likelihood of entrained
air affecting the test results. (BAS, No. 13 at p. 7) In light of BAS's
suggestion, and because DOE has concluded that there is no compelling
reason to test at high speed first, in this final rule, DOE specifies
that LSSD ceiling fans be tested at low speed first, and then high
speed.
As discussed in Section III.D.2, DOE is requiring all HSSD fans to
be tested at high speed only.
2. Elimination of Test Cylinder From Test Setup and Specification of
Effective Area
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to eliminate
the current test procedure requirement to use a test cylinder while
conducting airflow measurements. Under the proposed rule, the
positioning of the ceiling fan and the air velocity sensors would
remain the same as in the current test procedure, but without a test
cylinder between them. Additionally, the same effective area and number
of sensors as in the current test procedure would be used to calculate
the airflow of a low-volume ceiling fan; specifically, to measure the
airflow using enough air velocity sensors to record air delivery within
a circle 8 inches larger in diameter than the blade span of the ceiling
fan being tested.
DOE received unanimous agreement from stakeholders regarding the
proposal to eliminate the test cylinder from the test setup. (Hunter,
Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at pp. 124-125; Fanimation, Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at p. 125; BAS, No. 88 at p. 52; American
Lighting Association, No. 8 at p. 8) According to DOE testing,\17\ as
well as comments from BAS and Hunter regarding their in-house testing,
testing with a cylinder does not result in any significant difference
in measured efficiency when compared to testing without the cylinder in
place; furthermore, testing without a cylinder in place is more
representative of typical usage conditions. (BAS, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 83 at p. 124; Hunter, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83
at pp. 124-125) Therefore, in this final rule DOE has eliminated the
test cylinder from the test setup.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\17\ U.S. Department of Energy-Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy. Ceiling Fan Test Procedure Development Testing
Final Report, Part 1: Energy Conservation Program for Consumer
Products: Ceiling Fans. 2014. (Last accessed November 5, 2015.)
http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050-
0002.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In regard to the effective area and the number of air velocity
sensors to use during testing, ALA conducted testing according to the
test procedure proposed in the SNOPR and commented that including
airflow measurements outside the limits of the proposed sensor setup
would provide a more
[[Page 48628]]
accurate representation of the airflow for many small-diameter ceiling
fans. (ALA, No. 18 at p. 2) Therefore, ALA suggested DOE modify the
proposed test procedure for all small-diameter ceiling fans to
incorporate data from 12 air velocity sensors per sensor arm, spaced at
4-inch intervals, and incorporate the airflow data only from sensors
recording an average airflow of more than 40 feet per minute (fpm). If
DOE declined to adopt this approach, ALA suggested that DOE use enough
air velocity sensors per sensor arm to record air delivery within a
circle 24 inches larger in diameter than the blade span of the ceiling
fan being tested. (ALA, No. 18 at pp. 2-3)
DOE appreciates ALA's concern that more airflow sensors should be
used to characterize small-diameter ceiling fans now that a test
cylinder is not required. In regard to requiring 12 sensors for all
fans, DOE concluded that this approach would not provide a
representative comparison between larger and smaller ceiling fans. This
is because the airflow efficiency for all small-diameter ceiling fans
would be evaluated across the same effective area, despite ceiling fan
guides consistently recommending that consumers scale the size of a
ceiling fan to the size of a room (e.g., installing larger ceiling fans
in larger spaces), making such a comparison unlikely to be
representative of typical use.
In regards to the 40 fpm minimum, DOE conducted testing to
determine the effect ALA's proposal would have on a fan's measured
airflow efficiency. Across nearly 40 fans DOE tested, no sensors
recorded an average velocity less than 40 fpm while the fan was
operating at high speed; however, average measurements below 40 fpm
were observed for some ceiling fans while operating at low speed.
Therefore, either the airflow efficiency of some ceiling fans would be
calculated using a different effective area at high speed compared to
low speed--which DOE believes would not be representative of typical
use, as an installed ceiling fan is intended to service the same area
regardless of the fan speed setting at which it is operating at a given
time--or all sensors specified for a given ceiling fan should be used,
because all sensors were required when taking the measurement at high
speed. Furthermore, the test results showed that for many fans
operating at low speed, a discontinuous set of sensors would meet the
40 fpm average airflow requirement (e.g., sensors 1 and 3 would meet
the 40 fpm requirement, but not sensor 2). However consumers expect
airflow service from a ceiling fan over a continuous area; a
discontinuous set of measurements would not be representative of the
service provided by a ceiling fan. Additionally, imposing a 40 fpm
sensor threshold could present test repeatability issues, especially in
cases where one or more sensors measure an average airflow near 40 fpm.
For example, a subset of sensors meets the threshold in one test, but
in a subsequent test on the same fan a different subset of sensors
meets the threshold. DOE also notes that the definition for highly-
decorative ceiling fans finalized in this rule is based in part on
airflow (as measured using the SNOPR proposal), so incorporating this
40 fpm threshold could affect whether certain fans are categorized as
highly-decorative.
In regard to ALA's alternate proposal of using enough airflow
sensors to record air delivery within a circle 24 inches larger in
diameter than the blade span of the ceiling fan being tested, DOE notes
that in practice this would result in adding two extra airflow sensors
per sensor arm to the number of sensors specified in the SNOPR,
regardless of blade span. This also increases by two the total number
of sensors required to be installed in the experimental set up to be
able to accommodate testing of the largest small-diameter ceiling fans.
Requiring two additional sensors be used during testing may therefore
add additional cost burden on the order of $1,000 per sensor to the
test procedure without clear evidence that this would result in a more
representative measurement.
Therefore, in this final rule DOE has not implemented the proposals
set forth by ALA regarding the number of air velocity sensors to be
used in the airflow measurement, but requires the usage of the same
number of sensors for measuring airflow of small-diameter ceiling fans
that was set forth in the TP SNOPR. The number of the sensors being
finalized in this test procedure final rule is in line with the number
of sensors required by the current DOE and Energy Star test procedures
for ceiling fans. Additionally, test labs are already accustomed to
testing ceiling fans per the current DOE and Energy Star test
procedures, and so retaining the same number of sensors in this final
rule would not add any additional test burden.
3. Specification of Method of Measuring the Distance Between Ceiling
Fan Blades and Air Velocity Sensors During Testing
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to specify
that the appropriate vertical position of LSSD ceiling fans in relation
to the air velocity sensors should be determined by the position of the
lowest point on the ceiling fan blades, rather than ``the middle of the
fan blade tips.'' DOE proposed this because it may be unclear how the
``middle of blade tip'' measurement specified in the previous test
procedure should be made for ceiling fans having non-flat or unusually
shaped blades. BAS expressed agreement with this proposal, and no
stakeholders expressed disagreement. (BAS, Public Meeting Transcript,
No. 83 at p. 132)
Additionally, DOE notes that because HSSD ceiling fans are required
to be tested according to the same test procedure prescribed for LSSD
ceiling fans, with the exception that only high speed will be tested
for HSSD fans (see the discussion in Section III.D.2), this
clarification also applies to testing HSSD ceiling fans. DOE,
therefore, requires that the appropriate vertical position for LSSD and
HSSD ceiling fans (hereinafter collectively referred to as small-
diameter ceiling fans) in relation to the air velocity sensors be
determined by the position of the lowest point on the ceiling fan
blades.
4. Specification of Fan Configuration During Testing
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed that if a fan
has more than one mounting option that would meet the configuration
associated with the definition of a standard ceiling fan (see section
III.A.4), that ceiling fan should be tested in the configuration with
the smallest distance between the ceiling and the lowest point of the
fan blades. Similarly, if a fan has more than one mounting option that
would meet the configuration associated with the definition of a hugger
ceiling fan (see section III.A.4), that ceiling fan should be tested in
the configuration with the smallest distance between the ceiling and
the lowest point of the fan blades. DOE received general agreement with
this proposal from Westinghouse Lighting, because all ceiling fans
would receive equitable treatment (i.e., tested in the same relative
configuration). (Westinghouse Lighting, Public Meeting Transcript, No.
83 at pp. 132-134) Therefore, in this final rule DOE adopts the
proposal from the October 2014 test procedure NOPR: Small-diameter
ceiling fans that can be mounted in more than one configuration that
meets the standard or hugger ceiling fan definition are required to be
tested in the configuration that minimizes the distance between the
ceiling and lowest part of the fan blades.
[[Page 48629]]
5. Specification of Test Method for Ceiling Fans With Heaters
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed that during
testing any heater packaged with a ceiling fan should be installed,
because an object hanging directly below the fan blades might affect
airflow, but switched off. The single stakeholder comment DOE received
from Hunter on this proposal was supportive. (Hunter, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 83 at pp. 135) Therefore, DOE requires any heaters
packaged with ceiling fans to be installed but switched off during
testing.
6. Specification on Mounting Fans to Real Ceiling for Testing
In the test procedure SNOPR, DOE proposed to require that all
small-diameter ceiling fans be mounted to the real ceiling (rather than
a false ceiling) for testing. One of the reasons that DOE cited for
this proposal was data supplied by BAS in response to the October 2014
test procedure NOPR indicating a decrease in measured efficiency
performance when a ceiling fan is mounted to a false ceiling rather
than a real ceiling. (BAS, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 125-
126) Other stakeholders expressed agreement with mounting ceiling fans
to the real ceiling during testing in the test procedure NOPR public
meeting. (Fanimation, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 129;
Minka Group, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 129) However, ALA
requested DOE conduct further testing at an independent test lab to
confirm the results supplied by BAS before finalizing a requirement to
test with the ceiling fans mounted to the real ceiling. (ALA, No. 14 at
pp. 4-5)
DOE performed additional testing of ceiling fans provided by a
number of manufacturers in December 2015. For this testing, DOE mounted
the ceiling fan to the real ceiling, and adjusted the height of the air
velocity sensors, as proposed in the SNOPR. DOE testing confirmed a
decrease in measured efficiency when a ceiling fan is mounted to a
false ceiling rather than a real ceiling. Based on the testing, DOE
concludes that no significant additional test burden will be added by
testing ceiling fans mounted to the real ceiling and adjusting the
height of the air velocity sensors, relative to mounting the ceiling
fans to a false ceiling, keeping the air velocity sensors stationary,
and adjusting the height of the false ceiling. There is a one-time cost
needed to set up the sensor arms such that the height of the air
velocity sensors can be adjusted for all ceiling fans. However, once
this has been set-up, there is no additional test burden. Additionally,
testing ceiling fans mounted to the real ceiling is more representative
of actual use than testing the ceiling fans mounted to a false ceiling.
For these reasons, DOE requires mounting the ceiling fan to the real
ceiling for testing small-diameter ceiling fans. DOE notes that because
HSSD ceiling fans are required to be tested according to the same test
procedure prescribed for LSSD ceiling fans, with the exception that
only high speed will be tested for HSSD fans (see the discussion in
Section III.D.2), this requirement applies to all small-diameter
ceiling fans.
7. Revised Allowable Measurement Tolerance for Air Velocity Sensors
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to change the
air velocity sensor measurement tolerances from the current test
procedure (based on ENERGY STAR guidance manual v1.1) value of 1% to
5%, the stringency required by ENERGY STAR guidance manual v1.2. Hunter
and ALA supported this proposal, and no stakeholders opposed the
proposal. (Hunter, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at p. 136; ALA,
No. 8 at p. 8) Therefore, DOE requires an air velocity sensor
measurement tolerance not to exceed 5% for testing small-diameter
ceiling fans. It is worth noting that the ENERGY STAR guidance manuals
explicitly list ``suggested equipment'', including air velocity
sensors, to be used for ENERGY STAR testing. The test procedure
established by this final rule includes equipment specifications,
including tolerances, but does not list specific equipment. Note that
some ``suggested equipment'' in the ENERGY STAR guidance manuals may
not meet the equipment specifications included in this test procedure,
so testing laboratories should check their equipment and ensure that it
is capable of meeting the specifications being adopted in this final
rule.
