[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 235 (Friday, December 6, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67106-67129]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-25516]



[[Page 67105]]

Vol. 84

Friday,

No. 235

December 6, 2019

Part IV





Department of Energy





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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430





Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for External Power 
Supplies; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 235 / Friday, December 6, 2019 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 67106]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012]
RIN 1904-AD86


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for External Power 
Supplies

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') is proposing to revise 
its test procedure for external power supplies (``EPS'' or ``EPSs''). 
DOE is proposing to add a definition for ``commercial and industrial 
power supply'' in its regulations to differentiate between EPSs and 
other non-consumer power supplies that are not subject to the test 
procedure. DOE also proposes to add a definition to address an adaptive 
EPS that conforms to the Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (``USB-PD 
EPS'') specifications and revise its procedure to address their testing 
in a manner more representative of their actual use. Further, the 
proposed revisions would provide more specific instructions for testing 
single-voltage EPSs that have multiple output busses. Lastly, DOE 
proposes to reorganize the test procedure to centralize definitions, 
consolidate generally applicable requirements, and better delineate 
requirements for single-voltage, multiple-voltage, and adaptive EPSs. 
DOE is seeking comment from interested parties on the proposal.

DATES: 
    Comments: Written comments, data, and information are requested and 
will be accepted no later than February 4, 2020. See section V, 
``Public Participation,'' for details.
    Meeting: DOE will hold a webinar on Wednesday, December 11, 2019, 
from 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. See section V, ``Public Participation,'' 
for webinar registration information, participant instructions, and 
information about the capabilities available to webinar participants. 
DOE will hold a public meeting on this proposed test procedure if one 
is requested by December 20, 2019. If a public meeting is requested, 
DOE will announce its date and location on the DOE website and via 
email. If held, the meeting will also be broadcast as a webinar. 
Information regarding webinar registration, participant instructions, 
and information about the capabilities available to webinar 
participants will be provided with the announcement should a public 
meeting be held.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments. Alternatively, interested 
persons may submit comments, identified by docket number EERE-2019-BT-
TP-2012, by any of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments.
    (2) Email: [email protected]. Include the docket number 
EERE-2019-BT-TP-2012 or regulatory information number (RIN) 1904-AD86 
in the subject line of the message.
    (3) Postal Mail: Appliance and Equipment Standards Program, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-5B, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc 
(``CD''), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    (4) Hand Delivery/Courier: Appliance and Equipment Standards 
Program, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, 950 
L'Enfant Plaza SW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 
287-1445. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case 
it is not necessary to include printed copies.
    No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed 
instructions on submitting written comments and additional information 
on the rulemaking process, see section V of this document.
    Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public 
meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting 
documents/materials, is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed in the 
http://www.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.
    The docket web page can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012. The docket web page will contain simple 
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments, 
in the docket. See section V for information on how to submit comments 
through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Mr. Jeremy Dommu, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Building Technologies Office, EE-2J, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-9870. Email [email protected].
    Mr. Michael Kido, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-8145. Email: [email protected].
    For further information on how to submit a comment or review other 
public comments and the docket contact the Appliance and Equipment 
Standards Program staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
    A. Authority
    B. Background
II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
    A. Scope of Applicability
    B. Adaptive EPSs
    C. Definitions
    1. Single-Voltage EPSs With Multiple Output Busses
    2. Multiple-Voltage Adaptive EPSs
    D. Industry Standards Incorporated by Reference
    E. Other Proposed Amendments
    1. Location of EPS Definitions
    2. Consolidating Duplicative Test Requirements
    3. Harmonizing Instructions for Single-Voltage and Multiple-
Voltage EPSs
    4. Unsustainable Loading Provisions
    5. Correcting Table References
    F. Test Procedure Costs, Harmonization, and Other Topics
    1. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
    2. Harmonization With Industry Standards
    3. Other Test Procedure Topics
    G. Compliance Date and Waivers
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    B. Review Under Executive Order 13771 and 13777
    C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
    E. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
    F. Review Under Executive Order 13132
    G. Review Under Executive Order 12988
    H. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
    I. Review Under the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act, 1999
    J. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    K. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001

[[Page 67107]]

    L. Review Under Executive Order 13211
    M. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration 
Act of 1974
    N. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Public Participation
    A. Participation in the Webinar
    B. Submission of Comments
    C. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    An EPS is a ``covered product'' for which DOE is authorized to 
establish and amend energy conservation standards and test procedures. 
(42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(A)) DOE's energy conservation standards and test 
procedures for EPSs are currently prescribed at Title 10 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (``CFR'') sections 430.32(w) and 430.23(bb), 
respectively. The following sections discuss DOE's authority to 
establish test procedures for EPSs and relevant background information 
regarding DOE's consideration of test procedures for this product.

A. Authority

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (``EPCA''),\1\ 
authorizes DOE to regulate the energy efficiency of certain consumer 
products and types of industrial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6317) Title 
III, Part B \2\ of EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for 
Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles, which sets forth provisions 
designed to improve energy efficiency for a variety of products and 
equipment. These products include EPSs, the subject of this document. 
(42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(A); 42 U.S.C. 6295(u))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, 
Public Law 115-270 (October 23, 2018).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
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    EPCA's energy conservation program consists essentially of four 
parts: (1) Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation 
standards, and (4) certification and enforcement procedures. Relevant 
provisions of EPCA specifically include definitions (42 U.S.C. 6291), 
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), test procedures (42 
U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), and the authority 
to require information and reports from manufacturers (42 U.S.C. 6296).
    The Federal 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 pursuant to EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(s)), 
and (2) making representations about the efficiency of those consumer 
products (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)). Similarly, DOE must use these test 
procedures to determine whether the products comply with relevant 
standards promulgated under EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(s))
    Federal energy efficiency requirements for covered products 
established under EPCA generally supersede State laws and regulations 
concerning energy conservation testing, labeling, and standards. (42 
U.S.C. 6297) DOE may, however, grant waivers of Federal preemption for 
particular State laws or regulations, in accordance with the procedures 
and other provisions of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d))
    Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures 
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for 
covered products. EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or 
amended under this section be reasonably designed to produce test 
results which measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual 
operating cost of a covered product during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use and not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
    In addition, EPCA requires that DOE amend its test procedures for 
all covered products to integrate measures of standby mode and off-mode 
energy consumption. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) Standby mode and off-
mode energy consumption must be incorporated into the overall energy 
efficiency, energy consumption, or other energy descriptor for each 
covered product unless the current test procedures already account for 
and incorporate standby mode and off-mode energy consumption or such 
integration is technically infeasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)(i)) If 
an integrated test procedure is technically infeasible, DOE must 
prescribe separate standby mode and off-mode energy use test procedures 
for the covered product, if technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(gg)(2)(A)(ii)) Any such amendment must consider the most current 
versions of International Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC'') 
Standard 62301 \3\ and IEC Standard 62087 \4\ as applicable. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(gg)(2)(A))
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    \3\ IEC 62301, Household electrical appliances--Measurement of 
standby power (Edition 2.0, 2011-01).
    \4\ IEC 62087, Methods of measurement for the power consumption 
of audio, video, and related equipment (Edition 3.0, 2011-04).
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    The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (``EPACT 2005''), Public Law 109-58 
(August 8, 2005), amended EPCA by adding provisions related to EPSs. 
Among these provisions were a definition of EPS and a requirement that 
DOE prescribe ``definitions and test procedures for the power use of 
battery chargers and external power supplies.'' (42 U.S.C. 
6295(u)(1)(A)) DOE complied with this requirement by publishing a test 
procedure final rule to address the testing of EPSs to measure their 
energy efficiency and power consumption. 71 FR 71340 (December 8, 2006) 
(codified at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, Appendix Z, ``Uniform Test 
Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of External Power 
Supplies'').
    The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (``EISA 2007''), 
Public Law 110-140 (December 19, 2007) later amended EPCA by modifying 
the EPS-related definitions found in 42 U.S.C. 6291. While section 
135(a)(3) of EPACT 2005 defined an EPS as ``an external power supply 
circuit that is used to convert household electric current into DC 
current or lower-voltage AC current to operate a consumer product,'' 
section 301 of EISA 2007 further amended this definition by creating a 
subset of EPSs called Class A EPSs. EISA 2007 defined this subset of 
products as those EPSs that, in addition to meeting several other 
requirements common to all EPSs, are ``able to convert [line voltage 
AC] to only 1 AC or DC output voltage at a time'' and have ``nameplate 
output power that is less than or equal to 250 watts.'' (42 U.S.C. 
6291(36)(C)(i)) As part of these amendments, EISA 2007 prescribed 
minimum standards for these products (hereafter referred to as ``Level 
IV'' standards based on the marking provisions detailed under 10 CFR 
430.32(w)(4)) and directed DOE to publish a final rule to determine 
whether to amend these standards.\5\ (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(3)(A) and (D)) 
EISA 2007 also required DOE to publish a second rule to determine 
whether the standards then in effect should be amended. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(u)(3)(D)(ii))
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    \5\ The international efficiency markings on which DOE's marking 
requirements are based consist of a series of Roman numerals (I-VI) 
and provide a global uniform system for power supply manufacturers 
to use that indicates compliance with a specified minimum energy 
performance standard. https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2008-BT-STD-0005-0218.
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    EISA 2007 also amended EPCA by defining the terms ``active mode,'' 
``standby mode,'' and ``off-mode.'' Each of these modes corresponds to 
the operational status of a given product--i.e., whether it is (1) 
plugged into AC mains and switched ``on'' and performing its intended 
function, (2) plugged in but not performing its

[[Page 67108]]

intended function (i.e., simply standing by to be operated), or (3) 
plugged in, but switched ``off,'' if a manual on-off switch is present. 
Additionally, EISA 2007 required DOE to amend its test procedure to 
ensure that standby and off-mode energy consumption are measured. It 
also authorized DOE to amend, by rule, the definitions for active, 
standby, and off-mode, as long as DOE considers the most current 
versions of IEC Standards 62301 and 62087. 42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A) 
(incorporating EISA 2007 amendments related to standby and off-mode 
energy).
    Following the amendments to EPCA under EISA 2007, Congress further 
amended EPCA to exclude EPSs used for certain security and life safety 
alarms and surveillance systems manufactured prior to July 1, 2017, 
from no-load standards. Public Law 111-360 (January 4, 2011). EPCA's 
EPS provisions were again amended by the Power and Security Systems 
(``PASS'') Act, which extended the rulemaking deadline and effective 
date established under the EISA 2007 amendments from July 1, 2015, and 
July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2023, respectively. Public 
Law 115-78 (November 2, 2017); 131 Stat. 1256, 1256; 42 U.S.C. 
6295(u)(3)(D)(ii)). The PASS Act also extended the exclusion of certain 
security and life safety alarms and surveillance systems from no-load 
standards until the effective date of the final rule issued under 42 
U.S.C. 6295(u)(3)(D)(ii) and allows the Secretary to treat some or all 
external power supplies designed to be connected to a security or life 
safety alarm or surveillance system as a separate product class or to 
further extend the exclusion. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(3)(E)(ii) and (iv)).
    Most recently, on January 12, 2018, the EPS Improvement Act of 
2017, Public Law 115-115, amended EPCA to exclude the following devices 
from the EPS definition: Power supply circuits, drivers, or devices 
that are designed exclusively to be connected to and power (1) light-
emitting diodes providing illumination, (2) organic light-emitting 
diodes providing illumination, or (3) ceiling fans using direct current 
motors.\6\ (42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(A)(ii))
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    \6\ DOE amended its regulations to reflect the changes 
introduced by the PASS Act and EPS Improvement Act. 84 FR 437 
(January 29, 2018).
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    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)) EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE 
evaluate test procedures for each type of covered product, including 
EPSs, to determine whether amended test procedures would more 
accurately or fully comply with the requirements for the test 
procedures to not be unduly burdensome to conduct and be reasonably 
designed to produce test results that reflect energy efficiency, energy 
use, and estimated operating costs during a representative average use 
cycle or period of use. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) If the Secretary 
determines, on his own behalf or in response to a petition by any 
interested person, that a test procedure should be prescribed or 
amended, the Secretary shall promptly publish in the Federal Register 
proposed test procedures and afford interested persons an opportunity 
to present oral and written data, views, and arguments with respect to 
such procedures. The comment period on a proposed rule to amend a test 
procedure shall be at least 60 days and may not exceed 270 days. In 
prescribing or amending a test procedure, the Secretary shall take into 
account such information as the Secretary determines relevant to such 
procedure, including technological developments relating to energy use 
or energy efficiency of the type (or class) of covered products 
involved. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)). If DOE determines that test procedure 
revisions are not appropriate, DOE must publish its determination not 
to amend the test procedures. DOE is publishing this NOPR in 
satisfaction of the 7-year review requirement specified in EPCA. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))

B. Background

    DOE's existing test procedures for EPSs appear at 10 CFR part 430, 
subpart B, Appendix Z, ``Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy 
Consumption of External Power Supplies'' (``Appendix Z''). These 
procedures were first established on December 8, 2006. 71 FR 71340. On 
March 27, 2009, pursuant to the provisions in EISA 2007, DOE published 
a final rule that added the terms and definitions related to EPSs to 
Appendix Z. 74 FR 13318. On June 1, 2011, DOE further amended Appendix 
Z by adding a test method for multiple-voltage EPSs. 76 FR 31750. The 
amendments also revised the definition of ``active power'' and 
clarified how to test an EPS that (1) has a current-limiting function, 
(2) can communicate with its load, or (3) combines a current-limiting 
function with the ability to communicate with a load. A current-limited 
EPS is one that can significantly lower its output voltage once an 
internal output current limit has been exceeded. An EPS that 
communicates with its load refers to an EPS's ability to identify or 
otherwise exchange information with its load (i.e., the end-use product 
to which it is connected). These revisions provided manufacturers with 
additional detail on how to conduct the test and determine the measured 
energy use for these types of EPSs.
    On February 10, 2014, DOE published a final rule (``February 2014 
final rule'') prescribing new standards for some non-Class A EPSs and 
amended standards for some Class A EPSs. 79 FR 7846. The February 2014 
final rule also established new definitions for direct operation EPSs 
and indirect operation EPSs in 10 CFR 430.2, which distinguish between 
these devices based on whether the EPS is used to power a battery 
charger.\7\ Direct operation EPSs, regardless of whether they are Class 
A EPSs, are subject to more stringent standards than the statutory 
Level IV standard requirements. Direct operation EPSs must meet 
prescribed efficiency levels, based on their power output, that 
correspond to what are identified as Level VI standards. An EPS meeting 
this level of efficiency must be identified with a Level VI marking per 
10 CFR 430.32(w)(4). With respect to indirect operation EPSs, the 
February 2014 final rule did not prescribe a specific efficiency level 
for these devices. Nonetheless, indirect operation EPSs imported or 
domestically manufactured on or after July 8, 2008, that meet the 
definition of a Class A EPS must meet the prescribed Level IV standards 
established by EISA 2007. (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(3)(A)) Direct operation 
EPSs domestically manufactured or imported into the U.S. on or after 
February 10, 2016, must meet the Level VI standards.\8\
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    \7\ Specifically, the regulation defines a ``direct operation 
external power supply'' as ``an external power supply that can 
operate a consumer product that is not a battery charger without the 
assistance of a battery.'' In contrast, an ``indirect operation 
external power supply'' is one that ``cannot operate a consumer 
product that is not a battery charger without the assistance of a 
battery.'' 10 CFR 430.2.
    \8\ Generally, a covered product must comply with the relevant 
standard in effect as of the date the product is manufactured. For 
products imported into the U.S., this is the date of importation. 42 
U.S.C. 6291(10) (``The term `manufacture' means to manufacture, 
produce, assemble or import.'')
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    Following the publication of the February 2014 final rule, DOE 
received follow-up questions and requests for clarification regarding 
how to test certain EPSs. To address these issues, DOE published a test 
procedure final rule on August 25, 2015 (``August 2015 final rule''), 
which added further detail to Appendix Z. 80 FR 51424. These

