[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 209 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60376-60396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23184]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 209 / Tuesday, November 2, 2021 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 60376]]
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 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: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking and request for
comment.
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SUMMARY: On December 6, 2019, the U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'')
published a notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR'') proposing certain
amendments to its test procedure for external power supplies (``EPS''
or ``EPSs''). In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking
(``SNOPR''), DOE is proposing additional amendments and modifications
to certain proposals presented in the SNOPR. In this document, DOE is
proposing to remove reference to direct operation and indirect
operation Class A EPSs in the scope; simplify and more explicitly align
the scope of the test procedure with the scope of the energy
conservation standards; provide additional specifications for the
testing of EPSs that do not ship with an output cord; and align the
testing requirements for programmable power supplies with those for
Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery (``USB-PD'') EPSs. Further, DOE
proposes to maintain the location of certain definitions for which it
proposed in the NOPR to relocate. DOE is seeking comment from
interested parties on the proposals.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
SNOPR no later than January 3, 2022. See section [V], ``Public
Participation,'' for details. DOE will hold a webinar on Wednesday,
December 15, 2021 from 12:30 p.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. If no participants register for the webinar, it
will be cancelled.
ADDRESSES: Interested persons are encouraged to submit comments using
the Federal eRulemaking Portal at 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: www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
(2) Email: To [email protected]. Include the docket number
EERE-2019-BT-TP-2012 in the subject line of the message.
No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted. For detailed
instructions on submitting comments and additional information on this
process, see section V of this document.
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions
through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand
delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make
temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of
public comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier, and instead,
the Department is only accepting electronic submissions at this time.
If a commenter finds that this change poses an undue hardship, please
contact Appliance Standards Program staff at (202) 586-1445 to discuss
the need for alternative arrangements. Once the COVID-19 pandemic
health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its
regular options for public comment submission, including postal mail
and hand delivery/courier.
Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices, public
meeting attendee lists and transcripts (if a public meeting is held),
comments, and other supporting documents/materials, is available for
review at www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are listed
in the 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 www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012. The docket web page contains
instructions on how to access all documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section [V] for information on how to submit
comments through 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-5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone:
(202) 586-9870. Email [email protected].
Ms. Kristin Koernig, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-3593. Email:
[email protected].
For further information on how to submit a comment, review other
public comments and the docket, or participate in a public meeting (if
one is held), contact the Appliance and Equipment Standards Program
staff at (202) 287-1445 or by email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This SNOPR proposes to maintain a previous
incorporation by reference in 10 CFR part 430 in the following industry
standard:
International Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC'') standard 62301
(``IEC 62301''), Household electrical appliances--Measurement of
standby power, (Edition 2.0, 2011-01).
Copies of IEC 62301 (Second Edition) can be obtained from the
American National Standards Institute, 25 W 43rd Street, 4th Floor, New
York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4900, or go to https://webstore.ansi.org.
For a further discussion of this standard, see section IV.M.
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
A. Authority
B. Background
II. Synopsis of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
A. Scope of Applicability
1. Scope of Appendix Z
[[Page 60377]]
2. Devices for Which the Primary Load of the Converted Voltage
Is Not Delivered to a Separate End Use Product
B. Location of EPS Definitions
C. Testing EPSs That Are Not Supplied With an Output Cord
D. USB-PD EPSs With Additional Optional Voltages and Currents
and Programmable Power Supplies
E. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
1. Scope of Applicability
2. Testing EPSs That Are Not Supplied With an Output Cord
3. USB-PD With Additional Optional Voltages and Currents and
Programmable Power Supplies
F. Compliance Date and Waivers
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
V. Public Participation
A. Participation in the Webinar
B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution
C. Conduct of the Webinar
D. Submission of Comments
E. 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 10 CFR 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 Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec.
27, 2020).
\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))
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 prescribed at 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 alternating current (``AC'') 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
[[Page 60378]]
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. 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--e.g., whether it is (1)
plugged into AC mains and switched ``on'' and performing its intended
function, (2) plugged in but not performing its 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, considering 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 allowed 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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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 her 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.
B. Background
DOE's current EPS test procedures appear at 10 CFR part 430,
subpart B, appendix Z, ``Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy
Consumption of External Power Supplies'' (``Appendix Z'').
DOE published a NOPR to amend the test procedure on December 6,
2019. 80 FR 67106 (``December 2019 NOPR''). In the December 2019 NOPR,
DOE proposed to add a definition for ``commercial and industrial power
supply'' in its regulations to differentiate between EPSs, which are
covered products, and non-consumer power supplies, which are not
covered products. DOE also proposed to create a definition to address
an adaptive EPS that conforms to the USB-PD 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 proposed 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 sought comment from interested
parties on the proposal. DOE held a public meeting related to this NOPR
on December 11, 2019 (``December 2019 NOPR public meeting'').
DOE received comments in response to the December 2019 NOPR from
the interested parties listed in Table I.1.
Table I-I--Written Comments to the December 2019 NOPR
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Reference in this
Commenter(s) SNOPR Commenter type
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Pacific Gas and Electric, CA IOUs........... Utility
Southern California Edison, San Association.
Diego Gas and Electric.
Canadian Standards Association.. CSA............... Efficiency
Organization.
Consumer Technology Association. CTA............... Trade Association.
Information Technology Industry ITI............... Trade Association.
Council.
National Electrical NEMA/ALA.......... Trade Association.
Manufacturers Association,
American Lighting Association.
[[Page 60379]]
USB Implementers Forum.......... USB-IF............ Trade Association.
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A parenthetical reference at the end of a comment quotation or
paraphrase provides the location of the item in the public record.\7\
This SNOPR addresses only those comments relevant to the proposals laid
out in this document; all other relevant comments will be addressed in
the final rule. The regulatory text as amended by the amendments
proposed in both the December 2019 NOPR and this SNOPR is presented at
the end of this document for the convenience of review of all the
proposed amendments.
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\7\ The parenthetical reference provides a reference for
information located in the docket of DOE's rulemaking for the EPS
test procedure. (Docket No. EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012, which is
maintained at www.regulations.gov). The references are arranged as
follows: (Commenter name, comment docket ID number, page of that
document).
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II. Synopsis of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to supplement (or replace) those
proposed amendments from the December 2019 NOPR with further amendments
that would provide as follows:
(1) Remove reference in the scope section of appendix Z to direct
operation and indirect operation Class A EPSs because there is no
distinction in how these EPSs are tested.
