[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 69544-69574]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25416]



[[Page 69543]]

Vol. 86

Tuesday,

No. 232

December 7, 2021

Part IV





 Department of Energy





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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430





Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Ceiling Fans; Proposed 
Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 232 / Tuesday, December 7, 2021 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 69544]]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

10 CFR Parts 429 and 430

[EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050]
RIN 1904-AD88


Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for Ceiling Fans

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

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking and request for 
comment.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (``DOE'') proposes to amend the 
test procedures for ceiling fans. DOE initially presented proposed 
amendments in a notice of proposed rulemaking (``NOPR'') published on 
September 30, 2019. DOE is publishing this supplemental notice of 
proposed rulemaking (``SNOPR'') to present modifications to certain 
proposals presented in the NOPR, and to propose additional amendments. 
In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to include a definition for ``circulating 
air'' for the purpose of the ceiling fan definition, include ceiling 
fans greater than 24 feet in the scope, include certain belt-driven 
ceiling fans within scope, include a standby metric for large-diameter 
ceiling fans, amend the low speed definition, permit an alternate set-
up to collect air velocity test data, amend certain set-up and 
operation specifications, amend the blade thickness measurement 
requirement, and update product-specific rounding and enforcement 
provisions. DOE is seeking comment from interested parties on the 
proposal.

DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
proposal no later than February 7, 2022. See section V, ``Public 
Participation,'' for details. DOE will hold a webinar on Tuesday, 
January 11, 2022, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. E.S.T. 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-2013-BT-TP-0050, 
by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    2. Email: [email protected]. Include the docket number EERE-
2013-BT-TP-0050 or regulatory information number (``RIN'') 1904-AD88 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 the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal, email, postal mail, or 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. 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, 
webinar attendee lists and transcripts (if a webinar 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 regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050. 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-2J, 
1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: 
(202) 586-9870. Email [email protected].
Ms. Amelia Whiting, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General 
Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585-0121. 
Telephone: (202) 586-9870. 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].
    DOE has submitted the collection of information contained in the 
proposed rule to OMB for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act, as 
amended. (44 U.S.C. 3507d)) Comments on the information collection 
proposal shall be directed to the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Sofie Miller, OIRA 
Desk Officer by email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Authority and Background
    A. Authority
    B. Background
II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
III. Discussion
    A. Scope of Ceiling Fan Definition
    B. Scope of Test Procedure for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
    C. Belt-Driven Ceiling Fans
    D. Standby Power Metric for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans
    E. Low-Speed Definition
    F. Sensor Arm Setups
    G. Air Velocity Sensor Mounting Angle
    H. Instructions To Measure Blade Thickness
    I. Specifications for Ceiling Fans With Accessories
    J. Product Specific Rounding and Enforcement Provisions
    1. Airflow (CFM) at High Speed Rounding
    2. Blade Edge Thickness Rounding and Tolerance
    3. Blade RPM Tolerance
    4. Represented Values Within Product Class Definitions
    K. Test Procedure Costs, Harmonization, and Other Topics
    1. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
    2. Harmonization With Industry Standards
    L. Compliance Date and Waivers
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
    A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
    B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
    1. Description of Reasons Why Action Is Being Considered
    2. Objective of, and Legal Basis for, Rule
    3. Description and Estimate of Small Entities Regulated
    4. Description and Estimate of Compliance Requirements
    5. Duplication, Overlap, and Conflict With Other Rules and 
Regulations

[[Page 69545]]

    6. Significant Alternatives to the Rule
    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 Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001
    J. Review Under Executive Order 12630
    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. Submission of Comments
    C. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority and Background

    DOE is authorized to establish and amend energy conservation 
standards and test procedures for ceiling fans. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(16)(A)(i) and (B), and 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) DOE's energy 
conservation standards and test procedures for ceiling fans are 
currently prescribed at title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(``CFR''), part 430 section 32(s)(1) and (2), 10 CFR part 430 section 
23(w), and 10 CFR part 430 subpart B appendix U (``Appendix U''). The 
following sections discuss DOE's authority to establish test procedures 
for ceiling fans 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 a number of 
consumer products and certain 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 
a variety of provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. These 
products include ceiling fans, the subject of this document. (42 U.S.C. 
6291(49), 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(16)(A)(i) and (B), and 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff))
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    \1\ All references to EPCA in this document refer to the statute 
as amended through the Energy Act of 2020, Public Law 116-260 (Dec. 
27, 2020).
    \2\ For editorial reasons, upon codification in the U.S. Code, 
Part B was redesignated Part A.
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    The energy conservation program under EPCA 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), 
test procedures (42 U.S.C. 6293), labeling provisions (42 U.S.C. 6294), 
energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295), 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 and off mode energy consumption or such 
integration is technically infeasible. If an integrated test procedure 
is technically infeasible, DOE must prescribe a separate standby mode 
and off mode energy use test procedure for the covered product, if 
technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) Any such amendment 
must consider the most current versions of the International 
Electrotechnical Commission (``IEC'') Standard 62301 \3\ and IEC 
Standard 62087 \4\ as applicable. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A))
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    \3\ IEC 62301, Household electrical appliances--Measurement of 
standby power (Edition 2.0, 2011-01).
    \4\ IEC 62087, Methods of measurement for the power consumption 
of audio, video, and related equipment (Edition 3.0, 2011-04).
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    With respect to ceiling fans, EPCA requires that test procedures be 
based on the ``Energy Star Testing Facility Guidance Manual: Building a 
Testing Facility and Performing the Solid State Test Method for ENERGY 
STAR Qualified Ceiling Fans, Version 1.1'' published by the 
Environmental Protection Agency, and that the Secretary may review and 
revise the test procedures established. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(16)(A)(i) 
and (B))
    EPCA also requires that, at least once every 7 years, DOE evaluate 
test procedures for each type of covered product, including ceiling 
fans, 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. (42 U.S.C. 
6293(b)(1)(A)(ii)) DOE is publishing this SNOPR pursuant to the 7-year 
review requirement specified in EPCA.

[[Page 69546]]

B. Background

    As stated, DOE's existing test procedures for ceiling fans appear 
at Appendix U. DOE published a final rule in the Federal Register on 
July 25, 2016 (``July 2016 Final Rule''), which amended the test 
procedures for ceiling fans at Appendix U. 81 FR 48620, 48622. On 
September 30, 2019, DOE published a NOPR (``September 2019 NOPR'') 
proposing amendments to the test procedure addressing questions 
received from interested parties. 84 FR 51440. In the September 2019 
NOPR, DOE proposed to interpret the term ``suspended from a ceiling'' 
in the EPCA definition of ceiling fan to mean offered for mounting only 
on a ceiling; specify that very small-diameter (``VSD'') ceiling fans 
that do not also meet the definition of low-speed small-diameter 
(``LSSD'') ceiling fan are not required to be tested pursuant to the 
DOE test method; for LSSD and VSD ceiling fans, increase the tolerance 
for the stability criteria for the average air velocity measurements 
during low speed tests; specify that large-diameter ceiling fans with 
blade spans greater than 24 feet do not need to be tested pursuant to 
the DOE test method; codify current guidance on calculating several 
values reported on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's (``FTC'') 
EnergyGuide label for LSSD and VSD ceiling fans; and amend 
certification requirements and product-specific enforcement provisions 
to reflect the current test procedures and recently amended energy 
conservation standards for ceiling fans. 84 FR 51440, 51442. 
Additionally, on October 17, 2019, DOE hosted a public meeting to 
present the September 2019 NOPR proposals.
    Table I.1 lists a subset of comments received by DOE in response to 
the September 2019 NOPR that are relevant to this SNOPR.

    Table I.1--Subset of Comments Received in Response to September 2019 NOPR That Are Relevant to This SNOPR
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Commenter(s)                 Reference in this SNOPR                  Commenter type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Movement and Control Association     AMCA......................  Trade Association.
 International *.
American Lighting Association..........  ALA.......................  Trade Association.
Anonymous..............................  Anonymous.................  Individual Commenter.
Big Ass Fans...........................  BAF.......................  Manufacturer.
Chris Ransom...........................  Ransom....................  Individual Commenter.
Hunter Fan Company.....................  Hunter....................  Manufacturer.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, San    CA IOUs...................  Utilities.
 Diego Gas and Electric, and Southern
 California Edison.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOE received two separate comment submissions from AMCA; however, the second comment replaced the first. See
  comment number 33 in the docket (replacing comment number 30).

    A parenthetical reference at the end of a comment quotation or 
paraphrase provides the location of the item in the public record.\5\ 
This SNOPR only discusses a subset of topics under consideration as 
part of this test procedure rulemaking and not all comments received in 
response to the September 2019 NOPR are addressed in this SNOPR. 
Comments not addressed in this SNOPR will be addressed in the next 
stages of the rulemaking.
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    \5\ The parenthetical reference provides a reference for 
information located in the docket of DOE's rulemaking to develop 
test procedures for ceiling fans. (Docket No. EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050, 
which is maintained at www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050). The references are arranged as follows: (Commenter name, 
comment docket ID number, page of that document).
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    DOE, with the support of the ALA, conducted a round robin test 
program for ceiling fans to observe laboratory setups and test 
practices, evaluate within-laboratory variation (i.e., repeatability) 
and assess between-laboratory consistency (i.e., reproducibility). 
Round robin testing was conducted from January 2019 to April 2020. Six 
test laboratories participated in the round robin, representing both 
manufacturer laboratories and third-party laboratories. Four 
laboratories are located in North America, and two are located in 
China. ALA and ceiling fan manufacturers supplied two samples each of 
five ceiling fan models (for a total of 10 test samples). The 
laboratories were instructed to test according to appendix U. DOE 
representatives were present during all testing to observe test setups 
and practices used in a variety of labs. In this SNOPR, DOE includes 
several proposals based on test results and observations made during 
round robin testing. The round robin test report has been separately 
published in the docket.\6\
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    \6\ The docketed round robin report can be found in the 
rulemaking docket EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050. www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050.
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    On May 27, 2021, DOE published a final rule to amend the current 
regulations for large-diameter ceiling fans. 86 FR 28469 (``May 2021 
Technical Amendment'') The contents of these technical amendments 
correspond with provisions enacted by Congress through the Energy Act 
of 2020. Id. Specifically, section 1008 of the Energy Act of 2020 
amended section 325(ff)(6) of EPCA to specify that large-diameter 
ceiling fans manufactured on or after January 21, 2020, are not 
required to meet minimum ceiling fan efficiency requirements in terms 
of the ratio of the total airflow to the total power consumption as 
established in a final rule published January 19, 2017 (82 FR 6826; 
``January 2017 Final Rule''), and instead are required to meet 
specified minimum efficiency requirements based on the Ceiling Fan 
Energy Index (``CFEI'') metric. 86 FR 28469, 28469-28470. The May 2021 
Technical Amendment also implemented conforming amendments to the 
ceiling fan test procedure to ensure consistency with the Energy Act of 
2020. 86 FR 28469, 28470.
    On May 7, 2021, DOE published an early assessment request for 
information (RFI) undertaking an early assessment review for amended 
energy conservation standards for ceiling fans to determine whether to 
amend applicable energy conservation standards for this product. 86 FR 
24538 (``May 2021 RFI'').

II. Synopsis of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to update appendix U as follows:

    (1) Specify that for the purpose of the ceiling fan definition, 
``circulating air'' means the discharge of air in an upward or 
downward direction with the air returning to the intake side of the 
fan. A ceiling fan that has a ratio of fan blade span (in inches) to 
maximum rotation rate (in revolutions per minute) greater than 0.06 
provides circulating air;
    (2) Extend the scope of the test procedure to include large 
diameter fans with a diameter greater than 24 feet;

[[Page 69547]]

    (3) Include high-speed belt-driven and large-diameter belt-
driven ceiling fans within scope;
    (4) Add a standby power metric for large-diameter ceiling fans;
    (5) Modify the low-speed definition to ensure that LSSD ceiling 
fans (including VSD ceiling fans that also meet the definition of an 
LSSD fan) are tested at a more representative low speed rather than 
the currently required ``lowest available ceiling fan speed'';
    (6) Allow use of an alternative procedure for air velocity data 
collection that relies on a two-arm sensor arm setup, and require 
setups with arm rotation to stabilize the arm prior to data 
collection;
    (7) Clarify the alignment of air velocity sensor placement on 
the sensor arm(s);
    (8) Specify the instructions to measure blade thickness for LSSD 
and HSSD ceiling fan definitions;
    (9) Specify test procedures for ceiling fans with accessories 
and/or features; and
    (10) Amend product-specific rounding and enforcement provisions 
for ceiling fans.

    Table II.1 summarizes DOE's proposed actions compared to the 
current test procedure, as well as the reason for the proposed change.

          Table II.1--Summary of Changes in Proposed Test Procedure Relative to Current Test Procedure
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Current DOE test procedure            NOPR proposal            SNOPR proposal            Attribution
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defines ``ceiling fan'' based on EPCA  Interpreted the EPCA     Defines the term         Response to industry
 as ``a nonportable device that is      definition of ceiling    ``circulating air''      comments.
 suspended from a ceiling for           fan to mean those fans   for the purpose of the
 circulating air via the rotation of    offered for mounting     ceiling fan definition
 fan blades''.                          only on a ceiling and    to mean ``the
                                        seeks comment on a       discharge of air in an
                                        proposed alternative     upward or downward
                                        interpretation.          direction with the air
                                                                 returning to the
                                                                 intake side of the
                                                                 fan. A ceiling fan
                                                                 that has a ratio of
                                                                 fan blade span (in
                                                                 inches) to maximum
                                                                 rotation rate (in
                                                                 revolutions per
                                                                 minute) greater than
                                                                 0.06 provides
                                                                 circulating air''.
Excludes large diameter fans with a    Specified that large-    Includes large diameter  Response to industry
 diameter of greater than 24 feet       diameter ceiling with    fans with a diameter     comments.
 from the test procedure.               blade spans greater      of greater than 24
                                        than 24 feet do not      feet in the scope of
                                        need to be tested        the test procedure.
                                        pursuant to the DOE
                                        test method.
Excludes all belt-driven ceiling fans  N/A....................  Includes definitions     Response to industry
 from the test procedure.                                        and test procedures      comments.
                                                                 for high-speed belt-
                                                                 driven ceiling fans
                                                                 and large-diameter
                                                                 belt-driven ceiling
                                                                 fans.
Includes a standby power test          N/A....................  Amends Appendix U to     42 U.S.C.
 procedure, but no standby power                                 include a standby        6295(gg)(2)(A)
 metric for large-diameter ceiling                               power metric for large-  requires test
 fan CFEI metric. Prior to the Energy                            diameter ceiling fans.   procedures for all
 Act of 2020, the CFM/W metric was                                                        products to include
 applicable for large-diameter                                                            standby mode and off
 ceiling fans, which included standby                                                     mode energy
 power.                                                                                   consumption.
Defines ``low speed'' as ``the lowest  No proposed updates,     Defines ``low speed''    Improve the
 available ceiling fan speed, i.e.,     but requested comment    as the ``lowest          repeatability and
 the fan speed corresponding to the     on updating the          available ceiling fan    reproducibility of the
 minimum, non-zero, blade RPM''.        definition of low        speed for which fewer    test procedure as
                                        speed to ``as the        than half or three,      determined during
                                        lowest available         whichever is fewer,      round robin testing.
                                        ceiling fan speed for    sensors per individual
                                        which fewer than half    axis are measuring
                                        or three, whichever is   less than 40 feet per
                                        fewer, sensors on any    minute.''
                                        individual axis are      Alternatively, DOE is
                                        measuring less than 30   considering
                                        feet per minute''.       representing the
                                                                 proposed definition as
                                                                 a table instead,
                                                                 indicating the number
                                                                 of sensors that must
                                                                 measure >40 FPM.
Prescribes two setups, a four-arm and  N/A....................  Adds an alternative two- Improve the
 one-arm sensor setup for certain fan                            arm setup to measure     repeatability and
 types.                                                          air velocity. Further,   reproducibility of the
                                                                 adds requirement for     test procedure as
                                                                 setups that require      determined during
                                                                 arm rotation to          round robin testing.
                                                                 stabilize the arm to
                                                                 dissipate any residual
                                                                 turbulence prior to
                                                                 data collection.
Does not explicitly specify air        N/A....................  Provides explicit        Improve the
 velocity sensor alignment or                                    instructions to align    repeatability and
 acceptance angle.                                               the air velocity         reproducibility of the
                                                                 sensors perpendicular    test procedure as
                                                                 to the airflow.          determined during
                                                                                          round robin testing.
Does not specify how fan blade         Added specification to   Adds specification to    Improve the
 thickness should be measured.          measure fan blade        measure fan blade        repeatability and
                                        thickness without        thickness in a           reproducibility of the
                                        consideration of         consistent manner for    test procedure.
                                        ``rolled-edge'' blade    all fan blade types
                                        design.                  (including ``rolled-
                                                                 edge'' blade designs).