8. Revised Allowable Mounting Tolerance for Air Velocity Sensors
The proposed regulatory text for testing small-diameter ceiling
fans in the test procedure SNOPR required mounting the air velocity
sensors every four inches along each sensor arm, as specified in the
current ENERGY STAR test procedure. BAS suggested DOE alter this
requirement to specify a tolerance of 1/16''. (BAS, No. 13 at p. 6) DOE
agrees that having a specified tolerance for the air velocity sensor
mounting interval is useful and would not significantly alter the
measured test results; therefore, in this final rule DOE specifies the
air velocity sensors be mounted every 4'' 1/16'' along the
sensor arm.
9. Specifications To Reduce Testing Variation
ALA commented that there are problems with variation in the results
of DOE's proposed ceiling fan test procedure that will raise the cost
of manufacturer compliance. ALA's members observed these issues by
testing the same ceiling fan at different test labs and by testing
identical ceiling fans at the same test lab. According to ALA, separate
tests of the same ceiling fan at different test labs produced test
results that vary by as much as 31 percent; and separate tests of
identical ceiling fans at the same test lab produced results that vary
by as much as 15 percent. ALA stated that the variability in test
results is beyond commercially reasonable tolerances for ceiling fan
manufacturers. They concluded that these problems will effectively
require manufacturers to adopt much larger-than-customary ``safety
factors'' in their ceiling fan design and development processes to
ensure that the significant variation in test results will not result
in finding of noncompliance by DOE. (ALA, No. 139 at pp. 5-6)
Lutron commented that while they do not manufacture ceiling fans,
they agree with the concerns of the fan industry with regard to the
impact of changing test procedures and the concerns over data
consistency. (Lutron, No. 141 at p. 3)
In response to these concerns, DOE conducted a thorough review of
all available test data to identify opportunities to decrease testing
variation. During this review, DOE found that sudden temperature
variations in the test room are the primary driver of test result
variations. The hot-wire anemometer sensors typically used to measure
air velocity sense a change in temperature induced by the flow of air.
Hot-wire anemometer sensors must have the ability to store heat, a
property known as thermal mass, to make such measurements. The rate at
which a hot-wire anemometer loses stored heat to air flowing at a given
velocity is fixed based on the hot-wire anemometer's physical and
material properties. If the rate at which the hot-wire anemometer loses
stored heat is different than the rate at which the temperature in the
test room is changing, the measurements of that hot-wire anemometer
will vary. While the hot-wire anemometers typically have temperature
compensating functions, the thermal mass of a hot-wire
[[Page 48630]]
anemometer is not capable of compensating for sudden changes. In the
context of this test procedure, the air velocity measured by a sensor
may vary markedly if the temperature in the test room has changed
significantly and quickly between measurements. Consequently, test
results may vary significantly.
DOE considered many options to address the temperature control and
air velocity measurement issues, including alternative air velocity
sensors and changes to test room specifications related to temperature
control. DOE determined that hot-wire anemometers are still the
preferred sensor for air velocity measurements. DOE did not find an
alternative air velocity measurement sensor type or apparatus that
would produce significantly better air velocity measurements at similar
cost, effectiveness, or industry familiarity. In addition, changes to
the test room specifications related to temperature control could
result in additional test burden due to capital investment in new
equipment or test room renovations. Ultimately, DOE found in its review
of available test data that average air velocity measurements did not
vary significantly between axes for all tests. This leads DOE to
believe that reducing variation is achievable without using alternative
air velocity sensors or specifying significant changes to the test room
and equipment. Instead, in this final rule, DOE is adopting the
following provisions to minimize test procedure output variation:
Specifying criteria for air velocity and power
measurements that indicate stable measurements.
Require measurement axes be perpendicular to test room
walls.
Require forced-air space conditioning equipment be turned
off during air velocity measurements, but allow for conditioning
equipment that does not supply air to the test room, such as radiant
conditioning equipment, to be left on.
Require voltage be measured within 6 inches of connection
supplied with fan.
These provisions are modifications to those proposed in the June
2015 test procedure SNOPR. The June 2015 SNOPR proposed air velocity
and power measurements and tolerances on each. A lab should be able to
measure air velocity and power in the same way it would have per the
test procedure proposed in the SNOPR. 80 FR 31500-31502 (June 3, 2015)
The stability criteria established by this final rule specify that air
velocity and power be measured until variation in those measurements is
satisfactorily limited. The SNOPR proposed axes be perpendicular to
walls or directed into corners. 80 FR 31500, 31501 (June 3, 2015) This
document maintains the requirement for axes perpendicular to walls but
disallows axes directed into the corners because of a higher degree of
observed output variation when using this configuration. The SNOPR
proposed to turn off space-conditioning equipment during air velocity
measurements. 80 FR 31501 (June 3, 2015) This document maintains that
requirement for forced-air equipment, but allows non-forced-air
equipment to remain on. This allowance is a zero-burden method for
improving temperature control and in turn, minimizing test result
variation. The SNOPR proposed voltage measurements. 80 FR 31501 (June
3, 2015) This document clarifies where this measurement should be taken
to minimize test result variation. DOE does not expect these provisions
to change measured efficiency, only improve measurement repeatability.
Also, DOE does not expect these provisions to result in significant
increases in test burden.
In this final rule, DOE is establishing stability criteria to
minimize test result variation. These stability criteria are in terms
of acceptable air velocity and power measurement variation. Subsequent
measurements must be made until stable measurements are achieved.
Stable measurements are achieved when: (1) The average air velocity for
all axes for each sensor varies by less than 5% compared to the average
air velocity measured for that same sensor in a successive set of air
velocity measurements, and (2) average power consumption varies by less
than 1% in a successive set of power consumption measurements.
Variations that do not meet those criteria indicate that a significant
change in temperature likely occurred during the test and results will
vary too significantly. DOE is adopting a provision that measurements
that do not meet the definition of stable measurements are prohibited
from being used in the test result. Instead, this final rule specifies
that the measurement of air velocity and power be repeated until stable
measurements are achieved. DOE understands that this will result in
tests that require at least two iterations of measurements in each axis
for each speed tested to achieve stable measurements and a valid test.
These iterations represent additional test time and therefore burden.
Each additional axis is 100 additional seconds plus the time it may
take a sensor arm to travel to another axis if a single, sweeping
sensor arm is being used. DOE estimates additional measurements to meet
stability criteria to be less than 10 minutes total for four additional
axes of measurements (i.e., one additional iteration). Even if two
additional measurements in all 4 axes are necessary for each speed, 40
minutes (two iterations multiplied by 10 minutes multiplied by two
speeds) of additional test time is not a significant increase in
overall test time which is roughly 3 hours including set up and warm up
periods and one iteration of air velocity and power measurements per
speed tested. DOE recognizes that some labs may need to make
investments in facility upgrades to improve temperature control to meet
these stability criteria. These upgrades could include low-cost
weatherization techniques like adding weather stripping to test-room
doors or adding insulation, or more costly improvements like switching
from forced-air to non-forced-air space-conditioning equipment. DOE
testing indicates that these stability requirements can be met in labs
that performed testing per the test procedure proposed in the SNOPR and
the ENERGY STAR test procedure using forced-air conditioning equipment.
Therefore, these stability provisions do not require significant
investment in changes to the lab set up compared to test procedures
that the industry is already using.
Requiring measurement axes to be perpendicular to test room walls
will reduce air swirl patterns that can occur in test room corners and
potentially lead to unstable test measurements. This provision should
not result in any additional test burden because no additional time or
materials are needed.
Requiring forced-air space conditioning equipment be turned off
during air velocity measurements, but allowing for conditioning
equipment that does not supply air to the test room to be left on, is
similar to what DOE proposed in the SNOPR. The difference in the
provision being adopted in this final rule and the SNOPR proposal is
that forced-air and non-forced air space conditioning equipment are
differentiated and non-forced air space conditioning equipment can be
left on during air velocity measurements. Allowing non-forced air space
conditioning equipment to operate during air velocity measurements will
help keep test room temperature conditions stable. Allowing forced-air
space conditioning equipment to remain on during air velocity
measurements may also help keep test room temperature stable, but the
air supplied
[[Page 48631]]
to the room from this equipment can interfere with air velocity
measurements. Any lab already using non forced-air space conditioning
equipment should not experience additional burden from this provision.
Through testing, DOE also determined that labs that use forced-air
conditioning equipment can produce stable test results despite turning
off the forced-air equipment. Such facilities will also not require
additional time or materials to test as a result of this provision.
Requiring test voltage be measured within 6 inches of the
connection supplied with the fan avoids variations in measurements that
may result from measuring voltage at varying distances from the
supplied connection. Wires have losses that are proportional to length.
Consequently, a voltage measurement taken 12 inches from the supplied
connection will be different than a measurement taken 6 inches from the
supplied connection. Putting limits on the distance of the voltage
measurement will minimize differences in test results that may
otherwise result between test labs or iterations of the test in a given
lab.
10. Revised Testing Temperature Requirement
In the test procedure SNOPR, the proposed regulatory text for
testing small-diameter ceiling fans required the air delivery room
temperature be kept at 76 F 2 F during testing, which is
in line with the current DOE test procedure for ceiling fans (which is
based on the ENERGY STAR test procedure v. 1.1). BAS suggested DOE
update this requirement to 70 F 5 F, which aligns with the
ENERGY STAR test procedure v. 1.2. BAS indicated that tightening the
air temperature requirements results in significant burden on the test
lab, and also noted that the anemometers and associated software used
by the test labs automatically correct for changes in temperature and
humidity. (BAS, No. 13 at p. 7) DOE has concluded that relaxing the
temperature requirement from 76 F 2 F to 70 F
5 F will not significantly impact the measured test results if stable
measurement criteria are achieved and will align with the requirements
of the current industry-standard test procedure; therefore, in this
final rule, DOE specifies the air delivery room temperature to be 70 F
5 F during testing. Stable measurement criteria are
described in more detail in section III.E.9.
11. Specification of Air Delivery Room Doors and Air Conditioning Vents
The proposed regulatory text for testing of small-diameter ceiling
fans in the test procedure SNOPR indicates that the air delivery room's
air conditioning vents must be closed three minutes prior to and during
testing. BAS suggested DOE update this language to indicate that air
delivery room doors should also be closed during testing, but that the
air conditioning vents and doors may be open between test sessions to
maintain space conditions. (BAS, No. 13 at p. 7) DOE agrees with BAS's
suggestion, and notes that further down in that same section of the
regulatory text the procedure requires the test lab to ``close all
doors and vents.'' In this final rule, DOE requires that all doors and
vents must be closed three minutes prior to and during testing, but
that they may be opened when testing is not taking place (e.g., between
testing different speeds of a ceiling fan, or between testing different
ceiling fans) to maintain space conditions. Better maintaining space
conditions by allowing doors and vents to be open as often and long as
possible except for three minutes prior and during testing will
facilitate achieving the stability criteria established by this
document, as discussed in section III.E.9.