[[Page 67109]]

changes also updated references to the latest version of IEC 62301, 
``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' 
Edition 2.0, 2011-01, and clarified DOE's test procedure to better 
reflect evolving technologies.
    On June 8, 2017 and June 22, 2017, the Information Technology 
Industry Council (``ITI''), on behalf of four petitioners--Apple, Inc. 
(``Apple''), Microsoft Corporation (``Microsoft''), Poin2 Lab 
(``Poin2''), and Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co., Ltd. 
(``Bitland''), filed petitions for waivers from the current DOE test 
procedure for EPSs under 10 CFR 430.27 for several basic models of 
adaptive EPSs (``USB-PD EPSs''--short for ``Universal Serial Bus--Power 
and Data'') that meet the voltage and current provisions of the IEC's 
``Universal serial bus interfaces for data and power--Part 1-2: Common 
components--USB Power Delivery'' (``IEC 62680-1-2'') specification--
which specifies the relevant performance and compatibility-related 
specifications for USBs but does not, like some other IEC documents, 
prescribe any specific testing requirements. An adaptive EPS is one 
with an output bus \9\ that can alter its output voltage based on an 
established digital communication protocol with the end-use application 
without any user-generated action. In a notice published on July 24, 
2017, DOE granted the petitions for interim waiver and specified an 
alternate test procedure the manufacturers were required to follow when 
testing and certifying the specific basic models for which the 
petitioners requested a waiver. 82 FR 34294. On March 16, 2018, DOE 
published a notice of decision and order announcing that it had granted 
the petitioners a waiver from the EPS test procedure for certain 
adaptive EPSs. The decision and order required the petitioners to test 
and certify these models according to the alternate test procedure 
presented in the decision and order. 83 FR 11738. DOE published a 
series of decision and order notices granting the same waiver to Huawei 
Technologies (83 FR 25448 (June 1, 2018)) and extending Apple's to two 
more basic models. (83 FR 50905 (October 10, 2018) and 83 FR 60830 
(November 27, 2018)).
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    \9\ An ``output bus'' is defined as ``any of the outputs of the 
power supply to which loads can be connected and from which power 
can be drawn, as opposed to signal connections used for 
communication.'' Section 2 of Appendix Z.
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II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    In this notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR'') DOE proposes to 
update Appendix Z as follows:
    (1) Adopt a definition of ``commercial and industrial power 
supply,'' that would apply specific characteristics to help distinguish 
these power supplies from EPSs, as defined in EPCA, which are consumer 
products under the statute.
    (2) Amend the definition of ``external power supply'' to expressly 
exclude any ``commercial and industrial power supply.'' Power supplies 
that meet the definition of ``commercial and industrial power supply'' 
would, therefore, not be subject to the EPS test procedure.
    (3) Create a definition for USB-PD EPSs and amend their testing 
requirements, consistent with recently issued waivers.
    (4) Provide additional direction for testing single-voltage EPSs 
with multiple output busses.
    (5) Provide instructions to allow any functionality that is 
unrelated to the external power supply circuit to be disconnected 
during testing as long as the disconnection does not impact the 
functionality of the external power supply itself.
    (6) Reorganize the test procedure to remove redundant definitions, 
modify the definition of ``average active-mode efficiency'', centralize 
definitions, consolidate generally applicable requirements, and better 
delineate requirements for single-voltage, multiple-voltage, and 
adaptive EPSs.
    DOE has tentatively determined that the proposed amendments would 
not alter the measured efficiency of EPSs, and that the proposal, if 
adopted, would not be unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE's proposed 
actions are summarized in Table II.1 of this NOPR and addressed in 
detail in section III of this document. A redline markup of the current 
test procedure with the proposed changes is available in the rulemaking 
docket.

          Table II.1--Summary of Changes in Proposed Test Procedure Relative to Current Test Procedure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Current DOE test procedure                  Proposed test procedure              Attribution, reason
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defines EPSs as a power supply circuit     Would define a ``commercial and           Stakeholder inquiries.
 used to convert household electric         industrial power supply'' to delineate
 current into DC current or lower-voltage   those power supplies that do not fall
 AC current to operate a consumer           within the scope of the ``external
 product. 10 CFR 430.2                      power supply'' definition set out by
                                            Congress. 10 CFR 430.2
Requires adaptive EPSs that meet the IEC   Would define an adaptive EPS that meets   Adaptive EPS waivers.
 62680-1-2 specification to test at 3       the voltage/current specifications of
 amps for the 100% loading condition at     IEC 62680-1-2 as a ``USB-PD EPS'' and
 the lowest operating output voltage of 5   require that it be tested at 2 amps for
 volts. 10 CFR part 430, Subpart B,         the 100% loading condition at the
 Appendix Z, Sec. 4.                        lowest operating output voltage of 5
                                            volts. Would also define a USB Type-C
                                            connector. 10 CFR part 430, Subpart B,
                                            Appendix Z, Sec. 3, 6(a)(1)(iii)B,
                                            6(b)(1)(iii)B.
Adaptive EPS instructions are currently a  Would move instructions for non-adaptive  Adaptive EPS waivers,
 subsection within the single-voltage EPS   EPSs to section 5 and add a new section   stakeholder inquiries,
 testing instructions in section            6 in Appendix Z for testing all           improve readability of TP
 4(a)(i)(E) of Appendix Z. 10 CFR part      adaptive EPSs, with two sub-sections      (with added waiver
 430, Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec.           for single-voltage and multiple-voltage   provisions, better
 4(a)(i)(E).                                adaptive EPSs. 10 CFR part 430, Subpart   delineates requirements
                                            B, Appendix Z, Sec. 6.                    for single-voltage,
                                                                                      multiple-voltage, and
                                                                                      adaptive EPSs).
Does not explicitly provide instructions   Would provide explicit instructions for   Innovation in the
 for testing single-voltage EPSs with       testing single-voltage EPSs with          marketplace and
 multiple output busses. 10 CFR part 430,   multiple output busses. 10 CFR part       Stakeholder inquiries.
 Subpart B, Appendix Z (Generally).         430, Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec.
                                            5(a)(1)(iv).

[[Page 67110]]

 
Does not provide instructions for          Would provide explicit instructions for   Stakeholder inquiries.
 allowing functions unrelated to the        disconnecting non-EPS functions during
 external power supply circuit to be        testing 10 CFR part 430, Subpart B,
 disconnected during testing. 10 CFR part   Appendix Z, Sec. 4(i).
 430, Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec. 4(h).
Defines ``nameplate output power'' as the  Would redefine ``nameplate output         Adaptive EPS waivers.
 value on the Product's nameplate or        power'' to provide an exception for USB-
 manufacturer's documentation. 10 CFR       PD EPSs, which tests these devices at
 part 430, Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec.      10W. The exception would permit
 2o.                                        adaptive EPSs meeting this
                                            specification to be tested using the
                                            same 10W level. 10 CFR part 430,
                                            Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec. 3.
Contains redundant definitions that had    Would remove redundant definitions that   Improve ease of reference
 been carried over from previous            are no longer referenced.                 and readability.
 revisions of the test procedure but are
 no longer referenced. 10 CFR part 430,
 Subpart B, Sec. 2e., h., l., m., y.
Numerous EPS related definitions are       Would consolidate all EPS related         Improve ease of reference
 spread across multiple locations in 10     definitions to Appendix Z. 10 CFR part    and readability.
 CFR 430.2 and Appendix Z. 10 CFR 430.2     430, Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec. 3.
 and Subpart B, Appendix Z (Generally).
Defines ``average active-mode              Would redefine ``average active-mode      Improve readability of TP.
 efficiency'' as the average of the         efficiency'' to explicitly state that
 loading conditions for which a unit can    the definition references the average
 sustain output current. 10 CFR part 430,   of the active mode efficiencies
 Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec. 2f.            measured at the loading conditions for
                                            which a unit can sustain output
                                            current. 10 CFR part 430, Subpart B,
                                            Appendix Z, Sec. 3.
Contains repetitive instructions across    Would consolidate these requirements      Improve readability of TP
 multiple sections on uncertainty and       that are applicable to all EPSs into a    (with added waiver
 resolution requirements for power          single section within Appendix Z. 10      provisions, better
 measurements, room air speed and           CFR part 430, Subpart B, Appendix Z,      delineates requirements
 temperature conditions, input voltage      Sec. 4.                                   for single-voltage,
 source, product configuration, and wire                                              multiple-voltage, and
 gauge requirements for leads. 10 CFR                                                 adaptive EPSs).
 part 430, Subpart B, Appendix Z, Sec.
 3(a), 3(b).
Incorporates by reference the entire IEC   Would incorporate by reference IEC        Adherence to Federal
 62301 Ed. 2.0 industry standard. 10 CFR    62301, add into Appendix Z particular     Register requirements.
 part 430, Subpart B, Appendix Z            sections from that IEC standard to use
 (Generally).                               during testing, and update the
                                            shorthand notation to ``IEC 62301-Z''
                                            in Appendix Z. 10 CFR part 430, Subpart
                                            B, Appendix Z, Sec. 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion

A. Scope of Applicability

    EPCA defines an ``external power supply'' as an external power 
supply circuit that is used to convert household electric current into 
DC current or lower-voltage AC current to operate a consumer product. 
(42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(A)(i))
    EPCA also defines a ``consumer product'' in relevant part as ``any 
article . . . of a type which in operation consumes or is designed to 
consume energy . . . and which, to any significant extent, is 
distributed in commerce for personal use or consumption by individuals; 
without regard to whether such article of such type is in fact 
distributed in commerce for personal use or consumption by an 
individual . . . .'' 42 U.S.C. 6291(1).
    DOE issued guidance on December 20, 2017, that laid out the 
specific types of situations in which the agency would view a given 
power supply as falling outside of the scope of the definition of EPS 
in EPCA. The guidance document is available in the rulemaking docket 
\10\ and sets out the following characteristics that DOE would consider 
as placing a given power supply outside of the ``external power 
supply'' definition:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ https://www.regulations.gov/contentStreamer?documentId=EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012-0001&attachmentNumber=1&contentType=pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) A power supply requiring 3-phase input power, which is 
incapable of operating on household current;
    (2) A DC-DC only power supply, which is incapable of operating on 
household current;
    (3) A power supply with a fixed, non-removable connection to an 
end-use device that is not a consumer product under EPCA;
    (4) A power supply whose output connector is uniquely shaped to fit 
only an end-use device that is not a consumer product;
    (5) A power supply that cannot be readily connected to an end-use 
device that is a consumer product without significant modification or 
customization of the power supply itself or the end-use device;
    (6) A power supply packaged with an end-use device that is not a 
consumer product, as evidenced by either:
    (a) Such device being certified as, or declared to be in 
conformance with, a specific standard \11\ applicable only to non-
consumer products; or
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ Examples include a power supply model intended for use with 
an end-use device that is certified to the following standards would 
not meet the EPCA definition of an EPS: (1) CISPR 11 (Class A 
Equipment), ``Industrial, scientific and medical equipment--Radio-
frequency disturbance--Limits and methods of measurement''; (2) UL 
1480A, ``Standard for Speakers for Commercial and Professional 
Use''; (3) UL 813, ``Standard for Commercial Audio Equipment''; and 
(4) UL 1727, ``Standard for Commercial Electric Personal Grooming 
Appliances''.

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

[[Page 67111]]

    (b) Such device being excluded or exempted from inclusion within, 
or conformance with, a law, regulation, or broadly-accepted industry 
standard where such exclusion or exemption applies only to non-consumer 
products;
    (7) A power supply distributed in commerce for use with an end-use 
device where:
    (a) The end-use device is not a consumer product, as evidenced by 
either the circumstances in (6)(a) or (6)(b) of this section; and
    (b) The end-use device for which the power supply is distributed in 
commerce is reasonably disclosed to the public, such as by 
identification of the end-use device on the packaging for the power 
supply, documentation physically present with the power supply, or on 
the manufacturer's or private labeler's public website; or
    (8) A power supply that is not marketed for residential or consumer 
use, and that is clearly marked (or, alternatively, the packaging of 
the individual power supply, the shipping container of multiple such 
power supplies, or associated documentation physically present with the 
power supply when distributed in commerce is clearly marked) ``FOR USE 
WITH COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT ONLY'' or ``NOT FOR RESIDENTIAL 
OR CONSUMER USE,'' \12\ with the marking designed and applied so that 
the marking will be visible and legible during customary conditions for 
the item on which the marking is placed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ DOE's guidance also stated that ``[n]on-material deviations 
from such marking . . . will not preclude satisfaction of the 
circumstances set forth in this paragraph'' and added that ``DOE may 
in its discretion determine that a power supply satisfies the 
circumstances set forth in [this paragraph] (provided all other 
conditions are satisfied) where such marking consists of language 
other than that specified in [this paragraph] but that nonetheless 
clearly conveys that the power supply is not marketed or intended 
for use with consumer products.'' DOE Guidance (December 30, 2017), 
at 2, note 7.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Consistent with the specific screening criteria laid out in the 
December 2017 guidance, the incorporation of these criteria into DOE's 
regulations would not be the sole method for determining whether a 
power supply would be excluded from the definition of ``external power 
supply.'' Rather, these criteria merely identify specific and likely 
examples of circumstances in which DOE would not consider a power 
supply as meeting the definition of ``external power supply'' under 
EPCA. DOE does not intend for these criteria to preclude a person from 
asserting that a specific power supply falls outside of EPCA's reach in 
spite of its inability to meet one or more of these eight criteria.
    In order to provide manufacturers and other stakeholders additional 
certainty as to which power supplies would be considered to fall 
outside of the EPS definition, DOE proposes to use these criteria to 
create a new definition for a ``commercial and industrial power 
supply'' at 10 CFR part 430, and expressly exclude such products from 
the EPS definition. Specifically, DOE proposes to define ``commercial 
and industrial power supply'' as:
    A power supply that is used to convert electric current into DC or 
lower-voltage AC current, is not distributed in commerce for use with a 
consumer product, and includes any of the following characteristics:
    (1) A power supply that requires 3-phase input power and that is 
incapable of operating on household current;
    (2) A DC-DC only power supply that is incapable of operating on 
household current;
    (3) A power supply with a fixed, non-removable connection to an 
end-use device that is not a consumer product as defined under the 
Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (as amended);
    (4) A power supply whose output connector is uniquely shaped to fit 
only an end-use device that is not a consumer product;
    (5) A power supply that cannot be readily connected to an end-use 
device that is a consumer product without significant modification or 
customization of the power supply itself or the end-use device;
    (6) A power supply packaged with an end-use device that is not a 
consumer product, as evidenced by either:
    (a) Such device being certified as, or declared to be in 
conformance with, a specific standard applicable only to non-consumer 
products. For example, a power supply model intended for use with an 
end-use device that is certified to the following standards would not 
meet the EPCA definition of an EPS: (1) CISPR 11 (Class A Equipment), 
``Industrial, scientific and medical equipment--Radio-frequency 
disturbance--Limits and methods of measurement''; (2) UL 1480A, 
``Standard for Speakers for Commercial and Professional Use''; (3) UL 
813, ``Standard for Commercial Audio Equipment''; and (4) UL 1727, 
``Standard for Commercial Electric Personal Grooming Appliances''; or
    (b) Such device being excluded or exempted from inclusion within, 
or conformance with, a law, regulation, or broadly-accepted industry 
standard where such exclusion or exemption applies only to non-consumer 
products;
    (7) A power supply distributed in commerce for use with an end-use 
device where:
    (a) The end-use device is not a consumer product, as evidenced by 
either the circumstances in (6)(a) or (6)(b) of this section; and
    (b) The end-use device for which the power supply is distributed in 
commerce is reasonably disclosed to the public, such as by 
identification of the end-use device on the packaging for the power 
supply, documentation physically present with the power supply, or on 
the manufacturer's or private labeler's public website; or
    (8) A power supply that is not marketed for residential or consumer 
use, and that is clearly marked (or, alternatively, the packaging of 
the individual power supply, the shipping container of multiple such 
power supplies, or associated documentation physically present with the 
power supply when distributed in commerce is clearly marked) ``FOR USE 
WITH COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT ONLY'' or ``NOT FOR RESIDENTIAL 
OR CONSUMER USE,'' with the marking designed and applied so that the 
marking will be visible and legible during customary conditions for the 
item on which the marking is placed.
    As provided in the current guidance, non-material deviations from 
such marking cited in (8) would not preclude satisfaction of the 
circumstances set forth in that paragraph. In addition, DOE may in its 
discretion determine that a power supply satisfies the circumstances 
set forth in (8) (provided all other conditions are satisfied) where 
such marking consists of language other than that specified in (8) but 
that nonetheless clearly conveys that the power supply is not marketed 
or intended for use with consumer products.
    DOE requests comment on the criteria specifying the scope of 
applicability of the EPS definition.