[[Page 69548]]

 
Does not include specific              N/A....................  Specifies that           Improve
 instructions on how ceiling fan                                 accessories/additional   representativeness and
 accessories and/or features should                              features should be       reproducibility of the
 be incorporated into the test                                   turned off, when         test procedure.
 procedure.                                                      possible, before
                                                                 testing ceiling fans
                                                                 for active mode and
                                                                 standby mode.
Does not include any measurement       Included measurement     Updates measurement      Include rounding and
 tolerances for blade RPM and blade     tolerance of at least    tolerances for blade     enforcement
 edge thickness and any rounding        0.1 inch     RPM to 2% and blade      requirements for
 requirement for represented values.    for blade edge           edge thickness to        current standards.
                                        thickness; within the    0.01 inch.
                                        greater of 1% of the     Also updates rounding
                                        average RPM at high      requirements for blade
                                        speed (rounded to the    edge thickness to
                                        nearest RPM) or 1 RPM.   0.01 inch.
                                        Includes proposal that   Includes new rounding
                                        blade edge thickness     proposal for airflow
                                        be rounded to 0.1 inch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, to provide interested parties with a complete set of 
proposed amendments, this SNOPR includes all proposed regulatory text 
for the proposals from the September 2019 NOPR and this SNOPR. DOE 
maintains the following proposals from the September 2019 NOPR: (1) 
Specifying that VSD ceiling fans that do not also meet the definition 
of LSSD fan are not required to be tested pursuant to the DOE test 
method for purposes of demonstrating compliance with DOE's energy 
conservation standards for ceiling fans or representations of 
efficiency; (2) increasing the tolerance for the stability criteria for 
the average air velocity measurements for LSSD and VSD ceiling fans 
that also meet the definition of LSSD fan; (3) codifying in regulation 
existing guidance on the method for calculating several values reported 
on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) EnergyGuide label using results 
from the ceiling fan test procedures in Appendix U to subpart B of 10 
CFR part 430 and represented values in 10 CFR part 429; and (4) 
amending product-specific represented values, rounding and enforcement 
provisions. 84 FR 51440, 51442. DOE continues to review and consider 
comments received on these proposals and will address such comments in 
a future stage of the rulemaking. DOE will be addressing certification 
and reporting requirements in a separate rulemaking.
    DOE has tentatively determined that the proposed amendments 
described in section III of this SNOPR would not require re-testing for 
a majority of ceiling fans. The proposal to redefine low speed would 
require retesting for a limited number of LSSD ceiling fans, if made 
final. Discussion of DOE's proposed actions are addressed in detail in 
section III of this SNOPR, including test procedure costs and cost 
savings.

III. Discussion

A. Scope of Ceiling Fan Definition

    The Energy Policy and Conservation Act defines ``ceiling fan'' as 
``a nonportable device that is suspended from a ceiling for circulating 
air via the rotation of fan blades.'' (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)) DOE codified 
the statutory definition in 10 CFR 430.2. In the July 2016 Final Rule, 
DOE stated that the test procedure applies to any product meeting this 
definition, including hugger fans, fans designed for applications where 
large airflow volume may be needed, and highly decorative fans. 81 FR 
48620, 48622. DOE stated, however, that manufacturers were not required 
to test the following fans according to the test procedure: Belt-driven 
ceiling fans, centrifugal ceiling fans, oscillating ceiling fans, and 
ceiling fans whose blades' plane of rotation cannot be within 45 
degrees of horizontal. Id.
    In the September 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed to clarify its 
interpretation of the statutory definition in response to an inquiry 
from the AMCA regarding the application of the term ``ceiling fan'' to 
products known as ``air circulating fan heads (``ACFHs'').'' \7\ 84 FR 
51440, 51443-51445. In letters submitted to DOE in May and July of 
2019, AMCA asserted that air circulating fan heads have distinct 
characteristics and functions compared to traditional ceiling fans, 
including that air circulating fan heads provide concentrated 
directional airflow as opposed to circulating air.\8\ (AMCA, No. 23 in 
both May and July 2019 letters, at p. 1) AMCA recommended that DOE use 
the physical characteristics of fan diameter and rotational tip speed 
or outlet air speed as a means to distinguish fans that circulate air 
(as necessary to meet the statutory definition of ``ceiling fan'') from 
ACFHs that provide directional air flow (i.e., fans excluded from the 
statutory definition of ``ceiling fan'').\9\ (AMCA, No. 23 in the July 
2019 letter at p. 2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ Section 5.1.1 of ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-15 (``AMCA 230-
15''), ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for 
Rating and Certification,'' defines air circulating fan head as ``an 
assembly consisting of a motor, impeller and guard for mounting on a 
pedestal having a base and column, wall mount bracket, ceiling mount 
bracket, I-beam bracket or other commonly accepted mounting means.''
    \8\ The May and July 2019 letters are available at 
www.regulations.gov/document?D=EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050-0023.
    \9\ AMCA specifically recommended the use of tip speed, which is 
calculated as blade diameter x 3.14159 x rotational speed in RPM, 
and suggested that the maximum tip speed of a ceiling fan would be 
4000 feet per minute. See May 2019 letter, page 2.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly, in the September 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed to clarify 
the definition of ``ceiling fan'' and proposed two alternate 
definitions of the term. The first proposed definition would provide 
additional direction to distinguish a ``ceiling fan'' from other fans 
based on the ``non-portable'' element and ``suspended from a ceiling'' 
(i.e., ``mounting'') element of the statutory definition. 84 FR 51440, 
51444. Specifically, DOE proposed to include within the definition that 
for purposes of the definition, the term ``suspended from a ceiling'' 
means offered for mounting on a ceiling, and the term ``nonportable'' 
means not offered for mounting on a surface other than a ceiling.'' Id.
    The second proposed definition would specifically reference ACFHs 
and provide additional clarification on the mounting element. 84 FR 
51440, 51444. Specifically, DOE proposed to include within the 
definition that any fan, including those meeting the definition of an 
``air circulating fan head'' in

[[Page 69549]]

AMCA 230-15, that does not have a ceiling mount option, or that has 
more than one mounting option (even if one of the mounting options is a 
ceiling mount), is not a ceiling fan. Such fans do not meet the 
statutory criteria of being ``nonportable'', ``suspended from the 
ceiling'', and ``for the purpose of circulating air.'' 84 FR 51440, 
51444-51445.
    In addition to the alternate proposed definitions, DOE acknowledged 
AMCA's suggestion of using tip speed or outlet air speed to distinguish 
between ACFHs and ceiling fans, and requested comment and data on 
whether and how the test procedure could be amended to accommodate such 
a distinction. 84 FR 51440, 51445.
    In response to the September 2019 NOPR, ALA explained that while 
the first option is better than the alternative definition, they 
opposed both options. ALA stated that the first alternate definition 
(distinguishing ceiling fans based on ``non-portable'' and 
``mounting'') is too broad, could create a loophole for ceiling fans to 
be exempt from the standards, and that unregulated ceiling fans as a 
result of this proposed definition would eventually overtake the 
market. ALA also stated that the second alternative definition 
(referencing ACFHs and ``mounting'') it is too narrow, and products 
that would be innovative or meet a specific need in the market could 
not be made or sold. (ALA, No. 34 at p. 2)
    AMCA stated the proposal will provide excessive opportunity for 
currently regulated fans to escape regulation. Further, AMCA identified 
three large-diameter ceiling fan (``LDCF'') manufacturers that offer or 
have offered ground-mounted LDCFs and suggested that with the proposed 
reinterpretation, LDCF manufacturers could chose to offer a floor-mount 
option for their products and be exempt from standards. AMCA also 
commented that the proposed definition of ``portable'' would open a 
significant loophole and explained that many LDCFs are not hardwired in 
place. (AMCA, No. 33 at pp. 2-3)
    CA IOUs stated that DOE's proposed interpretation to only address 
fans offered for mounting on a ceiling in the September 2019 NOPR 
deviates from the scope of products established under the existing 
legislation and raises concerns of potential gaming to avoid product 
testing, as well as potential backsliding for products that would be 
newly exempted after being included in the previous test procedure 
iteration. (CA IOUs No. 31 at p. 2)
    Hunter commented that further clarification and additional 
stipulations beyond those proposed by DOE would be required to prevent 
unwelcomed loopholes and alleviate the possibility of ``gaming the 
system'' to claim an exemption from testing. (Hunter No. 29 at p. 2) 
Anonymous commented that the interpretations put forth in the NOPR 
limit the applicability to nonportable ceiling fans that are used to 
create air circulation, and recommended that the test procedures should 
apply to all fans, even portable ones that may plug into the wall, and 
are not necessarily for ``air circulation''. (Anonymous, No. 32 at p. 
1)
    As an alternative to DOE's proposal, multiple interested parties 
recommended that the definition of ceiling fan be based on, in part, a 
ratio of diameter to maximum operating speed. Specifically, these 
commenters suggested that a diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio 
less than 0.06 inches/RPM could be used to distinguish products that 
are not ceiling fans, i.e., air circulating fan heads. (Hunter Fans, 
BAFs, Public Meeting Transcript at pp. 33-35, AMCA, No. 33 at pp. 3-6; 
ALA, No. 34 at p. 2; and Hunter No. 29 at p. 2). AMCA further 
recommended that air-circulating fan heads be named as a separate 
category by DOE. (AMCA, No. 33 at p. 5) BAF suggested that the ratio of 
diameter (inches) to the maximum speed (RPM) provides a reasonable 
means for separating air circulating fan heads from LSSD, HSSD and 
large-diameter ceiling fans. (BAF, No. 36 at pp. 1-2) As a 
justification of this ratio, AMCA provided analysis of 528 fan models, 
which included a total of 397 LDCF, HSSD, and LSSD ceiling fan types, 
as well as 131 ACFHs. Among the sample of ACFH models, the highest 
diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio was 0.058, in comparison to 
the lowest diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratios for the three 
ceiling fan types (0.353, 0.091, and 0.087 for LDCF, HSSD, and LSSD, 
respectively). Therefore, even the maximum ratio for the sample of ACFH 
models is significantly lower than the minimum ratio for the other 
ceiling fan types, thus showing a clear distinction between ACFH and 
other ceiling fan types. Based on this analysis, AMCA recommended that 
ACFHs be designated as a separate category by DOE in its ceiling fan 
regulations, and that fans meeting the definition of ACFH per AMCA 230 
\10\ and having a diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio less than 
or equal to 0.06 inches/RPM are not ``ceiling fans''. (AMCA, No. 33 at 
pp. 4-6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Section 5.1.1 of AMCA 230-15 defines air circulating fan 
head as an ``assembly consisting of a motor, impeller and guard for 
mounting on a pedestal having a base and column, wall mount bracket, 
ceiling mount bracket, I-beam bracket or other commonly accepted 
mounting means.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similarly, Hunter provided data summarizing the ranges of diameter-
to-maximum operating speed ratios for a total of 414 fan models 
representing LDCF, LSSD, and HSSD ceiling fan categories and ACFHs. The 
data indicated minimum values of the diameter-to-maximum operating 
speed ratio for the three ceiling fan types of around 0.10, 0.09, and 
0.09 (for LDCF, HSSD, and LSSD, respectively) and a maximum value for 
ACFHs of around 0.03. Based on this data, Hunter suggested that a ratio 
of 0.06 would provide a clear separation between ACFHs and all other 
fan classifications. (Hunter No. 29 at pp. 2-3)
    ALA explained, in support of this proposal, that high-velocity fan 
heads are not used for the purpose of circulating air within the 
meaning of EPCA's ``ceiling fan'' definition as these fans do not 
create air circulation by discharging air in the downward direction for 
it to be returned to the intake side of the fan with significant 
momentum. Instead, ALA commented that high-velocity fan heads provide 
directional, concreated high speed airflow targeted to a specific 
location. (ALA, No. 34 at pp. 2-3)
    AMCA also provided comments on the extent to which the ceiling fan 
design criteria (in 10 CFR 430.32(s)(1) \11\) would be applicable for 
ACFHs. Specifically, AMCA stated that (1) the lighting requirements in 
10 CFR 430.32(s)(1)(i) would only apply to a very small portion of the 
ACFH market \12\ and that AMCA is unaware of any ACFH with an 
integrated light kit; (2) the adjustable speed requirement in 10 CFR 
430.32(s)(1)(ii) could be applicable, as some ACFHs offer multiple 
operating speeds, but requiring adjustable speeds would add cost to 
single-speed products; and (3) the capability of reverse fan action 
requirement in 10 CFR 430.32(s)(1)(iii) would not be applicable because 
reverse fan action is typically used for air

[[Page 69550]]

mixing in the heating season, and the blade shapes of ACFHs do not lend 
themselves to great utility in the reverse direction. AMCA was also not 
aware of any ACFHs that were reversible and stated that consumers also 
do not purchase ACFHs for winter-mode (i.e., reverse direction) use. 
(AMCA, No. 3 pp. 7-8)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ The ceiling fan design criteria outlined in 10 CFR 
430.32(s)(1) are: (i) Fan speed controls separate from any lighting 
controls: (ii) Adjustable speed controls (either more than 1 speed 
or variable speed); (ii) the capability of reversible fan action, 
except for (A) fans sold for industrial applications, (B) fans sold 
for outdoor applications, and (c) cases in which safety standards 
would be violated by the use of the reversible mode.
    \12\ AMCA explained that dock fans are the only air circulation 
fans that are typically sold with a light, but the light is 
typically attached to the mounting arm, not integrated into the fan. 
(AMCA, No. 33 at p. 7)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE performed an independent analysis using available test data 
from past DOE rulemakings and manufacturer-provided data in support of 
this test procedure rulemaking to calculate the diameter-to-maximum 
operating speed to determine whether the currently regulated fans in 
the test sample had a diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio of 
greater than 0.06, as AMCA's provided data suggests. The analysis 
confirmed that HSSD, standard, and hugger ceiling fans have a diameter-
to-maximum operating speed ratio of greater than 0.06 in/RPM, while 
those fans identified as ACFHs have a diameter-to-maximum operating 
speed ratio of less than or equal to 0.06 in/RPM.

     Table III.1--Summary of DOE Independent CF Definition Analysis
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Minimum diameter-to-
                                   Number of    maximum-operating- speed
                                 ceiling fans             ratio
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hugger........................              42                    0.098
Standard......................              49                    0.105
HSSD..........................              11                    0.078
VSD...........................               8                    0.008
                                               -------------------------
                                                   Maximum diameter-to-
                                                     maximum-operating-
                                                            speed ratio
                                               -------------------------
ACFH..........................              35                    0.029
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In regards to VSD ceiling fans, all VSD ceiling fans, for which DOE 
had available test data, had a diameter-to-maximum operating speed 
ratio of less than 0.06 in/RPM, indicating that a threshold value of 
0.06 in/RPM would not distinguish all VSD ceiling fans from ACFHs. VSDs 
are discussed further in the discussion that follows.
    In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to define the term ``circulating air'', 
as it is used in the ceiling fan definition and include a specification 
that ceiling fans with a maximum operating speed ratio of greater than 
0.06 in/RPM is considered to provide circulating air. EPCA does not 
define ``circulating air,'' but DOE understands that the term can 
generally be understood as the discharge of air in an upward or 
downward direction with the air returning to the intake side of the 
fan, i.e., the air is circulated within a space. In contrast, 
directional airflow targets the discharged air at a specific location 
and the discharged air does not return to the intake side of the fan, 
i.e., directional airflow moves air but does not circulate it within 
the space. A fan that provides directional airflow, as opposed to 
``circulating air'', would not be a ``ceiling fan'' as that term is 
defined in EPCA.
    DOE tentatively concludes that the diameter-to-maximum operating 
speed ratio of 0.06 in/RPM is appropriate to distinguish fans with 
directional airflow from circulating airflow. Data submitted by 
commenters as well as DOE's analysis indicate that a ratio of 0.06 in/
RPM would distinguish fans that circulate air from fans that provide 
directional airflow and therefore are not ``ceiling fans.'' With the 
exception of certain VSD ceiling fans, as described further in the 
following paragraph, application of this ratio will continue to include 
within scope LDCF, HSSD, and LSSD ceiling fans, as these fans provide 
circulating airflow.
    As described, certain VSD ceiling fans have a diameter-to-maximum 
operating speed ratio less than 0.06 and thus would be excluded from 
the scope of ceiling fans because of the proposed definition for 
``circulating air''. DOE identifies these VSD ceiling fans as ``high-
speed'' VSD ceiling fans because the tip speeds of the VSD ceiling fans 
discussed in Table III.1 all exceed the LSSD definition tip speed 
threshold (defined in section 1.16 of Appendix U), regardless of the 
thickness of the blades. Therefore, these VSD ceiling fans would not 
meet the LSSD ceiling fan definition. Further, as DOE discussed in the 
September 2019 NOPR, the current DOE test procedure provides a method 
of testing only those VSD ceiling fans that meet the LSSD ceiling fan 
definition. 84 FR 51440, 51445. DOE proposed in the September 2019 NOPR 
to specify explicitly that VSD ceiling fans that do not also meet the 
LSSD definition are not required to be tested pursuant to the DOE test 
method for the purposes of demonstrating compliance with DOE's energy 
conservation standards for ceiling fans or representations of 
efficiency. Id.
    With regard to consideration of ``circulating air'', DOE 
understands based on the physical characteristics of the fans that 
these high-speed VSD ceiling fans provide consumers with directional 
high-speed airflow and do not circulate air within the space. 
Specifically, because of the small size (i.e., smaller blade span 
compared to other small-diameter ceiling fans) and the higher speeds 
(i.e., tip speeds above the LSSD ceiling fan definition thresholds), 
the function of these ``high-speed'' VSD ceiling fans is more akin to 
air circulating fan heads in that airflow is targeted in a specific 
direction without the air returning to the intake side of the fan. For 
this SNOPR, DOE initially determines that these high-speed VSD fans 
were inappropriately covered and that because they provide directional 
airflow and are not ``circulating air'', they would not be considered 
ceiling fans. Further, DOE notes that VSD ceiling fans (as a whole) 
represent less than one percent of the total ceiling fan market.
    As discussed, the available data indicates that a diameter-to-
maximum operating speed ratio of 0.06 in/RPM would distinguish between 
fans that provide air circulation and fans that provide directional 
airflow. The proposed definition for ``circulating air'', which would 
incorporate this ratio into the definition, would explicitly exclude 
from the ceiling fan scope ACFHs and ``high-speed'' VSDs having a 
diameter-to-operating speed ratio of less than 0.06 in/RPM. Therefore, 
including a definition for air circulating fan heads in DOE's test 
procedure would be unnecessary. DOE is therefore

[[Page 69551]]

not proposing a definition for air circulating fan head in this SNOPR.
    In summary, in this SNOPR, DOE proposes the following definition 
for ``circulating air'' for the purpose of the ceiling fan definition:
    Ceiling fan means a nonportable device that is suspended from a 
ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan blades. For the 
purpose of this definition:
    (1) Circulating Air means the discharge of air in an upward or 
downward direction with the air returning to the intake side of the 
fan. A ceiling fan that has a ratio of fan blade span (in inches) to 
maximum rotation rate (in revolutions per minute) greater than 0.06 
provides circulating air.
    (2) For all other ceiling fan related definitions, see appendix U 
to this subpart.
    In proposing this amendment, DOE notes that the design standards of 
EPCA would not be applicable to ceiling fans that do not meet the 
criteria of the proposed definition. Specifically, EPCA requires all 
ceiling fans manufactured after January 1, 2007, to have: (i) Fan speed 
controls separate from any lighting controls; (ii) adjustable speed 
controls (either more than 1 speed or variable speed); and (iii) the 
capability of reversible fan action, except for fans sold for 
industrial applications, fans sold for outdoor applications, and cases 
in which safety standards would be violated by the use of the 
reversible mode. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(1)(A)) The energy conservation 
standards established by DOE would also not be applicable to such 
products.
    Alternatively, DOE is considering including the definition of 
``circulating air'' discussed previously within appendix U, instead of 
within the ceiling fan definition of 10 CFR 430.2.
    DOE seeks comment on the proposed definition of ``circulating air'' 
for the purpose of the ceiling fan definition. Specifically, DOE 
requests comment on the use of a ``diameter-to-maximum operating 
speed'' ratio to distinguish fans with circulating airflow from 
directional airflow, and the appropriateness of using 0.06 in/RPM as 
the threshold ratio. If another ratio should be considered, DOE 
requests additional data to corroborate that ratio.
    DOE seeks comment on the characterization of fans that would fall 
below the 0.06 in/RPM threshold ratio, such as certain high-speed VSD 
ceiling fans that do not also meet the definition of an LSSD fan. 
Specifically, DOE request comment on the appropriateness of excluding 
high-speed VSD ceiling fans from scope of ``ceiling fans.''
    DOE seeks comment regarding whether ``circulating air'' should be 
defined within the definition of ceiling fan at 10 CFR 430.2, as DOE 
has proposed, or if ``circulating air'' should be defined separately 
within appendix U.