(2) More explicitly align the test procedure with the scope of the
energy conservation standards set forth at 10 CFR 430.32(w)(1) by
excluding from testing devices for which the primary load of the
converted voltage within the device is not delivered to a separate end
use product.
(3) Specify testing requirements for EPSs that are packaged without
an output cord to provide explicitly that these EPSs are tested with an
output cord that is recommended for use by the manufacturer.
(4) Modify the proposal from the December 2019 NOPR to define
``USB-PD'' EPS so as to include programmable power supplies (``PPSs'')
and USB-PD EPSs with optional voltages and currents; and further amend
the definition of ``nameplate output power'' to specify that USB-PD
EPSs must be tested at the lowest nameplate output voltage, which can
be as low as 3.3 volts for PPSs, rather than at 5 volts (as was
proposed in the December 2019 NOPR).
Additionally, DOE is modifying the December 2019 NOPR's proposal to
relocate certain definitions. Specifically, DOE is no longer proposing
to relocate the definitions of ``Class A external power supply'',
``basic-voltage external power supply'', ``direct operation external
power supply'', ``indirect operation external power supply'', and
``low-voltage external power supply'' at 10 CFR 430.2 rather than
include them in appendix Z.
The actions proposed in this SNOPR are summarized in Table II.1 and
addressed in detail in section III of this document. Unless otherwise
provided, DOE continues to propose the amendments presented in the
December 2019 NOPR. To facilitate commenter review, the proposed
regulatory text at the end of this document provides the proposed
regulatory text from the December 2019 NOPR as modified by the
proposals in this SNOPR.
Table II-I--Summary of Changes in Proposed Test Procedure Relative to Current Test Procedure and to Amendments
Proposed in the December 2019 NOPR
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 2019 NOPR
Current DOE test procedure proposals Proposed test procedure Attribution
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specifies that the scope of the test Not addressed.......... Deletes the specific Response to stakeholder
procedure includes direct operation reference to direct comment to more
EPSs and indirect operation Class A operation EPS and explicitly define the
EPSs. indirect operation scope of the test
Class A EPS. procedure.
Does not explicitly exclude testing Specified that Excludes devices for Response to stakeholder
of devices for which the primary components and which the primary load comment to more
load of the converted voltage within circuits unrelated to of the converted explicitly define the
the device is not delivered to a EPS functionality may voltage within the scope of the test
separate end use product. be disconnected during device is not procedure.
testing as long as the delivered to a
disconnection does not separate end use
impact the product.
functionality of the
EPS itself.
Does not include definitions of Proposed to move all of Proposes to retain all Improve readability and
``adaptive external power supply'', these definitions to of these definitions applicability of the
``basic-voltage external power the EPS test procedure at 10 CFR 430.2 except test procedure.
supply'', ``direct operation at appendix Z. ``adaptive external
external power supply'', ``indirect power supply''.
operation external power supply'',
and ``low-voltage external power
supply''. These definitions are
specified in 10 CFR 430.2.
Does not include definition of Class Proposed inclusion of Proposes retaining Improve readability and
A EPSs, which is currently specified Class A EPS definition Class A EPS definition applicability of the
in 10 CFR 430.2. in appendix Z while in 10 CFR 430.2 only test procedure.
also retaining it in and not include it in
10 CFR 430.2. appendix Z.
[[Page 60380]]
Does not explicitly provide Proposed to require Requires EPSs that are Improve
instructions for testing EPSs that EPSs that are not not supplied with an representativeness of
are not supplied with output cords.. supplied with an output cord to test test procedure.
10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix output cord to test at with an output cord
Z (generally). the output electrical recommended for use by
contact that can be the manufacturer.
connected to a
physical wire.
Requires adaptive EPSs that meet the Proposed to define an Defines an adaptive EPS Address waivers for
IEC 62680-1-2 specification to test adaptive EPS that that meets the voltage/ adaptive EPSs and
at 3 amps for the 100% loading meets the voltage/ current specifications updates to industry
condition at the lowest operating current specifications of IEC 62680-1-2 as a test standard.
output voltage of 5 volts. of IEC 62680-1-2 as a ``USB-PD EPS'' and
``USB-PD EPS'' and requires that it be
require that it be tested at 2 amps for
tested at 2 amps for the 100% loading
the 100% loading condition at the
condition at the lowest operating
lowest operating output voltage, which
output voltage of 5 can be as low as 3.3
volts. volts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the extent that DOE has tentatively determined that its proposed
amendments would impact the measured energy efficiency of an EPS, DOE
proposes that testing according to such amendments, if made final,
would not be required until such time as compliance is required with
new and amended energy conservation standards, should such standard be
established or amended. DOE has also tentatively determined that the
proposal, if adopted, would not be unduly burdensome to conduct. DOE's
proposed actions are addressed in detail in section III of this
document.
III. Discussion
A. Scope of Applicability
1. Scope of Appendix Z
In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to revise section 1 of appendix Z,
which specifies the scope of the EPS test procedure, by removing
references to direct operation EPSs and indirect operation Class A EPSs
and instead state that the test procedure's scope includes all EPSs
subject to the energy conservation standards set forth at 10 CFR
430.32(w)(1), except for those that meet the definition of a
``commercial and industrial power supply'' as defined in 10 CFR 430.2.
Deleting references to direct operation EPSs and indirect operation
Class A EPSs from the scope section of the EPS test procedure at
appendix Z would not alter the scope or the applicability of appendix
Z. The test procedure to test direct operation and indirect operation
EPSs is the same for both types of EPSs, and including these terms in
the scope is unnecessary; therefore, DOE is proposing to remove the
references.
Also, as part of the December 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed to define
``commercial and industrial power supply'' and exclude it from the
definition of an EPS altogether. In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to
maintain the current definition of an EPS and instead use the
definition of a ``commercial and industrial power supply'' to exclude
these EPSs from the scope of the appendix as described previously.
DOE requests feedback on its proposal to revise section 1 of
appendix Z to remove references to direct operation EPSs and indirect
operation Class A EPSs. DOE also requests feedback on its proposal to
use the proposed definition of a ``commercial and industrial power
supply'' to exclude such EPSs from the scope of the EPS test procedure.