12. Specification of Power Source and Measurement
The proposed regulatory text for testing all fans in the test
procedure SNOPR instructs the test lab to measure power consumption of
the fan, but it does not specify how the fan power should be measured
in the case of fans operated with multi-phase electricity. BAS
suggested DOE specify that active (real) power be measured in all
phases simultaneously, as many large-diameter ceiling fans are operated
with three-phase electricity. (BAS, No. 13 at p. 8) DOE agrees with
BAS's suggestion, which will alleviate any confusion from measuring
power consumption of fans utilizing multi-phase electricity. DOE also
notes that this requirement aligns with the power measurement
requirements set forth in AMCA 230-15. In this final rule, DOE
specifies that active (real) power must be measured simultaneously in
all phases for all ceiling fans required to be tested using the test
procedure.
The test procedure SNOPR also instructs that the tests be conducted
with the fan connected to a supply circuit with a specific voltage
according to the fan's rating (120 V or 240 V), but it does not specify
how to test fans that are rated for use with both single-phase and
multi-phase electricity. AMCA and BAS made the following suggestions:
(1) Test voltage at the rated voltage of the variable-speed device, or
the rated voltage of the motor if no variable-speed control exists; (2)
test the fan at the mean input voltage if a voltage range is specified;
(3) test and rate fans capable of operating with single- and multi-
phase power under both conditions; and (4) test fans with multiple
voltage ranges, but the same phase power, at the mean of the lowest
input voltage range. (AMCA, No. 140 at p. 3; BAS, No. 138 at pp. 16-20)
\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\18\ Both documents were submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE appreciates the comments received regarding test input voltage,
and agrees that a provision should be made to test certain fans that
are not rated for use with 120 V or 240 V. DOE also agrees that if
multiple voltage ranges are specified for a given ceiling fan, the
ceiling fan should be tested according to the lower voltage range. DOE
therefore finalizes the following supply voltage requirements for all
tested ceiling fans: The supply voltage must be: (1) 120 V if the
ceiling fan's minimum rated voltage is 120 V or the lowest rated
voltage range contains 120 V, (2) 240 V if the ceiling fan's minimum
rated voltage is 240 V or the lowest rated voltage range contains 240
V, or (3) the ceiling fan's minimum rated voltage (if a voltage range
is not given) or the mean of the lowest rated voltage range, in all
other cases.
In regard to the comments about testing and rating ceiling fans
that can be operated on both single- and multi-phase power under both
conditions, DOE has determined that LSSD and HSSD fans are typically
operated on single-phase circuits whereas large diameter fans are
typically operated on multi-phase circuits. Therefore, DOE specifies in
this final rule that LSSD and HSSD fans capable of operating with
single- and multi-phase power be tested with single-phase power, and
large diameter fans capable of operating with single- and multi-phase
power be tested with multi-phase power. DOE will further allow
manufacturers to test such fans in the other configuration (i.e., using
multi-phase power for LSSD and HSSD fans and single-phase power for
large diameter fans) and make representations of efficiency associated
with both single and multi-phase electricity if a manufacturer desires
to do so, but the test results in this configuration will not be valid
to assess
[[Page 48632]]
compliance with any amended energy conservation standard. DOE also
clarifies that any ceiling fan rated to operate on only single-phase
power must be tested and rated at single-phase power. Similarly, any
ceiling fan rated to operate on only multi-phase power must be tested
and rated at multi-phase power.
13. Specification of Blade Span Measurement
The proposed regulatory text for testing all fans in the test
procedure SNOPR instructs the test lab to conduct the appropriate test
procedure based, in part, on the blade span of the ceiling fan, but it
does not clearly articulate if or how the blade span is to be measured.
BAS suggested that the blade span of a particular ceiling fan be
determined as follows: (1) The blade span should be defined as the
diameter of the largest circle swept by any part of the fan blade
assembly, including any blade attachments; and (2) The rated blade span
of a particular ceiling fan should be the average or the larger of the
measured blade spans of the multiple samples required for testing.
(BAS, No. 138 \19\ at pp. 16-17) DOE concludes that the blade span of a
ceiling fan is the diameter of the largest circle swept by any part of
the fan blade assembly, including any blade attachments. Furthermore,
DOE agrees that the average measured blade span of the tested ceiling
fan samples, rounded to the nearest inch, be used for determining a
ceiling fan's product class and the number of air velocity sensors
required (in the case of an LSSD fan), rather than using the ceiling
fan's rated blade span (which in some cases may not be publicly
advertised). Therefore, for the purposes of this final rule test
procedure, DOE requires that the blade span of a ceiling fan be the
average of the measurements of the diameter of the largest circle swept
by any part of the fan blade assembly (including any blade attachments)
of the tested samples, rounded to the nearest inch.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\19\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
F. Additional Test Methods
1. Test Method for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to
incorporate AMCA 230-12 by reference. An updated version of AMCA 230
published on October 16, 2015. DOE is incorporating by reference AMCA
230-15 in this final rule. The test procedure specified in AMCA 230-15
is fundamentally equivalent to the test procedure specified in AMCA
230-12 (i.e., both test procedures use thrust, as measured by a load
cell, to determine a ceiling fan's airflow), with a few notable
differences: (1) AMCA 230-15 is applicable to ceiling fans of all blade
spans, whereas AMCA 230-12 was only applicable to ceiling fans with
blade spans less than or equal to 6 feet; (2) AMCA 230-15 specifies the
number of speeds to test, whereas AMCA 230-12 did not provide such a
specification; and (3) AMCA 230-15 has updated test room dimensions
relative to AMCA 230-12. In the test procedure SNOPR, DOE proposed to
limit the applicable blade span to less than or equal to 24 feet, to
align with the anticipated number of speeds to test to be specified in
AMCA 230-15, and to align with the anticipated test room dimensions to
be specified in AMCA 230-15. (Anticipated changes to AMCA 230 were
based on comments from AMCA (AMCA, No. 84 \20\ at p. 2.))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\20\ This document was submitted to the docket of DOE's
rulemaking to develop energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
(Docket No. EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In regard to the test procedure SNOPR proposal to limit the blade
span applicable for testing to 24 feet, BAS suggested that DOE not have
a maximum blade span limit at all, which would align with AMCA 230-15.
(BAS, No. 13 at p. 7) DOE notes that it is currently unaware of any
commercially-available large-diameter fans with blade spans greater
than 24 feet. Because larger ceiling fans are not currently
commercially available, DOE cannot confirm that that the test procedure
will produce reliable results for fans larger than 24 feet in diameter.
In addition, DOE prefers to align the scope of the test procedure with
the scope of the concurrent energy conservation standards rulemaking
for ceiling fans, which includes fans with blade spans less than or
equal to 24 feet. Therefore, in this final rule DOE confirms that the
test procedure is applicable to ceiling fans up to 24 feet in diameter.
BAS supported the test room dimensions proposed in the SNOPR and no
stakeholders expressed disagreement. (BAS, No. 13 at p. 6) In this
final rule DOE requires the following test room dimensions for large-
diameter ceiling fans: (1) The minimum distance between the ceiling and
the blades of a ceiling fan being tested shall be 40% of the ceiling
fan blade span; (2) the minimum distance between the floor and the
blades of the fan shall be the larger of 80% of the ceiling fan blade
span or 4.6 m; \21\ and (3) the minimum distance between the centerline
of a ceiling fan and walls and/or large obstructions is 150% of the
ceiling fan blade span.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\21\ In the SNOPR, DOE proposed a minimum distance between the
floor and the blades of the ceiling fan as the larger of 80% of the
ceiling fan blade span or 15 feet, based on comments submitted by
BAS and AMCA indicating this would be the requirement set forth in
AMCA 230-15. However, the AMCA 230-15 requirement indicates 80% of
the ceiling fan blade span or 4.6 m for this requirement. 4.6 m is
approximately 15.1 feet, so the difference between the SNOPR
proposal and AMCA 230-15 is trivial.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE also notes that the efficiency metric for large-diameter
ceiling fans is to be calculated based on the fan efficiency at up to
five speeds (see the discussion provided in Section III.D.3). Table 2
provides the requirements for selecting which speeds to test and how to
weight the efficiency results at each tested speed for calculating the
weighted efficiency metric.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\22\ The percentages in the final row of the ``Which Speeds to
Test'' column in Table 2 are based on the RPM at the fastest speed
setting (e.g., 80% speed corresponds to 80% of the measured RPM at
the fastest speed).
Table 2--Requirements for Testing Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Efficiency metric
Available speeds Number of speeds to test Which speeds to test weighting for each
speed ** (%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..................................... All..................... All..................... 100
2..................................... All..................... All..................... 50
3..................................... All..................... All..................... 33
4..................................... All..................... All..................... 25
5..................................... All..................... All..................... 20
6+ (discrete)......................... 5....................... 5 fastest speeds........ 20
[[Page 48633]]
Infinite (continuous) *............... 5....................... 100% (max) speed........ 20
80% speed...............
60% speed...............
40% speed...............
20% speed...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This corresponds to a ceiling fan, such as a ceiling fan with a variable-frequency drive (VFD), which operates
over a continuous (rather than discrete) range of speeds.
** All tested speeds are to be weighted equally. Therefore, the weighting shown here for a ceiling fan with
three available speeds is approximate.
Therefore, DOE requires all large-diameter ceiling fans to be
tested according to AMCA 230-15, but with the modification that the
number of speeds to be tested is as set forth in Table 2.
2. Test Method for Multi-Mount Ceiling Fans
Because multi-mount ceiling fans can be installed in configurations
associated with both standard and hugger ceiling fans, DOE proposed in
the October 2014 test procedure NOPR to test multi-mount ceiling fans
in both configurations: (1) In the configuration associated with
standard ceiling fans, while minimizing the distance between the
ceiling and the lowest part of the fan blades, and (2) in the
configuration associated with hugger ceiling fans, while minimizing the
distance between the ceiling and the lowest part of the fan blades. DOE
received feedback from BAS indicating agreement with this proposal.
(BAS, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at p. 81) However, ALA
suggested DOE revise this proposal to allow manufacturers to choose to
test multi-mount fans in either both configurations or only the
configuration associated with hugger ceiling fans, as that
configuration should provide a conservative measured efficiency when
compared to the efficiency measurement in the configuration associated
with standard ceiling fans. (ALA, No. 8 at p. 8)
AcuPoll survey data submitted by ALA suggest that a significant
fraction of multi-mount ceiling fans are installed in the configuration
associated with hugger fans and a significant fraction are installed in
the configuration associated with standard fans, and DOE cannot know
the installation configuration a priori.\23\ Because consumers may
install multi-mount fans in either configuration, DOE believes testing
these fans in both configurations provides the most representative
measurement of efficiency.
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\23\ AcuPOLL[supreg] Precision Research, Inc. Survey of Consumer
Ceiling Fan Usage and Operations. 2013.
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3. Test Method for Ceiling Fans With Multiple Fan Heads
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to test
ceiling fans with multiple fan heads according to the following: (1) A
single fan head is to be tested, with the fan head in the same position
as when a fan with a single head is tested, such that it is directly
over sensor 1 (i.e., at the center of the test set-up, where the four
sensor axes meet); (2) the effective blade span is the blade span of an
individual fan head (if all fan heads are the same size) or the blade
span of the largest fan head (if the fan heads are of various sizes);
(3) the distance between the air velocity sensors and the fan blades of
the centered fan head should be the same as for all other small-
diameter ceiling fans; (4) the airflow measurements should be made in
the same manner as for all other LSSD ceiling fans, but with only the
centered fan head switched on; (5) at least one of each unique category
of fan head is to be tested for ceiling fans that include more than one
category of fan head (if all the fan heads are the same, then only one
fan head needs to be tested); (6) the total airflow is to be determined
by multiplying the airflow results of an individual fan head by the
number of fan heads of that category (and summing over all of the
categories of heads); (7) the power consumption at a given speed is to
be measured with all fan heads switched on.