B. Scope of Test Procedure for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans

    Currently, section 3.4.1 of appendix U specifies that the test 
procedure for LDCFs is applicable for ceiling fans up to 24 feet in 
diameter. While the test procedure is only applicable for ceiling fans 
up to 24 feet in diameter, there is no language in the energy 
conservation standards for large diameter ceiling fans (in 10 CFR 
430.32(s)(2)(ii)) that explicitly limits the scope of the large-
diameter ceiling fan standards to large-diameter ceiling fans with 
blade spans 24 feet or smaller.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ While, the Energy Act of 2020 updated 10 CFR 432(s)(2)(ii) 
to specify that large diameter ceiling fans are subject to the CFEI 
metric, the previous energy conservation standards or the amended 
energy conservation standards imposed any upper limit on the blade 
span for large-diameter ceiling fans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the September 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed that LDCFs with blade 
spans greater than 24 feet do not need to be tested pursuant to the DOE 
test procedure for purposes of determining compliance with DOE energy 
conservation standards or making other representations of efficiency 
due to the lack of LDCFs on the market availability of test facilities 
capable of testing LDCFs, especially those with blade spans greater 
than 24 feet. 84 FR 51440, 51449 (citing 81 FR 48620, 48632 (July 25, 
2016)). In response, BAF provided written comments and statements in 
the public meeting that BAF does not foresee a need for establishing a 
limit of 24 feet, which it described as artificial. (Public Meeting 
Transcript at pp. 98-99; see also BAF, No. 36 at p.2) AMCA commented 
that ceiling fans larger than 24 feet in diameter are uncommon in the 
United States due to requirements in the United States Standard for the 
Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13). AMCA stated that in some 
situations ceiling fans larger than 24 feet in diameter could be used 
(e.g., where sprinklers are not present), and that the AMCA 230-15 test 
method should be used for those ceiling fans. (AMCA, No. 33 at p. 8)
    In this SNOPR, DOE is proposing to remove the 24-foot blade span 
limit in section 3.4.1 of appendix U. This proposal is based on two 
primary factors. First, because DOE's test procedure for LDCFs is based 
on AMCA 230-15, nothing inherent to the test procedure would prevent 
testing of a ceiling fan greater than 24 feet. AMCA 230-15 provides 
minimum clearances as a function of blade span, and does not specify an 
upper limit on blade span. Second, DOE received confirmation that AMCA 
has a test facility capable of testing ceiling fans with blade spans 
substantially larger than 24 feet, according to the minimum clearances 
specified in AMCA 230-15.
    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to remove the 24-foot blade span 
limit in section 3.4.1 of appendix U, which would expand the scope of 
the test procedure for LDCFs to ceiling fans with blade span larger 
than 24 feet.
    DOE was made aware that AMCA 230-15 was inconsistent in its 
conversion of measurements to standard air density. Whereas calculated 
thrust is converted to standard air density (section 9.3 of AMCA 230-
15), electric input power is not. Thrust (which is used to determine 
airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM)) and electric input power are 
inputs to the CFEI metric described in AMCA 208-18. Therefore, without 
the correction, the same fan can have different values for CFEI 
depending on the density of the air where the fan is being tested. On 
May 5, 2021, AMCA made a correction to address the inconsistency in the 
industry standard in the form of a technical errata sheet for AMCA 230-
15. The technical errata sheet details that the corrections listed in 
the errata sheet apply to all copies of AMCA 230-15. Accordingly, in 
this SNOPR, DOE clarifies that the technical errata sheet applies to 
AMCA 230-15, which is currently incorporated by reference in 10 CFR 
430.3(b)(4).

C. Belt-Driven Ceiling Fans

    Section 1.3 of appendix U defines a belt-driven ceiling fan as ``a 
ceiling fan with a series of one or more fan heads, each driven by a 
belt connected to one or more motors that are located outside of the 
fan head.'' Moreover, in section 2 of appendix U, DOE excludes belt-
driven ceiling fans from the scope of the test procedure.
    In response to the May 2021 RFI, DOE received a number of comments 
recommending including certain belt-driven ceiling fans within the 
scope of the test procedure. Specifically, BAF commented that a new 
type of belt-driven ceiling fan has come onto the market since the last 
final rule that uses larger motors and has higher tip speeds (above 
5000 feet per minute, or fpm). (BAF, EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011, No. 14 at 
p. 2). AMCA also commented that a new type of belt-driven fan has come 
onto the market with a larger motor (1

[[Page 69552]]

to 3 hp) and higher tip speeds (5000 to 6000 fpm). (AMCA, EERE-2021-BT-
STD-0011, No. 9 at p. 2) BAF recommends that this new variety of belt-
driven fans be tested according to AMCA 230-15/AMCA 208. (BAF, EERE-
2021-BT-STD-0011, No. 14 at p. 2). AMCA recommended separating belt-
driven fans into two classes--high-speed and low-speed--and to test 
high-speed belt-driven fans according to ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-15, 
including the technical erratum sheet published by AMCA on May 5, 2021. 
(AMCA, EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011, No. 9 at p. 4; see also BAF, EERE-2021-
BT-STD-0011, No. 14 at p. 2)
    In the July 2016 Final Rule, DOE discussed that DOE would not 
propose standards for belt-driven ceiling fans due to the limited 
number of basic models and lack of available data. 81 FR 48619, 48622. 
During the last rulemaking, DOE's review of the belt-driven ceiling fan 
market at the time suggested that these fans are used in bars and 
restaurants that have decorative ceilings with limited electrical boxes 
on the ceiling to mount multiple conventional ceiling fans. In 
addition, DOE noted that the observed belt-driven ceiling fans were 
highly customizable, in that consumers can decide on the number of fan 
heads and the kind of fan belts to use. At the time, because these 
individual fan heads could not be isolated in testing, they could not 
be testing according to appendix U as written and were thus exempted. 
(See Chapter 3 of the November 2016 Energy Conservation Standards Final 
Rule Technical Support Document \14\). While DOE did not establish a 
test procedure for these fans, DOE noted that it would be investigating 
appropriate test procedures for belt-driven ceiling fans. 81 FR 48619, 
48622.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ Found at: www.regulations.gov/document/EERE-2012-BT-STD-0045-0149.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the last rulemaking and based on comments received, DOE has 
identified higher speed, belt-driven ceiling fans on the market, 
intended for industrial and commercial applications. DOE conducted 
market research and found that these fans were typically single-head 
fans housed in a cage, frequently mounted to the ceiling by straps or 
brackets as opposed to the traditional downrod. They were marketed for 
a variety of industrial applications such as agriculture, warehouses, 
and factories. Like other belt-driven fans, the motors typically exist 
outside of the housing for the fan, but still located within the cage. 
However, unlike other belt-driven ceiling fans, they are not 
customizable, and the fan head can be isolated for testing. DOE notes 
that, in contrast to the low-speed multiple head belt-driven ceiling 
fans, these designs allow single-head belt-driven ceiling fans to be 
tested using current test procedures in appendix U. Therefore, DOE 
proposes to include these higher speed single-head belt-driven ceiling 
fans within the scope of the test procedure, as long as these fans meet 
the proposed amended ceiling fan definition.
    To distinguish these high-speed belt-driven ceiling fans with one 
fan head from other low-speed, multiple head belt-driven ceiling fans, 
DOE proposes the following definition:
    High-speed belt-driven (HSBD) ceiling fan means a small-diameter 
ceiling fan that is a belt-driven ceiling fan with one fan head, and 
has tip speeds greater than or equal to 5000 feet per minute.
    DOE preliminarily concludes that 5000 fpm may be an appropriate 
threshold based on recommendations from the commenters. However, DOE is 
considering other thresholds that may be appropriate for the proposed 
definition.
    DOE seeks comment on including within the test procedure scope HSBD 
ceiling fans, the proposed term and definition, and the appropriate tip 
speed threshold. Furthermore, DOE requests data on blade thickness and 
tip speeds for these HSBD ceiling fans.
    Further, DOE observed at least one belt-driven ceiling fan that has 
a marketed blade span greater than 7 feet. DOE proposes to include such 
ceiling fans in the test procedure scope. To separate these ceiling 
fans from the proposed HSBD ceiling fan scope, DOE proposes the 
following definition:
    Large-diameter belt-driven (LDBD) ceiling fan means a belt-driven 
ceiling fan with one fan head that has a represented value of blade 
span, as determined in 10 CFR 429.32(a)(3)(i), greater than seven feet.
    Within this definition, DOE proposes to incorporate the 
specification for the represented value of blade span as proposed in 
the September 2019 NOPR. 84 FR 51440, 51450.
    DOE seeks comment on including within the test procedure scope LDBD 
ceiling fans, and the proposed definition.
    Alternatively, DOE may consider a combined term and definition for 
all belt-driven ceiling fans that meet the above scope of HSBD and LDBD 
ceiling fans. Specifically, DOE could remove the ``small-diameter'' 
part of the aforementioned HSBD definition. By removing ``small-
diameter'' in the definition, the alternate HSBD definition should 
accommodate belt-driven ceiling fans with blade spans greater than 
seven feet. DOE alternatively proposes that the term high-speed belt-
driven ceiling fan reads as follows:
    High-speed belt-driven ceiling fan (HSBD) means a ceiling fan that 
is a belt-driven ceiling fan with one fan head, and has tip speeds 
greater than or equal to 5000 feet per minute.
    DOE seeks comment on the alternate definition for HSBD ceiling 
fans, and whether it would incorporate all the LDBD ceiling fans from 
DOE's primary proposal. Further, DOE requests comment on whether the 
HSBD and LDBD ceiling fan scope should be combined, i.e., what is the 
utility and application of the two fan categories.
    In conversations with manufacturers, DOE learned that the HSBD 
ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans move significantly more air than 
HSSD ceiling fans and as such, these fans could be difficult to test 
under the small-diameter ceiling fan test procedure (i.e., using sensor 
arm setup) due to the possibility of inducing vortexes in the smaller 
testing room.\15\ Typically, HSSD fans use a fractional horsepower 
(i.e., less than 1 horsepower) direct-drive motor. By contrast, these 
HSBD ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans use a much larger motor, often 
in excess of 1 horsepower (``HP''), to spin with much higher tip 
speeds.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ Vortexes in the testing room creates highly turbulent air 
flow that revolves around an axis and can move at differing speeds 
depending on the air distance from the vortex center of rotation. 
These swirling and turbulent air flows would make it difficult for 
the air velocity sensors used in the small-diameter ceiling fan test 
procedure to meet the stability criteria.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE received comments from two stakeholders on testing these fans 
to AMCA 230-15. Both BAF and AMCA also recommended testing all high-
speed belt-driven fans according to appendix U corrected, i.e., ANSI/
AMCA Standard 230-15. (AMCA, EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011, No. 9 at p. 4; see 
also BAF, EERE-2021-BT-STD-0011, No. 14 at p. 2) Therefore, DOE 
proposes to test both HSBD ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans according 
to AMCA 230-15. DOE proposes to specify that HSBD ceiling fans and LDBD 
ceiling fans be tested using the test apparatus in appendix U, section 
3.4, which references AMCA 230-15.\16\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ AMCA 208-18 includes the calculation method for the fan 
energy index (FEI). AMCA-208 references several other test methods 
for calculation of fan air performance, depending on the fan type, 
including AMCA 230-15. Both AMCA 208-18 and AMCA 230-15 are 
referenced in appendix U.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE requests comment on requiring AMCA 230-15 as the test procedure 
for

[[Page 69553]]

HSBD and LDBD ceiling fans, or whether DOE should consider any other 
test procedure.
    While some of the HSBD ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans are 
advertised as being capable of variable speed operation, and sold with 
a variable speed drive, others are advertised as only capable of single 
speed operation. For HSBD and LDBD ceiling fans capable of only single 
speed operation, DOE proposes that both HSBD and LDBD ceiling fans be 
tested only at high speed operation. For HSBD and LDBD ceiling fans 
capable of variable speed operation, DOE proposes that HSBD and LDBD 
ceiling fans also be tested at high speed operation and 40 percent 
speed.
    DOE requests comment on its proposal to test single speed HSBD and 
LDBD ceiling fans only at high speed and variable speed HSBD and LDBD 
ceiling fans at high speed and 40 percent speed. Alternatively, DOE 
requests comment on the typical number of operating speeds and hours 
for HSBD ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans.
    As stated previously, the quantity of air moved by HSBD ceiling 
fans and LDBD ceiling fans is significantly greater than HSSD ceiling 
fans on the market and more similar to the max airflow (or CFM) of 
large-diameter ceiling fans. Therefore, DOE proposes that the 
efficiency metric for both HSBD ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans be 
CFEI, consistent with large-diameter ceiling fans. Therefore, DOE is 
proposing to modify the language in appendix U, section 3.5 to specify 
that for HSBD ceiling fans and/or LDBD ceiling fans capable of only 
single speed operation, the CFEI should be calculated only at high 
speed. Similarly, DOE is proposing that for large-diameter, HDBD, and 
LDBD ceiling fans the CFEI be calculated at high speed and 40 percent 
speed.
    Alternatively, DOE is also considering the small-diameter ceiling 
fan metric, CFM/W, for HSBD ceiling fans and/or LDBD ceiling-fans. If 
DOE were to consider a CFM/W metric, DOE would need to account for the 
number of operating hours in active mode and the number of hours at 
each operating speed. DOE would also need data on the number of hours 
in standby mode.
    DOE requests comment on whether the efficiency of HDBD ceiling fans 
and LDBD ceiling fans is more appropriately evaluated using the CFEI or 
CFM/W metric.