2. Devices for Which the Primary Load of the Converted Voltage Is Not
Delivered to a Separate End Use Product
In response to inquiries as to whether the EPS test procedure
permits non-EPS-related functions to be disconnected when testing
products with universal serial bus (``USB'') ports, DOE proposed in the
December 2019 NOPR to specify that components and circuits unrelated to
the EPS's functionality may be disconnected during testing as long as
that disconnection does not impact the functionality of the EPS itself.
80 FR 67106, 67115 (December 6, 2019). 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). Id.
Additionally, in a request for information (``RFI'') regarding the
energy conservation standards for EPSs published on May 20, 2020 (``May
2020 RFI''), DOE solicited comment regarding how to differentiate
between EPSs and products with power conversion as an auxiliary
function. 85 FR 30636, 30639. DOE received comments that mostly
supported the exclusion of devices with power conversion as an
auxiliary function from EPS regulations.
In response to the December 2019 NOPR, CTA and NEMA/ALA raised
concern that the proposed amendment would expand the scope of what is
covered as an EPS as a result of what they understood to be a proposal
to consider all devices with power conversion as an ancillary function
(specifically products with USB, HDMI, CAT5, or similar ports) to be
within the scope of EPS regulations. (CTA, No. 11 at pp. 3-4; NEMA/ALA,
No. 12 at pp. 1-3, 6)
CTA commented that DOE's proposed addition of regulatory language
referencing ``circuits'' in section 4(h) of the proposed amendments to
appendix Z may lead to questions about the scope of the EPS regulations
if DOE intends to further classify circuits as a type of EPS. (CTA, No.
11 at pp. 3-4) CTA also asserted that devices such as laptops,
connected televisions, and mobile phone docking ports would potentially
be brought under EPS regulations if devices with USB, HDMI, CAT5 or
similar ports are considered EPSs. (CTA, No. 11 at p. 4) In addition,
CTA raised the concern of potential double regulations for certain
products that contain USB ports and are also subject to other energy
conservations standards for another product, such as battery chargers.
(CTA, No. 11 at p. 3) CTA recommended that DOE classify EPSs with other
major functions into a separate product class, and state that such
products are not subject to current EPS regulations. (CTA, No. 11 at p.
4)
NEMA/ALA stated that it would be impractical for DOE to enforce EPS
regulations upon every product containing a USB, HDMI, or RJ-45 port.
[[Page 60381]]
(NEMA/ALA, No. 12 at p. 1) NEMA/ALA also raised the issue of double
regulations, stating that many devices, including commercial devices,
whose energy use or energy efficiency is already regulated under EPCA,
contain ports that provide power as an ancillary function. (NEMA/ALA,
No. 12 at pp. 1-2) NEMA/ALA suggested creating a definition for a
``non-primary power supply,'' or a similar term, that would encompass
devices with power conversion as an ancillary function and exclude such
devices from the definition of an EPS. (NEMA/ALA, No. 12 at pp. 2-3)
NEMA/ALA also suggested amending the definition of an EPS to explicitly
state that the presence of a USB, HDMI, or RJ-45 port (or similar) as a
secondary or ancillary feature does not qualify the product as an EPS.
(NEMA/ALA, No. 12 at pp. 5-6)
As discussed in section I.A of this document, EPCA defines EPS
broadly 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)) The use of
the term ``external power supply circuit'' in the proposed amendment to
allow non-EPS functions to be disconnected would not change the scope
of EPS regulations.
In response to the May 2020 RFI's solicitation for comment on
devices with power conversion as an auxiliary function, The Power Tool
Institute (``PTI'') and, separately, a collaboration of various
industry commenters consisting of The Association of Home Appliance
Manufacturers (``AHAM''), Information Technology Industry Council
(``ITI''), Plumbing Manufacturers International (``PMI''), and PTI
(collectively, the ``Joint Commenters'') asserted that such devices
fall out of the scope of EPS regulations and should not be subject to
regulations unless DOE were to prescribe a standard specific to the
end-use product. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-STD-0006, PTI, No. 4 at p. 1;
Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-STD-0006, Joint Commenters, No. 10 at p. 2) The
Joint Commenters further opposed the development of regulations for
EPSs that are components of a product. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-STD-
0006, Joint Commenters, No. 10 at p. 2)
In related comments received in response to the May 2020 RFI, the
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (``NEEA''), Natural Resource
Defense Council (``NRDC''), and the Appliance Standards Awareness
Project (``ASAP'') (hereafter, ``NEEA/NRDC/ASAP'') and the CA IOUs
commented that devices with power conversion as an auxiliary function
are becoming increasingly more common on the market. (Docket No. EERE-
2020-BT-STD-0006, NEEA/NRDC/ASAP, No. 6 at p. 12; Docket No. EERE-2020-
BT-STD-0006, CA IOUs, No. 7 at pp. 8-9) NEEA/NRDC/ASAP asserted that
these types of devices should be subject to EPS regulations. (Docket
No. EERE-2020-BT-STD-0006, NEEA/NRDC/ASAP, No. 6 at p. 13)
Additionally, NEEA/NRDC/ASAP stated that power supplies serving an
auxiliary function in a device could consume significantly more energy
in active and/or no-load modes as a result of these devices not being
subject to EPS regulations. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-STD-0006, NEEA/
NRDC/ASAP, No. 6 at pp. 12-13) The CA IOUs recommended that DOE
evaluate the overall potential for covering products with power
conversion as a secondary function and that DOE conduct a verification
study to compare the energy performance of these types of devices to
EPSs that are not included in a finished product as a secondary
component. (Docket No. EERE-2020-BT-STD-0006, CA IOUs, No. 7 at pp. 8-
9)
As discussed in section I.A of this document, EPCA defines
``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(26)(A)(i)). The term does not include a power supply circuit,
driver, or device that is designed exclusively to be connected to, and
power: light-emitting diodes providing illumination; organic light-
emitting diodes providing illumination; or ceiling fans using direct
current motors. (42 U.S.C. 6291(26)(A)(ii)).