In response, multiple stakeholders expressed agreement with DOE's
proposal. (Fanimation, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at p. 138;
Matthews Fan Company, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at p. 138;
Minka Group, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 83 at p. 138; ALA, No. 8 at
p. 8) Therefore, DOE requires all multi-head ceiling fans to be tested
in accordance with the aforementioned provisions proposed in the
October 2014 test procedure NOPR.
4. Test Method for Ceiling Fans Where the Airflow Is Not Directed
Vertically
In the October 2014 test procedure NOPR, for ceiling fans where the
airflow is not directed vertically, DOE proposed to adjust the ceiling
fan head such that the airflow is as vertical as possible and oriented
along one of the four sensor axes. In this proposal, the distances
between the lowest point on the fan blades and the air velocity sensors
should be the same as for all other LSSD ceiling fans. Then, instead of
measuring the air velocity for only those sensors directly beneath the
ceiling fan, the air velocity should be measured at all sensors along
the axis for which the airflow is oriented, as well as the axis
oriented 180 degrees with respect to that axis. Using the same total
number of sensors as would be utilized if the airflow was directly
downward, the airflow should be calculated based on the continuous set
of sensors with the largest air velocity measurements. The effective
area used to calculate airflow under this proposal would be the same as
for an un-tilted ceiling fan with the same blade span.
In response to this proposal, Fanimation expressed agreement, and
no other stakeholders provided comment. (Fanimation, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 83 at p. 140) In this final rule, DOE requires ceiling
fans where the airflow is not directed vertically to be tested in
accordance with the aforementioned provisions proposed in the October
2014 test procedure NOPR.
5. Test Method for Power Consumption in Standby Mode
In the 2014 test procedure NOPR, DOE proposed to add standby mode
power consumption testing for all ceiling fans sold with hardware to
maintain any of the standby functions defined in 42 U.S.C.
6295(gg)(1)(A)(iii)(II) either (1) installed
[[Page 48634]]
in the body of the ceiling fan, or the ceiling fan light kit packaged
with it, prior to sale, or (2) packaged with the ceiling fan, and which
is the sole means of operating the ceiling fan. DOE proposed to perform
the standby test following the active mode test in accordance with the
procedure in IEC standard 62301:2011. Because IEC 62301:2011 would add
at least 40 minutes to the test procedure for ceiling fans subject to
standby mode testing, DOE proposed to reduce the IEC 62301:2011-
specified interval of time over which testing occurs and period of time
prior to conducting the standby testing. Specifically, DOE proposed to
wait three minutes after active mode functionality has been switched
off to begin the standby mode test and then to collect power
consumption data in standby mode for 100 seconds.
All stakeholders expressed agreement with DOE's proposal to include
standby testing. However, BAS noted that the proposed method of
incorporating standby power losses into the airflow efficiency metric
could penalize very efficient ceiling fans while boosting the
efficiency of lower-efficiency ceiling fans, and BAS provided example
data for support. (BAS, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 5 at pp. 100-
102)
DOE appreciates BAS's review of the proposed method for
incorporating standby loss into the airflow efficiency metric; however,
DOE notes that BAS's assertion that high-efficiency ceiling fans are
disproportionately penalized for any standby consumption is based on a
comparison of the measured efficiency calculated using the existing
ENERGY STAR test procedure and the measured efficiency calculated using
the test procedure proposed in the October 2014 test procedure NOPR.
Using this comparison, BAS found that an efficient ceiling fan having
1.5 W of power consumption in standby mode has a calculated efficiency
approximately 13% lower than the efficiency calculated using the
current ENERGY STAR test method. BAS also found that less efficient
ceiling fans with standby power consumption actually received an
increase in calculated efficiency using the proposed test method. When
comparing the measured efficiency using the proposed test method with
and without standby, however, DOE concluded that all ceiling fans with
standby power consumption receive an efficiency penalty relative to the
calculated efficiency assuming no standby power consumption. DOE notes
that this approach penalizes more efficient ceiling fans more than less
efficient ceiling fans for an equal amount of standby power
consumption; however, this reflects the fact that equivalent standby
power consumption represents a larger fraction of the overall power
consumption for more efficient ceiling fans. In other words, the effect
of including standby power consumption for a more efficient fan is not
greater in absolute terms, but rather greater only relative to the
energy used by that fan in active mode. This is a result of
incorporating standby mode into any integrated efficiency metric, as
required by 42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2). Therefore, DOE retains the method
proposed in the October 2014 test procedure NOPR for incorporating
standby power consumption into the integrated efficiency metric.
G. Certification and Enforcement
Ceiling fan manufacturers must submit certification reports for
each basic model before it is distributed in commerce per 10 CFR
429.12. Components of similar design may be substituted without
additional testing, if the substitution does not affect the energy
consumption of the ceiling fan. (10 CFR 429.11) Ceiling fan
certification reports must follow the product-specific sampling and
reporting requirements specified in 10 CFR 429.32. Consistent with the
dates specified for use in section III.B, ceiling fan manufacturers are
required to calculate ceiling fan efficiency utilizing the calculations
provided in revised appendix U. Upon the compliance date of any amended
energy conservation standards for ceiling fans, manufacturers would be
required to follow the revised reporting requirements provided at 10
CFR 429.32 for each ceiling fan basic model.
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires that
when an agency promulgates a final rule under 5 U.S.C. 553, after being
required by that section or any other law to publish a general notice
of proposed rulemaking, the agency shall prepare a final regulatory
flexibility analysis (FRFA). As required by Executive Order 13272,
``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR
53461 (August 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 policies and procedures published on February
19, 2003. The final rule prescribes test procedure amendments that
would be used to determine compliance with any amended energy
conservation standards that DOE may prescribe for ceiling fans. DOE has
prepared a final regulatory flexibility analysis (FRFA) for this
rulemaking. The FRFA describes potential impacts on small businesses
associated with ceiling fan testing requirements.
DOE has transmitted a copy of this FRFA to the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for review.
1. Description of the Need For, and Objectives of, the Rule
A description of the need for, and objectives of, the rule is set
forth elsewhere in the preamble and not repeated here.
2. Description of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comment
DOE received no comments specifically on the initial regulatory
flexibility analysis prepared for this rulemaking. Comments on the
economic impacts of the rule are discussed elsewhere in the preamble
and did not necessitate changes to the analysis required by the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
3. Description of Comments Submitted by the Small Business
Administration
The Small Business Administration did not submit comments on DOE's
proposed rule.
4. Description of Estimated Number of Small Entities Regulated
For the manufacturers of the covered ceiling fan products, the
Small Business Administration (SBA) has set a size threshold, which
defines those entities classified as ``small businesses'' for the
purposes of the statute. DOE used the SBA's small business size
standards to
[[Page 48635]]
determine whether any small entities would be subject to the
requirements of the rule. See 13 CFR part 121. The size standards are
listed by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code
and industry description and are available at: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf. Ceiling fan
manufacturing is classified under NAICS code 335210, ``Small Electrical
Appliance Manufacturing.'' The SBA sets a threshold for NAICS
classification for 335210 of 1,500 employees or less.\24\
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\24\ U.S. Small Business Administration, Table of Small Business
Size Standards (August 22, 2008) (Available at: http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE reviewed ALA's list of ceiling fan manufacturers,\25\ the
ENERGY STAR Product Databases for Ceiling Fans,\26\ the California
Energy Commission's Appliance Database for Ceiling Fans,\27\ and the
Federal Trade Commission's Appliance Energy Database for Ceiling
Fans.\28\ Based on this review, using data on the companies for which
DOE was able to obtain information on the numbers of employees, DOE
identified 66 companies that sell ceiling fans covered by this test
procedure. 25 of these companies are large businesses with more than
1,500 total employees. DOE determined that of the remaining 41
companies with less than 1,500 employees, only six companies are small
businesses that maintain domestic production facilities. Of the six
small ceiling fan businesses, four manufacture HSSD ceiling fans and
three manufacture large-diameter ceiling fans.\29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\25\ The American Lighting Association, list of Manufacturers &
Representatives (Available at: http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/Members/Resources/Manufacturers-Representatives.aspx).
\26\ The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR Ceiling Fans--Product Databases
for Ceiling Fans (Available at: http://www.energystar.gov/products/certified-products/detail/ceiling-fans).
\27\ The California Energy Commission, Appliance Database for
Ceiling Fans (Available at: http://www.appliances.energy.ca.gov/QuickSearch.aspx).
\28\ The Federal Trade Commission, Appliance Energy Databases
for Ceiling Fans (Available at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/eande/appliances/ceilfan.htm).
\29\ These numbers do not add up to six because one company
manufacturers both types of ceiling fans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Description of the Projected Compliance Requirements of the Final
Rule
a. Additional Fans Required To Be Tested
In the ceiling fan light kit test procedure final rule, DOE
reinterpreted the EPCA definition of ceiling fan to include hugger fans
and stated that ceiling fans that produce large volumes of airflow
(i.e., large-diameter ceiling fans) also meet the EPCA definition. 80
FR 80209 (Dec. 24, 2015) The changes in interpretation of the ceiling
fan definition discussed above result in the applicability of the
design standards set forth in EPCA at 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(1) to the
following types of fans 30 days after the publication of the ceiling
fan light kit final test procedure, which is January 25, 2016. 80 FR
80209 (Dec. 24, 2015).
DOE research indicates that all ceiling fans currently on the
market, including large-diameter ceiling fans, appear to meet the EPCA
design standards. For large-diameter ceiling fans, DOE searched for
product specifications on the Web sites of manufacturers of large-
diameter ceiling fans and from Web sites of retailers of HSSD ceiling
fans. Only one large-diameter ceiling fan model was found with a light
kit, and the fan controls were separate from the lighting controls for
that fan. Most large-diameter ceiling fans appeared to be capable of
operating at more than one speed (typically with an adjustable speed
control).
Based on this research, DOE does not expect any cost of complying
with the design requirements for small business manufacturers of large-
diameter ceiling fans. DOE discusses the costs of testing in the
following section.
b. Projected Testing Costs
DOE establishes test procedures that measure energy efficiency or
energy use of a representative average use cycle for a given product,
and that are not unduly burdensome to conduct. If the concurrent
rulemaking regarding energy conservation standards for ceiling fans
results in efficiency performance standards, DOE would require testing
for certification of two ceiling fans per basic model, the minimum
sample size required by 10 CFR 429.11. To determine the potential cost
of the final test procedure on small ceiling fan manufacturers of HSSD
and large-diameter ceiling fans under a potential energy conservation
standard for ceiling fans, DOE estimated the cost of testing two
ceiling fans. The cost of testing was then multiplied over the
estimated number of basic models produced by a small manufacturer. The
estimated cost of testing HSSD and large-diameter ceiling fans is
discussed in further detail below.
High-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fans
DOE estimated the cost to test HSSD ceiling fans, based on
estimates from third-party testing facilities of the cost to perform
the current ENERGY STAR test procedure for ceiling fans, which is
similar to DOE's final test procedure, and the changes in cost
associated with the key differences between the two test procedures.