D. Standby Power Metric for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans

    As discussed previously, the Energy Act of 2020 specifies that 
LDCFs are no longer required to meet minimum ceiling fan efficiency 
requirements in terms of the ratio of total airflow to total power 
consumption, CFM/W, as established in the January 2017 Final Rule. (See 
also 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(I)) Instead, Congress established 
separate minimum efficiency standards for two distinct modes of LDCF 
operation. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(i)(II)) Specifically, Congress 
defined standards based on a CFEI at high speed, and at 40 percent 
speed or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 percent speed. Id. 
The Energy Act of 2020 amendments to EPCA explain that ``CFEI'' means 
the Fan Energy Index for large-diameter ceiling fans, and that it is 
calculated in accordance with ANSI/AMCA Standard 208-18 titled 
``Calculation of the Fan Energy Index'', with the following 
modifications: Using an Airflow Constant (Q0) of 26,500 
cubic feet per minute; using a Pressure Constant (P0) of 
0.0027 inches water gauge; and using a Fan Efficiency Constant 
([eta]0) of 42 percent. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(6)(C)(ii)) 
Whereas the CFM/W metric incorporated active mode and standby mode into 
a single metric, the new CFEI metric, adopted in the Energy Act of 
2020, incorporates only active mode, without accounting for standby 
mode.
    EPCA requires amended test procedures and energy conservation 
standards to incorporate standby mode and off mode energy use.\17\ (42 
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2) and (3)) Amended test procedures must integrate 
standby mode and off mode energy consumption into the overall energy 
efficiency, energy consumption, or other energy descriptor, unless the 
current test procedures for a covered product already incorporate 
standby mode and off mode energy consumption, or such an integrated 
test procedure is technically infeasible, in which case the Secretary 
shall prescribe a separate standby mode and off mode energy use test 
procedure for the covered product, if technically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(gg)(2)(A))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ EPCA defines ``standby mode'' as the condition in which an 
energy-using product: Is connected to a main power source, and 
offers one or more of the following user-oriented or protective 
functions: (1) The ability to facilitate the activation or 
deactivation of other functions (including active mode) by remote 
switch (including remote control), internal sensor, or timer; and 
(2) continuous functions, including information or status displays 
(including clocks), or sensor-based functions. (42 U.S.C. 
6295(gg)(1)(A)(iii)) ``Off mode'' is the condition in which the 
ceiling fan is connected to a main power source and is not providing 
any standby or active mode function. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(1)(A)(ii))
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE has initially determined that it would be technically 
infeasible to integrate standby power with each of the statutory CFEI 
requirements (i.e., high-speed requirement and 40-percent requirement), 
such that the integrated metric would be representative of an average 
period of use as required by EPCA. (See 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) The two 
standards for LDCFs established by Congress require measurement of 
energy efficiency at two separate modes of operation, both of which 
occur during active mode (i.e., operation of the fan at high speed, and 
operation of the fan at 40 percent speed or the nearest speed that is 
not less than 40 percent speed). Each energy efficiency measurement, by 
itself, does not fully represent active mode energy efficiency (and 
even a combination of the two may not fully represent active mode).
    Standby mode is a distinct mode from either of the segments of 
active mode for which energy efficiency is measured. If an LDCF is 
consuming energy, but not operating in active mode, it is operating in 
either standby mode or off mode.\18\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Consistent with the discussion in the October 2014 test 
procedure NOPR for ceiling fans, DOE's research continues to suggest 
that there is no off mode power consumption for ceiling fans, so DOE 
is not proposing an off-mode power efficiency metric or off mode 
testing. See 79 FR 62522, 62524 (Oct. 17, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Given that, as previously discussed, each metric required by the 
Energy Act of 2020 does not fully account for active mode energy use/
efficiency, neither metric would be appropriately representative if 
integrated with standby mode operation because the resulting metric 
would capture a portion of active mode energy and the total standby 
energy use. Such an integrated metric would not be representative of an 
average period of use. Further, were standby power integrated into the 
measurements required for both LDCF standards, the same standby energy 
use would be represented twice--once with the integrated high-speed 
metric and once with the integrated 40-percent metric. The standby mode 
energy use could be scaled to the active mode energy use for the 
corresponding LDCF standard, but under such a metric, standby mode 
energy use would not be fully captured. Even if both LDCF standards 
were integrated with a scaled standby energy use, the total standby 
mode energy use may not be captured because the measurements for the 
two LCDF standards may not represent the complete active mode 
operation.
    For the reasons discussed in the preceding paragraphs, DOE is 
proposing a separate metric for standby mode energy use.
    Specifically, DOE proposes for the test method for power 
consumption in

[[Page 69554]]

standby mode already established in section 3.6 of appendix U to remain 
applicable to LCDFs. The standby mode test method measures standby 
power in watts and is based on IEC standard 62301:2011, with 
modifications to reduce test burden by reducing the interval of time 
over which testing occurs as well as the period of time required prior 
to standby testing.
    DOE notes that no standby standard is currently applicable to LDCFs 
and that were DOE to adopt the proposed standby test procedure and 
metric for LDCFs, manufacturers would not be required to test to that 
provision until such time as compliance is required with an energy 
conservation standard for standby mode, should such a standard be 
established.
    DOE seeks comment on its preliminary determination that 
establishing an integrated metric that incorporates the energy 
efficiency measured as required under each LCDF standard and the energy 
use measured during standby mode would be technically infeasible.
    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to specify for LDCFs a separate 
standby mode energy use metric, which would be based on the standby 
power procedure defined in section 3.6 of appendix U.
    DOE also notes that if a CFEI standard is established for HSBD 
ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans, as is being proposed in this SNOPR, 
a separate standby mode energy use metric would need to be established. 
Similar to the LDCFs, DOE proposes for the test method for power 
consumption in standby mode already established in section 3.6 of 
appendix U to be applicable to HSBD ceiling fans and/or LDBD ceiling 
fans. The standby mode test method measures standby power in watts and 
is based on IEC standard 62301:2011, with modifications to reduce test 
burden by reducing the interval of time over which testing occurs as 
well as the period of time required prior to standby testing.
    Alternatively, were DOE to decide that a CFM/W metric is more 
appropriate for HSBD and LDBD ceiling fans, DOE proposes that the 
standby power would be incorporated into the CFM/W metric, similar to 
other small-diameter ceiling fans, and would be calculated according to 
section 3.6 of appendix U.
    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to specify for HSBD ceiling fans 
and LDBD ceiling fans a separate standby mode energy use metric, which 
would be based on the standby power procedure defined in section 3.6 of 
appendix U.

E. Low-Speed Definition

    Section 1.12 of appendix U defines low speed to mean ``the lowest 
available ceiling fan speed, i.e., the fan speed corresponding to the 
minimum, non-zero, blade RPM.''
    In the September 2019 NOPR, DOE described that through round robin 
testing and industry inquiry, DOE is aware that the lowest available 
fan speed on some ceiling fans provides an extremely low rotation rate, 
leading to atypically low airflow. 84 FR 51440, 51446. Because of the 
extremely low rotation rate and atypically low airflow consumers are 
unlikely to use such a setting to circulate air. It is expected that 
such a low fan speed is provided for aesthetic purposes; for example, 
one such product advertises the lowest speed as helping to maintain a 
``calm atmosphere.'' \19\ For such products, the lowest speed available 
on the ceiling fan is not representative of the lowest speed for that 
product that can provide ``circulation of air''.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ See example product brochure at https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hunter-52-in-Indoor-Multi-position-Ceiling-Fan-with-Light-Kit-5-Blade/1270423 which discusses the fan's ``serenity speed''.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition to not being representative of a speed that can 
circulate air, DOE has observed through round robin testing that 
requiring testing at the ``lowest available speed'' on such products 
creates added test burden because laboratories have difficulty meeting 
the stability criteria \20\ despite routinely achieving stability for 
other fans (without such extremely low speed settings). 84 FR 51440, 
51446-51447. Accordingly, in the September 2019 NOPR, DOE stated that 
it is considering modifying the definition of low speed. Specifically, 
DOE suggested defining the low speed for the purpose of testing as the 
lowest available ceiling fan speed for which fewer than half or three, 
whichever is fewer, sensors on any individual axis are measuring less 
than 30 feet per minute (``FPM''). In conjunction, DOE considered 
providing explicit instructions in the test procedure to start at the 
lowest speed and move to the next highest speed until the modified low 
speed criteria are met. DOE requested comment on this modification. 84 
FR 51440, 51447
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Section 3.3.2(1) of Appendix U defines the stability 
criteria for airflow. Airflow is considered stable if the average 
air velocity for all axes for each sensor varies by less than 5% 
compared to the average air velocity measured for that same sensor 
in a successive set of air velocity measurements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to the September 2019 NOPR, ALA, AMCA, BAF, Hunter and 
Ransom supported DOE's proposal to redefine low speed. (ALA, No. 34 at 
p. 3; AMCA, No. 33 at p. 8; BAF No. 36 at p. 2; Hunter No. 29 at p. 4; 
Ransom, No. 35 at p. 1) During the public meeting, AMCA discussed how 
low speed in a residential setting sometimes serves as a different 
function for the consumer than the movement and recirculation of air 
(i.e., ``serenity mode'') and measuring this speed under the current 
test procedure is erratic and can end up being a non-qualifying test. 
(AMCA, Public Meeting Transcript at p. 52-53) Westinghouse also was 
generally supportive of the proposal. (Westinghouse, Public Meeting 
Transcript at p. 57) Ransom suggested that adding an exception for fans 
with ``serenity modes'' \21\ would benefit manufacturers in 
applications where this aesthetic is desired. (Ransom, No. 35 at p. 1) 
ALA and Hunter commented that the ``serenity'' features satisfy a 
consumer aesthetic desire or provide decorative utility. (ALA, No. 34 
at p. 4; Hunter No. 29 at p. 4) In response to DOE's suggested 
definition in the September 2019 NOPR, ALA commented that ``low speed'' 
should be defined as ``the lowest available ceiling fan speed for which 
fewer than half or three, whichever is fewer, sensors on any individual 
axis are measuring less than 40 FPM, rather than 30 FPM.'' (ALA, No. 34 
at p. 3) BAF also suggested 40 FPM as the lowest speed at which draft 
begins to be felt at the occupant level. (BAF, Public Meeting 
Transcript at p. 61)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ DOE interprets ``serenity mode'' as the speed with an 
extremely low rotation rate, leading to a typically low airflow.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The current definition of low speed could require testing LSSD 
ceiling fans and VSD ceiling fans that also meet the definition of an 
LSSD fan at a speed with an extremely low rotation rate, which 
consumers are unlikely to use to circulate air. Rather, as suggested by 
Hunter and ALA, this speed is used more for a consumer aesthetic 
desire, as indicated by this speed being advertised as helping to 
maintain a ``calm atmosphere.'' For such products, the low speed as 
defined for the purpose of the current DOE test procedure is not 
representative of the low speed required for ``circulation of 
air''.\22\ Further, as observed through round robin testing and as 
discussed previously, requiring testing at the ``lowest available 
speed''

[[Page 69555]]

would be overly burdensome to test because laboratories have trouble 
meeting the stability criteria.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ DOE has proposed to define circulating air as ``the 
discharge of air in an upward or downward direction with the air 
returning to the intake side of the fan. A ceiling fan that has a 
ratio of fan blade span (in inches) to maximum rotation rate (in 
revolutions per minute) greater than 0.06 provides circulating 
air.'' The extremely low rotation rates described in this section 
provide insufficient air movement for the discharge of air to return 
to the intake side of the fan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the September 2019 NOPR, DOE initially developed the 30 FPM 
threshold by identifying the threshold below which several common 
varieties of air velocity sensors could no longer meet the test 
procedure accuracy and stability requirements. 84 FR 51440, 51447. 
However, DOE had also stated in the September 2019 NOPR that ceiling 
fans with low speeds that produce air velocities lower than 40 FPM may 
have trouble meeting the stability criteria. 84 FR 51440, 51446. As 
noted, section 3.2 of appendix U specifies that air velocity sensors 
must have an accuracy within 5% of reading or 2 FPM, 
whichever is greater. In further reviewing these accuracy requirements, 
DOE notes that the 2 FPM accuracy tolerance can be determined by 
multiplying the 5 percent accuracy requirement with 40 FPM, indicating 
that an air velocity threshold of 40 FPM, rather than 30 FPM, would 
better align with these established stability criteria. Furthermore, 
for the September 2019 NOPR proposal of a 30 FPM threshold, DOE had not 
evaluated every sensor used by laboratories and considered the 
commenters' proposals to use a 40 FPM threshold to be more 
representative based on industry experience.
    For the reasons discussed, DOE proposes to amend the low-speed 
definition as follows:
    Low speed means the lowest available ceiling fan speed for which 
fewer than half or three, whichever is fewer, sensors per individual 
axis are measuring less than 40 feet per minute.
    Alternatively, DOE is considering representing the proposed 
definition as a table indicating the number of sensors that must 
measure >40 FPM, as follows:
    Low speed means the lowest available speed that meets the following 
criteria:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Number of sensors per  individual     Number of sensors per individual
   axis as  determined in section     axis  measuring 40 feet per minute
       3.2.2(6) of Appendix U                     or greater
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            3                                    2
                            4                                    3
                            5                                    3
                            6                                    4
                            7                                    4
                            8                                    5
                            9                                    6
                           10                                    7
                           11                                    8
                           12                                    9
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, DOE proposes to include explicit instructions in the 
test procedure to start at the lowest speed and move to the next 
highest speed until the modified low speed criteria are met. This would 
ensure the identification of the lowest speed of the fan that meets the 
proposed low speed definition. DOE understands that most LSSD ceiling 
fans have distinct speed settings and would be able to accommodate this 
proposal.
    DOE expects that this proposed amendment would reduce the total 
test time per unit for low speed tests for a subset of LSSD ceiling 
fans. Under the current test procedure, the low speeds in question 
would likely require laboratories to run tests for a long period 
(potentially the full duration of the laboratories' local operating 
procedures limit) before achieving the necessary stability criteria 
requirements. The proposed alternate test method could mitigate the 
occurrence of these long test runs. DOE estimates that manufacturers of 
LSSD ceiling fans that conduct testing in-house could save 
approximately 60 minutes in per unit testing time due to the new low 
speed criteria.
    DOE does not expect this amendment to require retesting or to 
change measured efficiency for the majority of LSSD ceiling fans. 
However, for the small subset of LSSD ceiling fans for which the lowest 
speed is at an extremely low rotation rate and provides a low airflow, 
retesting may be required if the lowest speed does not meet the 
proposed definition of low speed. In the instances under the proposal 
for which testing at the next highest speed were to be required, 
testing at the next highest speed would likely result in increased 
power consumption, but it would also result in increased airflow. The 
resulting ceiling fan efficiency is calculated by weighting the airflow 
and power consumption results from the high speed test (which is not 
proposed to be amended) with the low speed test, resulting in a 
weighted average CFM/W (Equation 1, Appendix U). Because the measured 
efficiency is a ratio of airflow and power consumption and testing at 
the next highest speed would result in an increase in airflow as well 
as power consumption, DOE expects the low speed proposal to have 
insignificant effect on ceiling fan efficiency for the applicable 
subset of LSSD ceiling fans.
    The potential cost and cost saving impacts of this proposal are 
discussed in section III.K.1.a. of this document.
    DOE seeks comment on the proposal to update the low speed 
definition as follows: Low speed means the lowest available ceiling fan 
speed for which fewer than half or three, whichever is fewer, sensors 
per individual axis are measuring less than 40 feet per minute.
    DOE also seeks comment on the alternate proposal to represent low 
speed as a table specifying the number of sensors per individual axis 
required to measure greater than 40 feet per minute.
    DOE seeks comment on the proposal to require testing to start at 
the lowest speed and move to the next highest speed until the modified 
low speed criteria are met. Specifically, DOE seeks comment on whether 
any applicable variable speed LSSD ceiling fans (without distinct speed 
settings) would require further specificity on this proposal and if so, 
how it should be specified.
    Hunter, ALA, BAF and AMCA further commented that if either tested 
fan sample (per DOE sampling requirements) has a lowest-speed setting 
that does not meet the definition of low speed under this proposal, 
both samples should be tested at the next highest speed. (Hunter, No. 
29 at p. 4; ALA, No. 34 at p. 3; BAF, No. 36 at p. 2; AMCA, No. 33 at 
p. 8) DOE requires that ceiling fan representation must be based on 
sampling requirements prescribed at 10 CFR 429.11, which specifies that 
the minimum number of units tested shall be no less than two. 10 CFR 
429.32. Testing of ceiling fans must be conducted according to Appendix 
U, which as proposed, would require determining the setting that meets 
the definition of low speed individually for each of the units in the 
sample, if applicable. As discussed previously, 40 FPM is 
representative of the low speed required for ``circulation of air''. To 
the extent that there is any variation within the sample of fans for a 
basic model, determining the setting that meets the definition of low 
speed individually for each unit in the sample would correspond to how 
each unit in the sample would be operating during a representative 
average use cycle.
    DOE requests comment on the extent to which, for DOE certification 
purposes, an individual unit within a sample of fans (per basic model) 
could have a different setting that meets the proposed definition of 
low speed than other units within the same sample. If so, DOE requests 
data on how the issue could affect representativeness (in terms of 
ceiling fan efficiency) of the basic model.

F. Sensor Arm Setups

    To record air velocity readings, Section 3.3.2 of appendix U 
prescribes two setups for taking airflow measurements along four 
perpendicular axes (designated A, B, C, and D): A single rotating 
sensor arm or four fixed sensor arms. If using a single rotating sensor 
arm, airflow readings are first measured on Axis A, followed by

[[Page 69556]]

successive measurements on Axes B, C, and D. If using four fixed sensor 
arms, the readings for all four axes are measured simultaneously. See 
Steps 4 and 5 of section 3.3.2(2) of appendix U. The team has observed 
that valid results are generally attained more quickly using the four-
arm setup because measurements are taken simultaneously in all four 
axes and stability can be achieved in fewer runs (i.e., a complete set 
of air velocity measurements for all axes). However, a four-arm setup 
is more expensive because it requires at least 4 times as many sensors. 
This setup is typically used by laboratories that primarily test LSSD 
fans (which require low airflow to be measured) or laboratories that 
test large quantities of fans, for which a faster throughput is 
important. A single-arm setup is less expensive and is typically used 
by laboratories that test mostly high-speed ceiling fans or test very 
few ceiling fans.
    The single-arm setup requires the rotation of the arm every 100 
seconds, which disrupts the air, often increasing the time to achieve 
stability. Assuming it takes 3 cycles to reach stability for the low-
speed test (i.e., average air velocity across all sensors for cycles 2 
and 3 meet the stability criteria), the test length would be around 16 
minutes for the four fixed arm unit and around 41 minutes for the 
single rotating arm unit.\23\ During round robin testing, DOE personnel 
noted that laboratories using the single rotating sensor arm waited 
approximately 30 seconds for arm vibration to dissipate before starting 
data collection at the new position, adding a minimum of 1 minute 30 
seconds to each test cycle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ These time frames were determined in the round robin 
report, found in the rulemaking docket EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050. 
www.regulations.gov/docket/EERE-2013-BT-TP-0050.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    During round-robin testing, laboratories with single-arm setups 
were able to achieve stability for 75 percent of fans tested, as 
compared to 96 percent for laboratories using four-arm setups.
    To address stability issues in a single-arm setup, DOE proposes, 
based on observations from the round robin testing, to provide explicit 
instruction for setups that require arm rotation to stabilize the arm 
and allow 30 seconds between test runs for any residual turbulence to 
dissipate prior to data collection after each rotation. While this 
additional instruction would increase testing time of each axis, based 
on observation through round robin testing, DOE has initially 
determined that this requirement could further contribute to more 
accurate and stable airflow measurements during testing. In some cases, 
this could reduce overall testing time by avoiding the need to retest 
to meet the required air velocity stability criteria (section 3.3.2(1) 
of appendix U).
    As an alternative to the single- and four-arm setup options, DOE 
also proposes to allow laboratories to rely on test setups with two 
arms, so that the system would need to be rotated only once to collect 
data for all four axes. A two-arm setup would require less time to 
collect the necessary data than a 1-arm setup and would therefore 
reduce testing burden for laboratories currently using a 1-arm setup. 
It would also require fewer sensors than a four-arm setup, and could 
therefore provide a cost-effective approach to achieve stability 
conditions more easily at low speed. DOE proposes to amend sections 
3.2.2(4) and 3.3.2 of appendix U to accommodate the use of a two-arm 
setup.
    DOE seeks comment on the proposed requirement to add 30 seconds 
between test runs for a rotating arm setup (either single-arm or two-
arm).
    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to permit the use of a two-arm 
setup, as well as any data to confirm that a 2-arm option produces 
comparable results to the existing 1-arm and 4-arm options.