The proposed amendment in the December 2019 NOPR regarding the
disconnection of components and circuits unrelated to the EPS
functionality is for the purpose of providing additional instruction
for the testing of EPSs that are currently subject to testing and that
provide other functions unrelated to the power supply function. 84 FR
67106, 67115 (December 6, 2019). Use of the term ``circuit'' in the
proposed direction that any functionality that is unrelated to the
external power supply circuit may be disconnected during testing is
consistent with the EPCA definition of an EPS. In the December 2019
NOPR, by way of example, DOE discussed an EPS that also provides the
function of a surge protector with USB output ports as an example of an
EPS with other major functions that may be disconnected during testing
as long as that disconnection does not impact the functionality of the
EPS itself. Id. DOE is maintaining the proposal as presented in the
December 2019 NOPR.
In reviewing the comments to the NOPR as well as questions received
via the Compliance Certification Management System, DOE also
understands there may be uncertainty as to the devices subject to the
test procedure. As noted, the test procedure applies to EPSs subject to
the energy conservation standards at 10 CFR 430.32(w)(1). There are
devices that are covered by the definition of EPS but that are not
subject to the energy conservation standards and were not considered in
the establishment of the energy conservation standards (e.g., a
television that has a USB port that also provides converted power). In
order to provide further instruction regarding the scope of the test
procedure, in addition to the proposed instruction regarding the
disconnection of components and circuits unrelated to the EPS
functionality, DOE proposes to add instructions as to certain devices
excluded from the test procedure. Specifically, DOE proposes to specify
that devices for which the primary load of the converted voltage within
the device is not delivered to a separate end use product are not
subject to the test procedure.
DOE intends for this proposed amendment to clarify that devices
that provide power conversion only as an auxiliary operation (e.g.,
televisions, laptop computers, and home appliances with USB output
ports) are not subject to the test procedure. Devices containing USB
output ports would remain in scope to the extent the USB output port
represents the primary load of the device that houses the USB output
port. Examples of such a device could include a surge protector with
USB output ports, power-over-ethernet injectors, and wall outlets with
USB output ports. As stated, DOE does not intend for this proposed
amendment to change the existing scope but to instead provide
manufacturers with additional certainty regarding those EPSs for which
testing is required.
DOE requests comment on the proposed clarification in appendix Z to
exclude explicitly those devices for which the primary load of the
converted voltage within the device is not delivered to a separate end
use product. Specifically, whether it adequately clarifies which
devices are subject to the test procedure, and if not, how the test
procedure could be further modified to provide further clarity
regarding its scope.
[[Page 60382]]
B. Location of EPS Definitions
In the December 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed moving all EPS-related
definitions that are currently defined in 10 CFR 430.2 to the EPS test
procedure at appendix Z. 84 FR 67106, 67115 (December 6, 2019).
Specifically, DOE proposed to move 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'' from
10 CFR 430.2 to appendix Z. DOE did not propose to amend these
definitions. Id. However, in this SNOPR, DOE is no longer proposing
such a relocation because, except for the term ``adaptive external
power supply,'' these terms are not used elsewhere in the test
procedure. Because the terms ``basic-voltage external power supply'',
``direct operation external power supply'', ``indirect operation
external power supply'', and ``low-voltage external power supply'' are
not used in the test procedure, those terms are more appropriately
located in the general definitions section at 10 CFR 430.2. The term
``adaptive external power supply'' is specific to the test procedure,
and, for ease of reference, DOE is proposing to move that definition to
appendix Z.
In the December 2019 NOPR, DOE also proposed to include the
definition of ``Class A external power supply'' in appendix Z while
also retaining it at 10 CFR 430.2, where it currently exists. 84 FR
67106, 67115 (December 6, 2019). However, in this SNOPR, DOE proposes
to retain the definition of a ``Class A external power supply'' only at
10 CFR 430.2 and not include it in the EPS test procedure at appendix Z
because this term is not used in the EPS test procedure itself.
DOE requests feedback on maintaining the definitions of ``Class A
external power supply'', ``basic-voltage external power supply'',
``direct operation external power supply'', ``indirect operation
external power supply'', and ``low-voltage external power supply'' in
their current location at 10 CFR 430.2. DOE also requests comment on
the proposed relocation of the definition of ``adaptive external power
supply'' to appendix Z.
C. Testing EPSs That Are Not Supplied With an Output Cord
The current EPS test procedure requires EPSs to be tested with the
DC output cord supplied by the manufacturer. appendix Z, sec.
4(a)(i)(A). In a final rule published August 25, 2015 (``August 2015
final rule''), which established the current requirements regarding
testing with the power cord, DOE stated that allowing an EPS to be
tested without the power cord would ignore the losses associated with
the cord and allow for an EPS that is less efficient than the
efficiency standards intended. 80 FR 51424, 51429. Accordingly, DOE
specified that EPSs must be tested with the output cord supplied by the
manufacturer. Id.
DOE received multiple stakeholder inquiries regarding how to test
EPSs that are not shipped with a DC output cord. In response to these
inquiries, in the December 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed to amend the test
procedure to explicitly state that if a wire or cord is not supplied by
the manufacturer, then the EPS shall be tested at the output electrical
contact that can be connected to a physical wire. 84 FR 67106, 67124
(December 6, 2019). DOE did not receive any comments on this amendment.
Since the analysis conducted in support of the December 2019 NOPR,
DOE has observed an increasing number of EPSs that are not packaged or
supplied with an accompanying DC output cord.\8\ \9\ \10\ For example,
as USB EPSs become more ubiquitous, it is likely that many consumers
already own a USB cable, thereby reducing the demand for EPSs to be
supplied with a USB output cord. The current test procedure does not
provide explicit instructions to address this scenario, and DOE
recognizes that the absence of these instructions may result in
manufacturers testing such an EPS without the output cord, when in
actual use they are likely used in conjunction with a cord already
owned by the consumer. Testing an EPS without an output cord would
ignore the losses that are associated with using the EPS with the cord
in the real-world and, therefore, the rated efficiency of such an EPS
would not be representative of real-world use (i.e., the rated
efficiency of an EPS tested without an output cord would be higher than
that seen in real-world use). Additionally, the type of cord used to
test such an EPS would also impact the measured efficiency because
different cords may have different cord losses, thereby impacting the
repeatability and reproducibility of the test procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ LENCENT USB Wall Charger Plug, 2Pack 17W 3-Port USB Plug
CubePortable Charger sold on newegg.com; www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012-0015.
\9\ ORICO DCAP-5U 5-Port USB Wall Charger adapter sold on
newegg.com; www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012-0014.