B. Adaptive EPSs

    As discussed, DOE has issued test procedure waivers for several 
basic models of adaptive EPSs that meet the provisions of industry 
standard IEC 62680-1-2. (Case Nos. EPS-001, EPS-002, EPS-003, EPS-004, 
2017-014, 2018-005, and 2018-010.) The IEC

[[Page 67112]]

62680-1-2 specification contains the voltage, current, and digital 
communication requirements for the adaptive Universal Serial Bus Power 
Delivery (``USB-PD'') system. Specifically, the USB-PD specification 
allows for the output voltage of a compatible EPS to adaptively change 
between 5 volts, 9 volts, 15 volts and 20 volts while allowing for 
currents up to 3 amps for the first three voltage levels and up to 5 
amps at the 20 volt level upon request from a load using an established 
digital communication protocol. As a result, USB-PD allows seamless 
interoperability across multiple consumer products with different input 
voltage requirements such as a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.
    As described in the notice of decision and order granting waivers 
to Apple, Microsoft, Poin2, and Bitland, DOE determined that applying 
the DOE test procedure to USB-PD EPSs would yield results that would be 
unrepresentative of the active-mode efficiency of those products. 83 FR 
11738, 11739. Section 4(a)(i)(C) of Appendix Z requires that active-
mode efficiency be measured at four loading conditions (100%, 75%, 50%, 
and 25%) relative to the nameplate output current of the EPS. Section 
4(a)(i)(E) of Appendix Z further requires that for adaptive EPSs, the 
average active-mode efficiency must be measured by testing the unit 
twice--once at the highest achievable output voltage and once at the 
lowest. Thus, for an adaptive EPS with a nameplate output current of 3 
amps the four active mode loading conditions are 3 amps, 2.25 amps, 1.5 
amps, and 0.75 amps. The adaptive EPS would be tested using these four 
loading conditions at its highest achievable output voltage and its 
lowest achievable output voltage, which is 5 volts for USB-PD EPSs. For 
those USB-PD EPSs specified in the waiver orders, DOE determined that 
operating the EPS at the 3 amps and 5 volts test condition (resulting 
in a 15W output power) would not reflect the actual use in the field of 
USB-PD EPSs at the lowest achievable output voltage. Although the USB-
PD specification requires the lowest operating point for these EPSs to 
be 15W at 5 volts, USB-PD EPSs operating at 5 volts generally do not 
exceed 10W for almost all usage conditions. When charging a product, 
such as a laptop, that is sold or intended to be used with a USB-PD 
EPS, the EPS typically charges at 5 volts only if the product has a 
fully discharged or fully charged battery, and in such cases, the 
charging current would typically be 0.5 amps or less. At all other 
times when more power is needed, the EPS will typically switch to a 
higher voltage. If these adaptive EPSs are used to power other products 
such as mobile phones or tablets, the EPS will typically revert back to 
the lowest output voltage of 5 volts, but would generally have a 
charging current of no more than 2 amps (corresponding to an output 
power of 10W). According to data presented by manufacturers in their 
requests for a waiver, the bulk of consumer products that are capable 
of being powered by such an adaptive EPS are represented by these 
mobile phones, tablets and laptops. For these reasons, petitioners 
asserted, USB-PD EPSs are highly likely to only output power at less 
than 10W at an output voltage of 5 volts.
    After reviewing the data provided by the petitioners, DOE concluded 
that when using a USB-PD EPS to charge an end-use product at the lowest 
voltage level of 5 volts, the product would rarely draw more than 2 
amps of current at 5 volts (i.e., a power draw of more than 10W). 
Nonetheless, for a USB-PD EPS with a nameplate output current of 3 
amps, the current DOE test procedure would require that the EPS's 
efficiency be measured at a current of 3 amps at the lowest voltage 
condition of 5 volts (i.e., a power draw of 15W). As a result, the 
efficiency of that EPS, when evaluated at that higher power draw (15W 
v. 10W), would result in a measurement that is unrepresentative of the 
actual energy consumption characteristics of the USB-PD EPS being 
tested. 83 FR 11738, 11739.
    For USB-PD EPSs, DOE prescribed an alternate test procedure to 
measure their energy efficiency. Specifically, USB-PD EPSs covered by 
the referenced waivers must be tested such that when testing at the 
lowest achievable output voltage (i.e., 5 volts), the output current 
shall be 2 amps (corresponding to an output power of 10W) at the 100% 
loading condition. The 75%, 50%, and 25% loading conditions are scaled 
accordingly under this alternate procedure (i.e., 1.5 amps, 1 amp, and 
0.5 amps, respectively). When tested in this manner, the resulting 
power draws are 10W, 7.5W, 5W, and 2.5W; this is in contrast to the 
existing test procedure at Appendix Z, which would require power draws 
of 15W, 11.25W, 7.5W, and 3.75W, respectively. 83 FR 11738, 11739-
11740. The average active mode efficiency equals the average of the 
efficiencies when tested at each of the four loading conditions. In 
addition, for such EPSs, the alternate procedure prescribes that the 
nameplate output power at the lowest output voltage shall be considered 
to be 10W at each USB-PD port, such that the appropriate energy 
conservation standards would apply. Id.
    DOE notes that with any waiver it grants, it must also, as soon as 
practicable, publish a NOPR in the Federal Register to amend its 
regulations to eliminate any need for the continuation of such waiver 
followed by the publication of a final rule. 10 CFR 430.27(l) 
Accordingly, DOE is reviewing the issues presented in the waivers 
granted to Apple, Microsoft, Poin2, Bitland, and Huawei and proposing 
to adopt the alternate test procedure specified in those waivers when 
testing USB-PD EPSs. If DOE publishes a final rule that amends the test 
procedure to address the issues presented in these waivers, the waivers 
will automatically terminate on the date on which use of that test 
procedure is required to demonstrate compliance. 10 CFR 430.27(h)(2)
    When DOE finalized the current testing requirements for adaptive 
EPSs in the August 2015 final rule, the IEC 62680-1-2 standard had not 
yet been published.\13\ As DOE explained in the August 2015 final rule, 
adaptive EPSs are unique among EPSs because of their ability to operate 
at one power level when communicating with certain consumer products 
but an inability to reach a similar operating point when used with 
other consumer products lacking the ability to communicate. 80 FR 
51424, 51432. The EPS test procedure was designed to capture the 
efficiencies at the various output conditions in which an adaptive EPS 
would operate. This is achieved by conducting the test twice at each 
loading condition--once at the highest achievable output voltage that 
is utilized while communicating with a load, and once at the lowest 
achievable output voltage utilized during load communication. Due to 
the nature of EPS design, the points in between the highest and lowest 
output voltage would be no less efficient than either extreme. Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ The first version of IEC 62680-1-2 was published in 
November 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since publishing the August 2015 final rule, DOE has reviewed 
existing and legacy USB specifications as well as existing products 
with USB output ports. While the legacy USB specifications (USB 2.0, 
USBBC 1.2) published prior to March 2016 limit the current output to 
1.5 amps, several consumer devices on the market today operate with USB 
EPSs with nameplate output currents of 2.0 amps or 2.4 amps at 
nameplate output voltages of 5 volts. These EPSs, operating at power 
ratings higher than those specified in legacy

[[Page 67113]]

USB specifications, were the industry's response to consumer demand for 
faster charging in mobile devices and greater utility of USB chargers 
at a rate that outpaced the original USB specifications.
    Based on this review of USB products on the market and the recent 
waiver requests from industry for USB-PD EPSs, limiting the current 
draw at the 100% loading condition to 2 amps when testing at the lowest 
nameplate output voltage would ensure that testing is performed in a 
manner that is representative of typical use. 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)
    Accordingly, DOE is proposing to add definitions for USB-PD EPSs 
and the physical USB Type-C connector that supports it in section 3 of 
Appendix Z to reflect the voltage and current requirements specified in 
IEC 62680-1-2. In particular, DOE proposes to define the term USB Power 
Delivery (``USB-PD'') EPS to mean ``an adaptive EPS that utilizes a USB 
Type-C output port and uses a digital protocol to communicate between 
the EPS and the end-user product to automatically switch between an 
output voltage of 5 volts and one or more of the following voltages: 9 
volts, 15 volts, or 20 volts. The USB-PD output bus must be capable of 
delivering 3 amps at an output voltage of 5 volts, and the voltages and 
currents must not exceed any of the following values for the supported 
voltages: 3 amps at 9 volts; 3 amps at 15 volts, and; 5 amps at 20 
volts''. DOE additionally proposes to define the term USB Type-C as 
``the reversible 24-pin physical USB connector system that supports 
USB-PD and allows for the transmission of data and power between 
compatible USB products.''
    Alternatively, DOE is also considering referencing IEC 62680-1-2 in 
the proposed USB-PD EPS and USB Type-C definitions. With this approach, 
the definitions would either reference the entire standard, or 
individual pertinent sections.
    DOE requests comment on its proposed definitions for USB-PD EPSs, 
and whether it accurately captures the specifications required to 
distinguish a USB-PD device from other adaptive EPSs. Similarly, DOE 
requests comments on its proposed definition for the USB Type-C 
connector and whether it accurately captures the specifications 
required to distinguish it from other physical port designs that can 
support adaptive external power supplies. DOE also requests comment on 
its alternate suggestion for defining a USB-PD EPS by referencing the 
IEC 62680-1-2 standard, either in its entirety or individual pertinent 
sections. For the latter, DOE seeks feedback on which individual 
sections of IEC 62680-1-2 would be pertinent in distinguishing a USB-PD 
device from other adaptive EPSs. If neither DOE's proposed definition 
nor the alternate suggestion is appropriate, DOE requests comment on 
the appropriate specification to reference as well as the reasons for 
it.
    Additionally, DOE is proposing to require that USB-PD EPSs be 
tested at the lowest nameplate output voltage (i.e., 5 volts as 
prescribed for these EPSs) at 2 amps for the 100% loading condition. 
The remaining loading points of 75%, 50% and 25% would be scaled down 
from this 2-amp maximum current value to 1.5 amps, 1 amp, and 0.5 amps, 
respectively. These requirements would be specified in new paragraphs 
6(a)(1)(iii)(B) and 6(b)(1)(iii)(B) of Appendix Z for single-voltage 
and multiple-voltage adaptive EPSs, respectively. The average active-
mode efficiency of any unit under test (``UUT'') would still be 
represented as the arithmetic average of the active-mode efficiencies 
at the four loading conditions. The loading conditions at the highest 
nameplate output voltage would be unaffected by this proposal.
    While the existing testing requirements for adaptive EPSs are 
specified in paragraph 4(a)(i)(E) in Appendix Z, DOE is proposing to 
remove this paragraph and add a new section 6 in Appendix Z that would 
specify the testing requirements for all adaptive EPSs. The proposed 
requirement for single-voltage adaptive EPSs that meet the IEC 62680-1-
2 specification would be specified in a new paragraph 6(a)(1)(iii)(B) 
of Appendix Z, and those for multiple-voltage adaptive EPSs would be 
specified in a new paragraph 6(b)(1)(iii)(B).
    DOE requests comment on its proposed amendments for USB-PD EPS and 
is particularly interested in whether the 2-amp limit is appropriate to 
use for the maximum current at the lowest nameplate output voltage for 
these products.
    In addition to proposing testing requirements for USB-PD EPSs, DOE 
is also proposing to amend the related certification requirements for 
these products. The current certification requirements for adaptive 
EPSs at 10 CFR 429.37(b)(2)(iii) require reporting the nameplate output 
power in W at the highest and lowest nameplate output voltages, among 
other reported values. Section 2 of Appendix Z defines nameplate output 
power as the power output as specified on the manufacturer's label on 
the power supply housing or, if absent from the housing, as specified 
in documentation provided by the manufacturer. Under the current test 
procedure, for a USB-PD EPS, the nameplate output power at the lowest 
nameplate voltage of 5 volts would be 15W. However, since DOE is 
proposing that these EPSs be tested at a maximum output current of 2 
amps, corresponding to an output power of 10W, DOE is proposing that 
such EPSs would be certified at 10W as well. Accordingly, DOE is 
proposing to amend the definition of nameplate output power in Appendix 
Z to explicitly state that for USB-PD ports, nameplate output power is 
10W at the 5 volt level and as specified on the manufacturer's label or 
documentation at the highest voltage.
    For example, a USB-PD EPS that is rated at 5 volts, 3 amps at the 
lowest nameplate output voltage and 9 volts, 1.5 amps at the highest 
nameplate output voltage, would be tested at 5 volts, 2 amps (i.e., 
10W) at the lowest nameplate output voltage and 9 volts, 1.5 amps 
(i.e., 13.5W) at the highest nameplate output voltage, based on the 
proposed amendments. Under the proposed approach, the tested device 
would be certified at 10W and 13.5W at the lowest and highest nameplate 
output powers, respectively.
    DOE is also proposing corresponding amendments to the certification 
requirements for single-voltage adaptive EPSs in 10 CFR 
429.37(b)(2)(iii). Specifically, DOE is proposing that for all USB-PD 
EPSs, all of the required reported values must be provided, but with 
the loading conditions at the lowest operating voltage scaled such that 
the output current at the 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% loading conditions 
would be set at 2 amps, 1.5 amps, 1 amp and 0.5 amps, respectively.

C. EPS Configurations

    DOE's test procedure for EPSs account for the different 
configurations that these devices can have. Because a given EPS's 
configuration is tied to its capabilities, DOE's procedure attempts to 
address these design aspects when evaluating the energy efficiency of a 
given EPS. The various issues encountered by DOE regarding the testing 
of EPSs with different design configurations follow.
1. Single-Voltage EPSs With Multiple Output Busses
    Stakeholders raised questions regarding how to load an EPS that is 
able to convert to only one output voltage at a time and has multiple 
output busses (i.e., a single-voltage EPS with multiple output busses). 
A single-voltage EPS with multiple output busses

[[Page 67114]]