DOE expects that the following modifications would impose a change in
test burden compared to the current ENERGY STAR test procedure: (1) The
requirement to test at only one fan speed instead of three speeds; (2)
the elimination of the requirement to use a test cylinder; (3) the
requirement to mount the ceiling fan to the real ceiling; (4) the
reduced warm up time before testing at low speed, (5) the requirement
to conduct standby-mode testing, and (6) specifying criteria for air
velocity and power measurements that indicate stable measurements. In
total, DOE estimates that these changes reduce the typical time to
perform the final test procedure by one hour compared to the ENERGY
STAR test procedure, as described below.
(1) Testing at only one speed instead of three yields a total test
time that is approximately 70 minutes shorter than the ENERGY STAR test
procedure. DOE specifies that only high speed is to be tested. Based on
test quotes from third-party labs, DOE estimates that the average cost
for each speed is $87.50 per speed. Therefore, testing at only one
speed instead of three reduces the total test cost by $175 per ceiling
fan.
(2) Not requiring use of a test cylinder eliminates any potential
costs associated with purchasing new test cylinders. If the test
procedure required the use of test cylinders, then a new cylinder would
be necessary to test any ceiling fan with a diameter that does not
correspond to one of the cylinders in a test lab's existing inventory.
Based on discussions with third-party testing facilities, DOE estimates
that new test cylinders would cost approximately $2,000-3,000 per
cylinder. By not using a cylinder, these costs will be avoided. Not
requiring a test cylinder also shortens the test time of DOE's final
test procedure relative to ENERGY STAR's test procedure for all HSSD
ceiling fans, because time is not required to put a test cylinder in
place for each test (estimated to take 15 minutes).
(3) Requiring mounting ceiling fans to the real ceiling involves a
one-time lab cost for a mechanism that allows for the adjustment of the
height of the air velocity sensors to keep the distance between the
bottom of the fan blades and the air velocity sensor heads at a
specified vertical distance (43 inches). Based on the materials
employed and test quotes from third-party labs, DOE estimates the one-
time cost to construct a mechanism to allow for the
[[Page 48636]]
adjustment of the height of the air velocity sensors is less than
$2,000. Once the mechanism is constructed, it can be used to test all
HSSD ceiling fans, and therefore does not add substantial test cost
thereafter.
(4) Requiring 15 minutes of warm up time before testing at low
speed compared to 30 minutes in the ENERGY STAR test procedure further
reduces the relative amount of time required for DOE's final test
procedure by 15 minutes.
(5) Requiring standby-mode testing for ceiling fans with standby
functionality yields an additional cost for such fans. Using the quotes
provided by third-party testing facilities, DOE estimates that the
standby test for all ceiling fans with standby functionality costs $200
per basic model.
(6) Specifying criteria for air velocity and power measurements
that indicate stable measurements may increase test time and require
one-time capital costs. If stability criteria are not met after taking
air velocity and power measurements in each axis, these measurements
must be repeated until stability criteria are met. Measurements in each
additional axis is 100 additional seconds plus the time it may take a
sensor arm to travel to another axis if a single, sweeping sensor arm
is being used. DOE estimates this to be less than 10 minutes total if
four additional axes of measurements are needed to meet stability
criteria. Even if four additional measurements in all four axes are
necessary, only 40 minutes of additional test time would be required.
DOE recognizes that some labs may need to make investments in facility
upgrades to improve temperature control to meet these stability
criteria. These upgrades could include low-cost weatherization
techniques like adding weather stripping to test-room doors or adding
insulation. More costly improvements, like switching from forced-air to
non-forced-air space-conditioning equipment, are unlikely but may be
necessary. Even the most costly upgrade of adding insulation and
switching to a non-forced-air conditioning system would only be a one-
time cost on the order of $5,000. Once these upgrades to the test room
are completed, they can be used to test all HSSD ceiling fans, and
therefore do not add substantial test cost thereafter.
In addition, DOE expects that the following modifications as
described in section III.E would impose no additional test burden
compared to the current ENERGY STAR test procedure: (7) Specifying that
the vertical position in relation to the air velocity sensors be
determined by the position of the lowest point on the ceiling fan
blades, (8) specifying that ceiling fans should be tested in the
configuration that minimizes the distance between the ceiling and the
lowest part of the fan blades, (9) requiring that any heaters packaged
with ceiling fans to be installed but switched off during testing, (10)
revised allowable measurement tolerance for air velocity sensors, (11)
revised allowable mounting tolerance for air velocity sensors, (12)
revised testing temperature requirement, (13) requiring that all doors
and vents must be closed during testing, (14) specifying that active
(real) power must be measured simultaneously in all phases, (15)
requiring measurement axes be perpendicular to test room walls, (16)
require forced-air space conditioning equipment be turned off during
air velocity measurements, but allow for conditioning equipment that
does not supply air to the test room, such as radiant conditioning
equipment, to be left on, and (17) requiring voltage be measured within
6 inches of connection supplied with fan.
Based on all of the differences between the final test procedure
and the ENERGY STAR test procedure, and estimates from third-party
testing facilities of the labor costs associated with these
differences, DOE estimates that the final test procedure for HSSD
ceiling fans will cost $1,325 on average per basic model, once the
mechanism for the adjustment of the height of the air velocity sensors
is constructed, and the insulation and non-forced-air conditioning
system is added, if necessary. DOE did not find accurate data on the
percentage of HSSD ceiling fans with standby capability, though DOE
located some HSSD ceiling fans without standby capability in Web
searches. To provide a conservative cost estimate, DOE made the
assumption that all HSSD ceiling fans should be tested for standby
power. Using the standby test quote of $200 per basic model, DOE
estimates that the total test cost for the final test procedure and
standby testing for single-headed HSSD ceiling fans will be $1,525.
For the four small business manufacturers of HSSD ceiling fans that
DOE identified, the number of basic models produced per manufacturer
varies significantly from one to approximately 30. Therefore, based on
the test cost per ceiling fan basic model, the testing cost in the
first year would range from approximately $1,525 to $45,750 for small
manufacturers of HSSD ceiling fans. DOE expects this cost to be lower
in subsequent years because only new or redesigned ceiling fan models
would need to be tested.
In response to stakeholder comments, DOE considered alternatives to
the test procedure established by this final rule. Specifically, DOE
considered requiring additional sensors for HSSD fan testing. DOE found
that additional sensors would cost an estimated $1,000 per sensor
added, but found no evidence that additional sensors would improve how
well the test procedure represents an HSSD fan's typical energy use.
Consequently, DOE decided not to adopt provisions for additional
sensors.
Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
DOE estimated the cost to test a large-diameter ceiling fan based
on discussions with testing facilities capable of performing the AMCA
230 test procedure as well as cost estimates based on the time and
labor costs necessary to perform the test procedure on large-diameter
ceiling fans. DOE estimates that the one-time cost for a lab to buy a
load-cell, a fabricated load-cell frame, power meter, and one air
velocity sensor is approximately $4,500. Based on test quotes, DOE
estimates that the test procedure for large-diameter ceiling fans will
cost manufacturers on average $7,500 per basic model for testing at up
to five speeds. Using the standby test quote of $200 per basic model,
DOE estimates that the total test cost for the final test procedure and
standby testing for a large-diameter ceiling fans will be $7,700.
For the three small business manufacturers of large-diameter
ceiling fans that DOE identified, the number of basic models produced
per manufacturer varies from one to 30. Therefore, based on the test
cost per ceiling fan basic model, the testing cost in the first year
would range from approximately $7,700 to $231,000 for small
manufacturers of large-diameter ceiling fans. DOE expects this cost to
be lower in subsequent years because only new or redesigned ceiling fan
models would need to be tested.
6. Description of Steps Taken To Minimize Impacts to Small Businesses
DOE considered a number of industry and governmental test
procedures that measure the efficiency of ceiling fans to develop the
test procedure in today's rulemaking. There appear to be two common
approaches to testing ceiling fans: An approach based on using air
velocity sensors to calculate airflow, such as the current DOE test
procedure for ceiling fans, ENERGY STAR's test procedure, and CAN/CSA-
C814-10, and an approach based on using a load cell to measure thrust,
such as AMCA 230.
[[Page 48637]]
In principle, either approach could be used to measure the airflow
efficiency of all ceiling fans, but maintaining consistency with
industry practice would minimize test burden for all ceiling fan
manufacturers. Though a load-cell based approach appears to be a
potentially simpler method of estimating airflow efficiency, in
industry, ceiling fans less than or equal to 7 feet in diameter, have
historically been tested according to the air-velocity sensor based
approach. Large-diameter ceiling fans, on the other hand, have
historically been tested according to the load-cell based approach. It
also appears to be cost-prohibitive to scale up the air-velocity sensor
based approach to the large-diameter ceiling fans currently on the
market given the number of sensors that would be required to cover
ceiling fans 24 feet in diameter and the cost of constructing an
appropriate rotating sensor arm. Therefore, DOE adopted the less
burdensome approach in this final rule.
DOE also adopted a number of other measures in this final rule that
will minimize impacts to small businesses: (1) Retaining the 15-minute
warm-up time (see section III.C); (2) Eliminating the test cylinder
from the test setup for HSSD ceiling fans (see section III.E.1); (3)
Mounting HSSD ceiling fans to the real ceiling, rather than a false
ceiling, for testing (see section III.E.6); (4) Relaxing the allowable
measurement tolerance for the air velocity sensors used in testing HSSD
ceiling fans (see section III.E.7); and (5) Relaxing the test room
temperature tolerance (see section III.E.9).
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Manufacturers of ceiling fans must certify to DOE that their
products comply with any applicable energy conservation standards. In
certifying compliance, manufacturers must first obtain test data for
their products according to the DOE test procedures, including any
amendments adopted for those test procedures on the date that
compliance is required. DOE has established regulations for the
certification and recordkeeping requirements for all covered consumer
products and commercial equipment, including ceiling fans. See
generally 10 CFR part 429. 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
In this final rule, DOE amends its test procedure for ceiling fans
to more accurately measure the energy consumption of these products.
DOE has determined that this rule falls into a class of actions that
are categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's implementing
regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, this rule amends an
existing rule 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, 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 has examined this
final rule and 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 final 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.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
When reviewing existing regulations or promulgating 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. Pub. L. 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may cause the
expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector of
[[Page 48638]]
$100 million or more in any one year (adjusted annually for inflation),
section 202 of UMRA requires a Federal agency to publish a written
statement that estimates the resulting costs, benefits, and other
effects on the national economy. (2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also
requires a Federal agency to develop an effective process to permit
timely input by elected officers of State, local, and Tribal
governments on a proposed ``significant intergovernmental mandate,''
and requires an agency plan for giving notice and opportunity for
timely input to potentially affected small governments before
establishing any requirements that might significantly or uniquely
affect small governments. On March 18, 1997, DOE published a statement
of policy on its process for intergovernmental consultation under UMRA.
62 FR 12820; 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 these requirements do not apply
because the rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate nor a
mandate that may result in the expenditure of $100 million or more in
any year.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation will 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 promulgated 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 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 to amend the test procedure for measuring
the energy efficiency of ceiling fans is not a significant regulatory
action under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not have a
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of
energy, nor has it been designated as a significant energy action by
the Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy
action, and, accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy
Effects.
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974
Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101), 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.
The final rule incorporates testing methods contained in the
following commercial standards: ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-15, ``Air
Movement and Control Association Laboratory Methods of testing Air
Circulating Fans for Rating and Certification'' and IEC 62301:2011,
``Household Electrical Appliances--Measurement of Standby Power.'' The
Department has evaluated these standards and is unable to conclude
whether they fully comply with the requirements of section 32(b) of the
FEAA (i.e., whether they were developed in a manner that fully provides
for public participation, comment, and review.) DOE has consulted with
both the Attorney General and the Chairman of the FTC about the impact
on competition of using the methods contained in these standards and
has received no comments objecting to their use.