G. Air Velocity Sensor Mounting Angle

    Section 3.2.2 of appendix U does not specify the applicable 
mounting angle of the sensors on the sensor arm.
    Air velocity is most accurately measured by aligning the velocity 
sensor perpendicular to the airflow path, as this is the orientation 
for which the airflow through the openings of the sensor is smooth and 
free of turbulence. However, during recent round robin testing, the 
team noted that some air velocity sensors were not aligned 
perpendicular to the path of airflow. A misaligned velocity sensor 
could produce inaccurate air velocity measurements. Therefore, to 
ensure consistent air velocity alignment, DOE proposes to include 
explicit instructions in section 3.2.2(6) of appendix U to align the 
air velocity sensors perpendicular to the direction of airflow. DOE 
could also consider updating Figure 2 of appendix U (which would be 
renumbered as Figure 3 in this proposal), or adding a new figure, to 
depict more clearly the alignment of the velocity sensors perpendicular 
to the direction of airflow.
    DOE requests comment on its proposal to specify aligning the air 
velocity sensors perpendicular to the airflow. DOE also requests 
comment on whether it should revise Figure 2 of appendix U, and/or 
provide an additional figure, to depict more clearly the alignment of 
the velocity sensors perpendicular to the direction of airflow.

H. Instructions To Measure Blade Thickness

    Sections 1.8 and 1.13 in appendix U incorporate a fan blade 
thickness threshold of 3.2 mm within the definitions of HSSD ceiling 
fan and LSSD ceiling fan, respectively. Blade edge thickness is used to 
distinguish product classes because it relates to safety considerations 
that, in turn, relate to where a ceiling fan is likely to be installed. 
Commercial and industrial ceiling fans are typically installed in 
locations with higher ceilings, and therefore thin leading edges on the 
blades do not present the safety hazard that thin leading edges would 
present on ceiling fans that are installed at lower heights, i.e., 
residential ceiling fans.
    Appendix U currently does not provide instruction for how to 
measure fan blade thickness. In the September 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed 
that blade edge thickness for small diameter fans be measured at the 
leading edge of the fan blade (i.e., the edge in the forward direction) 
with an instrument having a measurement resolution of at least a tenth 
of an inch. DOE also proposed the following instructions for measuring 
blade edge thickness to ensure test procedure reproducibility, given 
potential variations in blade characteristics: (1) Measure at the point 
at which the blade is thinnest along the radial length of the fan blade 
and is greater than or equal to one inch from the tip of the fan blade, 
and (2) Measure one inch from the leading edge of the fan blade. 84 FR 
51440, 51450.
    DOE has subsequently become aware of a ``rolled-edge'' blade design 
on a residential ceiling fan for which the thickness of the body of the 
blade is less than 3.2 mm, but that has a curled shape along the 
leading edge, with the curl having an outer thickness greater than 3.2 
mm. For such a rolled-edge blade, the blade thickness measurement 
procedure proposed in the September 2019 NOPR would indicate a ``thin 
blade'' despite the thicker leading edge, resulting in the fan being 
classified as an HSSD, which as discussed are generally non-residential 
fans. Conversely, measuring the thickness at the rolled edge (less than 
one inch from the leading edge) would result in the fan being 
classified as an LSSD, which are generally residential fans. In order 
to measure blade thickness for ``rolled-edge,'' flat, tapered, and 
other ceiling fan blade types in a manner that will consistently 
classify ceiling fans with

[[Page 69557]]

these blade types into the right product class, DOE is proposing to 
update the proposal for measuring blade thickness as follows: (1) 
Locate the cross section perpendicular to the fan blade's radial 
length, that is at least one inch from the tip of the fan blade and for 
which the blade is thinnest, and (2) measure the thickest point of that 
cross section within one inch from the leading edge of the fan blade.
    DOE expects that this proposal would result in ceiling fans with 
``rolled-edge'' blade designs being assigned to the appropriate product 
class, while having minimal effect on the blade thickness measurement 
of other blade types relative to the proposal in the September 2019 
NOPR.
    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to measure ceiling fan blade 
thickness at the thickest point within 1'' of the blade's leading edge, 
along the plane perpendicular to the blade's radial length at which the 
blade is thinnest. Specifically, DOE seeks feedback on if this update 
will prevent ceiling fans from being incorrectly classified into the 
wrong product class. DOE also welcomes feedback on if the blade 
thickness should be measured within 1'' of the leading edge, or if the 
allowable thickness measurement zone should be restricted to closer to 
the leading edge (e.g., within \1/2\'' or \1/4\'' of the leading edge).

I. Specifications for Ceiling Fans With Accessories

    Sections 3.3.1 (``Test conditions to be followed when testing'') 
and 3.5.1 of appendix U, require that a ceiling fan's heater and light 
kit be installed, but not energized during the power consumption 
measurement. These provisions are in place to include any impact these 
accessories might have on airflow, but prevent any reduction of the 
measured airflow efficiency that would result from including power 
consumption that does not relate to the ceiling fan's ability to 
circulate air. Beyond heaters and light kits, an increasing number of 
ceiling fan models on the market contain other features, such as air 
ionization and ultraviolet technology, that do not relate to the 
ceiling fan's ability to circulate air, but that consume power and 
therefore could reduce the measured airflow efficiency.
    DOE proposes to amend the language in sections 3.3.1 and 3.5.1 in 
appendix U to apply more broadly to any additional accessories or 
features that do not relate to the ceiling fan's ability to create 
airflow by rotation of the fan blades. Specifically, DOE proposes that 
such accessories or features must not be energized during testing. If 
the accessory or feature cannot be turned off, it shall be set to the 
lowest energy-consuming mode during testing. This proposal would 
clarify the application of the test procedure to ceiling fans with 
accessories or features other than light kits and heaters, while not 
incurring additional test costs or burdens. DOE does not expect this 
clarification to result in manufacturers having to re-test their 
ceiling fans, because DOE expects that manufacturers would have set 
such accessory features to their lowest energy-consuming state during 
testing.
    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to require that testing be 
performed without any additional accessories or features energized, if 
possible; and if not, with the additional accessories or features set 
at the lowest energy-consuming mode for testing.

J. Product Specific Rounding and Enforcement Provisions

1. Airflow (CFM) at High Speed Rounding
    In the September 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed amendments to 10 CFR 
429.32 to specify that represented values are to be determined 
consistent with the test procedures in appendix U and to specify 
rounding requirements for represented values. 84 FR 51440, 51450. DOE 
proposed represented value and rounding requirements for product-
specific information that was necessary to determine the minimum 
allowable ceiling fan efficiency and the proper category of certain 
ceiling fans, including blade span, blade RPM, blade edge thickness and 
distance between the ceiling and the lowest point on the fan blades. Id 
In this SNOPR, DOE is proposing alternate rounding requirements for 
blade edge thickness, as discussed in section III.J.2.
    DOE notes that airflow (CFM) at high speed is also product-specific 
information required to determine product category. Specifically, 
airflow (CFM) at high speed is required to determine whether a ceiling 
fan is a highly-decorative ceiling fan. While 10 CFR 429.32(a)(2)(i) 
already provides the represented value calculation for airflow, neither 
that section nor appendix U provides any rounding requirements for 
airflow at high speed as it relates to determining whether a ceiling 
fan is a highly-decorative ceiling fan. Accordingly, in this SNOPR, DOE 
proposes to specify that any represented value of airflow (CFM) at high 
speed, including the value used to determine whether a ceiling fan is a 
highly-decorative ceiling fan, is determined pursuant to 10 CFR 
429.32(a)(2)(i) and rounded to the nearest CFM. Manufacturers are 
already required to determine this value if making representations 
under the current test procedure for ceiling fans and will be required 
to use this value to ensure the products they distribute in commerce 
comply with the amended energy conservation standards. Further, the 
rounding of airflow to the nearest CFM is consistent with the current 
DOE guidance for the Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'') EnergyGuide 
label.
    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to specify that any represented 
value of airflow (CFM) at high speed, including the value used to 
determine whether a ceiling fan is a highly-decorative ceiling fan, is 
determined pursuant to 10 CFR 429.32(a)(2)(i) and rounded to the 
nearest CFM.
2. Blade Edge Thickness Rounding and Tolerance
    Appendix U of 10 CFR part 430 currently does not prescribe 
measurement tolerances for blade edge thickness. The September 2019 
NOPR proposed that blade edge thickness for small-diameter ceiling fans 
be measured with an instrument with a measurement resolution of at 
least one tenth of an inch. Further, DOE proposed that blade edge 
thickness be rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch, effectively 
providing a tolerance range of 0.1 in. See 84 FR 51440, 
51450-1. This tolerance would enable both tape measures and calipers to 
be used for this measurement, which typically have resolutions of 1/32 
in (0.03 in) and 0.001 in, respectively. In response to the September 
2019 NOPR, ALA and Hunter suggested that blade edge thickness should be 
measured with dial calipers only. (Hunter No. 29 at p.5; ALA, No. 34 at 
p. 4) Hunter stated that the proposed blade thickness resolution of 0.1 
inches is too large and that a tape measure cannot be used, and instead 
recommended that the required instrument resolution should be 0.001 in, 
with a measurement tolerance of 1/32 in. (Hunter No. 29 at 
p. 5)
    Upon further consideration, DOE recognizes that a rounding and 
tolerance requirement of 0.1 in would not provide 
sufficient resolution (i.e. number of digits) to represent fan blade 
edge thickness in relation to the 3.2 mm (0.126 in) threshold defined 
in Sections 1.8 and 1.13 in appendix U. Based on observation from round 
robin testing, DOE understands that most, if not all, laboratories use 
calipers to measure blade edge thickness. Accordingly, in this SNOPR, 
DOE proposes to require the use of an instrument with a measurement 
resolution of at least 0.001 in, and for the blade edge thickness

[[Page 69558]]

measurement to be rounded to the nearest 0.01 in. This effectively 
would provide a tolerance range of approximately 0.01 in.
    DOE requests comment on the proposed instrument measurement 
resolution, rounding and tolerance requirements for blade edge 
thickness measurements.
3. Blade RPM Tolerance
    For LDCFs, section 3.5(2) of appendix U specifies that when testing 
at 40 percent speed for ceiling fans that can operate over an infinite 
number of speeds, ensure the average measured RPM is within the greater 
of 1% of the average RPM at high speed or 1 RPM. Appendix U does not 
prescribe a tolerance for measuring RPM of the high speed itself. In 
the September 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed to extend these tolerances to 
high speed for all ceiling fans, and to consider the represented blade 
RPM at high speed to be valid if the measurement(s) (either the 
measured value for a single unit, or the mean of the measured values 
for a multiple unit sample, rounded to the nearest RPM) are within the 
greater of 1% or 1 RPM of the represented blade RPM at high speed. 84 
FR 51440, 51451.
    In response, ALA asked DOE to clarify whether the 1 percent 
verification measurement would apply only to LDCFs. (ALA, No. 34, at p. 
4) Hunter commented that the tolerance of 1 percent is too tight 
because too many variables, such as variation in voltage and measuring 
equipment, exist between laboratories for manufacturers to be able to 
meet this tight tolerance. Hunter suggested that instead, the tolerance 
should be increased from 1% to 3%. (Hunter No. 
29 at p. 4)
    In this SNOPR, DOE further considered the appropriate tolerances 
for voltage and measuring equipment variations, recognizing that such 
variation directly impacts the blade RPM measurements. For voltage, 
section 3.3.1(5)(iii) of appendix U allows the test voltage to vary by 
1% throughout the test. For measuring equipment variation, 
Appendix U does not specify a required accuracy for tachometers used in 
testing. However, the tachometer used by several of the participating 
round-robin laboratories has an accuracy of 0.01% of the 
reading.\24\ Combining the voltage variation tolerance and equipment 
accuracy variation with the September 2019 NOPR proposal of 1% 
tolerance of represented blade RPM at high speed would result in an 
overall tolerance of 2.01%. Therefore, DOE proposes to 
increase the tolerance for blade RPM measurements at high speed from 
1% to 2% to account for voltage variation and 
equipment resolution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ The data sheet for the referenced tachometer can be found 
here: https://monarchserver.com/Files/pdf/ACT3x_Datasheet_May_19.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE seeks comment on its proposal to define a tolerance of 2% for 
blade RPM measurements at high speed. If other tolerances are 
recommended, DOE seeks specific equipment and/or voltage variation data 
to justify the recommended tolerance.
4. Represented Values Within Product Class Definitions
    In the September 2019 NOPR, DOE proposed updates to the product 
class definitions in appendix U to reference the proposed represented 
value provisions to specify that the product class for each basic model 
is determined using the represented values of blade span, blade RPM, 
blade edge thickness, and the distance between the ceiling and the 
lowest point on the fan blades. 84 FR 51440, 51450. In reviewing the 
September 2019 NOPR proposed updates to the definitions, DOE noted that 
the definitions referenced the incorrect regulatory text sections for 
the represented values proposed in 10 CFR 429.32. As such, in this 
SNOPR, DOE proposes updates to the references within the product class 
definitions to reference the appropriate represented value regulatory 
text sections.

K. Test Procedure Costs, Harmonization, and Other Topics

1. Test Procedure Costs and Impact
    In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to amend the existing test procedure 
for ceiling fans by (1) including a definition for ``circulating air'' 
for the purpose of the ceiling fan definition; (2) expanding test 
procedure scope to include large-diameter ceiling fans with a diameter 
greater than 24 feet; (3) expanding the test procedure to high-speed 
belt-driven ceiling fans and large-diameter belt-driven ceiling fans; 
(4) including a provisions for measuring standby energy consumption for 
large-diameter ceiling fans; (5) amending the definition for low-speed; 
(6) allowing two-arm sensor setup; (7) requiring sensor arm to 
stabilize for 30 seconds prior to rotating sensor axes; (8) further 
specifying air velocity sensor mounting position; (9) providing 
instructions to measure blade thickness; (10) clarifying test 
procedures for ceiling fans with accessories; and (11) amending 
product-specific rounding and enforcement provisions for ceiling fans 
to reflect the most recent amendments to the test procedures and energy 
conservation standards for ceiling fans. Additionally, this SNOPR 
includes proposed regulatory text from the September 2019 NOPR: (1) 
Specifying that VSD ceiling fans that do not also meet the definition 
of LSSD fan are not required to be tested pursuant to the DOE test 
method; (2) increasing the tolerance for the stability criteria for the 
average air velocity measurements for LSSD and VSD ceiling fans; (3) 
codifying in regulation existing guidance on the method for calculating 
several values reported on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 
EnergyGuide label using results from the ceiling fan test procedures in 
Appendix U to subpart B of 10 CFR part 430 and represented values in 10 
CFR part 429; and (4) amending product-specific represented value, 
rounding and enforcement provisions. 84 FR 51440, 51442. DOE has 
tentatively determined that the test procedure as proposed in this 
September 2019 NOPR and as modified by this SNOPR will not be unduly 
burdensome for manufacturers to conduct.
    Further discussion of the cost impacts of the test procedure 
amendments are presented in the following paragraphs.
a. Cost Impacts for Scope
    As discussed in section III.A and III.B of this SNOPR, DOE is 
proposing to define ``circulating air'' to differentiate fans for 
``circulating air'' (i.e., ceiling fans) from other products that are 
not considered to be a ceiling fan for the purposes of the EPCA 
definition for ceiling fans, and include large-diameter ceiling fans 
greater than 24 feet in diameter.
    Regarding DOE's proposal to include a definition for ``circulating 
air,'' DOE identified that certain high-speed VSD ceiling fans with a 
diameter-to-maximum operating speed ratio less than 0.06 would be 
excluded from the ceiling fan scope. As discussed, VSD ceiling fans 
represent less than one percent of the total ceiling fan market. 
Furthermore, the segment of VSD ceiling fans that would be excluded 
from the ceiling fan scope would represent a portion of the less than 
one percent of the market. While the definition as proposed would 
likely result in a small cost savings for VSD ceiling fan 
manufacturers, DOE conservatively did not include these de minimis cost 
savings as part of the cost impact calculations.
    Regarding including within the scope of the test procedure large-
diameter ceiling fans greater than 24 feet in diameter, DOE is not 
aware of any large diameter ceiling fans greater than 24 feet 
commercially available on the market.