\10\ Sony Camera Charger UB10 USB to AC Power Adapter sold on
newegg.com, www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2019-BT-TP-0012-0016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As such, in order to improve the representativeness and
repeatability and reproducibility of the EPS test procedure, DOE is
proposing to revise the procedure to explicitly state that if an EPS is
not supplied with an output cord, then the EPS shall be tested with an
output cord that is recommended for use by the manufacturer. If an EPS
contains multiple output busses, each output bus would be tested with
an output cord that is recommended for use by the manufacturer.
Specifically, proposed Section 4(g)(1) of appendix Z would require
testing each output port of an 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, this wire or cord would be used and testing would be
performed at the end of the cord that connects to an end-use product.
If a wire or cord is not supplied by the manufacturer, the external
power supply would be tested with an output cord recommended for use by
the manufacturer.
As indicated in the August 2015 final rule, the choice of power
cord when testing may impact the measured energy use of an EPS. 80 FR
51424, 51429 (August 25, 2015). It is uncertain the extent to which
this proposed amendment would impact the measured energy use of EPSs
that are currently certified. If adopted, testing to this provision
would not be required until such time as compliance is required with
amended energy conservation standards, should such standards be
adopted.
DOE requests comment on its proposed amendments for EPSs that are
not supplied with output cords; and specifically, DOE requests comment
on whether the test procedure should specify testing with a DC output
cord recommended for use by manufacturers, or whether DOE should
specify electrical specifications (i.e., cord length, gauge, material)
for the type of cord. For example, DOE could prescribe a table, as
shown below, that contains electrical specifications of DC output cords
for various ranges of nameplate output currents at the 100% loading
condition.
[[Page 60383]]
Table III-I--Example Output Cord Electrical Specifications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DC output current at 100% loading condition Cord length American wire
(amps) (feet) Conductor gauge
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 < I <= 1................................. 3 Copper............................. 26
1 < I <= 2................................. 3 Copper............................. 24
2 < I <= 3................................. 3 Copper............................. 22
3 < I <= 4................................. 3 Copper............................. 20
4 < I <= 5................................. 3 Copper............................. 18
I > 5...................................... 3 Copper............................. 16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These example electrical specifications are based on common
electrical specifications of output cords that DOE has observed in the
market.
If DOE were to prescribe electrical specifications for output
cords, DOE seeks input from industry on what those electrical
specifications should be, and/or whether there exists an industry
standard that contains specifications for electrical cables, which DOE
could incorporate by reference.
D. USB-PD EPSs With Additional Optional Voltages and Currents and
Programmable Power Supplies
In the December 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed to adopt a test procedure
for USB-PD EPSs (also called adaptive EPSs) that was prescribed in
several granted test procedure waivers (i.e., case Nos. EPS-001, EPS-
002, EPS-003, EPS-004, 2017-014, 2018-005, and 2018-010 \11\). 84 FR
67106, 67111--67113 (December 6, 2019). An adaptive EPS is one with an
output bus \12\ that can alter its output voltage based on an
established digital communication protocol with the end-use application
without any user-generated action. As described in the December 2019
NOPR, in granting the test procedure waivers for certain basic models
of adaptive EPSs, DOE determined that, while such EPSs are very much in
scope of the existing test procedure, continuing to apply the current
set of instructions in appendix Y to them would yield results that
would be unrepresentative of the active-mode efficiency of those
products. 84 FR 67106, 67112 (December 6, 2019). In granting the test
procedure waivers, 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 (i.e., a power draw of
more than 10W). See 83 FR 11738, 11739 (December 6, 2019). Nonetheless,
for a USB-PD EPS with a nameplate output current of 3 amps, the current
DOE test procedure requires 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. See Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\ See also Case No. 2019-005.
\12\ 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 result is in contrast to the existing test procedure at
appendix Z, which requires power draws of 15W, 11.25W, 7.5W, and 3.75W
at the 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% loading conditions, respectively. See 83
FR 11738, 11739-11740 (March 16, 2018). As a result, in the December
2019 NOPR, DOE proposed to amend appendix Z to adopt the alternate test
procedure applicable to the adaptive EPSs covered by the test procedure
waivers. 84 FR 67106, 67113 (December 6, 2019).
In response to the proposed definition of USB-PD EPS, ITI stated
that the limitation in current and voltage (via the phrase ``the
voltages and currents must not exceed'') should be removed to avoid
excluding USB-PD EPSs with additional optional additional voltages and
currents.\13\ (ITI, No. 13 at p. 3) According to ITI, the additional
optional voltages and currents ensure that temperatures can be
optimized inside laptop computers. (Id.) Moreover, ITI commented that
the proposed definition of a USB-PD EPS does not include PPSs, which is
defined in IEC 62680-1-2. (Id.) ITI stated that PPSs are able to output
a minimum voltage of 3.3 volts, in contrast to the minimum voltage of 5
volts as specified in the proposed definition of a USB-PD EPS, such
that equating the 2A loading condition with 10W (i.e., 2 amps at 5
volts) creates a conflict when used with a PPS. (Id.) Accordingly, ITI
recommended that DOE replace reference to ``10W'' with reference to
``2A at the lowest nameplate output voltage.'' (Id.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ The IEC 62680-1-2 specification describes the architecture,
protocols, power supply behavior, connectors, and cabling necessary
for managing power delivery over a USB. In addition to those voltage
and current requirements specified in the previously proposed
definition of a USB-PD EPS, stakeholders commented that IEC 62680-1-
2 also specifies additional optional voltage and current limits for
USB-PD EPSs that should be included.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The alternate test procedure prescribed in the waivers references
IEC 62680-1-2:2017 and specified the voltage and current requirements
contained therein. See 84 FR 59365 (November 4, 2019); 83 FR 60830
(November 27, 2018); 83 FR 50905 (October 10, 2018); 83 FR 25448 (June
1, 2018); and 83 FR 11738 (March 16, 2018). The definition for USB-PD
EPSs proposed in the December 2019 NOPR used the specific voltage and
current requirements from IEC 62680-1-2:2017 as referenced in the
waiver petitions (i.e., requiring USB-PD EPSs to be rated at 3 amps at
an output voltage of 5 volts, and: at no more than 3 amps at 9 volts;
at 3 amps at 15 volts, and; at 5 amps at 20 volts) and required that
only USB-PD EPSs meeting the proposed definition would be subject to
the proposed test procedure. 84 FR 67106, 67113 (December 6, 2019).