is a single-voltage EPS and must be tested according to section 3.a of 
Appendix Z with measurements taken as specified in section 4.a of 
Appendix Z. DOE previously explained during a November 21, 2014, public 
meeting to discuss the EPS test procedure (``November 2014 public 
meeting'') that these single-voltage EPSs are to be tested at the same 
loading conditions as conventional single-voltage EPSs, using multiple 
loads across the busses to draw the complete nameplate output current 
from the EPS itself. (Docket No. EERE-2014-BT-TP-0043, DOE Public 
Meeting Transcript, No. 9, p. 43) At the time of the November 2014 
public meeting, single-voltage EPSs with multiple output busses had 
limited availability in the marketplace, and the more explicit 
direction discussed during the November 2014 public meeting was not 
included in the regulatory text.
    DOE recognizes, however, that since the publication of the August 
2015 final rule, rapid innovation has led to single-voltage EPSs with 
multiple output busses becoming much more prevalent on the market, 
making it appropriate now to include more explicit directions for these 
EPSs. Therefore, DOE proposes to add regulatory text providing that any 
EPS that outputs the same voltage across multiple output busses must be 
tested in a configuration such that all busses are simultaneously 
loaded to their maximum output at the 100% loading condition, utilizing 
the proportional allocation method where necessary. This proposed 
amendment, which would be made at paragraph 5(a)(1)(iv) of Appendix Z, 
would require that each output be appropriately scaled for testing the 
75%, 50%, and 25% loading conditions. DOE is also proposing to apply 
the same approach to adaptive EPSs that have multiple output busses 
that are capable of outputting the same voltage simultaneously. 
Accordingly, DOE is proposing to include this requirement in paragraph 
6(a)(1)(iv) of Appendix Z.
    This approach addresses two possible scenarios when testing single-
voltage EPSs with multiple output busses. First, an EPS may list one 
nameplate output current that corresponds to the sum of the maximum 
current that can be drawn from all ports. As one example, consider an 
EPS with three ports, each of which can support the same maximum output 
current of 0.5 amps, with a total nameplate output current of 1.5 amps. 
Each port would be loaded to 0.5 amps at 100% load (for a total current 
load of 1.5 amps). Each load would then be scaled down as necessary to 
test at all the remaining loading conditions (i.e., each port would be 
loaded to 0.375 amps at 75% load; 0.25 amps at 50% load; and 0.125 amps 
at 25% load). As another example, consider an EPS with three ports, in 
which one port can support a maximum current of 1 amp and the two 
remaining ports each supporting a maximum current of 0.5 amps--yielding 
a total nameplate output current of 2.0 amps for the EPS. In such a 
scenario, all three ports would be loaded simultaneously to 1.0/0.5/0.5 
amps, respectively, at the 100% loading condition (for a total current 
load of 2.0 amps). Each load would then be scaled down as necessary to 
test all remaining loading conditions (i.e., the ports would be loaded 
at 0.75/0.375/0.375 amps at 75% load; 0.5/0.25/0.25 amps at 50% load; 
and 0.25/0.125/0.125 amps at 25% load).
    The second possible scenario involves a single-voltage EPS with 
multiple output busses for which the total nameplate output current is 
less than the sum of the maximum current that can be drawn from each of 
the individual ports. In this scenario, the load at each port would be 
appropriately scaled down using the proportional allocation method. For 
example, consider an EPS with three ports, each of which can support 
the same maximum output current of 0.5 amps, with a total nameplate 
output current of 1.2 amps. At the 100% loading condition, each port 
could not be loaded to 0.5 amps, because the total current (1.5 amps) 
would exceed the EPS's total nameplate output current of 1.2 amps. In 
this scenario, the load would be appropriately scaled down using the 
proportional allocation method, such that each port would be loaded to 
0.4 amps at 100% load (for a total current load of 1.2 amps). Each load 
would then be further scaled down as necessary to test at all the 
remaining loading conditions (i.e., each port would be loaded to 0.3 
amps at 75% load; 0.2 amps at 50% load; and 0.1 amps at 25% load).
    The additional detail described in this section for testing single-
voltage EPSs with multiple output busses is being proposed to reflect 
current industry practice. DOE requests comment on these proposed 
provisions.
2. Multiple-Voltage Adaptive EPSs
    Stakeholders have also inquired about how to test adaptive EPSs 
that operate as multiple-voltage EPSs. The definition of multiple-
voltage EPS, as well as the new proposed definition of adaptive EPS, 
both apply to a multiple-voltage EPS with multiple output busses in 
which one or more of the busses are adaptive. Currently, section 
4(a)(i)(E) of Appendix Z requires testing adaptive EPSs twice--once at 
the highest nameplate output voltage and once at the lowest nameplate 
output voltage. At each output voltage, adaptive EPSs are tested at the 
four loading conditions specified in Table 1 of Appendix Z (100%, 75%, 
50%, and 25%). Separately, section 4(b)(i)(B) of Appendix Z requires 
testing multiple-voltage EPSs at four loading conditions (100%, 75%, 
50%, and 25%) derated according to the proportional allocation method, 
with all busses loaded and tested simultaneously. Taking these two 
testing requirements into account, adaptive EPSs that operate as 
multiple-voltage EPSs are required to be tested once at the highest 
nameplate output voltage and once at the lowest nameplate output 
voltage, and for each test, all available busses must be loaded and 
derated according to the proportional allocation method. DOE also notes 
that such EPSs are subject to the multiple-voltage EPS standards.
    To more explicitly address testing and certifying adaptive EPSs 
that operate as multiple-voltage EPSs, DOE is proposing to add new 
sections 6(a) and 6(b) to Appendix Z, to explicitly address single-
voltage adaptive EPSs and multiple-voltage adaptive EPSs, respectively. 
The proposed requirements for testing both single-voltage and multiple-
voltage adaptive EPSs are similar to the requirements for testing all 
other single-voltage and multiple-voltage EPSs, and would include the 
exception regarding USB-PD EPSs when testing at the lowest nameplate 
output voltage, as discussed previously in section III.B. DOE is also 
proposing to amend the certification requirements for switch-selectable 
and adaptive EPSs at 10 CFR 429.37(b)(2)(ii) and (b)(2)(iii) to clarify 
that the requirements apply to both single-voltage as well as multiple-
voltage switch-selectable and adaptive EPSs, respectively.
    DOE has also identified EPSs with multiple USB output ports at 5 
volts and one or more adaptive outputs with a default voltage of 5 
volts, but whose output voltage varies according to the demand of the 
product connected to that port. Under the default operating condition, 
the EPS operates as a single-voltage EPS because it outputs only one 
voltage to all available ports. However, in a different operating 
condition, the adaptive output may provide a higher voltage while the 
other outputs remain at 5 volts. In this condition, the EPS operates as 
a multiple-voltage EPS because it is providing more than one output 
voltage simultaneously. For such a product, the definition of single-
voltage EPS would not apply because

[[Page 67115]]

the product is able to convert to different output voltages at a time, 
whereas a single-voltage EPS is able to convert to only one AC or DC 
output voltage at a time (emphasis added). See Section 2 of Appendix Z. 
Instead, the definition of multiple-voltage EPS would apply to such a 
product. Id. DOE's proposed addition of a new definition of adaptive 
EPS would also apply.
    With these proposed amendments, an EPS that has both adaptive and 
non-adaptive output busses would be considered a multiple-voltage 
adaptive EPS and would be tested under the newly proposed section 6(b) 
of Appendix Z. Both the adaptive and non-adaptive ports would be tested 
twice--first with the adaptive port at the highest nameplate output 
voltage and the non-adaptive ports at their fixed voltage; and again 
with the adaptive port at the lowest nameplate output voltage and the 
non-adaptive ports remaining at their fixed voltage. At each of the two 
test voltages, the proportional allocation method can continue to be 
used to derate the loading conditions where necessary. As proposed, 
this testing approach for EPSs with both adaptive and non-adaptive 
ports would be made explicit in the newly proposed section 
6(b)(1)(iii)(F) of Appendix Z. DOE does not intend for this proposal to 
change the existing testing requirements for this type of EPS, but 
rather intends for these amendments to provide additional detail and 
more specific instruction for this type of EPS, consistent with how 
such EPSs are currently tested and rated. Consequently, this amendment 
would not require re-testing or re-rating of any existing EPSs with 
both adaptive and non-adaptive ports.
    DOE requests comment on all proposed updates related to adaptive 
EPSs that operate as multiple-voltage EPSs.
3. EPSs With Other Major Functions
    DOE received questions about whether non-EPS-related functions are 
permitted to be disconnected during testing for products with USB 
ports. The existing test procedure at Appendix Z in 10 CFR 430, Subpart 
B specifies that EPSs must be tested in their final completed 
configuration. For example, the efficiency of a bare circuit board 
power supply (i.e., a power supply without its housing or DC output 
cord) may not be used to characterize the efficiency of the final 
product. DOE recognizes that the requirement to test an EPS in its 
final completed configuration may result in measuring the energy use of 
more than just an EPS (the covered product) where the EPS is a 
component of a product that serves one or more other major functions in 
addition to serving as an EPS. Accordingly, DOE proposes to amend the 
current requirement by specifying that components and circuits 
unrelated to the EPS functionality may be disconnected during testing 
as long as that disconnection does not impact the functionality of the 
EPS itself. For example, a surge protector with USB output ports may be 
tested with the surge protector circuit disconnected if it is distinct 
from the USB circuit and does not impact the EPS's functionality (i.e., 
the circuit from household AC input to the USB output). This proposed 
change, if adopted, would appear in section 4(i) of Appendix Z and 
apply to single-voltage, multiple-voltage, and adaptive EPSs.
    DOE requests comment on the proposed update to the test procedure 
regarding the disconnecting of functions unrelated to the EPS.

D. Industry Standards Incorporated by Reference

    The current test procedure for EPSs incorporates by reference the 
entire IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0 industry standard. However, only a few 
specific sections of the standard are referenced in the test procedure. 
Therefore, DOE proposes to add a new section 1--``Incorporation by 
Reference''--in Appendix Z to reference only those sections that are 
used in the EPS test procedure. Further, in incorporating IEC 62301 Ed. 
2.0 by reference in section 1 of Appendix Z, DOE also proposes to 
identify this industry standard as ``IEC 62301-Z'' to indicate that the 
reference applies exclusively to Appendix Z. This is consistent with 
the nomenclatures used with other DOE test procedures that also 
incorporate by reference sections of IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0. Finally, in 
places where a current reference to IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0 restates the 
requirement from that standard, DOE proposes removing those redundant 
references to the standard.
    DOE requests comment on its proposal to add in Appendix Z a new 
section 1 titled, ``Incorporation by Reference,'' in Appendix Z that 
would incorporate only those sections of IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0 that are 
referenced in the EPS test procedure at Appendix Z.

E. Other Proposed Amendments

    DOE is proposing additional revisions throughout Appendix Z to 
remove no longer relevant definitions, centralize the remaining 
definitions, consolidate generally applicable requirements, and improve 
the delineation of requirements for single-voltage, multiple-voltage, 
and adaptive EPSs. This proposal is intended solely to improve the 
readability of the test procedure by presenting the procedure in an 
easy-to-understand format without resulting in substantive changes.
1. Removing Redundant Definitions
    DOE proposes to remove certain definitions in Appendix Z that had 
been carried over from previous revisions of the test procedure but are 
no longer referenced in either the current or the proposed test 
procedure. This proposal would ensure that only definitions relevant to 
the test procedure remain in Appendix Z. Specifically, DOE proposes to 
remove the definitions of ``apparent power'', ``instantaneous power'', 
``nameplate input frequency'', ``nameplate input voltage'', and ``true 
power factor''.
    DOE requests comment on its proposal to remove these definitions, 
and whether the removal of these definitions would negatively impact 
manufacturers' ability to make representations about the efficiency of 
their products to other agencies.
2. Location of EPS Definitions
    DOE proposes to move all EPS-related terms that are currently 
defined in 10 CFR 430.2 to the EPS test procedure at Appendix Z. This 
proposal would ensure that all EPS-specific definitions are in one 
place and allow users of the test procedure to review these definitions 
at once without having to navigate between multiple areas of the CFR. 
Specifically, DOE proposes to move from 10 CFR 430.2 to Appendix Z the 
definitions of ``adaptive external power supply'', ``basic-voltage 
external power supply'', ``direct operation external power supply'', 
``indirect operation external power supply'', and ``low-voltage 
external power supply''. DOE is not proposing to amend the substance of 
these definitions.
    The definition of ``external power supply'' will remain in 10 CFR 
430.2, but DOE proposes to add a sentence to the definition directing 
the reader to Appendix Z for other EPS-related definitions. This will 
ensure that even though the EPS-related definitions are specified in 
the test procedure, they would apply throughout 10 CFR part 430, 
including 10 CFR 430.32. For the definition of ``Class A external power 
supply'', which is statutorily defined in EPCA, DOE proposes to add it 
to the EPS test procedure at Appendix Z but also retain it at 10 CFR 
430.2, where it currently exists.
    Additionally, DOE proposes to modify the definition of ``average 
active-mode efficiency'' in Appendix Z to explicitly

[[Page 67116]]

state that the average active-mode efficiency is the average of the 
active mode efficiencies at the loading conditions for which an EPS can 
sustain the output current--not the average of the loading conditions. 
This term would be defined as ``the average of the active mode 
efficiencies at the loading conditions (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the 
unit under test's nameplate output current) for which that unit can 
sustain the output current.'' This proposal would not change the 
meaning of the definition; rather it would improve the readability of 
the test procedure.
3. Consolidating Duplicative Test Requirements
    Section 3 of Appendix Z currently includes two subsections that 
specify the test apparatus and general instructions--one subsection 
specifies the requirements for single-voltage EPSs, and the other 
specifies the requirements for multiple-voltage EPSs. The requirements 
in these two subsections are largely the same. DOE proposes to combine 
these requirements and remove the separate subsections for single-
voltage and multiple-voltage EPSs in order to provide a single, unified 
section for the test apparatus provisions and general instructions. 
Under this proposed change, the requirements would largely remain the 
same, but would appear in a single subsection that would apply to both 
single-voltage and multiple-voltage EPSs.
    DOE also proposes consolidating the requirements regarding the 
required test load from sections 4(a)(i)(F) and 4(b)(i)(D) into a new 
subsection 4(f) of Appendix Z, since this requirement would remain the 
same across all EPSs. Similarly, DOE proposes to consolidate the 
requirements regarding how to attach power metering equipment from 
sections 4(a)(i)(A) and 4(b) into a new subsection 4(g) of Appendix Z.
4. Harmonizing Instructions for Single-Voltage and Multiple-Voltage 
EPSs
    DOE proposes amending sections 4(a) and 4(b) of Appendix Z. These 
sections provide testing requirements for single-voltage and multiple-
voltage EPSs, respectively, and DOE's proposal would harmonize these 
requirements. Applying both a similar structure and common set of 
instructions to these sections would improve the procedure's 
readability and reduce the likelihood of procedural errors during 
testing. These proposed updates would retain the current testing 
requirements.
5. Unsustainable Loading Provisions
    Section 4(a)(i)(C)2 of Appendix Z currently specifies for single-
voltage EPSs that if the EPS cannot sustain output at one or more of 
the loading conditions prescribed by the procedure (i.e., 25%, 50%, 
75%, and 100%), then it must be tested only at the loading conditions 
for which it can sustain output, and the average active-mode efficiency 
is calculated as the average of the loading conditions for which it can 
sustain the output. DOE proposes to clarify this existing requirement 
to state that of the outputs that are sustainable, the EPS must be 
tested at the loading conditions that allow for the maximum output 
power on that bus (that is, the highest output current possible at the 
highest output voltage).
    Further, DOE proposes to reorganize this provision of the test 
procedure pertaining to unsustainable loading conditions by moving the 
part of this instruction related to the efficiency calculation to a 
newly designated section 5(a)(1)(vi), which would specify the 
requirements for calculating the tested EPS's efficiency. DOE also 
proposes to replicate the same requirements in the newly designated 
sections 5(b)(1)(vi), 6(a)(1)(vi), and 6(b)(1)(vi) for multiple-
voltage, single-voltage adaptive, and multiple-voltage adaptive EPSs, 
respectively.
6. Correcting Table References
    DOE proposes revising the current section 4(b)(i) of Appendix Z to 
correct a reference error. This section would be revised to refer to 
``Table 2'' rather than ``Table 1,'' as currently referenced.
    In light of the proposed restructuring of the test procedure, the 
proposed regulatory text presented in this document includes the entire 
EPS test procedure appendix language, including language that is not 
being changed from the existing requirements. Presenting the regulatory 
text in its entirety will assist stakeholders when reviewing the extent 
of the changes that DOE is proposing to make. DOE requests comment on 
all of the proposed changes related to the EPS test procedure raised in 
the preceding discussion in Section III.E.

F. Test Procedure Costs, Harmonization, and Other Topics

1. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
    EPCA requires that test procedures proposed by DOE not be unduly 
burdensome to conduct. As discussed in the previous sections, DOE 
proposes to amend the existing test procedure for EPSs by: (1) 
Providing additional detail reflective of its current application; (2) 
adding revisions to address adaptive EPSs to reflect current industry 
testing standards and provide more representative results; and (3) 
adding detail to address the distinction between different types of 
EPSs with multiple ports. This document also proposes minor amendments 
to consolidate duplicative testing requirements, harmonized testing 
requirements for single-voltage and multiple-voltage EPSs, and improved 
organization of the test provisions regarding unsustainable loading 
conditions. DOE has tentatively determined that these proposed 
amendments would not be unduly burdensome for manufacturers to conduct.
    DOE's analysis of this proposal indicates that, if finalized, it 
would not result in any additional costs or cost savings to 
manufacturers.
    Further discussion of the cost impacts of the proposed test 
procedure amendments are presented in the following paragraphs.
    If adopted, the proposed amendments would provide updates and 
supplemental details for how to conduct the test procedure and would 
neither increase complexity to test conditions/setup nor add new test 
steps. For example, the proposal would add references to specific 
sections of industry standards to provide precise direction to test 
technicians when conducting the test procedure. Consistent with 
industry inquiries and requests, DOE is proposing to revise or add 
definitions and test conditions to provide more specific direction. 
Further, DOE reorganized content and aligned terminology among relevant 
sections of the CFR to improve readability and provide clarity in the 
specifications referred to throughout the sampling requirements, test 
procedure, and applicable energy conservation standards. DOE does not 
anticipate that the amendments proposed in this NOPR would impact test 
costs.
    DOE is also proposing to codify characteristics that can be used to 
differentiate between EPSs used to operate consumer products and power 
supplies that are used to operate non-consumer products (i.e., 
industrial/commercial equipment), the latter of which are not subject 
to the test procedure. These proposed updates clarify which power 
supplies are excluded as non-consumer EPSs and would not fall within 
the scope of the test procedure. As such, these amendments, if made 
final, would not affect the testing burden faced by manufacturers when 
evaluating the efficiency of those products covered by the procedure.