[[Page 69559]]

    DOE requests comment on the number of ceiling fan models on the 
market that are larger than 24 feet, and the associated burden of 
testing any ceiling fans larger than 24 feet to the proposed DOE test 
procedure in this SNOPR.
b. Cost Impacts for New Belt-Driven Ceiling Fans
    Based on DOE's review of literature of manufacturers who make HSBD 
and LDBD ceiling fans, DOE identified five manufacturers selling 17 
ceiling fan models that are currently not covered by DOE's ceiling fan 
test procedure that would be covered by the proposed test procedure 
amendments, if finalized. Sixteen of these models fit the criteria for 
HSBD ceiling fans and one model fits the definition of LDBD ceiling 
fan. Four of these models are capable of variable speed operation while 
the remaining 13 are only capable of single speed operation. Based on 
third-party lab test cost quotes to test these belt-driven ceiling fans 
in accordance with AMCA 230-15, DOE estimates that it would cost 
manufacturers approximately $2,670 for a third-party to test one unit 
at high speed only and $3,165 to test one unit at both high speed and 
40 percent speed. DOE requires at least two units be tested. Therefore, 
DOE estimates it would cost manufacturers approximately $5,340 per 
basic model capable of only single speed operation and $6,330 per basic 
model for multi-speed units. Therefore, DOE estimates that ceiling fan 
manufacturers would incur a one-time cost of approximately $94,740 to 
conduct testing for the proposed expanded scope of belt-driven ceiling 
fans.
    DOE requests comment on the per model test cost estimate to test 
these expanded scope belt-driven ceiling fans, and the current estimate 
of the number of manufacturers and number of models of expanded scope 
belt-driven ceiling fans currently made by ceiling fan manufacturers.
c. Cost Impacts for Stability Criteria
    This SNOPR includes regulatory text from the September 2019 NOPR 
proposing to increase the tolerance for the stability criteria for the 
average air velocity measurements of LSSD and VSD ceiling fans that 
meet the definition of LSSD ceiling fans at low speed. 84 FR 51440, 
51446. DOE had identified cost savings that manufacturers would likely 
experience from avoiding the need to purchase additional and more-
costly air velocity sensors to meet the stability criteria required by 
the current test procedure. 84 FR 51440, 51453-51454.
    To test ceiling fans up to 84 inches in diameter with an air 
velocity sensor every 4 inches and in all four axes could require a 
manufacturer to purchase, calibrate, and install as many as 45 upgraded 
sensors. In this SNOPR, DOE estimates that this investment would be 
approximately $50,000 per manufacturer for these upgraded sensors. DOE 
estimated that at least two ceiling fan manufacturers have in-house 
testing facilities that would have had to invest in upgraded sensors to 
meet the stability criteria to comply with the current test procedure. 
Therefore, DOE estimates that the industry-wide one-time avoided cost 
due to this proposal would be approximately $100,000.
d. Cost Impacts for Low Speed Definition
    As discussed in section III.D of this document, DOE is proposing to 
amend the low speed definition, which is required to test LSSD ceiling 
fans. DOE estimates that this proposal would require retesting a subset 
of LSSD ceiling fans. Based on DOE review of DOE's Compliance 
Certification Database (``CCD''), DOE identified 3,427 unique basic 
models of LSSD ceiling fans. Additionally, DOE estimated that there are 
1,003 unique basic models of LSSD ceiling fans with more than three 
speed settings. DOE conservatively estimates that approximately 10 
percent of LSSD ceiling fans with more than three speed settings, 100 
unique basic models, would be affected by the proposed low speed 
definition and would have to be retested in active mode using the 
proposed low speed definition, if finalized. Further, DOE estimates 
that the test procedure for LSSD ceiling fans will cost $1,500 on 
average per basic model active mode test. Therefore, DOE estimates that 
ceiling fan manufacturers would incur a one-time cost of approximately 
$150,000 to conduct retesting for the proposed low speed definition.
e. Cost Impacts for Other Test Procedure Amendments
    DOE does not anticipate that the remainder of the amendments 
proposed in this SNOPR and the September 2019 NOPR would impact test 
costs.
    The proposal to allow a two-arm sensor setup is in addition to the 
single-arm and four-arm setup already allowed in Appendix U. The 
proposal to require that the sensor arm to stabilize for an extra 30 
seconds before moving axes should allow for more accurate air velocity 
measurements, resulting in less number of repetitions to meet the 
stability requirement in section 3.3.2 (1) of Appendix U. The proposals 
to specify air velocity sensor mounting position, measure blade 
thickness and testing for ceiling fans with accessories are 
clarifications.
    DOE requests comment on the specific costs and cost savings 
identified regarding the proposed amendments to the scope, stability 
criteria, and low speed definition. Additionally, DOE requests comment 
on any other potential costs or costs savings not identified that 
ceiling fan manufacturers may incur as a result of the proposed test 
procedure amendments.
2. Harmonization With Industry Standards
    DOE's established practice is to adopt relevant industry standards 
as DOE test procedures unless such methodology would be unduly 
burdensome to conduct or would not produce test results that reflect 
the energy efficiency, energy use, water use (as specified in EPCA) or 
estimated operating costs of that product during a representative 
average use cycle or period of use. Section 8(c) of appendix A of 10 
CFR part 430 subpart C. In cases where the industry standard does not 
meet EPCA statutory criteria for test procedures, DOE will make 
modifications through the rulemaking process to these standards as the 
DOE test procedure.
    The test procedures for ceiling fans at Appendix U incorporates by 
reference ANSI/AMCA 208-18, AMCA 230-15 and IEC 62301. ANSI/AMCA 208-18 
provides the calculations to determine the CFEI for large-diameter 
ceiling fans. AMCA 230-15 provides the test methods to determine 
airflow (in CFM) and power consumption (in Watts), which are inputs to 
the CFEI metric described in AMCA 208-18. IEC 62301 provides the test 
method for measuring standby power for all ceiling fans. DOE is not 
proposing incorporating by reference any additional industry standards 
in this SNOPR. DOE requests comments on the benefits and burdens of the 
proposed updates and additions to industry standards referenced in the 
test procedure for ceiling fans.
    DOE recognizes that adopting industry standards with modifications 
imposes a burden on industry (i.e., manufacturers face increased costs 
if the DOE modifications require different testing equipment or 
facilities). DOE seeks comment on the degree to which the DOE test 
procedure should consider and be harmonized further with the most 
recent relevant industry standards for ceiling fans and whether there 
are any changes to the Federal test method that would provide 
additional benefits

[[Page 69560]]

to the public. DOE also requests comment on the benefits and burdens 
of, or any other comments regarding adopting any industry/voluntary 
consensus-based or other appropriate test procedure, without 
modification.

L. Compliance Date and Waivers

    EPCA prescribes that, if DOE amends a test procedure, all 
representations of energy efficiency and energy use, including those 
made on marketing materials and product labels, must be made in 
accordance with that 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)) To the extent the modified test 
procedure proposed in this document is required only for the evaluation 
and issuance of updated efficiency standards, use of the modified test 
procedure, if finalized, would not be required until the implementation 
date of updated standards. Section 8(e) of appendix A 10 CFR part 430 
subpart C.
    If DOE were to publish an amended test procedure EPCA provides an 
allowance for individual manufacturers to petition DOE for an extension 
of the 180-day period if the manufacturer may experience undue hardship 
in meeting the deadline. (42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(3)) To receive such an 
extension, petitions must be filed with DOE no later than 60 days 
before the end of the 180-day period and must detail how the 
manufacturer will experience undue hardship. (Id.)
    Upon the compliance date of test procedure provisions of an amended 
test procedure, should DOE issue a such an amendment, any waivers that 
had been previously issued and are in effect that pertain to issues 
addressed by such provisions are terminated. 10 CFR 430.27(h)(3). 
Recipients of any such waivers would be required to test the products 
subject to the waiver according to the amended test procedure as of the 
compliance date of the amended test procedure. The amendments proposed 
in the September 2019 NOPR document pertain to issues addressed by a 
waiver granted to BAS, Case No. 2017-011. See 84 FR 51440, 51446.

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 proposed rulemaking does not constitute 
``significant regulatory actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive 
Order (``E.O.'') 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 
(Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this action was not subject to review 
under the Executive order by the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs (``OIRA'') in 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. 
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: https://energy.gov/gc/office-general-counsel. DOE 
reviewed this proposed rule under the provisions of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and the policies and procedures published on February 
19, 2003.
    The following sections detail DOE's IRFA for this test procedure 
SNOPR.
1. Description of Reasons Why Action Is Being Considered
    DOE is proposing to amend the existing DOE test procedures for 
ceiling fans. DOE shall amend test procedures with respect to any 
covered product, if the Secretary determines that amended test 
procedures would more accurately 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. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))
2. Objective of, and Legal Basis for, Rule
    DOE is required to review existing DOE test procedures for all 
covered products every 7 years. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A))
3. Description and Estimate of Small Entities Regulated
    For manufacturers of ceiling fans, 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. See 13 CFR part 121. The size standards are listed by North 
American Industry Classification System (``NAICS'') code and industry 
description available at: https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards. Ceiling fan manufacturing is classified under NAICS 
code 335210, ``Small Electrical Appliance Manufacturing.'' The SBA sets 
a threshold of 1,500 employees or less for an entity to be considered 
as a small business for this category.
    To estimate the number of companies that manufacture ceiling fans 
covered by this rulemaking, DOE used data from DOE's publicly available 
Compliance Certification Database (``CCD''). DOE's small business 
search focused on companies that sell at least one LSSD ceiling fan 
model with more than three speed settings as well small businesses that 
sell HSBD or LDBD ceiling fans, since those are the only manufacturers, 
large or small, that are estimated to incur any costs due to the 
proposed test procedure amendments.
    DOE identified 10 potential domestic small businesses that 
manufacture at least one LSSD ceiling fan with more than three speed 
settings. These 10 potential domestic small businesses sell 
approximately 325 unique LSSD ceiling fans with more than three speed 
settings. Additionally, DOE identified four potential domestic small 
businesses that manufacture HSBD or LDBD ceiling fans. These four 
potential domestic small businesses sell 15 known HSBD ceiling fan 
models and one known LDBD ceiling fan models.
4. Description and Estimate of Compliance Requirements
    In this SNOPR, DOE proposes to amend the existing test procedure 
for ceiling fans by (1) including a definition for ``circulating air'' 
for the purpose of the ceiling fan definition; (2) expanding test 
procedure scope to include large-diameter ceiling fans with a diameter 
greater than 24 feet; (3) expanding the test procedure to HSBD ceiling 
fans and LDBD ceiling fans; (4) including a standby metric for large-
diameter ceiling fans; (5) amending the definition for low-speed; (6) 
allowing two-arm sensor setup; (7) requiring sensor arm to stabilize 
for 30 seconds prior to rotating sensor axes; (8) detailing air 
velocity sensor mounting position; (9) providing instructions to 
measure blade thickness; (10) clarifying test procedures for ceiling 
fans with accessories; and (11) amending certain product-specific 
rounding and enforcement provisions. Additionally, DOE continues to 
propose the following proposals from the September 2019 NOPR: (1) 
Specifying that VSD ceiling fans that do not also

[[Page 69561]]

meet the definition of LSSD fan are not required to be tested pursuant 
to the DOE test method; (2) increasing the tolerance for the stability 
criteria for the average air velocity measurements for LSSD ceiling 
fans; (3) codifying guidance for calculating several values reported on 
the FTC EnergyGuide label; and (4) amending other product-specific 
represented value, rounding and enforcement provisions.
    DOE estimates that some ceiling fan manufacturers would experience 
a cost from the proposed test procedure amendment, if finalized, due to 
retesting specific LSSD ceiling fans at low speed. Additionally, DOE 
estimates that some ceiling fan manufacturers would experience a cost 
savings from the proposed test procedure amendment, if finalized, 
regarding the stability criteria for average air velocity measurements 
by not having to purchase sensors.
    As stated in the previous section, DOE identified 10 potential 
domestic small businesses selling approximately 325 unique LSSD ceiling 
fans with more than three speed settings. DOE previously estimated that 
approximately 10 percent of LSSD ceiling fan models with more than 
three speed settings would be required to re-test their models using 
the proposed definition for low-speed. Therefore, DOE estimates that 
approximately 33 ceiling fan models sold by domestic small businesses 
would need to be re-tested due to this proposed test procedure 
amendment. DOE previously estimated that it costs manufacturers 
approximately $1,500 for a third-party lab to conduct this test. 
Therefore, DOE estimates that all domestic small businesses would incur 
approximately $49,500 to re-test certain LSSD ceiling fans to the 
proposed low-speed definition. DOE estimates that the annual revenue of 
these 10 potential domestic small businesses that sell at least one 
LSSD ceiling fan with more than three speed settings range from 
approximately $1.7 million to over $250 million, with a median value of 
approximately $36 million.
    Additionally, as stated in the previous section, DOE identified 
four potential domestic small businesses selling 15 HSBD ceiling fan 
models, four of which are capable of variable speed operation, and one 
LDBD ceiling fan models. DOE estimates that the test procedure for 
belt-driven ceiling fans would cost manufacturers approximately $5,340 
per basic model capable of only single speed operation and $6,330 per 
basic model for multi-speed units to test in accordance to this 
proposed test procedure, if finalized. Therefore, DOE estimates that 
domestic small businesses would incur a one-time cost of approximately 
$89,400 to conduct testing for the proposed expanded scope of belt-
driven ceiling fan. DOE estimates that the annual revenue of these four 
potential domestic small businesses that sell at least one HSBD or LDBD 
ceiling fan range from approximately $79,000 to $16 million.
    DOE presents the estimated testing costs and annual revenue for 
each potential small business in Table IV.1.

                 Table IV.1--Estimated Testing Costs and Annual Revenue for Each Small Business
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Testing costs
                                                  Number of belt-    Estimated       Estimated     as a percent
                     Company                      driven ceiling   testing cost   annual revenue     of annual
                                                    fan models                                        revenue
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Business 1................................               9         $48,060     $16,000,000             0.3
Small Business 2................................               5          28,680          79,000            36.3
Small Business 3................................               1           6,330       1,500,000             0.4
Small Business 4................................               1           6,330          97,000             6.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    DOE requests comment on the number of potential small businesses 
DOE identified; the number of ceiling fan models estimated to be 
manufactured by these potential small businesses; and the per-model 
testing costs DOE estimated small businesses may incur to test these 
identified ceiling fans. Additionally, DOE also requests comment on any 
other potential costs small businesses may incur due to the proposed 
amended test procedures, if finalized.
5. Duplication, Overlap, and Conflict With Other Rules and Regulations
    DOE is not aware of any rules or regulations that duplicate, 
overlap, or conflict with the proposed rule being considered today.
6. Significant Alternatives to the Rule
    As previously stated in this section, DOE is required to review 
existing DOE test procedures for all covered products every 7 years. 
Additionally, DOE shall amend test procedures with respect to any 
covered product, if the Secretary determines that amended test 
procedures would more accurately 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. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(1)(A)) DOE has initially determined that the 
proposed test procedure amendments for ceiling fans would more 
accurately produce test results to measure the energy efficiency of 
ceiling fans.
    While DOE recognizes that requiring that ceiling fan manufacturers 
to retest specific LSSD ceiling fans at low speed and expanding the 
scope of ceiling fans would cause manufacturers to re-test or test some 
ceiling fan models, the costs to re-test and test these models are 
inexpensive for most ceiling fan manufacturers. DOE has tentatively 
determined that there are no better alternatives than the proposed 
amended test procedures, in terms of both meeting the agency's 
objectives to accurately measure energy efficiency and reduce burden on 
manufacturers. Therefore, DOE is proposing to amend the existing DOE 
test procedure for ceiling fans, as proposed in this SNOPR.
    Additional compliance flexibilities may be available through other 
means. EPCA provides that a manufacturer whose annual gross revenue 
from all of its operations does not exceed $8 million for the 12-month 
period preceding the date of the application may apply for an exemption 
from all or part of an energy conservation standard for a period not 
longer than 24 months after the effective date of a final rule 
establishing the standard. (42 U.S.C. 6295(t)) Additionally, 
manufacturers subject to DOE's energy efficiency standards may apply to 
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals for exception relief under certain 
circumstances. Manufacturers should refer to 10 CFR part 430, subpart 
E, and 10 CFR part 1003 for additional details on these additional 
compliance flexibilities.

C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Manufacturers of ceiling fans must certify to DOE that their 
products

[[Page 69562]]

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 ceiling fans. 
(See generally 10 CFR part 429.) The collection-of-information 
requirement for the certification and recordkeeping is subject to 
review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (``PRA''). 
DOE's current reporting requirements have 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, certifying compliance, and 
completing and reviewing the collection of information.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is 
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays 
a currently valid OMB Control Number.
1. Description of the Requirements
    In this SNOPR, DOE is proposing to expand the scope of the test 
procedure to include LDCFs with a diameter greater than 24 feet. If DOE 
amends the test procedures scope as proposed in this SNOPR, 
manufacturers of ceilings fans with a diameter greater than 24 feet 
will be required to certify compliance with energy conservation 
standards (in 10 CFR 430.32(s)(2)(ii)) beginning 180 days after 
publication of a test procedure final rule in the Federal Register. (42 
U.S.C. 6293(c)(2)) DOE is proposing to revise the collection of 
information approval under OMB Control Number 1910-1400 to account for 
the paperwork burden associated with the expanded scope of LDCFs with a 
diameter greater than 24 feet, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, certifying compliance, and completing and 
reviewing the collection of information.
2. Method of Collection
    DOE is proposing that respondents must submit electronic forms 
using DOE's online Compliance Certification Management System 
(``CCMS''). DOE's CCMS is publicly accessible at 
www.regulations.doe.gov/ccms/, and includes instructions for users, 
registration forms, and the product-specific reporting templates 
required for use when submitting information to CCMS.
3. Data
    The following are DOE estimates of the total annual reporting and 
recordkeeping burden imposed on manufacturers of LDCFs with a diameter 
greater than 24 feet subject to the amended certification reporting 
requirements in this proposed rule. DOE has reviewed the market for 
ceiling fans with a diameter greater than 24 feet and has identified 4 
models currently being offered for sale by 2 manufacturers, both of 
which already certify compliance with the current energy conservation 
standards for ceiling fans. As a result of this market assessment, DOE 
did not find any new or additional respondents that would be required 
submit information as a result of the proposed expansion of scope for 
LDCFs.
    The addition of four basic models to certification reports will 
simply expand their current CCMS excel templates by a row per basic 
model, which is trivial compared to the total number of ceiling fans 
they are already submitting.
    OMB Control Number: 1910-1400.
    Form Number: DOE F 220.7.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Domestic manufacturers and importers of LDCFs with 
a diameter greater than 24 feet.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 0 (already submitting under 
current approval).
    Estimated Time per Response: 0 (already submitting under current 
approval).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 0.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Manufacturers: $0 in 
recordkeeping/reporting costs.
4. Conclusion
    DOE has tentatively determined that these proposed amendments would 
not impose additional costs for manufacturers of ceiling fans because 
manufacturers of these products or equipment are already submitting 
certification reports to DOE and should have readily available the 
information that DOE would collect if the proposed expansion of scope 
is finalized as part of this rulemaking. Public comment is sought on 
the number of respondents and burden requirements for collecting 
information for LDCFs with a diameter greater than 24 feet. Send 
comments on these or any other aspects of the collection of information 
to the email address listed in the ADDRESSES section and to the OMB 
Desk Officer by email to [email protected].