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
In this final rule, DOE is incorporating by reference specific
sections of the following industry standards: (1) ANSI/AMCA Standard
230-15 (``AMCA 230-15''), ``Air Movement and Control Association
Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and
Certification,'' and (2) IEC 62301-U (Edition 2.0, 2011-01),
``Household Electrical Appliances--Measurement of Standby Power.''
AMCA 230-15 is an industry-standard test procedure for measuring
the airflow efficiency of commercial and industrial ceiling fans. The
test procedure in this final rule references Section 3 through Section
9 of AMCA 230-15 (except sections 5.1 and 9.5 and Test Figures 2 and
3), which specify the test apparatus, general instructions, procedure,
and calculations for measuring airflow efficiency. AMCA 230-15 is
available from the American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd
Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, 212-642-4900, or www.ansi.org.
IEC 62301-U is an industry-standard test procedure for measuring
the standby power draw of electrical appliances (including ceiling
fans). The test procedure in this final rule references Section 4.3.1
through Section 5.3.2 of IEC 62301-U (except sections 5.1 and 5.2),
which specify the test apparatus, general instructions, procedure and
calculations for measuring standby power consumption. Copies of IEC
62301-U are available from the International Electrotechnical
[[Page 48639]]
Commission, 3, rue de Varemb[eacute], P.O. Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20-
Switzerland, or https://webstore.iec.ch.
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).
V. 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 July 6, 2016.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE amends parts 429 and
430 of chapter II, subchapter D of Title 10, Code of Federal
Regulations, as set forth below:
PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
0
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.
0
2. Section 429.32 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as
follows:
Sec. 429.32 Ceiling fans.
(a) Determination of represented value. Manufacturers must
determine the represented value, which includes the certified rating,
for each basic model of ceiling fan by testing, in conjunction with the
following sampling provisions:
(1) The requirements of Sec. 429.11 are applicable to ceiling
fans; and
(2) For each basic model of ceiling fan selected for testing, a
sample of sufficient size must be randomly selected and tested to
ensure that--
(i) Any represented value of the efficiency or airflow is less than
or equal to the lower of:
(A) The mean of the sample, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.001
And x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and
xi is the ith sample; or
(B) The lower 90 percent confidence limit (LCL) of the true mean
divided by 0.9, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.002
And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is
the number of samples; and t0.90 is the t statistic for a
90% one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from
appendix A to subpart B); and
(ii) Any represented value of the wattage is greater than or equal
to the higher of:
(A) The mean of the sample, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.003
And x is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; and
xi is the ith sample; or
(B) The upper 95 percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true mean
divided by 1.1, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.004
And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is
the number of samples; and t0.95 is the t statistic for a
95% one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from
appendix A to this subpart).
* * * * *
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
0
3. The authority citation for part 430 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
0
4. Section 430.2 is amended by revising the definition for ``ceiling
fan'' to read as follows:
Sec. 430.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
Ceiling fan means a nonportable device that is suspended from a
ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan blades. For all
other ceiling fan-related definitions, see appendix U to this subpart.
* * * * *
0
5. Section 430.3 is amended by adding paragraphs (b)(3) and (p)(6) to
read as follows:
Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(3) ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-15 (``AMCA 230-15''), ``Laboratory
Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and Certification,''
ANSI approved October 16, 2015, IBR approved for appendix U to this
subpart, as follows:
(i) Section 3--Units of Measurement;
(ii) Section 4--Symbols and Subscripts; (including Table 1--Symbols
and Subscripts);
(iii) Section 5--Definitions (except 5.1);
(iv) Section 6--Instruments and Section Methods of Measurement;
(v) Section 7--Equipment and Setups (except the last 2 bulleted
items in 7.1--Allowable test setups);
(vi) Section 8--Observations and Conduct of Test;
(vii) Section 9--Calculations (except 9.5); and
(viii) Test Figure 1--Vertical Airflow Setup with Load Cell
(Ceiling Fans).
* * * * *
(p) * * *
(6) IEC 62301 (``IEC 62301-U''), Household electrical appliances--
Measurement of standby power, (Edition 2.0, 2011-01), IBR approved for
appendix U to this subpart, as follows:
(i) Section 4.3--General conditions for measurements: Power supply:
Section 4.3.1--Supply voltage and frequency (first paragraph only),
(ii) Section 4.3--General conditions for measurements: Power
supply: Section 4.3.2--Supply voltage waveform;
(iii) Section 4.4--General conditions for measurements: Power
measuring instruments;
(iv) Section 5.3--Measurements: Procedure: Section 5.3.1--General
(except the last bulleted item), and
(v) Section 5.3--Measurements: Procedure: Section 5.3.2--Sampling
method (first two paragraphs and Note 1).
* * * * *
0
6. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (w) to read as
follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water
consumption.
* * * * *
[[Page 48640]]
(w) Ceiling fans. Measure the efficiency of a ceiling fan,
expressed in cubic feet per minute per watt (CFM/W), in accordance with
appendix U to this subpart.
* * * * *
0
7. Appendix U to subpart B of part 430 is added to read as follows:
Appendix U To Subpart B OF Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Ceiling Fans
Prior to January 23, 2017, manufacturers must make any
representations with respect to the energy use or efficiency of
ceiling fans as specified in Section 2 of this appendix (other than
hugger ceiling fans, multi-mount ceiling fans in the hugger
configuration, and large-diameter ceiling fans) in accordance with
the results of testing pursuant either to this appendix, or to the
applicable test requirements set forth in 10 CFR parts 429 and 430,
as they appeared in the 10 CFR parts 200 to 499 edition revised as
of January 1, 2016. On or after January 23, 2017, manufacturers of
ceiling fans, as specified in Section 2 of this appendix, must make
any representations with respect to energy use or efficiency in
accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this appendix.
1. Definitions:
1.1. 20% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade
RPM are measured to be 20% of the blade RPM measured at high speed.
1.2. 40% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade
RPM are measured to be 40% of the blade RPM measured at high speed.
1.3. 60% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade
RPM are measured to be 60% of the blade RPM measured at high speed.
1.4. 80% speed means the ceiling fan speed at which the blade
RPM are measured to be 80% of the blade RPM measured at high speed.
1.5. Airflow means the rate of air movement at a specific fan-
speed setting expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
1.6. Belt-driven ceiling fan means a ceiling fan with a series
of one or more fan heads, each driven by a belt connected to one or
more motors that are located outside of the fan head.
1.7. Blade span means the diameter of the largest circle swept
by any part of the fan blade assembly, including any blade
attachments.
1.8. Ceiling fan efficiency means the ratio of the total airflow
to the total power consumption, in units of cubic feet per minute
per watt (CFM/W).
1.9. Centrifugal ceiling fan means a ceiling fan for which the
primary airflow direction is in the same plane as the rotation of
the fan blades.
1.10. High speed means the highest available ceiling fan speed,
i.e., the fan speed corresponding to the maximum blade revolutions
per minute (RPM).
1.11. High-speed small-diameter ceiling fan means a small-
diameter ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan,
highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan and that
has a blade thickness of less than 3.2 mm at the edge or a maximum
tip speed greater than the applicable limit specified in the table
in this definition.
High-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fan Blade and Tip Speed Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thickness (t) of edges of Tip speed threshold
blades -------------------------------
Airflow direction -------------------------------- feet per
Mm inch m/s minute
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downward-only................................... 4.8 > t >= 3.2 3/16 > t >= 1/ 16.3 3,200
8
Downward-only................................... t >= 4.8 t >= 3/16 20.3 4,000
Reversible...................................... 4.8 > t >= 3.2 3/16 > t >= 1/ 12.2 2,400
8
Reversible...................................... t >= 4.8 t >= 3/16 16.3 3,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.12. Highly-decorative ceiling fan means a ceiling with a
maximum rotational speed of 90 RPM and less than 1,840 CFM airflow
at high speed, as determined by sections 3 and 4 of this appendix.
1.13. Hugger ceiling fan means a low-speed small-diameter
ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-
decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan; for which the
lowest point on the fan blades is less than or equal to 10 inches
from the ceiling.
1.14. Large-diameter ceiling fan means a ceiling fan that is
greater than seven feet in diameter.
1.15. Low speed means the lowest available ceiling fan speed,
i.e., the fan speed corresponding to the minimum, non-zero, blade
RPM.
1.16. Low-speed small-diameter ceiling fan means a small-
diameter ceiling fan that has a blade thickness greater than or
equal to 3.2 mm at the edge and a maximum tip speed less than or
equal to the applicable limit specified in the table in this
definition.
Low-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fan Blade and Tip Speed Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thickness (t) of edges of Tip speed threshold
blades -------------------------------
Airflow direction -------------------------------- feet per
Mm inch m/s minute
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reversible...................................... 4.8 > t >= 3.2 3/16 > t >= 1/ 12.2 2,400
8
Reversible...................................... t >= 4.8 t >= 3/16 16.3 3,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.17. Multi-head ceiling fan means a ceiling fan with more than
one fan head, i.e., more than one set of rotating fan blades.
1.18. Multi-mount ceiling fan means a low-speed small-diameter
ceiling fan that can be mounted in the configurations associated
with both the standard and hugger ceiling fans.
1.19. Oscillating ceiling fan means a ceiling fan containing one
or more fan heads for which the axis of rotation of the fan blades
cannot remain in a fixed position relative to the ceiling. Such fans
have no inherent means by which to disable the oscillating function
separate from the fan blade rotation.
1.20. Small-diameter ceiling fan means a ceiling fan that is
less than or equal to seven feet in diameter.
1.21. Standard ceiling fan means a low-speed small-diameter
ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-
decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan; for which the
lowest point on fan blades is greater than 10 inches from the
ceiling.
1.22. Total airflow means the sum of the product of airflow and
hours of operation at all tested speeds. For multi-head fans, this
includes the airflow from all fan heads.
1.23. Very-small-diameter ceiling fan means a small-diameter
ceiling fan that is not a highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-
driven ceiling fan; and has one or more fan heads, each of which has
a blade span of 18 inches or less.
2. Scope:
The provisions in this appendix apply to ceiling fans except:
(1) Ceiling fans where the plane of rotation of a ceiling fan's
blades is not less than or
[[Page 48641]]
equal to 45 degrees from horizontal, or cannot be adjusted based on
the manufacturer's specifications to be less than or equal to 45
degrees from horizontal;
(2) Centrifugal ceiling fans;
(3) Belt-driven ceiling fans; and
(4) Oscillating ceiling fans.
3. General Instructions, Test Apparatus, and Test Measurement:
The test apparatus and test measurement used to determine energy
performance depend on the ceiling fan's blade span. For each tested
ceiling fan, measure the lateral distance from the center of the
axis of rotation of the fan blades to the furthest fan blade edge
from the center of the axis of rotation, and multiply this distance
by two. The blade span for a basic model of ceiling fan is then
calculated as the arithmetic mean of this distance across each
ceiling fan in the sample, rounded to the nearest inch.
3.1. General instructions.
3.1.1. Record measurements at the resolution of the test
instrumentation. Round off calculations to the number of significant
digits present at the resolution of the test instrumentation, except
for blade span, which is rounded to the nearest inch. Round the
final ceiling fan efficiency value to the nearest whole number as
follows:
3.1.1.1. A fractional number at or above the midpoint between
the two consecutive whole numbers shall be rounded up to the higher
of the two whole numbers; or
3.1.1.2. A fractional number below the midpoint between the two
consecutive whole numbers shall be rounded down to the lower of the
two whole numbers.