[[Page 67117]]

    With respect to USB-PD EPSs, DOE is proposing amendments based on 
the previously-mentioned petition for waiver filed by ITI on behalf of 
petitioners Apple, Microsoft, Poin2, and Bitland. In conjunction with 
this proposed change, because EPSs are required to be tested at their 
nameplate output power, DOE is proposing to amend the definition of 
``nameplate output power'' to provide an exception for USB-PD EPSs, 
which would be tested at 10W at the lowest voltage instead of at their 
maximum capability at that voltage. The proposal would change the 
operating point at which testing is performed, but would not require 
any additional tests than are already required under the current test 
procedure. Hence, manufacturers would not incur any additional costs 
compared to the existing test procedure. Further, DOE is proposing to 
add further specification to the testing requirements for adaptive EPSs 
that also operate as multiple-voltage EPSs. The testing requirements 
for such EPSs would not change under this proposal. Accordingly, DOE 
does not anticipate that its proposal will result in any additional 
costs compared to the current test procedure.
    DOE is also proposing to provide more explicit instructions for 
testing single-voltage EPSs that have multiple output busses. For such 
EPSs, DOE's proposal would not change the existing testing 
requirements. Instead, the proposal would improve the readability of 
the existing requirements. If finalized, these proposed amendments 
would provide supplemental detail but would not require manufacturers 
to test EPSs any differently and would result in no change in the 
associated testing cost compared to the current test procedure.
    DOE also proposes to reorganize the test procedure to centralize 
the EPS-related definitions and relevant, general requirements, and 
better delineate the specific requirements for single-voltage, 
multiple-voltage, and adaptive EPSs. This proposed reorganization, like 
the amendments described earlier, are intended to improve the 
readability of the test procedure while avoiding any substantive 
changes; therefore, there would be no change in the associated testing 
cost compared to the current test procedure.
    DOE has preliminarily concluded that the proposed amendments, if 
made final, would not impact the scope of the test procedure (i.e., the 
proposal would not require manufacturers to test EPSs that are not 
already required to be tested) and would not alter the measured energy 
efficiency of EPSs under either the current test procedure or alternate 
test procedure required under currently active test procedure waivers. 
For adaptive EPSs that meet the IEC 62680-1-2 specification, the 
proposed approach is the same one required under the granted waivers. 
See 83 FR 11738 (initial Decision & Order on joint waiver request from 
Apple, et al.), 83 FR 25448 (Decision & Order on waiver request 
Huawei), 83 FR 50905 (first waiver extension for Apple), and 83 FR 
60830 (second waiver extension for Apple). DOE has received no other 
petitions for waiver regarding adaptive EPSs that meet the IEC 62680-1-
2 specification. Accordingly, on the basis of currently available data, 
DOE has preliminarily concluded that the proposed amendments would not 
alter the measured energy efficiency for such adaptive EPSs. 
Manufacturers would be able to continue to rely on data generated under 
the current test procedure, including any alternate test procedure 
permitted by DOE under a manufacturer-specific decision and order, 
should any of the proposed amendments be finalized.
    DOE requests comment on its understanding of the impact of the 
proposals presented in this document in relation to the test burden and 
costs of the current test procedure.
2. Harmonization With Industry Standards
    Appendix Z of 10 CFR part 430, subpart B incorporates by reference 
certain provisions of IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0. These provisions contain 
specifications for testing equipment and methods for measuring power 
consumption. DOE proposes to specify in section 1 of Appendix Z the 
relevant sections of IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0 that are referenced in Appendix 
Z. DOE requests comments on the benefits and burdens of the proposed 
updates to the industry standard referenced in the test procedure for 
EPSs.
    DOE seeks comment on the degree to which the DOE test procedure 
should consider, and be harmonized further with, the most recent 
relevant industry standards for EPSs and whether there are any changes 
to the Federal test method that would provide additional benefits to 
the public. DOE also requests comment on the benefits and burdens of 
adopting any industry/voluntary consensus-based or other appropriate 
test procedure, without modification.
3. Other Test Procedure Topics
    In addition to the issues identified earlier, DOE welcomes comment 
on any other aspect of the existing test procedure for EPSs not already 
addressed by the specific areas identified in this document. DOE 
particularly seeks information that would improve the ability of the 
test procedure to measure the energy efficiency/use of an EPS during a 
representative average use cycle or period of use. Comments regarding 
repeatability and reproducibility are also welcome.
    DOE also requests information that would help DOE create procedures 
that would limit manufacturer test burden through streamlining or 
simplifying testing requirements. In particular, DOE notes that under 
Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs,'' Executive Branch agencies such as DOE must manage the costs 
associated with the imposition of expenditures required to comply with 
Federal regulations. 82 FR 9339 (February 3, 2017). Consistent with 
that Executive Order, DOE encourages the public to provide input on 
measures DOE could take to lower the cost of its regulations applicable 
to EPSs consistent with the requirements of EPCA.

G. Compliance Date and Waivers

    EPCA prescribes that all representations of energy efficiency and 
energy use, including those made on marketing materials and product 
labels, must be made in accordance with an amended test procedure, 
beginning 180 days after publication of such a test procedure final 
rule in the Federal Register. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2)) If DOE were to 
publish an amended test procedure EPCA provides an allowance for 
individual manufacturers to petition DOE for an extension of the 180-
day period if the manufacturer may experience undue hardship in meeting 
the deadline. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(3)) To receive such an extension, 
petitions must be filed with DOE no later than 60 days before the end 
of the 180-day period and must detail how the manufacturer will 
experience undue hardship. (Id.)
    Should DOE amend the test procedure to address the issues presented 
in a waiver, the waiver would automatically terminate on the date on 
which use of that test procedure is required to demonstrate compliance. 
10 CFR 430.27(h)(2). Recipients of any such waivers would be required 
to test those products that were subject to the waiver according to the 
amended test procedure as of the effective date of the amended test 
procedure. Some of the amendments proposed in this document would 
pertain to issues addressed by the waivers granted to Apple, Microsoft, 
Poin2, Bitland, and Huawei for testing

[[Page 67118]]

USB-PD EPSs (Case Nos. EPS-001, EPS-002, EPS-003, and EPS-004).

IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review

A. Review Under Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') 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 (October 4, 1993). Accordingly, this 
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (``OIRA'') in OMB.

B. Review Under Executive Orders 13771 and 13777

    On January 30, 2017, the President issued Executive Order 
(``E.O.'') 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory 
Costs.'' E.O. 13771 stated the policy of the executive branch is to be 
prudent and financially responsible in the expenditure of funds, from 
both public and private sources. E.O. 13771 stated it is essential to 
manage the costs associated with the governmental imposition of private 
expenditures required to comply with Federal regulations.
    Additionally, on February 24, 2017, the President issued E.O. 
13777, ``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda.'' E.O. 13777 required 
the head of each agency to designate an agency official as its 
Regulatory Reform Officer (``RRO''). Each RRO oversees the 
implementation of regulatory reform initiatives and policies to ensure 
that agencies effectively carry out regulatory reforms, consistent with 
applicable law. Further, E.O. 13777 requires the establishment of a 
regulatory task force at each agency. The regulatory task force is 
required to make recommendations to the agency head regarding the 
repeal, replacement, or modification of existing regulations, 
consistent with applicable law. At a minimum, each regulatory reform 
task force must attempt to identify regulations that:
    (i) Eliminate jobs, or inhibit job creation;
    (ii) Are outdated, unnecessary, or ineffective;
    (iii) Impose costs that exceed benefits;
    (iv) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with 
regulatory reform initiatives and policies;
    (v) Are inconsistent with the requirements of the Information 
Quality Act, or the guidance issued pursuant to that Act, in particular 
those regulations that rely in whole or in part on data, information, 
or methods that are not publicly available or that are insufficiently 
transparent to meet the standard for reproducibility; or
    (vi) Derive from or implement Executive Orders or other 
Presidential directives that have been subsequently rescinded or 
substantially modified.
    DOE initially concludes that this rulemaking is consistent with the 
directives set forth in these executive orders. As described above, DOE 
has preliminarily determined that the proposed rule would not yield any 
costs or cost savings. Therefore, if finalized as proposed, this rule 
is expected to be an E.O. 13771 other action.

C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires 
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (``IRFA'') 
for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless 
the agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
A regulatory flexibility analysis examines the impact of the rule on 
small entities and considers alternative ways of reducing negative 
effects. As required by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration 
of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (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 website: http://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
    DOE reviewed this test procedure NOPR pursuant to the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and the procedures and policies previously discussed. 
DOE has concluded that this rule would not have a significant impact on 
a substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for this 
certification is set forth below. DOE will consider any comments on the 
certification in determining whether to adopt the proposed amendments 
to the test procedure contained in this document.
    For manufacturers of EPSs, the Small Business Administration 
(``SBA'') has set a size threshold, which defines those entities 
classified as ``small businesses'' for the purposes of the statute. DOE 
used the SBA's small business size standards to determine whether any 
small entities would be subject to the requirements of the rule. 13 CFR 
part 121. The size standards are listed by North American Industry 
Classification System (``NAICS'') code and industry description and are 
available at https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards. 
EPS manufacturing is classified under NAICS 335999, ``All Other 
Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing.'' The 
SBA sets a threshold of 500 employees or less for an entity to be 
considered as a small business in this category.
    DOE consulted its CCMS database to determine the total number of 
original device manufacturers (``ODMs'') with manufacturing facilities 
located in the United States that meet the SBA's definition of a 
``small business.'' Due to the wide variety of applications that use 
EPSs, there were numerous EPS manufacturers listed in the CCMS 
database. However, the vast majority of EPS manufacturers are foreign 
companies. Of the few domestic companies listed, all of these companies 
exceed the size threshold defined by SBA and manufactured their EPSs 
abroad. Therefore, as in the 2015 test procedure final rule, DOE has 
determined that there are no small businesses that manufacture EPSs in 
the United States.
    Therefore, DOE concludes that the impacts of the proposed test 
procedure amendments proposed in this NOPR would not have a 
``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities,'' and that the preparation of an IRFA is not warranted. DOE 
will transmit the certification and supporting statement of factual 
basis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b).
    DOE requests comment on its determination that there are no small 
EPS ODMs with manufacturing facilities located in the U.S.

D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Manufacturers of EPSs must certify to DOE that their products 
comply with any applicable energy conservation standards. To certify 
compliance, manufacturers must first obtain test data for their 
products according to the DOE test procedures, including any amendments 
adopted for those test procedures. DOE has established regulations for 
the certification and recordkeeping requirements for all covered 
consumer products and commercial equipment, including EPSs. (10 CFR 
part 429, subpart B.) The collection-of-information requirement for the 
certification and recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by 
OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA''). This requirement has 
been

[[Page 67119]]

approved by OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting 
burden for the certification is estimated to average 35 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.

E. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    In this proposed rule, DOE proposes test procedure amendments that 
it expects will be used to develop and implement future energy 
conservation standards for external power supplies. DOE has determined 
that this proposed 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, DOE has determined that 
adopting test procedures for measuring energy efficiency of consumer 
products and industrial equipment is consistent with activities 
identified in 10 CFR part 1021, Appendix A to Subpart D, A5 and A6. 
Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental 
impact statement is required.

F. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 10, 
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 
proposed rule and has determined that it would not have a substantial 
direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. EPCA governs 
and prescribes Federal preemption of State regulations as to energy 
conservation for the products that are the subject of this proposed 
rule. States can petition DOE 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.

G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (``UMRA'') 
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal 
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the 
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531). 
For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may 
cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one 
year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a 
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the 
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy. 
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to 
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers 
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant 
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving 
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small 
governments before establishing any requirements that might 
significantly or uniquely affect 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 
proposed rule according to UMRA and its statement of policy and 
determined that the rule contains neither an intergovernmental mandate, 
nor a mandate that may result in the expenditure of $100 million or 
more in any year, so these requirements do not apply.

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 proposed 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 proposed regulation 
would not result in any takings that might require compensation under 
the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

J. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation 
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (February 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, 
the proposed rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order 
12988.

K. 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

[[Page 67120]]

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 (February 22, 2002), 
and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (October 7, 2002). 
DOE has reviewed this proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines 
and has concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in 
those guidelines.

L. 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 proposed 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 proposed significant energy action, 
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on 
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, 
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected 
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
    The proposed regulatory action to amend the test procedure for 
measuring the energy efficiency of EPSs 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.

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

    Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act 
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101), DOE must comply with section 32 of the 
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal 
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (15 U.S.C. 788; 
``FEAA'') Section 32 essentially provides in relevant part that, where 
a proposed rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the 
notice of proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and 
background of such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE 
to consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal 
Trade Commission (``FTC'') concerning the impact of the commercial or 
industry standards on competition.
    The proposed modifications to the test procedure for EPSs do not 
incorporate any new industry standards.

N. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference

    In this NOPR, DOE proposes to maintain the current incorporation by 
reference of IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0 in 10 CFR 430.3, and create a new 
section 1 in Appendix Z, titled ``incorporation by reference'', to 
enumerate the specific provisions of the standard that are applicable 
to the EPS test procedure in Appendix Z. While incorporating IEC 62301 
Ed. 2.0 by reference in section 1 of Appendix Z, DOE proposes to 
identify it as ``IEC 62301-Z'' to indicate the provisions of IEC 62301 
that are applicable to Appendix Z. This is consistent with the 
nomenclature used with other DOE test procedures that also incorporate 
by reference sections of IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0. Specifically, section 1 of 
Appendix Z would limit use of the material incorporated by reference to 
the following sections of the IEC 62301:
    (1) IEC 62301, ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of 
standby power,'' Edition 2.0, 2011-01:
     Section 4.4.1, ``Power measurement uncertainty'';
     Section 5.3.3, ``Average reading method'';
     Annex B, ``Notes on the measurement of low power modes''; 
and
     Annex D, ``Determination of uncertainty of measurement''.
    IEC 62301 is an industry-accepted standard for measuring the 
standby power of household electrical appliances. This standard is 
reasonably available and can be obtained from the American National 
Standards Institute at the following addresses:
    American National Standards Institute, 25 W 43rd Street, 4th Floor, 
New York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4936, or by visiting http://webstore.ansi.org.

V. Public Participation

A. Participation in the Webinar

    The time and date of the webinar are listed in the DATES section at 
the beginning of this document. If no participants register for the 
webinar then it will be cancelled. Webinar registration information, 
participant instructions, and information about the capabilities 
available to webinar participants will be published on DOE's website: 
https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/public-meetings-and-comment-deadlines. Participants are responsible for ensuring their systems are 
compatible with the webinar software.
    Additionally, you may request an in-person meeting to be held prior 
to the close of the request period provided in the DATES section of 
this document. Requests for an in-person meeting may be made by 
contacting Appliance and Equipment Standards Program staff at (202) 
287-1445 or by email: [email protected].