PPSs were not specified in IEC 62680-1-2 until a revised version, IEC
62680-1-2:2018, published on April 12, 2018.
DOE expects USB-PD EPSs with optional voltages and currents and
PPSs to become more common in the market in the future as more end-use
applications incorporate USB-PD for charging purposes. Moreover,
because PPSs employ the same communication technology as USB-PD EPSs,
DOE
[[Page 60384]]
expects PPSs to rarely draw more than 2 amps of current at a lowest
nameplate output 3.3 volts, similar to USB-PD EPSs with a lowest
nameplate output voltage of 5 volts. Similarly, DOE expects USB-PD EPSs
with additional optional voltages and currents, which can also have a
lowest nameplate output voltage as low as 3.3 volts, to also rarely
draw more than 2 amps of current at that output voltage.
In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to modify the proposed definition of a
USB-PD EPS in order to include USB-PD EPSs with additional optional
voltages and currents and PPSs, consistent with the updated industry
standard. By modifying the definition of USB-PD EPS such that it would
include PPS and USB-PD EPSs with additional optional voltages and
currents, such products would be tested according to the alternate test
procedure prescribed for USB-PD EPSs in the December 2019 NOPR.
In summary, DOE proposes to define USB-PD EPS as 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 any output voltage within the range of 3.3 volts to 20
volts. The USB-PD output bus must be capable of delivering 3 amps at
the lowest output voltage, and the 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 also proposes to revise the definition of nameplate output
power in order to provide for testing of PPSs and USB-PD EPSs with
additional optional voltages and currents at 2 amps at the lowest
nameplate output voltage, instead of at 5 volts, as was previously
specified in the definition of nameplate output power. DOE proposes to
revise the definition of nameplate output power to mean 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 the
product of its lowest nameplate output voltage and 2 amps for each USB-
PD port and as specified on the manufacturer's label or documentation
at the highest voltage.
The proposed definition would result in PPSs and USB-PD EPSs with
additional optional voltages and currents being tested according to the
same alternate test procedure provided for USB-PD EPSs in the December
2019 NOPR.
DOE is not aware of any PPSs or USB-PD EPSs with additional
optional voltages and currents on the market certified as EPSs, and
thus DOE does not expect the proposed amendments to require the
retesting or recertification of any basic EPS models.
DOE requests comments on the proposed amendments related to PPSs
and USB-PD EPSs with optional voltages and currents.
E. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
In this SNOPR, DOE is proposing to clarify the scope of the EPS
test procedure at appendix Z by removing references to direct operation
and indirect operation Class A EPSs and providing additional detail
regarding the subject EPSs. DOE is also proposing to (1) maintain the
placement of certain definitions at 10 CFR 430.2 that DOE initially
proposed to move to appendix Z in the NOPR, (2) provide additional
specification for the testing of EPSs that do not ship with an output
cord, and (3) align the testing requirements for PPS with those for
USB-PD EPSs.
DOE has tentatively determined that the proposed amendments would
not be unduly burdensome for manufacturers to conduct. Further details
regarding the cost impact of the proposed amendments are presented in
the following paragraphs.
1. Scope of Applicability
In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to amend the EPS test procedure in
appendix Z to provide additional clarity as to those EPSs subject to
the test procedure. The proposal would remove reference in the scope
section to direct operation EPSs and indirect operation Class A EPSs,
as reference to these terms is duplicative with the instruction that
the scope of the test procedure are those EPSs subject to standards.
DOE also proposes to provide additional detail as to the products
subject to the test procedure by noting that devices for which the
primary load of the converted voltage within the device is not
delivered to a separate end use product are not covered. DOE has
tentatively determined that neither of these amendments would change
the scope of the EPS test procedure. As such, the proposed amendments
to the scoping language would not change (1) the scope of the products
subject to the test procedure, (2) the cost to conduct the test
procedure, or (3) the cost incurred by manufacturers to re-test any
currently covered EPSs. Accordingly, these proposed amendments would
not impact the test burden for any EPS manufacturer.
DOE requests comment on its initial determination that the proposed
amendments regarding the scope of appendix Z, if finalized, would not
cause any EPS manufacturers to incur any additional costs.
2. Testing EPSs That Are Not Supplied With an Output Cord
DOE proposes to specify that those EPSs that are not supplied with
an output cord would be tested using an output cord recommended by the
manufacturer. The current test procedure does not provide explicit
instructions on how to test EPSs that are not supplied with an output
cord. This proposed amendment would explicitly require EPS
manufacturers to conduct the test at the end of an output cord that is
connected to the output electrical contact. The addition of an output
cord would introduce electrical losses in the test setup and would thus
impact the efficiency measurement of an EPS. DOE acknowledges that the
proposals related to the testing of EPSs that are not supplied with an
output cord could impact the measured energy use of certain basic
models--specifically, those models that were tested without an output
cord or with an output cord different from what would be required by
the proposed amendment. However, this proposal, if adopted, would not
be required until such time as DOE were to amend the energy
conservation standards for EPSs. Moreover, were this proposal adopted,
it would not result in an increase in test burden as compared to the
current test procedure, as it would not require any additional testing
steps.
DOE requests comment on its initial determination that the proposed
amendment to test EPSs shipped without an output cord with a
manufacturer recommended cord, if finalized, would not increase the
test burden as compared to the current test procedure once required.
3. USB-PD With Additional Optional Voltages and Currents and
Programmable Power Supplies
DOE proposes to amend the definition of a USB-PD EPS, as proposed
in the December 2019 NOPR, in order to include USB-PD EPSs with
additional optional voltages and currents and PPSs. DOE is not aware of
any USB-PD EPSs with additional optional voltages and currents or PPSs
that are currently certified in DOE's Compliance Certification Database
(``CCD''). Further, DOE has not received any waiver petitions under 10
CFR 430.27 for USB-
[[Page 60385]]
PD EPSs with additional optional voltages and currents or PPSs.
Accordingly, based on currently available data, DOE has preliminarily
concluded that the proposed amendments would not alter the measured
energy efficiency of any EPS basic models currently certified in DOE's
CCD. Hence, manufacturers would not incur any additional costs compared
to the existing test procedure.