D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    DOE is analyzing this proposed regulation in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (``NEPA'') and DOE's NEPA 
implementing regulations (10 CFR part 1021). DOE's regulations include 
a categorical exclusion for rulemakings interpreting or amending an 
existing rule or regulation that does not change the environmental 
effect of the rule or regulation being amended. 10 CFR part 1021, 
subpart D, appendix A5. DOE anticipates that this rulemaking qualifies 
for categorical exclusion A5 because it is an interpretive rulemaking 
that does not change the environmental effect of the rule and otherwise 
meets the requirements for application of a categorical exclusion. See 
10 CFR 1021.410. DOE will complete its NEPA review before issuing the 
final rule.

E. Review Under Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (Aug. 4, 1999) 
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing 
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism 
implications. The Executive order requires agencies to examine the 
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would 
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess 
the necessity for such actions. The Executive order also requires 
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely 
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory 
policies that have federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE 
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental 
consultation process it will follow in the development of such 
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this 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.

[[Page 69563]]

F. Review Under Executive Order 12988

    Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation 
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal 
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) 
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity, (2) write regulations to 
minimize litigation, (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected 
conduct rather than a general standard, and (4) promote simplification 
and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 
specifically requires that executive agencies make every reasonable 
effort to ensure that the regulation (1) clearly specifies the 
preemptive effect, if any, (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing 
Federal law or regulation, (3) provides a clear legal standard for 
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction, 
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any, (5) adequately defines 
key terms, and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity 
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney 
General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires executive 
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in 
sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is 
unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the 
required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law, 
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 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 https://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 Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 
2001

    Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most 
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines 
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by 
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and 
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has 
reviewed this proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has 
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those 
guidelines.

J. 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.

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 ceiling fans is not a significant 
regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it would not 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy, nor has it been designated as a significant energy action by 
the Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it is not a significant energy 
action, and accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy 
Effects.

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

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

[[Page 69564]]

The proposed modifications to the test procedure for ceiling fans would 
not incorporate any new testing methods.

M. Description of Materials Incorporated by Reference

    The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
following standards from the Air Movement and Control Association 
International, Inc. (AMCA), for incorporation by reference into 
appendix U to subpart B: ANSI/AMCA Standard 208-18, (``AMCA 208-18''), 
Calculation of the Fan Energy Index, and ANSI/AMCA Standard 230-15 
(``AMCA 230-15''), ``Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans 
for Rating and Certification.''

V. Public Participation

A. Participation in the Webinar

    The time and date of the webinar are listed in the DATES section at 
the beginning of this document. If no participants register for the 
webinar, it will be cancelled. Webinar registration information, 
participant instructions, and information about the capabilities 
available to webinar participants will be published on DOE's website: 
www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/standards.aspx?productid=5. Participants are responsible for ensuring 
their systems are compatible with the webinar software.

B. Submission of Comments

    DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this 
proposed rule no later than the date provided in the DATES section at 
the beginning of this proposed rule. Interested parties may submit 
comments using any of the methods described in the ADDRESSES section at 
the beginning of this 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 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 telefacsimiles (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. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any 
person submitting information that he or she believes to be 
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via 
email, postal mail, or hand delivery/courier two well-marked copies: 
One copy of the document marked confidential including all the 
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document 
marked non-confidential with the information believed to be 
confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email or on a CD, if 
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential 
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
    It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public 
docket, without change and as received, including any personal 
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be 
exempt from public disclosure).

C. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment

    Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE 
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of 
interested parties concerning the following issues:

    (1) DOE seeks comment on the proposed definition of 
``circulating air'' for the purpose of the ceiling fan definition. 
Specifically, DOE requests comment on the use of a ``diameter-to-
maximum operating speed'' ratio to distinguish fans with circulating 
airflow from directional airflow, and the appropriateness of using 
0.06 in/RPM as the threshold ratio. If another ratio should be 
considered, DOE requests additional data to corroborate that ratio.
    (2) DOE seeks comment on the characterization of fans that would 
fall below the 0.06 in/RPM threshold ratio, such as certain high-
speed VSD ceiling fans that do not also meet the definition of an 
LSSD fan. Specifically, DOE request comment on the appropriateness 
of excluding high-speed VSD ceiling fans from scope of ``ceiling 
fans.''
    (3) DOE seeks comment regarding whether ``circulating air'' 
should be defined within the definition of ceiling fan at 10 CFR 
430.2, as DOE has proposed, or if ``circulating air'' should be 
defined separately within appendix U.
    (4) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to remove the 24-foot 
blade span limit in section 3.4.1 of appendix U, which would expand 
the scope of the test procedure for LDCFs to ceiling fans with blade 
span larger than 24 feet.

[[Page 69565]]

    (5) DOE seeks comment on including within the test procedure 
scope HSBD ceiling fans, the proposed term and definition, and the 
appropriate tip speed threshold. Furthermore, DOE requests data on 
blade thickness and tip speeds for these HSBD ceiling fans.
    (6) DOE seeks comment on the alternate definition for HSBD 
ceiling fans, and whether it would incorporate all the LDBD ceiling 
fans from DOE's primary proposal. Further, DOE requests comment on 
whether the HSBD and LDBD ceiling fan scope should be combined, 
i.e., what is the utility and application of the two fan categories.
    (7) DOE requests comment on requiring AMCA 230-15 as the test 
procedure for HSBD and LDBD ceiling fans, or whether DOE should 
consider any other test procedure.
    (8) DOE requests comment on its proposal to test single speed 
HSBD and LDBD only at high speed and variable speed HSBD and LDBD at 
high speed and 40 percent speed. Alternatively, DOE requests comment 
the typical number of operating speeds and hours for HSBD ceiling 
fans and LDBD ceiling fans.
    (9) DOE requests comment on whether the efficiency of HDBD fans 
and LDBD ceiling fans is more appropriately evaluated using the CFEI 
or CFM/W metric.
    (10) DOE seeks comment on its preliminary determination that 
establishing an integrated metric that incorporates the energy 
efficiency measured as required under each LCDF standard and the 
energy use measured during standby mode would be technically 
infeasible.
    (11) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to specify for LDCFs a 
separate standby mode energy use metric, which would be based on the 
standby power procedure defined in section 3.6 of appendix U.
    (12) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to specify for HSBD 
ceiling fans and LDBD ceiling fans a separate standby mode energy 
use metric, which would be based on the standby power procedure 
defined in section 3.6 of appendix U.
    (13) DOE seeks comment on the proposal to update the low speed 
definition as follows: Low speed means the lowest available ceiling 
fan speed for which fewer than half or three, whichever is fewer, 
sensors per individual axis are measuring less than 40 feet per 
minute.
    (14) DOE also seeks comment on the alternate proposal to 
represent low speed as a table specifying the number of sensors per 
individual axis required to measure greater than 40 feet per minute.
    (15) DOE seeks comment on the proposal to require testing to 
start at the lowest speed and move to the next highest speed until 
the modified low speed criteria are met. Specifically, DOE seeks 
comment on whether any applicable variable speed LSSD ceiling fans 
(without distinct speed settings) would require further specificity 
on this proposal and if so, how it should be specified.
    (16) DOE requests comment on the extent to which, for DOE 
certification purposes, an individual unit within a sample of fans 
(per basic model) could have a different setting that meets the 
proposed definition of low speed than other units within the same 
sample. If so, DOE requests data on how the issue could affect 
representativeness (in terms of ceiling fan efficiency) of the basic 
model.
    (17) DOE seeks comment on the proposed requirement to add 30 
seconds between test runs for a rotating arm setup (either single-
arm or two-arm).
    (18) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to permit the use of a 
two-arm setup, as well as any data to confirm that a 2-arm option 
produces comparable results to the existing 1-arm and 4-arm options.
    (19) DOE requests comment on its proposal to specify aligning 
the air velocity sensors perpendicular to the airflow. DOE also 
requests comment on whether it should revise Figure 2 of appendix U, 
and/or provide an additional figure, to depict more clearly the 
alignment of the velocity sensors perpendicular to the direction of 
airflow.
    (20) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to measure ceiling fan 
blade thickness at the thickest point within 1'' of the blade's 
leading edge, along the plane perpendicular to the blade's radial 
length at which the blade is thinnest. Specifically, DOE seeks 
feedback on if this update will prevent ceiling fans from being 
incorrectly classified into the wrong product class. DOE also 
welcomes feedback on if the blade thickness should be measured 
within 1'' of the leading edge, or if the allowable thickness 
measurement zone should be restricted to closer to the leading edge 
(e.g., within \1/2\'' or \1/4\'' of the leading edge).
    (21) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to require that testing 
be performed without any additional accessories or features 
energized, if possible; and if not, with the additional accessories 
or features set at the lowest energy-consuming mode for testing.
    (22) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to specify that any 
represented value of airflow (CFM) at high speed, including the 
value used to determine whether a ceiling fan is a highly-decorative 
ceiling fan, is determined pursuant to 10 CFR 429.32(a)(2)(i) and 
rounded to the nearest CFM.
    (23) DOE requests comment on the proposed instrument measurement 
resolution, rounding and tolerance requirements for blade edge 
thickness measurements.
    (24) DOE seeks comment on its proposal to define a tolerance of 
2% for blade RPM measurements at high speed. If other tolerances are 
recommended, DOE seeks specific equipment and/or voltage variation 
data to justify the recommended tolerance.
    (25) DOE requests comment on the number of ceiling fan models on 
the market that are larger than 24 feet, and the associated burden 
of testing any ceiling fans larger than 24 feet to the proposed DOE 
test procedure in this SNOPR.
    (26) DOE requests comment on the per model test cost estimate to 
test these expanded scope belt-driven ceiling fans, and the current 
estimate of the number of manufacturers and number of models of 
expanded scope belt-driven ceiling fans currently made by ceiling 
fan manufacturers.
    (27) DOE requests comment on the specific costs and cost savings 
identified regarding the proposed amendments to the scope, stability 
criteria, and low speed definition. Additionally, DOE requests 
comment on any other potential costs or costs savings not identified 
that ceiling fan manufacturers may incur as a result of the proposed 
test procedure amendments.
    (28) DOE requests comment on the number of potential small 
businesses DOE identified; the number of ceiling fan models 
estimated to be manufactured by these potential small businesses; 
and the per-model testing costs DOE estimated small businesses may 
incur to test these identified ceiling fans. Additionally, DOE also 
requests comment on any other potential costs small businesses may 
incur due to the proposed amended test procedures, if finalized.
    (29) DOE requests comment on the number of respondents and 
burden requirements for collecting information for LDCFs with a 
diameter greater than 24 feet.

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

10 CFR Part 429

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

10 CFR Part 430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Confidential business 
information, Energy conservation, Household appliances, Imports, 
Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Small 
businesses.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on November 
16, 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.


[[Page 69566]]


    Signed in Washington, DC, on November 17, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts 
429 and 430 of chapter II of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations as 
set forth below:

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

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

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

0
2. Section 429.32 is amended by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text in paragraph (a)(2);
0
b. Revising paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(B); and
0
c. Adding paragraphs (a)(3) and (4);
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  429.32  Ceiling fans.

    (a) * * *
    (2) For each basic model of ceiling fan, a sample of sufficient 
size must be randomly selected and tested to ensure that--
* * * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (B) The upper 95 percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true mean 
divided by 1.1, where:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.003


And x is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviation; n is 
the number of samples; and t0.95 is the t statistic for a 
95% one-tailed confidence interval with n-1 degrees of freedom (from 
appendix A to this subpart); and
    (3) For each basic model of ceiling fan,
    (i) Any represented value of blade span, as defined in section 
1.4 of appendix U to subpart B of part 430, is the mean of the blade 
spans measured for the sample selected as described in paragraph 
(a)(1) of this section, rounded to the nearest inch; and
    (ii) Any represented value of blade revolutions per minute (RPM) 
is the mean of the blade RPM measurements measured for the sample 
selected as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, rounded 
to the nearest RPM; and
    (iii) Any represented value of blade edge thickness is the mean 
of the blade edge thicknesses measured for the sample selected as 
described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, rounded to the 
nearest 0.01 inch; and
    (iv) Any represented value of the distance between the ceiling 
and the lowest point on the fan blades is the mean of the distances 
measured for the sample selected as described in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section, rounded to the nearest quarter of an inch; and
    (v) Any represented value of tip speed is pi multiplied by 
represented value of blade span divided by twelve multiplied by the 
represented value of RPM, rounded to the nearest foot per minute;
    (vi) Any represented value of airflow (CFM) at high speed, 
including the value used to determine whether a ceiling fan is a 
highly-decorative ceiling fan as defined in section 1.9 of appendix 
U to subpart B of part 430, is determined pursuant to paragraph 
(a)(2)(i) and rounded to the nearest CFM; and
    (4) To determine values required by the Federal Trade Commission 
(FTC), use the following provisions. Note that, for multi-mount 
ceiling fans these values must be reported on the EnergyGuide label 
for the ceiling fan configuration with the lowest efficiency.

    (i) FTC Airflow. Determine the represented value for FTC airflow by 
calculating the weighted-average airflow of an LSSD or VSD ceiling fan 
basic model at low and high fan speed as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.004

Where:

AirflowFTC = represented value for FTC airflow, rounded 
to the nearest CFM,
CFMLow = represented value of measured airflow, in cubic 
feet per minute, at low fan speed, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(i) 
of this section, and
CFMHigh = represented value of measured airflow, in cubic 
feet per minute, at high fan speed, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(i) 
of this section.

    (ii) FTC Energy Use. Determine represented value for FTC energy use 
by calculating the weighted-average power consumption of an LSSD or VSD 
ceiling fan basic model at low and high fan speed as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.005

Where:

 Energy UseFTC= represented value for FTC Energy Use, 
rounded to the nearest watt,
WLow = represented value of measured power consumption, 
in watts, at low fan speed, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this 
section,
WHigh = represented value of measured power consumption, 
in watts, at high fan speed, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of 
this section, and
Wsb = represented value of measured power consumption, in 
watts, in standby mode, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this 
section.

    (iii) FTC Estimated Yearly Energy Cost. Determine the represented 
value for FTC estimated yearly energy cost of an LSSD or VSD ceiling 
fan basic model at low and high fan speed as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.006


[[Page 69567]]


Where:

EYECFTC = represented value for FTC estimated yearly 
energy cost, rounded to the nearest dollar, and
WLow = represented value of measured power consumption, 
in watts, at low fan speed, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this 
section,
WHigh = represented value of measured power consumption, 
in watts, at high fan speed, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of 
this section, and
Wsb = represented value of measured power consumption, in 
watts, in standby mode, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this 
section.
* * * * *
0
3. Section 429.134 is amended by adding paragraph (s) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  429.134   Product-specific enforcement provisions.

* * * * *
    (s) Ceiling Fans--(1) Verification of blade span. DOE will measure 
the blade span and round the measurement pursuant to the test 
requirements of 10 CFR part 430 of this chapter for each unit tested. 
DOE will consider the represented blade span valid only if the rounded 
measurement(s) (either the rounded measured value for a single unit, or 
the mean of the rounded measured values for a multiple unit sample, 
rounded to the nearest inch) is the same as the represented blade span.
    (i) If DOE determines that the represented blade span is valid, 
that blade span will be used as the basis for determining the product 
class and calculating the minimum allowable ceiling fan efficiency.
    (ii) If DOE determines that the represented blade span is invalid, 
DOE will use the rounded measured blade span(s) as the basis for 
determining the product class, and calculating the minimum allowable 
ceiling fan efficiency.
    (2) Verification of the distance between the ceiling and lowest 
point of fan blades. DOE will measure the distance between the ceiling 
and lowest point of the fan blades and round the measurement pursuant 
to the test requirements of 10 CFR part 430 of this chapter for each 
unit tested. DOE will consider the represented distance valid only if 
the rounded measurement(s) (either the measured value for a single 
unit, or the mean of the measured values for a multiple unit sample, 
rounded to the nearest quarter inch) are the same as the represented 
distance.
    (i) If DOE determines that the represented distance is valid, that 
distance will be used as the basis for determining the product class.
    (ii) If DOE determines that the represented distance is invalid, 
DOE will use the rounded measured distance(s) as the basis for 
determining the product class.
    (3) Verification of blade revolutions per minute (RPM) measured at 
high speed. DOE will measure the blade RPM at high speed pursuant to 
the test requirements of 10 CFR part 430 of this chapter for each unit 
tested. DOE will consider the represented blade RPM measured at high 
speed valid only if the measurement(s) (either the measured value for a 
single unit, or the mean of the measured values for a multiple unit 
sample, rounded to the nearest RPM) are within the greater of 2% of the 
represented blade RPM at high speed.
    (i) If DOE determines that the represented RPM is valid, that RPM 
will be used as the basis for determining the product class.
    (ii) If DOE determines that the represented RPM is invalid, DOE 
will use the rounded measured RPM(s) as the basis for determining the 
product class.
    (4) Verification of blade edge thickness. DOE will measure the 
blade edge thickness and round the measurement pursuant to the test 
requirements of 10 CFR part 430 for each unit tested. DOE will consider 
the represented blade edge thickness valid only if the measurement(s) 
(either the measured value for a single unit, or the mean of the 
measured values for a multiple unit sample, rounded to the nearest 0.01 
inch) are the same as the represented blade edge thickness.
    (i) If DOE determines that the represented blade edge thickness is 
valid, that blade edge thickness will be used for determining product 
class.
    (ii) If DOE determines that the represented blade edge thickness is 
invalid, DOE will use the rounded measured blade edge thickness(es) as 
the basis for determining the product class.

PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

0
4. 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
5. Section 430.2 is amended by revising the definition of ``Ceiling 
fan'' to read as follows:


Sec.  430.2   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Ceiling fan means a nonportable device that is suspended from a 
ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan blades. For the 
purpose of this definition:
    (1) Circulating Air means the discharge of air in an upward or 
downward direction with the air returning to the intake side of the 
fan. A ceiling fan that has a ratio of fan blade span (in inches) to 
maximum rotation rate (in revolutions per minute) greater than 0.06 
provides circulating air.
    (2) For all other ceiling fan related definitions, see appendix U 
to this subpart.
* * * * *
0
6. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (w) to read as 
follows:


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

* * * * *
    (w) Ceiling fans. Measure the following attributes of a single 
ceiling fan in accordance with appendix U to this subpart: Airflow; 
power consumption; ceiling fan efficiency; ceiling fan energy index 
(CFEI); standby power; distance between the ceiling and lowest point of 
fan blades; blade span; blade edge thickness; and blade revolutions per 
minute (RPM).
* * * * *
0
7. Appendix U to subpart B of part 430 is amended by:
0
a. Revising the introductory text;
0
b. Revising sections 1.4, and 1.8 through 1.20;
0
c. Adding sections 1.21 and 1.22;
0
d. Revising sections 2, 3, 3.2.2(1), 3.2.2(4), 3.2.2(6), 3.2.3, 
3.3.1(3), 3.3.1(4), 3.3.1(8), and 3.3.2;
0
e. Adding section 3.3.3;
0
f. Revising section 3.4;
0
g. Removing section 3.4.1, and redesignating sections 3.4.2 through 
3.4.4, as sections 3.4.1 through 3.4.3;
0
h. Revising sections 3.5, 3.5.1, 3.6.(1), 4, and 5;
    The revisions and additions read as follows:

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

    Prior to [effective date of test procedure final rule], 
manufacturers must make any representations with respect to the 
energy use or efficiency of ceiling fans as specified in Section 2 
of this appendix as it appeared on January 23, 2017. On or after 
[effective date of test procedure final rule], manufacturers of 
ceiling fans, as specified in section 2 of this appendix, must make 
any representations with respect to energy use or efficiency in 
accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this appendix. 
Certification of standby power consumption for large-diameter 
ceiling fans is required from the time that an energy conservation 
standard on standby power consumption requires compliance.

[[Page 69568]]

    1. * * *
    1.4. Blade span means the diameter of the largest circle swept 
by any part of the fan blade assembly, including attachments. The 
represented value of blade span (D) is as determined in 10 CFR 
429.32.
* * * * *
    1.8. High-speed small-diameter (HSSD) ceiling fan means a small-
diameter ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan, 
highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan and that 
has a represented value of blade edge thickness, as determined in 10 
CFR 429.32(a)(3)(iii), of less than 3.2 mm or a maximum represented 
value of tip speed, as determined in 10 CFR 429.32(a)(3)(v), greater 
than the applicable limit specified in the table in this definition.

                       High-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fan Blade and Tip Speed Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Thickness (t) of edges of blades          Tip speed threshold
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
             Airflow direction                                                                       feet per
                                                    Mm                Inch              m/s           minute
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downward-only.............................     4.8 > t >= 3.2  \3/16\ > t >= \1/            16.3           3,200
                                                                              8\
Downward-only.............................           t >= 4.8        t >= \3/16\            20.3           4,000
Reversible................................     4.8 > t >= 3.2  \3/16\ > t >= \1/            12.2           2,400
                                                                              8\
Reversible................................           t >= 4.8        t >= \3/16\            16.3           3,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1.9. High-speed belt-driven (HSBD) ceiling fan means a small-
diameter ceiling fan that is a belt-driven ceiling fan with one fan 
head, and has tip speeds greater than or equal to 5000 feet per 
minute.
    1.10. Highly-decorative ceiling fan means a ceiling fan with a 
maximum represented value of blade revolutions per minute (RPM), as 
determined in 10 CFR 429.32(a)(3)(ii), of 90 RPM, and a represented 
value of airflow at high speed, as determined in 10 CFR 
429.32(a)(3)(vi), of less than 1,840 CFM.
    1.11. Hugger ceiling fan means a low-speed small-diameter 
ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-
decorative ceiling fan, or belt-driven ceiling fan, and for which 
the represented value of the distance between the ceiling and the 
lowest point on the fan blades, as determined in 10 CFR 
429.32(a)(3)(iv), is less than or equal to 10 inches.
    1.12. Large-diameter ceiling fan means a ceiling fan that is not 
a highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan and has a 
represented value of blade span, as determined in 10 CFR 
429.32(a)(3)(i), greater than seven feet.
    1.13. Large-diameter belt-driven (LDBD) ceiling fan means a 
belt-driven ceiling fan with one fan head that has a represented 
value of blade span, as determined in 10 CFR 429.32(a)(3)(i), 
greater than seven feet.
    1.14. Low speed means the lowest available ceiling fan speed for 
which fewer than half or three, whichever is fewer, sensors per 
individual axis are measuring less than 40 feet per minute.
    1.15. Low-speed small-diameter (LSSD) ceiling fan means a small-
diameter ceiling fan that has a represented value of blade edge 
thickness, as determined in 10 CFR 429.32(a)(3)(iii), greater than 
or equal to 3.2 mm and a maximum represented value of tip speed, as 
determined in 10 CFR 429.32(a)(3)(v), less than or equal to the 
applicable limit specified in the table in this definition.

                        Low-Speed Small-Diameter Ceiling Fan Blade and Tip Speed Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Thickness (t) of edges of blades          Tip speed threshold
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------
             Airflow direction                                                                       feet per
                                                    Mm                Inch              m/s           minute
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reversible................................     4.8 > t >= 3.2  \3/16\ > t >= \1/            12.2           2,400
                                                                              8\
Reversible................................           t >= 4.8        t >= \3/16\            16.3           3,200
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1.16. Multi-head ceiling fan means a ceiling fan with more than 
one fan head, i.e., more than one set of rotating fan blades.
    1.17. Multi-mount ceiling fan means a low-speed small-diameter 
ceiling fan that can be mounted in the configurations associated 
with both the standard and hugger ceiling fans.
    1.18. Oscillating ceiling fan means a ceiling fan containing one 
or more fan heads for which the axis of rotation of the fan blades 
cannot remain in a fixed position relative to the ceiling. Such fans 
have no inherent means by which to disable the oscillating function 
separate from the fan blade rotation.
    1.19. Small-diameter ceiling fan means a ceiling fan that has a 
represented value of blade span, as determined in 10 CFR 
429.32(a)(3)(i), less than or equal to seven feet.
    1.20. Standard ceiling fan means a low-speed small-diameter 
ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-
decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan, and for which the 
represented value of the distance between the ceiling and the lowest 
point on the fan blades, as determined in 10 CFR 429.32(a)(3)(iv), 
is greater than 10 inches.
    1.21. Total airflow means the sum of the product of airflow and 
hours of operation at all tested speeds. For multi-head fans, this 
includes the airflow from all fan heads.
    1.22. Very-small-diameter (VSD) ceiling fan means a small-
diameter ceiling fan that is not a highly-decorative ceiling fan or 
belt-driven ceiling fan; and has one or more fan heads, each of 
which has a represented value of blade span, as determined in 10 CFR 
429.32(a)(3)(i), of 18 inches or less. Only VSD fans that also meet 
the definition of an LSSD fan are required to be tested for purposes 
of determining compliance with energy efficiency standards 
established by DOE and for other representations of energy 
efficiency.
    2. Scope:
    The provisions in this appendix apply to ceiling fans except:
    (1) Ceiling fans where the plane of rotation of a ceiling fan's 
blades is not less than or equal to 45 degrees from horizontal, or 
cannot be adjusted based on the manufacturer's specifications to be 
less than or equal to 45 degrees from horizontal;
    (2) Centrifugal ceiling fans;
    (3) Belt-driven ceiling fans that are not either a high-speed 
belt-driven ceiling fan or a large-diameter belt-driven ceiling fan; 
and
    (4) Oscillating ceiling fans.
    3. General Instructions, Test Apparatus, and Test Measurement:
    The test apparatus and test measurement used to determine energy 
performance depend on the ceiling fan's blade span, and in some 
cases the ceiling fan's blade edge thickness. For each tested 
ceiling fan, measure the lateral distance from the center of the 
axis of rotation of the fan blades to the furthest fan blade edge 
from the center of the axis of rotation. Measure this lateral 
distance at the resolution of the measurement instrument, using an 
instrument with a measurement resolution of least 0.25 inches. 
Multiply the lateral distance by two and then round to the nearest 
whole inch to determine the blade span. For ceiling fans having a 
blade span greater than 18 inches and less than or equal to 84 
inches, measure the

[[Page 69569]]

ceiling fan's blade edge thickness. To measure the fan blade edge 
thickness, use an instrument with a measurement resolution of at 
least 0.001 inch and measure the thickness of one fan blade's 
leading edge (in the forward direction) according to the following:
    (1) Locate the cross section perpendicular to the fan blade's 
radial length that is at least one inch from the tip of the fan 
blade and for which the blade is thinnest, and
    (2) Measure at the thickest point of that cross section within 
one inch from the leading edge of the fan blade.
    See Figure 1 of this appendix for an instructional schematic on 
the fan blade edge thickness measurement. Figure 1 depicts a ceiling 
fan from above. Round the measured blade edge thickness to the 
nearest 0.01 inch.
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.007

* * * * *
    3.2.2. Equipment Set-up.
    (1) Make sure the transformer power is off. Hang the ceiling fan 
to be tested directly from the ceiling, according to the 
manufacturer's installation instructions. Hang all non-multi-mount 
ceiling fans in the fan configuration that minimizes the distance 
between the ceiling and the lowest point of the fan blades. Hang and 
test multi-mount fans in two configurations: The configuration 
associated the definition of a standard fan that minimizes the 
distance between the ceiling and the lowest point of the fan blades 
and the configuration associated with the definition of a hugger fan 
that minimizes the distance between the ceiling and the lowest point 
of the fan blades. For all tested configurations, measure the 
distance between the ceiling and the lowest point of the fan blade 
using an instrument with a measurement resolution of at least 0.25 
inches. Round the measured distance from the ceiling to the lowest 
point of the fan blade to the nearest quarter inch.
* * * * *
    (4) A single rotating sensor arm, two rotating sensor arms, or 
four fixed sensor arms can be used to take air velocity measurements 
along four axes, labeled A-D. Axes A, B, C, and D are at 0, 90, 180, 
and 270 degree positions. Axes A-D must be perpendicular to the four 
walls of the room. See Figure 2 of this appendix.

[[Page 69570]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.008

* * * * *
    (6) Place the sensors at intervals of 4  0.0625 
inches along a sensor arm, starting with the first sensor at the 
point where the four axes intersect, aligning the sensors 
perpendicular to the direction of airflow. Do not touch the actual 
sensor prior to testing. Use enough sensors to record air delivery 
within a circle 8 inches larger in diameter than the blade span of 
the ceiling fan being tested. The experimental set-up is shown in 
Figure 3 of this appendix.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.009

BILLING CODE 6450-01-C
* * * * *
    3.2.3. Multi-Head Ceiling Fan Test Set-Up.
    Hang a multi-headed ceiling fan from the ceiling such that one 
of the ceiling fan heads is centered directly over sensor 1 (i.e., 
at the intersection of axes A, B, C, and D). The distance between 
the lowest point any of the fan blades of the centered fan head can 
reach and the air velocity sensors is to be such that it is the same 
as for all other small-diameter ceiling fans (see Figure 3 of this 
appendix). If the multi-head ceiling fan has an oscillating function 
(i.e., the fan heads change their axis of rotation relative to the 
ceiling) that can be switched off, switch it off prior to taking air 
velocity measurements. If any multi-head fan does not come with the

[[Page 69571]]

blades preinstalled, install fan blades only on the fan head that 
will be directly centered over the intersection of the sensor axes. 
(Even if the fan heads in a multi-head ceiling fan would typically 
oscillate when the blades are installed on all fan heads, the 
ceiling fan is subject to this test procedure if the centered fan 
head does not oscillate when it is the only fan head with the blades 
installed.) If the fan blades are preinstalled on all fan heads, 
measure air velocity in accordance with section 3.3 of this appendix 
except turn on only the centered fan head. Take the power 
consumption measurements separately, with the fan blades installed 
on all fan heads and with any oscillating function, if present, 
switched on.
* * * * *
    3.3.1 Test conditions to be followed when testing:
* * * * *
    (3) If present, any additional accessories or features sold with 
the ceiling fan that do not relate to the ceiling fan's ability to 
create airflow by rotation of the fan blades (for example light kit, 
heater, air ionization, ultraviolet technology) is to be installed 
but turned off during testing. If the accessory/feature cannot be 
turned off, it shall be set to the lowest energy-consuming mode 
during testing.
    (4) If present, turn off any oscillating function causing the 
axis of rotation of the fan head(s) to change relative to the 
ceiling during operation prior to taking air velocity measurements. 
Turn on any oscillating function prior to taking power measurements.
* * * * *
    (8) Measure power input at a point that includes all power-
consuming components of the ceiling fan (but without any attached 
light kit energized; or without any additional accessory or feature 
energized, if possible; and if not, with the additional accessory or 
feature set at the lowest energy-consuming mode).
* * * * *
    3.3.2 Air Velocity and Power Consumption Testing Procedure:
    Measure the air velocity (FPM) and power consumption (W) for 
HSSD ceiling fans until stable measurements are achieved, measuring 
at high speed only. Measure the air velocity and power consumption 
for LSSD and VSD ceiling fans that also meet the definition of an 
LSSD fan until stable measurements are achieved, measuring first at 
low speed and then at high speed. To determine low speed, start 
measurements at the lowest available speed and move to the next 
highest speed until the low speed definition in section 1.12 of this 
appendix is met. Air velocity and power consumption measurements are 
considered stable for high speed if:
    (1) The average air velocity for each sensor varies by less than 
5% or 2 FPM, whichever is greater, compared to the average air 
velocity measured for that same sensor in a successive set of air 
velocity measurements, and
    (2) Average power consumption varies by less than 1% in a 
successive set of power consumption measurements.
    (a) Air velocity and power consumption measurements are 
considered stable for low speed if:
    (1) The average air velocity for each sensor varies by less than 
10% or 2 FPM, whichever is greater, compared to the average air 
velocity measured for that same sensor in a successive set of air 
velocity measurements, and
    (2) Average power consumption varies by less than 1% in a 
successive set of power consumption measurements.
    (b) These stability criteria are applied differently to ceiling 
fans with airflow not directly downward. See section 3.3.3 of this 
appendix.
    Step 1: Set the first sensor arm (if using four fixed arms), two 
sensor arm (if using a two-arm rotating setup), or single sensor arm 
(if using a single-arm rotating setup) to the 0 degree Position 
(Axis A). If necessary, use a marking as reference. If using a 
single-arm rotating setup or two-arm rotating setup, adjust the 
sensor arm alignment until it is at the 0 degree position by 
remotely controlling the antenna rotator.
    Step 2: Set software up to read and record air velocity, 
expressed in feet per minute (FPM) in 1 second intervals. 
(Temperature does not need to be recorded in 1 second intervals.) 
Record current barometric pressure.
    Step 3: Allow test fan to run 15 minutes at rated voltage and at 
high speed if the ceiling fan is an HSSD ceiling fan. If the ceiling 
fan is an LSSD or VSD ceiling fan that also meets the definition of 
an LSSD fan, allow the test fan to run 15 minutes at the rated 
voltage and at the lowest available ceiling fan speed. Turn off all 
forced-air environmental conditioning equipment entering the chamber 
(e.g., air conditioning), close all doors and vents, and wait an 
additional 3 minutes prior to starting test session.
    Step 4a: For a rotating sensor arm: Begin recording readings. 
Starting with Axis A, take 100 air velocity readings (100 seconds 
run-time) and record these data. For all fans except multi-head fans 
and fans capable of oscillating, also measure power during the 
interval that air velocity measurements are taken. Record the 
average value of the air velocity readings for each sensor in feet 
per minute (FPM). Determine if the readings meet the low speed 
definition as defined in section 1.12 of this appendix. If not, 
restart Step 4a at the next highest speed until the low-speed 
definition is met. Once the low speed definition is met, rotate the 
arm, stabilize the arm, and allow 30 seconds to allow the arm to 
stop oscillating. Repeat data recording and rotation process for 
Axes B, C, and D. Step 4a is complete when the readings for all axes 
meet the low speed definition at the same speed. Save the data for 
all axes only for those measurements that meet the low speed 
definition. Using the measurements applicable to low speed, record 
the average value of the power measurement in watts (W) (400 
readings). Record the average value of the air velocity readings for 
each sensor in feet per minute (FPM) (400 readings).
    Step 4b: For a two-arm rotating setup: Begin recording readings. 
Starting with Axes A and C, take 100 air velocity readings (100 
seconds run-time) for both axes and record these data. For all fans 
except multi-head fans and fans capable of oscillating, also measure 
power during the interval that air velocity measurements are taken. 
Record the average value of the air velocity readings for each 
sensor in feet per minute (FPM). