[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]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 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.

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

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))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ DOE amended its regulations to reflect the changes 
introduced by the PASS Act and EPS Improvement Act. 84 FR 437 
(January 29, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Reference in this
          Commenter(s)                   SNOPR          Commenter type
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \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).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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