DOE has preliminarily concluded that the proposed amendments, if
finalized, 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 the
alternate test procedure required under currently active test procedure
waivers. For adaptive EPSs that meet the IEC 62680-1-2 specification
(including PPSs and USB-PD EPSs with optional voltages and currents),
the proposed approach is the same one required under the granted
waivers. See 83 FR 11738 (March 16, 2018) (initial Decision & Order on
joint waiver request from Apple, et al.), 83 FR 25448 (June 1, 2018)
(Decision & Order on waiver request Huawei), 83 FR 50905 (October 10,
2018) (first waiver extension for Apple), and 83 FR 60830 (November 27,
2018) (second waiver extension for Apple). Moreover, DOE is not aware
of any PPSs or USB-PD EPSs with additional optional voltages and
currents on the market certified as EPSs, and thus DOE does not expect
the proposed amendments to require the retesting or recertification of
any basic EPS models. Accordingly, based on 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 initial determination that its proposed
amendment for USB-PD EPSs, if finalized, would not cause any EPS
manufacturers to incur any additional costs.
F. 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)) The 180 day
mandate applies to all test procedure changes in this proposed rule
with the exception of proposed amendments related to testing EPSs that
are not supplied with an output cord. Those requirements, if finalized,
would not be required until such time as DOE were to amend the energy
conservation standards for EPSs. As discussed previously in this
document, appendix Z does not explicitly provide instructions for
testing EPSs that are supplied without an output cord. Currently, a
manufacturer may choose to test with a recommended output cord. Under
the proposed test procedure, a manufacturer would be required to test
with a recommended output cord only at such time as compliance is
required with amended energy conservation standards, should such
standards be amended.
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 would 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)(3). 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. 10 CFR 430.27(i)(2). As part of this SNOPR, DOE continues to
propose to adopt the alternate test procedure required under the
waivers granted to Apple, Microsoft, Poin2, Bitland, and Huawei for
testing USB-PD EPSs (Case Nos. EPS-001, EPS-002, EPS-003, and EPS-004),
with the modifications discussed above to address PPSs. If the proposed
amendments regarding the testing of adaptive EPSs were made final, the
waivers issued to Apple, Microsoft, Poin2, Bitland, and Huawei would
expire on the date on which testing were required using the amended
test procedure. At such time Apple, Microsoft, Poin2, Bitland, and
Huawei would be required to test the EPSs subject to the waivers
according to the amended Federal test procedure.
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') has determined that
this test procedure rulemaking does not constitute a ``significant
regulatory action'' 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 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: www.energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel.
DOE reviewed this test procedure SNOPR 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
[[Page 60386]]
121. The size standards are listed by North American Industry
Classification System (``NAICS'') code and industry description and are
available at 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.
As previously discussed in section III.E, DOE does not anticipate
that any EPS manufacturer, large or small, would incur any additional
testing costs as a result of these proposed test procedure amendments,
if finalized.
Therefore, DOE concludes that the impacts of the proposed test
procedure amendments proposed in this SNOPR 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 initial determination that no small
businesses would incur any additional cost due to the proposed test
procedure amendments, if finalized, until compliance with a future
energy conservation is required.
C. 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 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.
The proposals presented in this SNOPR, if adopted, would not
require the recertification of any basic model currently certified on
the CCD nor would they require the reporting of information not
currently required.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB Control Number.
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this 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.
E. 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.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (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.
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
[[Page 60387]]
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 www.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 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (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.
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB,
a Statement of Energy Effects for any 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.
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974
Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101), DOE must comply with section 32 of the
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (15 U.S.C. 788;
``FEAA'') Section 32 essentially provides in relevant part that, where
a proposed rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the
notice of proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and
background of such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE
to consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal
Trade Commission (``FTC'') concerning the impact of the commercial or
industry standards on competition.
The proposed modifications to the test procedure for EPSs do not
incorporate any new industry standards.
M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference
In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to maintain the current incorporation
by reference of IEC 62301 Ed. 2.0, 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. Specifically, section 1 of appendix Z would
limit use of the material incorporated by reference to the following
sections of the IEC 62301:
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 address:
American National Standards Institute, 25 W 43rd Street, 4th Floor,
New York, NY 10036, (212) 642-4936, or by visiting https://webstore.ansi.org.
V. Public Participation
A. Participation in the Webinar
The time and date of the webinar meeting are listed in the DATES
section at the beginning of this document. Webinar registration
information, participant instructions, and information about the
capabilities available to webinar participants will be published on
DOE's website: https://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=1. Participants are
responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the webinar
software.
B. Procedure for Submitting Prepared General Statements for
Distribution
Any person who has an interest in the topics addressed in this
SNOPR, or who is representative of a group or class of
[[Page 60388]]
persons that has an interest in these issues, may request an
opportunity to make an oral presentation at the webinar. Requests
should be sent by email to: [email protected].
Persons who wish to speak should include with their request a computer
file in WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, PDF, or text (ASCII) file format
that briefly describes the nature of their interest in this rulemaking
and the topics they wish to discuss. Such persons should also provide a
daytime telephone number where they can be reached.
Persons requesting to speak should briefly describe the nature of
their interest in this rulemaking and provide a telephone number for
contact. DOE requests persons selected to make an oral presentation to
submit an advance copy of their statements at least two weeks before
the webinar. At its discretion, DOE may permit persons who cannot
supply an advance copy of their statement to participate, if those
persons have made advance alternative arrangements with the Building
Technologies Office. As necessary, requests to give an oral
presentation should ask for such alternative arrangements.
C. Conduct of the Webinar
DOE will designate a DOE official to preside at the webinar and may
also use a professional facilitator to aid discussion. The meeting will
not be a judicial or evidentiary-type public hearing, but DOE will
conduct it in accordance with section 336 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6306). A
court reporter will be present to record the proceedings and prepare a
transcript. DOE reserves the right to schedule the order of
presentations and to establish the procedures governing the conduct of
the webinar. There shall not be discussion of proprietary information,
costs or prices, market share, or other commercial matters regulated by
U.S. anti-trust laws. After the webinar and until the end of the
comment period, interested parties may submit further comments on the
proceedings and any aspect of the rulemaking.
The webinar will be conducted in an informal, conference style. DOE
will present summaries of comments received before the webinar, allow
time for prepared general statements by participants, and encourage all
interested parties to share their views on issues affecting this
rulemaking. Each participant will be allowed to make a general
statement (within time limits determined by DOE), before the discussion
of specific topics. DOE will permit, as time permits, other
participants to comment briefly on any general statements.
At the end of all prepared statements on a topic, DOE will permit
participants to clarify their statements briefly. Participants should
be prepared to answer questions by DOE and by other participants
concerning these issues. DOE representatives may also ask questions of
participants concerning other matters relevant to this rulemaking. The
official conducting the webinar will accept additional comments or
questions from those attending, as time permits. The presiding official
will announce any further procedural rules or modification of the above
procedures that may be needed for the proper conduct of the webinar.
A transcript of the webinar will be included in the docket, which
can be viewed as described in the Docket section at the beginning of
this SNOPR. In addition, any person may buy a copy of the transcript
from the transcribing reporter.
D. 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 document.
Submitting comments via www.regulations.gov. The
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 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 www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments received
through the 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 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 www.regulations.gov
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via email. Comments and documents submitted via
email also will be posted to 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. 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
[[Page 60389]]
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
email 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. 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).
E. 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 feedback on its proposal to revise section 1 of
appendix Z to remove references to direct operation EPSs and
indirect operation Class A EPSs. DOE also requests feedback on its
proposal to use the proposed definition of a ``commercial and
industrial power supply'' to exclude such EPSs from the scope of the
EPS test procedure.
(2) DOE requests comment on the proposed clarification in
appendix Z to exclude explicitly those devices for which the primary
load of the converted voltage within the device is not delivered to
a separate end use product. Specifically, whether it adequately
clarifies which devices are subject to the test procedure, and, if
not, how the test procedure could be further modified to provide
further clarity regarding its scope.
(3) DOE requests feedback on maintaining the definitions of
``Class A external power supply'', ``basic-voltage external power
supply'', ``direct operation external power supply'', ``indirect
operation external power supply'', and ``low-voltage external power
supply'' in their current location at 10 CFR 430.2. DOE also
requests comment on the proposed relocation of the definition of
``adaptive external power supply'' to appendix Z.
(4) DOE requests comment on its proposed amendments for EPSs
that are not supplied with output cords; and, specifically, DOE
requests comment on whether the test procedure should specify
testing with a DC output cord recommended for use by manufacturers,
or whether DOE should specify electrical specifications (i.e., cord
length, gauge, material) for the type of cord. For example, DOE
could prescribe a table, as shown below, that contains electrical
specifications of DC output cords for various ranges of nameplate
output currents at the 100% loading condition.
(5) DOE requests comments on the proposed amendments related to
PPSs and USB-PD EPSs with optional voltages and currents.
(6) DOE requests comment on its initial determination that the
proposed amendments regarding the scope of appendix Z, if finalized,
would not cause any EPS manufacturers to incur any additional costs.
(7) DOE requests comment on its initial determination that the
proposed amendment to test EPSs shipped without an output cord with
a manufacturer recommended cord, if finalized, would not increase
the test burden as compared to the current test procedure once
required.
(8) DOE requests comment on its initial determination that its
proposed amendment for USB-PD EPSs, if finalized, would not cause
any EPS manufacturers to incur any additional costs.
(9) DOE requests comment on its initial determination that no
small businesses would incur any additional cost due to the proposed
test procedure amendments, if finalized, until compliance with a
future energy conservation is required.
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small
businesses.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on October 19,
2021, by Kelly Speakes-Backman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
and Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy.
That document with the original signature and date is maintained by
DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with
requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE
Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit
the document in electronic format for publication, as an official
document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no
way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the
Federal Register.
Signed in Washington, DC, on October 20, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE is proposing to amend
part 430 of Chapter II of Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations as set
forth below:
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
0
1. 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
2. Section 430.2 is amended by:
0
a. Removing the definition of ``Adaptive external power supply (EPS)'';
0
b. Adding a definition of ``Commercial and industrial power supply'' in
alphabetical order; and
0
c. Revising the definition of ``External power supply''.
The addition and revision read 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 (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
[[Page 60390]]
with an end-use device that is certified to any of 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;
(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
3. 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
4. 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 [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 this
appendix as it appeared at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B revised as of
January 1, 2021. The provisions at section (4)(g)(2) of this
appendix regarding the testing of units for which a wire or cord is
not provided by the manufacturer are not required for use until such
time as compliance is required with any amended standards for
external power supplies provided in Sec. 430.32(w) that are
published after January 1, 2021.
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
are applicable to this appendix, as follows:
(a) IEC 62301, (``IEC 62301''), 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 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. IEEE Standard 1515-2000,
4.3.1.1 (Reference for guidance only, see 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] TP02NO21.002
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.
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
[[Page 60391]]
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 the product of its lowest
nameplate output voltage and 2 amps for each 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] TP02NO21.003
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 any output voltage within the range of
3.3 volts to 20 volts. The USB-PD output bus must be capable of
delivering 3 amps at the lowest output voltage, and the 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.
(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 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. 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.
(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)(1) 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 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:
(i) Cut the cord immediately adjacent to the output connector,
or
(ii) 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.
[[Page 60392]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP02NO21.004
(2) An external power supply that is not supplied with a wire or
cord must be tested with a wire or an output cord recommended by the
manufacturer.
(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). Exclude from testing devices for which the
primary load of the converted voltage within the device is not
delivered to a separate end use product, i.e., products in which the
primary load of converted voltage is delivered within the device
itself to execute the primary function of the device. Examples of
excluded products may include consumer electronics with USB outputs,
and lighting products with USB outputs.
(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 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 section 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%.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 section
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 of this
section, test the external power supply only at the loading
conditions for which it can sustain output.
(iv) Use the following proportional allocation method to provide
consistent
[[Page 60393]]
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] TP02NO21.005
(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 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, 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 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 of this section, derated per
the proportional allocation method presented in section 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 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 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 section
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) 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, * * *, 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] TP02NO21.006
(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 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
[[Page 60394]]
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 of this section,
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 section (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 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 of this section, derated per
the proportional allocation method presented in section 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 section
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) 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 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] TP02NO21.007
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 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
[[Page 60395]]
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 of this section.
The measurement of the off-mode energy consumption must conform to
the requirements specified in section 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 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 of this section, 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 section
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 at the loading
conditions for which it can sustain output.
(iv) 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:
[[Page 60396]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP02NO21.008
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 of this section, 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 of this section.
The measurement of the off-mode energy consumption must conform to
the requirements specified in section (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. 2021-23184 Filed 11-1-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P