3.1.2. For multi-head ceiling fans, the effective blade span is
the blade span (as specified in section 3) of an individual fan
head, if all fan heads are the same size. If the fan heads are of
varying sizes, the effective blade span is the blade span (as
specified in section 3) of the largest fan head.
3.2. Test apparatus for low-speed small-diameter and high-speed
small-diameter ceiling fans: All instruments are to have accuracies
within 1% of reading, except for the air velocity
sensors, which must have accuracies within 5% of reading
or 2 feet per minute (fpm), whichever is greater. Equipment is to be
calibrated at least once a year to compensate for variation over
time.
3.2.1. Air Delivery Room Requirements
(1) The air delivery room dimensions are to be 20
0.75 feet x 20 0.75 feet with an 11 0.75
foot-high ceiling. The control room shall be constructed external to
the air delivery room.
(2) The ceiling shall be constructed of sheet rock or stainless
plate. The walls must be of adequate thickness to maintain the
specified temperature and humidity during the test. The paint used
on the walls, as well as the paint used on the ceiling material,
must be of a type that minimizes absorption of humidity and that
keeps the temperature of the room constant during the test (e.g.,
oil-based paint).
(3) The room must not have any ventilation other than an air
conditioning and return system used to control the temperature and
humidity of the room. The construction of the room must ensure
consistent air circulation patterns within the room. Vents must have
electronically-operated damper doors controllable from a switch
outside of the testing room.
3.2.2. Equipment Set-Up
(1) Make sure the transformer power is off. Hang the ceiling fan
to be tested directly from the ceiling, according to the
manufacturer's installation instructions. Hang all non-multi-mount
ceiling fans in the fan configuration that minimizes the distance
between the ceiling and the lowest point of the fan blades. Hang and
test multi-mount fans in two configurations: The configuration
associated with the definitions of a standard fan that minimizes the
distance between the ceiling and the lowest point of the fan blades
and the configuration associated with the definition of a hugger fan
that minimizes the distance between the ceiling and the lowest point
of the fan blades.
(2) Connect wires as directed by manufacturer's wiring
instructions. Note: Assemble fan prior to the test; lab personnel
must follow the instructions provided with the fan by the fan
manufacturer. Balance the fan blade assembly in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions to avoid excessive vibration of the
motor assembly (at any speed) during operation.
(3) With the ceiling fan installed, adjust the height of the air
velocity sensors to ensure the vertical distance between the lowest
point on the ceiling fan blades and the air velocity sensors is 43
inches.
(4) Either a rotating sensor arm or four fixed sensor arms can
be used to take airflow measurements along four axes, labeled A-D.
Axes A, B, C, and D are at 0, 90, 180, and 270 degree positions.
Axes A-D must be perpendicular to the four walls of the room. See
Figure 1 of this appendix.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.005
(5) Minimize the amount of exposed wiring. Store all sensor lead
wires under the floor, if possible.
(6) Place the sensors at intervals of 4 0.0625
inches along a sensor arm, starting with the first sensor at the
point where the four axes intersect. Do not touch the actual sensor
prior to testing. Use enough sensors to record air delivery within a
circle 8 inches larger in diameter than the blade span of the
ceiling fan being tested. The experimental set-up is shown in Figure
2 of this appendix.
[[Page 48642]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.006
(7) Table 1 of this appendix shows the appropriate number of
sensors needed per each of four axes (including the first sensor at
the intersection of the axes) for common fan sizes.
Table 1 to Appendix U to Subpart B of Part 430: Sensor Selection
Requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fan blade span * (inches) Number of sensors
------------------------------------------------------------------------
36 6
42 7
44 7
48 7
52 8
54 8
56 8
60 9
72 10
84 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The fan sizes listed are illustrative and do not restrict which
ceiling fan sizes can be tested.
(8) Install an RPM (revolutions per minute) meter, or
tachometer, to measure RPM of the ceiling fan blades.
(9) Use an RMS sensor capable of measuring power with an
accuracy of 1% to measure ceiling fan power consumption.
If the ceiling fan operates on multi-phase power input, measure the
active (real) power in all phases simultaneously. Measure test
voltage within 6'' of the connection supplied with the ceiling fan.
(10) Complete any conditioning instructions provided in the
ceiling fan's instruction or installation manual must be completed
prior to conducting testing.
3.2.3. Multi-Head Ceiling Fan Test Set-Up
Hang a multi-headed ceiling fan from the ceiling such that one
of the ceiling fan heads is centered directly over sensor 1 (i.e.,
at the intersection of axes A, B, C, and D). The distance between
the lowest point any of the fan blades of the centered fan head can
reach and the air velocity sensors is to be such that it is the same
as for all other small-diameter ceiling fans (see Figure 2 of this
appendix). If the multi-head ceiling fan has an oscillating function
(i.e., the fan heads change their axis of rotation relative to the
ceiling) that can be switched off, switch it off prior to taking
airflow measurements. If any multi-head fan does not come with the
blades preinstalled, install fan blades only on the fan head that
will be directly centered over the intersection of the sensor axes.
(Even if the fan heads in a multi-head ceiling fan would typically
oscillate when the blades are installed on all fan heads, the
ceiling fan is subject to this test procedure if the centered fan
head does not oscillate when it is the only fan head with the blades
installed.) If the fan blades are preinstalled on all fan heads,
measure airflow in accordance with section 3.3 except only turn on
the centered fan head. Measure the power consumption measurements
are to be made separately, with the fan blades installed on all fan
heads and with any oscillating function, if present, switched on.
3.2.4. Test Set-Up for Ceiling Fans with Airflow Not Directly
Downward
For ceiling fans where the airflow is not directly downward,
adjust the ceiling fan head such that the airflow is as vertical as
possible prior to testing. For ceiling fans where a fully vertical
orientation of airflow cannot be achieved, orient the ceiling fan
(or fan head, if the ceiling fan is a multi-head fan) such that any
remaining tilt is aligned along one of the four sensor axes. Instead
of measuring the air velocity for only those sensors directly
beneath the ceiling fan, the air velocity is to be measured at all
sensors along that axis, as well as the axis oriented 180 degrees
with respect to that axis. For example, if the tilt is oriented
along axis A, air velocity measurements are to be taken for all
sensors along the A-C axis. No measurements would need to be taken
along the B-D axis in this case. All other aspects of test set-up
remain unchanged from sections 3 through 3.2.2.
3.3. Active mode test measurement for low-speed small-diameter
and high-speed small-diameter ceiling fans.
3.3.1. Test conditions to be followed when testing:
(1) Maintain the room temperature at 70 degrees 5
degrees Fahrenheit and the room humidity at 50% 5%
relative humidity during the entire test process.
(2) If present, the ceiling fan light fixture is to be installed
but turned off during testing.
(3) If present, any heater is to be installed but turned off
during testing.
(4) If present, turn off any oscillating function causing the
axis of rotation of the fan head(s) to change relative to the
ceiling during operation prior to taking airflow measurements. Turn
on any oscillating function prior to taking power measurements.
(5) The supply voltage shall be:
(i) 120 V if the ceiling fan's minimum rated voltage is 120 V or
the lowest rated voltage range contains 120 V,
[[Page 48643]]
(ii) 240 V if the ceiling fan's minimum rated voltage is 240 V
or the lowest rated voltage range contains 240 V, or
(iii) The ceiling fan's minimum rated voltage (if a voltage
range is not given) or the mean of the lowest rated voltage range,
in all other cases. The test voltage shall not vary by more than
1% during the tests.
(6) Test ceiling fans rated for operation with only a single- or
multi-phase power supply with single- or multi-phase electricity,
respectively. Measure active (real) power in all phases continuously
when testing. Test ceiling fans capable of operating with single-
and multi-phase electricity with single-phase electricity. DOE will
allow manufacturers of ceiling fans capable of operating with
single- and multi-phase electricity to test such fans with multi-
phase power and make representations of efficiency associated with
both single and multi-phase electricity if a manufacturer desires to
do so, but the test results in the multi-phase configuration will
not be valid to assess compliance with any amended energy
conservation standard.
(7) Conduct the test with the fan connected to a supply circuit
at the rated frequency.
(8) Measure power input at a point that includes all power-
consuming components of the ceiling fan (but without any attached
light kit or heater energized).
3.3.2. Airflow and Power Consumption Testing Procedure:
Measure the airflow (CFM) and power consumption (W) for HSSD
ceiling fans until stable measurements are achieved, measuring at
high speed only. Measure the airflow and power consumption for LSSD
ceiling fans until stable measurements are achieved, measuring first
at low speed and then at high speed. Airflow and power consumption
measurements are considered stable if:
(1) The average air velocity for all axes for each sensor varies
by less than 5% compared to the average air velocity measured for
that same sensor in a successive set of air velocity measurements,
and
(2) Average power consumption varies by less than 1% in a
successive set of power consumption measurements. These stability
criteria are applied differently to ceiling fans with airflow not
directly downward. See section 4.1.2 of this appendix.
Step 1: Set the first sensor arm (if using four fixed arms) or
single sensor arm (if using a single rotating arm) to the 0 degree
Position (Axis A). If necessary, use a marking as reference. If
using a single rotating arm, adjust the sensor arm alignment until
it is at the 0 degree position by remotely controlling the antenna
rotator.
Step 2: Set software up to read and record air velocity,
expressed in feet per minute (FPM) in 1 second intervals.
(Temperature does not need to be recorded in 1 second intervals.)
Record current barometric pressure.
Step 3: Allow test fan to run 15 minutes at rated voltage and at
high speed if the ceiling fan is an HSSD ceiling fan. If the ceiling
fan is an LSSD ceiling fan, allow the test fan to run 15 minutes at
the rated voltage and at low speed. Turn off all forced-air
environmental conditioning equipment entering the chamber (e.g., air
conditioning), close all doors and vents, and wait an additional 3
minutes prior to starting test session.
Step 4: Begin recording readings. Take 100 airflow velocity
readings (100 seconds run-time) and save these data. If using a
rotating sensor arm, this is axis A. For all fans except multi-head
fans and fans capable of oscillating, measure power during the
interval that air velocity measurements are taken. Record the
average value of the power measurement in watts (W).
Step 5: Similarly, take 100 air velocity readings (100 seconds
run-time) for Axes B, C, and D; save these data as well. Measure
power as described in Step 4. If using four fixed sensor arms, take
the readings for all sensor arms simultaneously.
Step 6: Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until stable measurements are
achieved.
Step 7: Repeat steps 1 through 6 above on high fan speed for
LSSD ceiling fans. Note: Ensure that temperature and humidity
readings are maintained within the required tolerances for the
duration of the test (all tested speeds). Forced-air environmental
conditioning equipment may be used and doors and vents may be opened
between test sessions to maintain environmental conditions.
Step 8: If testing a multi-mount ceiling fan, repeat steps 1
through 7 with the ceiling fan in the ceiling fan configuration
(associated with either hugger or standard ceiling fans) not already
tested.
If a multi-head ceiling fan includes more than one category of
ceiling fan head, then test at least one of each unique category. A
fan head with different construction that could affect air movement
or power consumption, such as housing, blade pitch, or motor, would
constitute a different category of fan head.
Step 9: For multi-head ceiling fans, measure active (real) power
consumption in all phases simultaneously at each speed continuously
for 100 seconds with all fan heads turned on, and record the average
value at each speed in watts (W).