B. Submission of Comments

    DOE will accept comments, data and information regarding this 
proposed rule no later than the date provided in the DATES section at 
the beginning of this proposed rule. Interested parties may submit 
comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at 
the beginning of this NOPR.
    Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and 
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE 
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be 
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization 
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your 
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties, 
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your 
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for 
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
    However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you 
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment. 
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not 
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your 
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names, 
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any 
documents submitted with the comments.
    Do not submit to http://www.regulations.gov information for which 
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and 
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as 
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted 
through http://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments 
received through the

[[Page 67121]]

website will waive any CBI claims for the information submitted. For 
information on submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business 
Information section.
    DOE processes submissions made through http://www.regulations.gov 
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of 
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being 
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to 
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that http://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your 
comment.
    Submitting comments via email, hand delivery, or postal mail. 
Comments and documents submitted via email, hand delivery, or postal 
mail also will be posted to http://www.regulations.gov. If you do not 
want your personal contact information to be publicly viewable, do not 
include it in your comment or any accompanying documents. Instead, 
provide your contact information on a cover letter. Include your first 
and last names, email address, telephone number, and optional mailing 
address. The cover letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it 
does not include any comments.
    Include contact information each time you submit comments, data, 
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand 
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not 
necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be 
accepted.
    Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE 
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or 
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that 
are not secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses. 
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of 
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature 
of the author.
    Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the 
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters 
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled 
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting 
time.
    Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: One copy 
of the document marked confidential including all the information 
believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document marked non-
confidential with the information believed to be confidential deleted. 
Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if feasible. DOE will make 
its own determination about the confidential status of the information 
and treat it according to its determination.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

C. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment

    Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE 
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of 
interested parties concerning the following issues:
    1. DOE requests comment on its proposed definition for ``commercial 
and industrial power supply'' to clarify the scope of applicability of 
the EPS test procedure. See section III.A for further detail.
    2. DOE requests comment on its proposed definition for USB-PD EPSs, 
and whether it accurately captures the specifications required to 
distinguish a USB-PD device from other adaptive EPSs. Similarly, DOE 
requests comments on its proposed definition for the USB Type-C 
connector and whether it accurately captures the specifications 
required to distinguish it from other physical port designs that can 
support adaptive external power supplies. DOE also requests comment on 
its alternate suggestion for defining a USB-PD EPS by referencing the 
IEC 62680-1-2 standard, either in its entirety or individual pertinent 
sections. For the latter, DOE seeks feedback on which individual 
sections of IEC 62680-1-2 would be pertinent in distinguishing a USB-PD 
device from other adaptive EPSs. If neither DOE's proposed definition 
nor the alternate suggestion is appropriate, DOE requests comment on 
the appropriate specification to reference as well as the reasons for 
it. See section III.B for further detail.
    3. DOE requests comment on its proposed amendments for USB-PD EPSs; 
and specifically, whether the 2-amp limit is appropriate for the 
maximum current at the lowest nameplate output voltage. If this 
proposed limit is appropriate, please state your reasons why--and if it 
is not appropriate, why not?
    4. DOE seeks comment on its proposal to make more explicit the 
requirements for testing single-voltage EPSs with multiple output 
busses. DOE is specifically interested in feedback on whether there are 
any potential complications with this clarified testing methodology--
and if so, the nature of those complications and possible solutions 
that DOE should consider adopting to address them. See section III.C.1 
for further detail.
    5. DOE requests comment on whether to treat adaptive EPSs that have 
both adaptive and non-adaptive output busses as multiple-voltage 
adaptive EPSs. DOE also requests comment on the proposed testing 
methods for multiple-voltage adaptive EPSs outlined in the proposed 
version of paragraph 6(b)(i)(C)(6) of Appendix Z. See section III.C.2 
for further detail.
    6. DOE requests comment on the proposed update to the test 
procedure in section 4(i) regarding the disconnecting of functions 
unrelated to the EPS.
    7. DOE requests comment on its proposal to add a new section 
``Incorporation by Reference'' in section 1 of Appendix Z to list the 
specific sections of IEC 62301 that are referenced in the EPS test 
procedure at Appendix Z. See section III.C.3 for further detail.
    8. DOE requests comment on its proposal to remove redundant 
definitions that are no longer referenced in either the current or 
proposed test procedure at Appendix Z. See section III.E.1 for further 
detail.
    9. DOE requests comment on its proposal to move all EPS-related 
definitions that are currently specified in 10 CFR 430.2 to the EPS 
test procedure at Appendix Z. See section III.E.2 for further detail.
    10. DOE requests comment on its proposal to consolidate the general 
test requirements for single-voltage and multiple-voltage adaptive and 
non-adaptive EPSs into section 4 of Appendix Z. See section III.E.3 for 
further detail.
    11. DOE requests comment on its proposal to further clarify that if 
an EPS can only sustain one output current at any of the output busses 
it must be tested at the loading condition that allows for the maximum 
output power on that bus. See section III.E.5 for further detail.
    12. DOE requests comment on the accuracy of its understanding of 
the likely impact of its proposal in relation to the test burden and 
costs of the current test procedure. See section III.F.1 for further 
detail.
    13. DOE seeks comment on the degree to which the DOE test procedure 
should consider and be harmonized further

[[Page 67122]]

with the most recent relevant industry standards for EPSs and whether 
there are any additional changes to the Federal test method (not 
already considered as part of this proposal) that DOE should consider 
making that would provide additional benefits to the public. DOE also 
requests comment on the benefits and burdens of adopting any industry/
voluntary consensus-based or other appropriate test procedure, without 
modification. See section III.F.2 for further detail.
    14. DOE requests comment on its current determination that there 
are no small EPS ODMs with manufacturing facilities located in the U.S. 
See section IV.C for further details.
    15. In addition to the issues identified earlier, DOE welcomes 
comment on any other aspect of the existing test procedure for EPSs not 
already addressed by the specific areas identified in this document. 
DOE particularly seeks information that would improve the 
representativeness of the test procedure, as well as information that 
would help DOE create a procedure that would limit manufacturer test 
burden. Comments regarding repeatability and reproducibility are also 
welcome.

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

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

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 429

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, 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.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on November 7, 2019.
Alexander N. Fitzsimmons,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

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

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

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

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

0
2. Section 429.37 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(2)(ii) and 
(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  429.37  External power supplies.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Switch-selectable external power supplies: The average active 
mode efficiency as a percentage (%) value, no-load mode power 
consumption in watts (W) using the lowest and highest selectable output 
voltages, nameplate output power in watts (W), and, if missing from the 
nameplate, the output current in amperes (A).
    (iii) Adaptive external power supplies: The average active-mode 
efficiency as a percentage (%) at the highest and lowest nameplate 
output voltages, no-load mode power consumption in watts (W), nameplate 
output power in watts (W) at the highest and lowest nameplate output 
voltages, and, if missing from the nameplate, the output current in 
amperes (A) at the highest and lowest nameplate output voltages. For 
USB-PD EPSs, as defined in appendix Z of part 430, subpart B of this 
chapter, all of the above values must be provided but with the loading 
conditions at the lowest operating voltage scaled such that the output 
current at the 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% loading conditions are 2A, 1.5A, 
1A and 0.5A, respectively. Accordingly, for USB-PD EPSs, certify each 
adaptive port at 10W at the lowest nameplate output voltage.
* * * * *

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:
0
a. Adding a definition of ``Commercial and industrial power supply'' in 
alphabetical order;
0
b. Removing the definitions of ``Adaptive external power supply 
(EPS)'', ``Basic-voltage external power supply'', ``Direct operation 
external power supply'', ``External power supply design family'', 
``Indirect operation external power supply'', and ``Low-voltage 
external power supply''; and
0
c. Revising the definition of ``External power supply''.
    The addition and revision reads as follows:


Sec.  430.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Commercial and industrial power supply means a power supply that is 
used to convert electric current into DC or lower-voltage AC current, 
is not distributed in commerce for use with a consumer product, and 
includes any of the following characteristics:
    (1) A power supply that require a 3-phase input power and that is 
incapable of operating on household current;
    (2) A DC-DC only power supply that is incapable of operating on 
household current;
    (3) A power supply with a fixed, non-removable connection to an 
end-use device that is not a consumer product as defined under the 
Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (as amended);
    (4) A power supply whose output connector is uniquely shaped to fit 
only an end-use device that is not a consumer product;
    (5) A power supply that cannot be readily connected to an end-use 
device that is a consumer product without significant modification or 
customization of the power supply itself or the end-use device;
    (6) A power supply packaged with an end-use device that is not a 
consumer product, as evidenced by either:
    (i) Such device being certified as, or declared to be in 
conformance with, a specific standard applicable only to non-consumer 
products. For example, a power supply model intended for use with an 
end-use device that is certified to the following standards would not 
meet the EPCA definition of an EPS:
    (A) CISPR 11 (Class A Equipment), ``Industrial, scientific and 
medical equipment--Radio-frequency disturbance--Limits and methods of 
measurement'';
    (B) UL 1480A, ``Standard for Speakers for Commercial and 
Professional Use'';
    (C) UL 813, ``Standard for Commercial Audio Equipment''; and
    (D) UL 1727, ``Standard for Commercial Electric Personal Grooming 
Appliances''; or
    (ii) Such device being excluded or exempted from inclusion within, 
or conformance with, a law, regulation, or broadly-accepted industry 
standard where such exclusion or exemption applies only to non-consumer 
products;

[[Page 67123]]

    (7) A power supply distributed in commerce for use with an end-use 
device where:
    (i) The end-use device is not a consumer product, as evidenced by 
either the circumstances in paragraph (6)(i) or (ii) of this 
definition; and
    (ii) The end-use device for which the power supply is distributed 
in commerce is reasonably disclosed to the public, such as by 
identification of the end-use device on the packaging for the power 
supply, documentation physically present with the power supply, or on 
the manufacturer's or private labeler's public website; or
    (8) A power supply that is not marketed for residential or consumer 
use, and that is clearly marked (or, alternatively, the packaging of 
the individual power supply, the shipping container of multiple such 
power supplies, or associated documentation physically present with the 
power supply when distributed in commerce is clearly marked) ``FOR USE 
WITH COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT ONLY'' or ``NOT FOR RESIDENTIAL 
OR CONSUMER USE,'' with the marking designed and applied so that the 
marking will be visible and legible during customary conditions for the 
item on which the marking is placed.
* * * * *
    External power supply means an external power supply circuit that 
is used to convert household electric current into DC current or lower-
voltage AC current to operate a consumer product. However, the term 
does not include any ``commercial and industrial power supply'' as 
defined in this section, or a power supply circuit, driver, or device 
that is designed exclusively to be connected to, and power--
    (1) Light-emitting diodes providing illumination;
    (2) Organic light-emitting diodes providing illumination; or
    (3) Ceiling fans using direct current motors.
* * * * *
0
5. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (bb) to read as 
follows:


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

* * * * *
    (bb) External Power Supplies. The energy consumption of an external 
power supply, including active-mode efficiency expressed as a 
percentage and the no-load, off, and standby mode energy consumption 
levels expressed in watts, shall be measured in accordance with 
appendix Z of this subpart.
* * * * *
0
6. Appendix Z is revised to read as follows:

Appendix Z to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring 
the Energy Consumption of External Power Supplies

    Note:  Starting on [DATE 180 days after publication of the final 
rule in the Federal Register], manufacturers must make any 
representations regarding the energy efficiency or power consumption 
of external power supplies based upon results generated under this 
appendix. Prior to that date manufacturers must make any 
representations regarding the energy efficiency or power consumption 
of external power supplies based upon results generated under 
Appendix Z as it appeared at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B revised as 
of January 1, 2018.

    1. Incorporation by reference
    DOE incorporated by reference the entire standard for IEC 62301 
in Sec.  430.3; however, only enumerated provisions of this document 
is applicable to this appendix, as follows:
    (a) IEC 62301, (``IEC 62301-Z''), Household electrical 
appliances--Measurement of standby power, (Edition 2.0, 2011-01), as 
follows:
    (i) Section 4.3.2 ``Supply voltage waveform'';
    (ii) Section 4.4.1 ``Power measurement uncertainty'';
    (iii) Section 5.3.3 ``Average reading method'';
    (iv) Annex B ``Notes on the measurement of low power modes''; 
and
    (v) Annex D ``Determination of uncertainty of measurement.''
    (b) Reserved.
    2. Scope.
    This appendix covers the test requirements used to measure the 
energy consumption of direct operation external power supplies and 
indirect operation Class A external power supplies subject to the 
energy conservation standards set forth at Sec.  430.32(w)(1).
    3. Definitions: The following definitions are for the purposes 
of understanding terminology associated with the test method for 
measuring external power supply energy consumption.
    Active mode means the mode of operation when the external power 
supply is connected to the main electricity supply and the output is 
(or ``all outputs are'' for external power supplies with multiple 
outputs) connected to a load (or ``loads'' for external power 
supplies with multiple outputs).
    Active mode efficiency is the ratio, expressed as a percentage, 
of the total real output power produced by a power supply to the 
real input power required to produce it. (Reference for guidance 
only, see IEEE Standard 1515-2000, 4.3.1.1, Sec.  430.4.)
    Active power (P) (also real power) means the average power 
consumed by a unit. For a two terminal device with current and 
voltage waveforms i(t) and v(t), respectively, which are periodic 
with period T, the real or active power P is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE19.001

    Adaptive external power supply means an external power supply 
that can alter its output voltage during active-mode based on an 
established digital communication protocol with the end-use 
application without any user-generated action.
    Ambient temperature means the temperature of the ambient air 
immediately surrounding the unit under test.
    Average Active-Mode Efficiency means the average of the active 
mode efficiencies at the loading conditions (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% 
of unit under test's nameplate output current) for which that unit 
can sustain the output current.
    Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power 
supply that is not a low-voltage external power supply.
    Class A external power supply--
    (1) Means an external power supply device that--
    (i) Is designed to convert line voltage AC input into lower 
voltage AC or DC output;
    (ii) Is able to convert to only one AC or DC output voltage at a 
time;
    (iii) Is sold with, or intended to be used with, a separate end-
use product that constitutes the primary load;
    (iv) Is contained in a separate physical enclosure from the end-
use product;
    (v) Is connected to the end-use product via a removable or hard-
wired male/female electrical connection, cable, cord, or other 
wiring; and
    (vi) Has nameplate output power that is less than or equal to 
250 watts;
    (2) But, excludes any device that--
    (i) Requires Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and 
approval as a medical device in accordance with section 513 of the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360(c)); or
    (ii) Powers the charger of a detachable battery pack or charges 
the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor-operated.
    Direct operation external power supply means an external power 
supply that can operate a consumer product that is not a battery 
charger without the assistance of a battery.
    IEC 62301-Z means the test standard published by the 
International Electrotechnical Commission, titled ``Household 
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' as limited in 
section 1 of this appendix.
    Indirect operation external power supply means an external power 
supply that cannot operate a consumer product that is not a battery 
charger without the assistance of a battery as determined by the 
steps in paragraphs (1)(i) through (v) of this definition:
    (1) If the external power supply can be connected to an end-use 
consumer product and that consumer product can be operated using 
battery power, the method for determining whether that external 
power supply is incapable of operating that consumer product 
directly is as follows:

[[Page 67124]]

    (i) If the end-use product has a removable battery, remove it 
for the remainder of the test and proceed to the step in paragraph 
(1)(v) of this definition. If not, proceed to the step in paragraph 
(1)(ii) of this definition.
    (ii) Charge the battery in the application via the external 
power supply such that the application can operate as intended 
before taking any additional steps.
    (iii) Disconnect the external power supply from the application. 
From an off-mode state, turn on the application and record the time 
necessary for it to become operational to the nearest five second 
increment (5 sec, 10 sec, etc.).
    (iv) Operate the application using power only from the battery 
until the application stops functioning due to the battery 
discharging.
    (v) Connect the external power supply first to mains and then to 
the application. Immediately attempt to operate the application. If 
the battery was removed for testing and the end-use product operates 
as intended, the external power supply is not an indirect operation 
external power supply and paragraph 2 of this definition does not 
apply. If the battery could not be removed for testing, record the 
time for the application to become operational to the nearest five 
second increment (5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc.).
    (2) If the time recorded in paragraph (1)(v) of this definition 
is greater than the summation of the time recorded in paragraph 
(1)(iii) of this definition and five seconds, the external power 
supply cannot operate the application directly and is an indirect 
operation external power supply.
    Low-voltage external power supply means an external power supply 
with a nameplate output voltage less than 6 volts and nameplate 
output current greater than or equal to 550 milliamps.
    Manual on-off switch is a switch activated by the user to 
control power reaching the device. This term does not apply to any 
mechanical, optical, or electronic switches that automatically 
disconnect mains power from the device when a load is disconnected 
from the device, or that control power to the load itself.
    Minimum output current means the minimum current that must be 
drawn from an output bus for an external power supply to operate 
within its specifications.
    Multiple-voltage external power supply means an external power 
supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC input into more 
than one simultaneous lower-voltage output.
    Nameplate output current means the current output of the power 
supply as specified on the manufacturer's label on the power supply 
housing (either DC or AC) or, if absent from the housing, as 
provided by the manufacturer.
    Nameplate output power means the power output of the power 
supply as specified on the manufacturer's label on the power supply 
housing or, if absent from the housing, as specified in 
documentation provided by the manufacturer. For an adaptive external 
power supply with USB-PD ports, the nameplate output power is 10W at 
the 5 volt level per USB-PD port and as specified on the 
manufacturer's label or documentation at the highest voltage.
    Nameplate output voltage means the voltage output of the power 
supply as specified on the manufacturer's label on the power supply 
housing (either DC or AC).
    No-load mode means the mode of operation when an external power 
supply is connected to the main electricity supply and the output is 
(or ``all outputs are'' for a multiple-voltage external power 
supply) not connected to a load (or ``loads'' for a multiple-voltage 
external power supply).
    Off-mode is the condition, applicable only to units with manual 
on-off switches, in which the external power supply is
    (1) Connected to the main electricity supply;
    (2) The output is not connected to any load; and
    (3) All manual on-off switches are turned off.
    Output bus means any of the outputs of the power supply to which 
loads can be connected and from which power can be drawn, as opposed 
to signal connections used for communication.
    RMS means root mean square.
    Single-voltage external AC-AC power supply means an external 
power supply that is designed to convert line voltage AC input into 
lower voltage AC output and is able to convert to only one AC output 
voltage at a time.
    Standby mode means the condition in which the external power 
supply is in no-load mode and, for external power supplies with 
manual on-off switches, all such switches are turned on.
    Switch-selectable single voltage external power supply means a 
single-voltage AC-AC or AC-DC power supply that allows users to 
choose from more than one output voltage.
    Total harmonic distortion (``THD''), expressed as a percentage, 
is the RMS value of an AC signal after the fundamental component is 
removed and interharmonic components are ignored, divided by the RMS 
value of the fundamental component. THD of current is defined as:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE19.002