For ceiling fans with an oscillating function, measure active
(real) power consumption in all phases simultaneously at each speed
continuously for 100 seconds with the oscillating function turned
on. Record the average value of the power measurement in watts (W).
For both multi-head ceiling fans and fans with an oscillating
function, repeat power consumption measurement until stable power
measurements are achieved.
3.4. Test apparatus for large-diameter ceiling fans:
The test apparatus and instructions for testing large-diameter
ceiling fans must conform to the requirements specified in sections
3 through 7 of AMCA 230-15 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3), with the following modifications:
3.4.1. The test procedure is applicable to large-diameter
ceiling fans up to 24 feet in diameter.
3.4.2. A ``ceiling fan'' is defined as in 10 CFR 430.2.
3.4.3. The supply voltage shall be (1) 120 V if the ceiling
fan's minimum rated voltage is 120 V or the lowest rated voltage
range contains 120 V, (2) 240 V if the ceiling fan's minimum rated
voltage is 240 V or the lowest rated voltage range contains 240 V,
or (3) the ceiling fan's minimum rated voltage (if a voltage range
is not given) or the mean of the lowest rated voltage range, in all
other cases.
3.4.4. Test ceiling fans rated for operation with only a single-
or multi-phase power supply with single- or multi-phase electricity,
respectively. Test ceiling fans capable of operating with single-
and multi-phase electricity with multi-phase electricity. DOE will
allow manufacturers of ceiling fans capable of operating with
single- and multi-phase electricity to test such fans with single-
phase power and make representations of efficiency associated with
both single and multi-phase electricity if a manufacturer desires to
do so, but the test results in the single-phase configuration will
not be valid to assess compliance with any amended energy
conservation standard.
3.5. Active mode test measurement for large-diameter ceiling
fans:
(1) Calculate the airflow (CFM) and measure the active (real)
power consumption (W) in all phases simultaneously for ceiling fans
at the speeds specified in Table 2.
Table 2 to Appendix U to Subpart B of Part 430--Speeds To Be Tested for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Efficiency
metric
Available speeds Number of speeds to test Which speeds to test weighting for
each speed **
(%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... All....................... All....................... 100
2....................................... All....................... All....................... 50
3....................................... All....................... All....................... 33
4....................................... All....................... All....................... 25
5....................................... All....................... All....................... 20
6+ (discrete)........................... 5......................... 5 fastest speeds.......... 20
[[Page 48644]]
Infinite (continuous) *................. 5......................... High speed................ 20
80% speed.................
60% speed.................
40% speed.................
20% speed.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This corresponds to a ceiling fan, such as a ceiling fan with a variable-frequency drive (VFD) that operates
over a continuous (rather than discrete) range of speeds.
** All tested speeds are to be weighted equally. Therefore, the weighting shown here for a ceiling fan with
three available speeds is approximate.
(2) When testing at speeds other than high speed (i.e., X% speed
where X is 80, 60, 40, or 20) for ceiling fans that can operate over
an infinite number of speeds (e.g., ceiling fans with VFDs), ensure
the average measured RPM is within the greater of 1% of the average
RPM at high speed or 1 RPM. For example, if the average measured RPM
at high speed is 50 RPM, for testing at 80% speed the average
measured RPM should be between 39 RPM and 41 RPM. If the average
measured RPM falls outside of this tolerance, adjust the ceiling fan
speed and repeat the test. Calculate the airflow and measure the
active (real) power consumption in all phases simultaneously in
accordance with the test requirements specified in sections 8 and 9,
AMCA 230-15 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 430.3), with the
following modifications:
3.5.1. Measure active (real) power consumption in all phases
simultaneously at a point that includes all power-consuming
components of the ceiling fan (but without any attached light kit or
heater energized).
3.5.2. Measure active (real) power consumption in all phases
simultaneously continuously at the rated voltage that represents
normal operation over the time period for which the load
differential test is conducted.
3.6. Test measurement for standby power consumption.
(1) Measure standby power consumption if the ceiling fan offers
one or more of the following user-oriented or protective functions:
[ballot] [ballot]o The ability to facilitate the activation or
deactivation of other functions (including active mode) by remote
switch (including remote control), internal sensor, or timer.
[ballot] Continuous functions, including information or status
displays (including clocks), or sensor-based functions.
(2) Measure standby power consumption after completion of active
mode testing and after the active mode functionality has been
switched off (i.e., the rotation of the ceiling fan blades is no
longer energized). The ceiling fan must remain connected to the main
power supply and be in the same configuration as in active mode
(i.e., any ceiling fan light fixture should still be attached).
Measure standby power consumption according to sections 4 and 5.3.1
through 5.3.2 of IEC 62301-U (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
430.3) with the following modifications:
3.6.1. Allow 3 minutes between switching off active mode
functionality and beginning the standby power test. (No additional
time before measurement is required.)
3.6.2. Simultaneously in all phases, measure active (real) power
consumption continuously for 100 seconds, and record the average
value of the standby power measurement in watts (W).
3.6.3. Determine power consumption according to section 5.3.2 of
IEC 62301-U, or by using the following average reading method. Note
that a shorter measurement period may be possible using the sample
method in section 5.3.2 of IEC 62301-U.
(1) Connect the product to the power supply and power measuring
instrument.
(2) Select the mode to be measured (which may require a sequence
of operations and could require waiting for the product to
automatically enter the desired mode) and then monitor the power.
(3) Calculate the average power using either the average power
method or the accumulated energy method. For the average power
method, where the power measuring instrument can record true average
power over an operator selected period, the average power is taken
directly from the power measuring instrument. For the accumulated
energy method, determine the average power by dividing the measured
energy by the time for the monitoring period. Use units of watt-
hours and hours for both methods to determine average power in
watts.
4. Calculation of Ceiling Fan Efficiency From the Test Results:
(1) The efficacy of a ceiling fan is the ceiling fan efficiency
(as defined in section 1 of this appendix). Calculate two ceiling
fan efficiencies for multi-mount ceiling fans: One efficiency
corresponds to the ceiling fan mounted in the configuration
associated with the definition of a hugger ceiling fan, and the
other efficiency corresponds to the ceiling fan mounted in the
configuration associated with the definition of a standard ceiling
fan.
(2) Calculate fan efficiency using the average of both sets of
airflow and power measurements from the successive sets of
measurements that meet the stability criteria.
(3) To calculate the measured airflow for HSSD and LSSD ceiling
fans, multiply the average air velocity measurement at each sensor
from section 3.3 of this appendix (for high speed for HSSD ceiling
fans, and for high and low speeds for LSSD ceiling fans) with the
sensor's effective area (explained below), and then sum the products
to obtain the overall measured airflow at the tested speed. Using
the airflow and the power consumption measurements from sections 3.3
and 3.5 of this appendix (for all tested settings for large-diameter
ceiling fans) calculate the efficiency for any ceiling fan as
follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.007
Where:
CFMi = airflow at speed i,
OHi = operating hours at speed i,
Wi = power consumption at speed i,
OHSb = operating hours in standby mode, and
WSb = power consumption in standby mode.
(4) Table 3 of this appendix specifies the daily hours of operation
to be used in calculating ceiling fan efficiency:
[[Page 48645]]
Table 3 to Appendix U to Subpart B of Part 430--Daily Operating Hours
for Calculating Ceiling Fan Efficiency
------------------------------------------------------------------------
No standby With standby
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Operating Hours for LSSD Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Speed.............................. 3.4 3.4
Low Speed............................... 3.0 3.0
Standby Mode............................ 0.0 17.6
Off Mode................................ 17.6 0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Operating Hours for HSSD Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Speed.............................. 12.0 12.0
Standby Mode............................ 0.0 12.0
Off Mode................................ 12.0 0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Operating Hours for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active Mode *........................... 12.0 12.0
Standby Mode............................ 0.0 12.0
Off Mode................................ 12.0 0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The active mode hours must be apportioned equally across the number of
active mode speeds tested (e.g., if four speeds are tested, 25% of the
active mode hours are apportioned to each speed).
(5) Calculate the effective area corresponding to each sensor used
in the test method for small-diameter ceiling fans with the following
equations:
(6) For sensor 1, the sensor located directly underneath the center
of the ceiling fan, the effective width of the circle is 2 inches, and
the effective area is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.008
(7) For the sensors between sensor 1 and the last sensor used in
the measurement, the effective area has a width of 4 inches. If a
sensor is a distance d, in inches, from sensor 1, then the effective
area is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.009
(8) For the last sensor, the width of the effective area depends on
the horizontal displacement between the last sensor and the point on
the ceiling fan blades furthest radially from the center of the fan.
The total area included in an airflow calculation is the area of a
circle 8 inches larger in diameter than the ceiling fan blade span (as
specified in section 3 of this appendix).
(9) Therefore, for example, for a 42-inch ceiling fan, the last
sensor is 3 inches beyond the end of the ceiling fan blades. Because
only the area within 4 inches of the end of the ceiling fan blades is
included in the airflow calculation, the effective width of the circle
corresponding to the last sensor would be 3 inches. The calculation for
the effective area corresponding to the last sensor would then be:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.010
(10) For a 46-inch ceiling fan, the effective area of the last
sensor would have a width of 5 inches, and the effective area would be:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.011
4.1.1. Ceiling fan efficiency calculations for multi-head ceiling
fans
To determine the airflow at a given speed for a multi-head ceiling
fan, sum the measured airflow for each fan head included in the ceiling
fan (a single airflow measurement can be applied to identical fan
heads, but at least one of each unique fan head must be tested). The
power consumption is the measured power consumption with all fan heads
on. Using the airflow and power consumption measurements from section
3.3 of this appendix, calculate
[[Page 48646]]
ceiling fan efficiency for a multi-head ceiling fan as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.012
Where:
CFMi = sum of airflow at a given speed for each head,
OHi = operating hours at a given speed,
Wi = total power consumption at a given speed,
OHSb = operating hours in standby mode, and
WSb = power consumption in standby mode.
4.1.2. Ceiling fan efficiency calculations for ceiling fans with
airflow not directly downward
Using a set of sensors that cover the same diameter as if the
airflow were directly downward, the airflow at each speed should be
calculated based on the continuous set of sensors with the largest air
velocity measurements. This continuous set of sensors must be along the
axis that the ceiling fan tilt is directed in (and along the axis that
is 180 degrees from the first axis). For example, a 42-inch fan tilted
toward axis A may create the pattern of air velocity shown in Figure 3
of this appendix. As shown in Table 1 of this appendix, a 42-inch fan
would normally require 7 active sensors. However because the fan is not
directed downward, all sensors must record data. In this case, because
the set of sensors corresponding to maximum air velocity are centered 3
sensor positions away from the sensor 1 along the A axis, substitute
the air velocity at A axis sensor 4 for the average air velocity at
sensor 1. Take the average of the air velocity at A axis sensors 3 and
5 as a substitute for the average air velocity at sensor 2, take the
average of the air velocity at A axis sensors 2 and 6 as a substitute
for the average air velocity at sensor 3, etc. Lastly, take the average
of the air velocities at A axis sensor 10 and C axis sensor 4 as a
substitute for the average air velocity at sensor 7. Stability criteria
apply after these substitutions. For example, air velocity stability at
sensor 7 are determined based on the average of average air velocity at
A axis sensor 10 and C axis sensor 4 in successive measurements. Any
air velocity measurements made along the B-D axis are not included in
the calculation of average air velocity.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR25JY16.013
[FR Doc. 2016-17139 Filed 7-22-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P