where In is the RMS value of the nth harmonic of the 
current signal.
    Unit under test (``UUT'') is the external power supply being 
tested.
    USB Power Delivery (``USB-PD'') EPS means an adaptive EPS that 
utilizes a USB Type-C output port and uses a digital protocol to 
communicate between the EPS and the end-user product to 
automatically switch between an output voltage of 5 volts and one or 
more of the following voltages: 9 volts, 15 volts, or 20 volts. The 
USB-PD output bus must be capable of delivering 3 amps at an output 
voltage of 5 volts, and the voltages and currents must not exceed 
any of the following values for the supported voltages: 3 amps at 9 
volts; 3 amps at 15 volts, and; 5 amps at 20 volts.
    USB Type-C means the reversible 24-pin physical USB connector 
system that supports USB-PD and allows for the transmission of data 
and power between compatible USB products.
    4. Test Apparatus and General Instructions
    (a) Any power measurements recorded, as well as any power 
measurement equipment utilized for testing, shall conform to the 
uncertainty and resolution specifications in section 4.4.1, ``Power 
measurement uncertainty,'' as well as Annexes B, ``Notes on the 
measurement of low power modes,'' and D, ``Determination of 
uncertainty of measurement,'' of IEC 62301-Z.
    (b) Carry out tests in a room that has an air speed close to the 
unit under test (UUT) of <=0.5 m/s. Maintain ambient temperature at 
20  5 [deg]C throughout the test. Do not intentionally 
cool the UUT, for example, by use of separately powered fans, air 
conditioners, or heat sinks. Test the UUT on a thermally non-
conductive surface. Products intended for outdoor use may be tested 
at additional temperatures, provided those are in addition to the 
conditions specified above and are noted in a separate section on 
the test report.
    (c) If the UUT is intended for operation on AC line-voltage 
input in the United States, test it at 115 V at 60 Hz. If the UUT is 
intended for operation on AC line-voltage input but cannot be 
operated at 115 V at 60 Hz, do not test it. Ensure the input voltage 
is within 1% of the above specified voltage and the 
input frequency is within 1% of the specified frequency.
    (d) The input voltage source must be capable of delivering at 
least 10 times the nameplate input power of the UUT as is specified 
in IEEE 1515-2000 (Referenced for guidance only, see Sec.  430.4). 
Regardless of the AC source type, the THD of the supply voltage when 
supplying the UUT in the specified mode must not exceed 2%, up to 
and including the 13th harmonic. The peak value of the test voltage 
must be within 1.34 and 1.49 multiplied by its RMS value.
    (e) Select all leads used in the test set-up with appropriate 
wire gauges and lengths to minimize voltage drops across the wires 
during testing. See Table B.2--``Commonly used values for wire gages 
[sic] and related voltage drops'' in IEEE 1515-2000 for further 
guidance (Referenced for guidance only; see Sec.  430.4).
    (f) Test Load. To load the power supply to produce all active-
mode loading conditions, use passive loads, such as rheostats, or 
active loads, such as electronic loads. Resistive loads need not be 
measured precisely with an ohmmeter; simply adjust a variable 
resistor to the point where the ammeter confirms that the desired 
percentage of nameplate output current is flowing. For electronic 
loads, adjust the desired output current in constant current mode 
rather than adjusting the required output power in constant power 
mode.
    (g) Test the external power supply at the end of the wire or 
cord that connects to an end-use product, regardless of whether the 
end of the wire or cord is integrated into an end-use product or 
plugs into and out of an end-use product. If a separate wire or cord 
is provided by the manufacturer to connect the external power supply 
to an end-use product, use this wire or cord and perform tests at 
the end of the cord that connects to an end-use product. If a wire 
or cord is not supplied by the manufacturer, test the external power 
supply at the output electrical contact that

[[Page 67125]]

can be connected to a physical wire. If the connection to an end-use 
product is removable, there are two options for connecting metering 
equipment to the output connection of the external power supply:
    (1) Cut the cord immediately adjacent to the output connector, 
or
    (2) Attach leads and measure the efficiency from the output 
connector itself. If the connection to an end-use product is not 
removable, cut the cord immediately adjacent to the powered product 
and connect measurement probes at that point. Connect any additional 
metering equipment such as voltmeters and/or ammeters used in 
conjunction with resistive or electronic loads directly to the end 
of the output cable of the UUT. Conduct the tests on the sets of 
output wires that constitute the output busses. If the product has 
more than two output wires, including those wires that are necessary 
for controlling the product, the manufacturer must supply a 
connection diagram or test fixture that will allow the testing 
laboratory to put the UUT into active-mode. Figure 1 of this section 
provides one illustration of how to set up a single-voltage external 
power supply for testing; however, the actual test setup may vary 
pursuant to the type of external power supply being tested and the 
requirements of this appendix.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE19.003

    (h) While external power supplies must be tested in their final, 
completed configuration in order to represent their measured 
efficiency on product labels or specification sheets, any 
functionality that is unrelated to the external power supply circuit 
may be disconnected during testing as long as the disconnection does 
not impact the functionality of the external power supply itself. 
Test the external power supply in its final configuration to the 
extent possible (within its enclosure and with all output cords that 
are shipped with it).
    (i) If a product serves one or more other major functions in 
addition to converting household electric current into DC current or 
lower-voltage AC current, components of the product that serve other 
functions may be disconnected before testing so that test 
measurements do not include power used by other functions and as 
long as disconnecting such components do not affect the ability of 
the product to convert household electric current into DC current or 
lower-voltage AC current. For example, consider a surge protector 
that offers outlets supplying AC household electric current and one 
or more USB outputs supplying DC current. If power is provided to 
the AC outlets through a surge protection circuit, but power to the 
USB outlet(s) is not, then the surge protection circuit may be 
disconnected from AC power during testing. Similarly, if a lighted 
manual on-off switch disconnects power only to the AC outlets, but 
not the USB outputs, then the manual on-off switch may be turned off 
and power to the light disconnected during testing.
    5. Test Measurement for all External Power Supplies other than 
Adaptive External Power Supplies:
    (a) Single-Voltage External Power Supply
    (1) Standby Mode and Active-Mode Measurement.
    (i) Place in the ``on'' position any built-in switch in the UUT 
controlling power flow to the AC input, and note the existence of 
such a switch in the final test report.
    (ii) Operate the UUT at 100% of nameplate output current for at 
least 30 minutes immediately prior to conducting efficiency 
measurements. After this warm-up period, monitor AC input power for 
a period of 5 minutes to assess the stability of the UUT. If the 
power level does not drift by more than 5% from the maximum value 
observed, the UUT is considered stable. If the UUT is stable, record 
the measurements obtained at the end of this 5-minute period. 
Measure subsequent loading conditions under the same 5-minute 
stability parameters. Note that only one warm-up period of 30 
minutes is required for each UUT at the beginning of the test 
procedure. If the AC input power is not stable over a 5-minute 
period, follow the guidelines established by section 5.3.3 of IEC 
62301-Z for measuring average power or accumulated energy over time 
for both input and output.
    (iii) Test the UUT at the nameplate output voltage(s) at the 
loading conditions listed in Table 1, derated per the proportional 
allocation method presented in paragraph 5(a)(1)(iv) of this 
appendix. Conduct efficiency measurements in sequence from Loading 
Condition 1 to Loading Condition 4 as indicated in Table 1 of this 
section. For Loading Condition 5, place the UUT in no-load mode, 
disconnect any additional signal connections to the UUT, and measure 
input power.

             Table 1--Loading Conditions for Unit Under Test
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loading Condition 1..........  100% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 2..........  75% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 3..........  50% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 4..........  25% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 5..........  0%.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 67126]]

    The 2% allowance pertains to nameplate output current, not the 
calculated current value. For example, a UUT at Loading Condition 3 
may be tested in a range from 48% to 52% of the derated output 
current.
    (A) If testing of additional, optional loading conditions is 
desired, conduct that testing in accordance with this test procedure 
and subsequent to completing the sequence described in paragraph 
5(a)(1)(iii) of this appendix.
    (B) Where the external power supply lists both an instantaneous 
and continuous output current, test the external power supply at the 
continuous condition only.
    (C) If an external power supply cannot sustain output at one or 
more of the Loading Conditions 1-4 as specified in Table 1, test the 
external power supply only at the loading conditions for which it 
can sustain output.
    (iv) Proportional allocation method for loading single-voltage 
external power supplies with multiple busses. Use the following 
proportional allocation method to provide consistent loading 
conditions for single-voltage external power supplies with multiple 
output busses. For additional explanation (provided for guidance 
only), please refer to section 6.1.1 of the California Energy 
Commission's ``Generalized Test Protocol for Calculating the Energy 
Efficiency of Internal Ac-Dc Power Supplies Revision 6.7,'' March 
2014.
    (A) Consider a power supply with N output busses, each with the 
same nameplate output voltages V1, * * *, VN, 
corresponding output current ratings I1, * * *, 
IN, and a nameplate output power P. Calculate the 
derating factor D by dividing the power supply maximum output power 
P by the sum of the maximum output powers of the individual output 
busses, equal to the product of port nameplate output voltage and 
current IiVi, as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE19.004

    (B) If D >=1, then loading every port to its nameplate output 
current does not exceed the overall maximum output power for the 
power supply. In this case, load each output bus to the percentages 
of its nameplate output current listed in Table 1. However, if D <1, 
it is an indication that loading each port to its nameplate output 
current will exceed the overall maximum output power for the power 
supply. In this case, and at each loading condition, load each 
output bus to the appropriate percentage of its nameplate output 
current as listed in Table 1, multiplied by the derating factor D.
    (v) Test switch-selectable single-voltage external power 
supplies twice--once at the highest nameplate output voltage and 
once at the lowest.
    (vi) Efficiency calculation. Calculate and record efficiency at 
each loading point by dividing the UUT's measured active output 
power at a given loading condition by the active AC input power 
measured at that loading condition.
    (A) Calculate and record average efficiency of the UUT as the 
arithmetic mean of the efficiency values calculated at Loading 
Conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Table 1 of this section.
    (B) If, when tested, a UUT cannot sustain output current at one 
or more of the loading conditions as specified in Table 1, the 
average active-mode efficiency is calculated as the average of the 
loading conditions for which it can sustain output.
    (C) If the UUT can only sustain one output current at any of the 
output busses, test it at the loading condition that allows for the 
maximum output power on that bus (i.e. the highest output current 
possible at the highest output voltage on that bus).
    (vii) Power consumption calculation. The power consumption of 
Loading Condition 5 (no-load) is equal to the active AC input power 
(W) at that loading condition.
    (viii) Off-Mode Measurement. If the UUT incorporates manual on-
off switches, place the UUT in off-mode, and measure and record its 
power consumption at Loading Condition 5 in Table 1 of this section. 
The measurement of the off-mode energy consumption must conform to 
the requirements specified in section 5(a)(1) of this appendix, 
except that all manual on-off switches must be placed in the ``off'' 
position for the off-mode measurement. The UUT is considered stable 
if, over 5 minutes with samples taken at least once every second, 
the AC input power does not drift from the maximum value observed by 
more than 1% or 50 milliwatts, whichever is greater. Measure the 
off-mode power consumption of a switch-selectable single-voltage 
external power supply twice--once at the highest nameplate output 
voltage and once at the lowest.
    (b) Multiple-Voltage External Power Supply.
    (1) Standby-Mode and Active-Mode Measurement.
    (i) Place in the ``on'' position any built-in switch in the UUT 
controlling power flow to the AC input, and note the existence of 
such a switch in the final test report.
    (ii) Operate the UUT at 100% of nameplate output current for at 
least 30 minutes immediately prior to conducting efficiency 
measurements. After this warm-up period, monitor AC input power for 
a period of 5 minutes to assess the stability of the UUT. If the 
power level does not drift by more than 1% from the maximum value 
observed, the UUT is considered stable. If the UUT is stable, record 
the measurements obtained at the end of this 5-minute period. 
Measure subsequent loading conditions under the same 5-minute 
stability parameters. Note that only one warm-up period of 30 
minutes is required for each UUT at the beginning of the test 
procedure. If the AC input power is not stable over a 5-minute 
period, follow the guidelines established by section 5.3.3 of IEC 
62301-Z for measuring average power or accumulated energy over time 
for both input and output.
    (iii) Test the UUT at the nameplate output voltage(s) at the 
loading conditions listed in Table 2, derated per the proportional 
allocation method presented in paragraph 5(b)(1)(iv) of this 
appendix. Active or passive loads used for efficiency testing of the 
UUT must maintain the required current loading set point for each 
output voltage within an accuracy of 0.5%. Conduct 
efficiency measurements in sequence from Loading Condition 1 to 
Loading Condition 4 as indicated in Table 2. For Loading Condition 
5, place the UUT in no-load mode, disconnect any additional signal 
connections to the UUT, and measure input power.

             Table 2--Loading Conditions for Unit Under Test
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loading Condition 1..........  100% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 2..........  75% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 3..........  50% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 4..........  25% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 5..........  0%.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 2% allowance pertains to nameplate output current, not the 
calculated current value. For example, a UUT at Loading Condition 3 
may be tested in a range from 48% to 52% of the derated output 
current.
    (A) If testing of additional, optional loading conditions is 
desired, conduct that testing in accordance with this test procedure 
and subsequent to completing the sequence described in paragraph 
5(b)(1)(iii) of this appendix.
    (B) Where the external power supply lists both an instantaneous 
and continuous output current, test the external power supply at the 
continuous condition only.
    (C) If an external power supply cannot sustain output at one or 
more of the Loading Conditions 1-4 as specified in Table 2 of this 
section, test the external power supply only at the loading 
conditions for which it can sustain output.
    (iv) Proportional allocation method for loading multiple-voltage 
external power supplies. Use the following proportional allocation 
method to provide consistent loading conditions for multiple-voltage 
external power supplies. For additional explanation (provided for 
guidance only), please refer to section 6.1.1 of the California 
Energy Commission's ``Proposed Test Protocol for Calculating the 
Energy Efficiency of Internal Ac-Dc Power Supplies Revision 6.7,'' 
March 2014.
    (A) Consider a power supply with N output busses, and nameplate 
output voltages V1,

[[Page 67127]]

* * *, VN, corresponding output current ratings 
I1, * * *, IN, and a maximum output power P as 
specified on the manufacturer's label on the power supply housing, 
or, if absent from the housing, as specified in the documentation 
provided with the unit by the manufacturer. Calculate the derating 
factor D by dividing the power supply maximum output power P by the 
sum of the maximum output powers of the individual output busses, 
equal to the product of bus nameplate output voltage and current 
IiVi, as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE19.005

    (B) If D >=1, then loading every bus to its nameplate output 
current does not exceed the overall maximum output power for the 
power supply. In this case, load each output bus to the percentages 
of its nameplate output current listed in Table 2. However, if D <1, 
it is an indication that loading each bus to its nameplate output 
current will exceed the overall maximum output power for the power 
supply. In this case, and at each loading condition, load each 
output bus to the appropriate percentage of its nameplate output 
current listed in Table 2, multiplied by the derating factor D.
    (v) Minimum output current requirements. Depending on their 
application, some multiple-voltage power supplies may require a 
minimum output current for each output bus of the power supply for 
correct operation. In these cases, ensure that the load current for 
each output at Loading Condition 4 in Table 2 is greater than the 
minimum output current requirement. Thus, if the test method's 
calculated load current for a given voltage bus is smaller than the 
minimum output current requirement, the minimum output current must 
be used to load the bus. This load current shall be properly 
recorded in any test report.
    (vi) Efficiency calculation. Calculate and record efficiency at 
each loading point by dividing the UUT's measured active output 
power at a given loading condition by the active AC input power 
measured at that loading condition.
    (A) Calculate and record average efficiency of the UUT as the 
arithmetic mean of the efficiency values calculated at Loading 
Conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4, in Table 2 of this section.
    (B) If, when tested, a UUT cannot sustain output current at one 
or more of the loading conditions as specified in Table 2 of this 
section, the average active mode efficiency is calculated as the 
average of the loading conditions for which it can sustain output.
    (C) If the UUT can only sustain one output current at any of the 
output busses, test it at the loading condition that allows for the 
maximum output power on that bus (i.e. the highest output current 
possible at the highest output voltage on that bus).
    (vii) Power consumption calculation. The power consumption of 
Loading Condition 5 (no-load) is equal to the active AC input power 
(W) at that loading condition.
    (2) Off-mode Measurement--If the UUT incorporates manual on-off 
switches, place the UUT in off-mode and measure and record its power 
consumption at Loading Condition 5 in Table 2 of this section. The 
measurement of the off-mode energy consumption must conform to the 
requirements specified in paragraph (5)(b)(1) of this appendix, 
except that all manual on-off switches must be placed in the ``off'' 
position for the off-mode measurement. The UUT is considered stable 
if, over 5 minutes with samples taken at least once every second, 
the AC input power does not drift from the maximum value observed by 
more than 1% or 50 milliwatts, whichever is greater.
    6. Test Measurement for Adaptive External Power Supplies:
    (a) Single-Voltage Adaptive External Power Supply.
    (1) Standby Mode and Active-Mode Measurement.
    (i) Place in the ``on'' position any built-in switch in the UUT 
controlling power flow to the AC input, and note the existence of 
such a switch in the final test report.
    (ii) Operate the UUT at 100% of nameplate output current for at 
least 30 minutes immediately prior to conducting efficiency 
measurements. After this warm-up period, monitor AC input power for 
a period of 5 minutes to assess the stability of the UUT. If the 
power level does not drift by more than 5% from the maximum value 
observed, the UUT is considered stable. If the UUT is stable, record 
the measurements obtained at the end of this 5-minute period. 
Measure subsequent loading conditions under the same 5-minute 
stability parameters. Note that only one warm-up period of 30 
minutes is required for each UUT at the beginning of the test 
procedure. If the AC input power is not stable over a 5-minute 
period, follow the guidelines established by section 5.3.3 of IEC 
62301-Z for measuring average power or accumulated energy over time 
for both input and output.
    (iii) Test the UUT at the nameplate output voltage(s) at the 
loading conditions listed in Table 3, derated per the proportional 
allocation method presented in paragraph 6(a)(1)(iv) of this 
appendix. Adaptive external power supplies must be tested twice--
once at the highest nameplate output voltage and once at the lowest 
nameplate output voltage as described in the following sections.
    (A) At the highest nameplate output voltage, test adaptive 
external power supplies in sequence from Loading Condition 1 to 
Loading Condition 4, as indicated in Table 3 of this section. For 
Loading Condition 5, place the UUT in no-load mode, disconnect any 
additional signal connections, and measure the input power.
    (B) At the lowest nameplate output voltage, with the exception 
of USB-PD EPSs, test all adaptive external power supplies in 
sequence from Loading Condition 1 to Loading Condition 4, as 
indicated in Table 3 of this section. For USB-PD adaptive external 
power supplies, at the lowest nameplate output voltage, test the 
external power supply such that for Loading Conditions 1, 2, 3, and 
4, all adaptive ports are loaded to 2 amperes, 1.5 amperes, 1 ampere 
and 0.5 amperes respectively. All non-adaptive ports will continue 
to be loaded as indicated in Table 3 of this section. For Loading 
Condition 5, test all adaptive external power supplies by placing 
the UUT in no-load mode, disconnecting any additional signal 
connections, and measuring the input power.

Table 3--Loading Conditions for a Single-Voltage Adaptive External Power
                                 Supply
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loading Condition 1..........  100% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 2..........  75% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 3..........  50% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 4..........  25% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 5..........  0%.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 2% allowance pertains to nameplate output current, not the 
calculated current value. For example, a UUT at Loading Condition 3 
may be tested in a range from 48% to 52% of the derated output 
current.
    (C) If testing of additional, optional loading conditions is 
desired, conduct that testing in accordance with this test procedure 
and subsequent to completing the sequence described in paragraph 
6(a)(1)(iii) of this appendix.
    (D) Where the external power supply lists both an instantaneous 
and continuous output current, test the external power supply at the 
continuous condition only.
    (E) If an external power supply cannot sustain output at one or 
more of the Loading Conditions 1-4 as specified in Table 3 of this 
section, test the external power supply only at the loading 
conditions for which it can sustain output.
    (iv) Proportional allocation method for loading single-voltage 
adaptive external power supplies with multiple ports. Use the 
following proportional allocation method to provide consistent 
loading conditions for single-voltage adaptive external power 
supplies with multiple output busses. For additional explanation, 
please refer to section 6.1.1 of the California Energy Commission's 
``Proposed Test Protocol for Calculating the Energy Efficiency of 
Internal Ac-Dc Power Supplies Revision 6.7,'' March 2014.
    (A) Consider a power supply with N output busses, each with the 
same nameplate output voltages V1, * * *, VN, 
corresponding output current ratings I1, * * *, 
IN, and a maximum output power P as specified on the 
manufacturer's label on the power supply

[[Page 67128]]

housing, or, if absent from the housing, as specified in the 
documentation provided with the unit by the manufacturer. Calculate 
the derating factor D by dividing the power supply maximum output 
power P by the sum of the maximum output powers of the individual 
output busses, equal to the product of port nameplate output voltage 
and current IiVi, as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE19.006

    For USB-PD adaptive external power supplies, at the lowest 
nameplate output voltage, limit the contribution from each port to 
10W when calculating the derating factor.
    (B) If D >=1, then loading every port to its nameplate output 
current does not exceed the overall maximum output power for the 
power supply. In this case, load each output bus to the percentages 
of its nameplate output current listed in Table 3 of this section. 
However, if D <1, it is an indication that loading each port to its 
nameplate output current will exceed the overall maximum output 
power for the power supply. In this case, and at each loading 
condition, each output bus will be loaded to the appropriate 
percentage of its nameplate output current listed in Table 3 of this 
section, multiplied by the derating factor D.
    (v) Efficiency calculation. Calculate and record the efficiency 
at each loading point by dividing the UUT's measured active output 
power at that loading condition by the active AC input power 
measured at that loading condition.
    (A) Calculate and record average efficiency of the UUT as the 
arithmetic mean of the efficiency values calculated at loading 
conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Table 3 of this section.
    (B) If, when tested, a UUT cannot sustain the output current at 
one or more of the loading conditions as specified in Table 3 of 
this section, the average active-mode efficiency is calculated as 
the average of the Loading Conditions for which it can sustain 
output.
    (C) If the UUT can only sustain one output current at any of the 
output busses, test it at the loading condition that allows for the 
maximum output power on that bus (i.e. the highest output current 
possible at the highest output voltage on that bus).
    (vi) Power consumption calculation. The power consumption of 
Loading Condition 5 (no-load) is equal to the active AC input power 
(W) at that loading condition.
    (2) Off-Mode Measurement--If the UUT incorporates manual on-off 
switches, place the UUT in off-mode, and measure and record its 
power consumption at loading condition 5 in Table 3. The measurement 
of the off-mode energy consumption must conform to the requirements 
specified in paragraph 6(a)(1) of this appendix, except that all 
manual on-off switches must be placed in the ``off'' position for 
the off-mode measurement. The UUT is considered stable if, over 5 
minutes with samples taken at least once every second, the AC input 
power does not drift from the maximum value observed by more than 1% 
or 50 milliwatts, whichever is greater. Measure the off-mode power 
consumption of a single-voltage adaptive external power supply 
twice--once at the highest nameplate output voltage and once at the 
lowest.
    (b) Multiple-Voltage Adaptive External Power Supply.
    (1) Standby Mode and Active-Mode Measurement.
    (i) Place in the ``on'' position any built-in switch in the UUT 
controlling power flow to the AC input, and note the existence of 
such a switch in the final test report.
    (ii) Operate the UUT at 100% of nameplate output current for at 
least 30 minutes immediately prior to conducting efficiency 
measurements. After this warm-up period, monitor AC input power for 
a period of 5 minutes to assess the stability of the UUT. If the 
power level does not drift by more than 1% from the maximum value 
observed, the UUT is considered stable. If the UUT is stable, record 
the measurements obtained at the end of this 5-minute period. 
Measure subsequent loading conditions under the same 5-minute 
stability parameters. Note that only one warm-up period of 30 
minutes is required for each UUT at the beginning of the test 
procedure. If the AC input power is not stable over a 5-minute 
period, follow the guidelines established by section 5.3.3 of IEC 
62301-Z for measuring average power or accumulated energy over time 
for both input and output.
    (iii) Test the UUT at the nameplate output voltage(s) at the 
loading conditions listed in Table 4, derated per the proportional 
allocation method presented in paragraph 6(b)(1)(iv) of this 
appendix. Active or passive loads used for efficiency testing of the 
UUT must maintain the required current loading set point for each 
output voltage within an accuracy of 0.5%. Adaptive 
external power supplies must be tested twice--once at the highest 
nameplate output voltage and once at the lowest nameplate output 
voltage as described in the following sections.
    (A) At the highest nameplate output voltage, test adaptive 
external power supplies in sequence from Loading Condition 1 to 
Loading Condition 4, as indicated in Table 4 of this section. For 
Loading Condition 5, place the UUT in no-load mode, disconnect any 
additional signal connections, and measure the input power.
    (B) At the lowest nameplate output voltage, with the exception 
of USB-PD EPSs, test all other adaptive external power supplies, in 
sequence from Loading Condition 1 to Loading Condition 4, as 
indicated in Table 4 of this section. For USB-PD adaptive external 
power supplies, at the lowest nameplate output voltage, test the 
external power supply such that for Loading Conditions 1, 2, 3, and 
4, all adaptive ports are loaded to 2 amperes, 1.5 amperes, 1 ampere 
and 0.5 amperes respectively. All non-adaptive ports will continue 
to be loaded as indicated in Table 4 of this section. For loading 
condition 5, test all adaptive external power supplies by placing 
the UUT in no-load mode, disconnecting any additional signal 
connections, and measuring the input power.

  Table 4--Loading Conditions for a Multiple-Voltage Adaptive External
                              Power Supply
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loading Condition 1..........  100% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 2..........  75% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 3..........  50% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 4..........  25% of Derated Nameplate Output Current
                                2%.
Loading Condition 5..........  0%.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The 2% allowance pertains to nameplate output current, not the 
calculated current value. For example, a UUT at Loading Condition 3 
may be tested in a range from 48% to 52% of the derated output 
current.
    (C) If testing of additional, optional loading conditions is 
desired, conduct that testing in accordance with this test procedure 
and subsequent to completing the sequence described in paragraph 
6(b)(1)(iii) of this appendix.
    (D) Where the external power supply lists both an instantaneous 
and continuous output current, test the external power supply at the 
continuous condition only.
    (E) If an adaptive external power supply is operating as a 
multiple-voltage external power supply at only the highest nameplate 
output voltage or lowest nameplate output voltage, test this 
external power supply as a multiple-voltage adaptive external power 
supply at both the highest nameplate output voltage and the lowest 
nameplate output voltage.
    (F) If an external power supply has both adaptive and non-
adaptive ports, and these ports operate simultaneously at multiple 
voltages, ensure that testing is performed with all ports active at 
both the highest and lowest nameplate output voltage. For example, 
if an external power supply has an USB-PD adaptive output bus that 
operates at 5 volts and 20 volts and a second non-adaptive output 
bus that operates at 9 volts, test this EPS at the highest nameplate 
output voltage with both the adaptive and non-adaptive ports 
respectively loaded at 20 volts and 9 volts; likewise, test it at 
the lowest nameplate output voltage with both the adaptive and non-
adaptive ports respectively loaded at 5 volts and 9 volts.
    (G) If an external power supply cannot sustain output at one or 
more of the Loading Conditions 1-4 as specified in Table 4 of this 
section, test the external power supply only

[[Page 67129]]

at the loading conditions for which it can sustain output.
    (iv) Proportional allocation method for loading multiple-voltage 
adaptive external power supplies. Use the following proportional 
allocation method to provide consistent loading conditions for 
multiple-voltage adaptive external power supplies. For additional 
explanation, please refer to section 6.1.1 of the California Energy 
Commission's ``Proposed Test Protocol for Calculating the Energy 
Efficiency of Internal Ac-Dc Power Supplies Revision 6.7,'' March 
2014.
    (A) Consider a multiple-voltage power supply with N output 
busses, and nameplate output voltages V1, * * *, 
VN, corresponding output current ratings I1, * 
* *, IN, and a maximum output power P as specified on the 
manufacturer's label on the power supply housing, or, if absent from 
the housing, as specified in the documentation provided with the 
unit by the manufacturer. Calculate the derating factor D by 
dividing the power supply maximum output power P by the sum of the 
maximum output powers of the individual output busses, equal to the 
product of bus nameplate output voltage and current 
IiVi, as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP06DE19.007

    For USB-PD adaptive external power supplies, at the lowest 
nameplate output voltage, limit the contribution from each port to 
10W when calculating the derating factor.
    (B) If D >=1, then loading every bus to its nameplate output 
current does not exceed the overall maximum output power for the 
power supply. In this case, load each output bus to the percentages 
of its nameplate output current listed in Table 4 of this section. 
However, if D <1, it is an indication that loading each bus to its 
nameplate output current will exceed the overall maximum output 
power for the power supply. In this case, at each loading condition, 
load each output bus to the appropriate percentage of its nameplate 
output current listed in Table 4, multiplied by the derating factor 
D.
    (v) Minimum output current requirements. Depending on their 
application, some multiple-voltage adaptive external power supplies 
may require a minimum output current for each output bus of the 
power supply for correct operation. In these cases, ensure that the 
load current for each output at Loading Condition 4 in Table 4 of 
this section is greater than the minimum output current requirement. 
Thus, if the test method's calculated load current for a given 
voltage bus is smaller than the minimum output current requirement, 
use the minimum output current to load the bus. Record this load 
current in any test report.
    (vi) Efficiency calculation. Calculate and record the efficiency 
at each loading point by dividing the UUT's measured active output 
power at that loading condition by the active AC input power 
measured at that loading condition.
    (A) Calculate and record average efficiency of the UUT as the 
arithmetic mean of the efficiency values calculated at Loading 
Conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Table 4 of this section.
    (B) If, when tested, a UUT cannot sustain the output current at 
one or more of the loading conditions as specified in Table 4, the 
average active-mode efficiency is calculated as the average of the 
loading conditions for which it can sustain output.
    (C) If the UUT can only sustain one output current at any of the 
output busses, test it at the loading condition that allows for the 
maximum output power on that bus (i.e. the highest output current 
possible at the highest output voltage on that bus).
    (vii) Power consumption calculation. The power consumption of 
loading condition 5 (no-load) is equal to the active AC input power 
at that loading condition.
    (2) Off-mode Measurement--If the UUT incorporates manual on-off 
switches, place the UUT in off-mode, and measure and record its 
power consumption at loading condition 5 in Table 4. The measurement 
of the off-mode energy consumption must conform to the requirements 
specified in paragraph (6)(b)(1) of this appendix, except that all 
manual on-off switches must be placed in the ``off'' position for 
the off-mode measurement. The UUT is considered stable if, over 5 
minutes with samples taken at least once every second, the AC input 
power does not drift from the maximum value observed by more than 1% 
or 50 milliwatts, whichever is greater. Measure the off-mode power 
consumption of a multiple-voltage adaptive external power supply 
twice--once at the highest nameplate output voltage and once at the 
lowest.

[FR Doc. 2019-25516 Filed 12-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6450-01-P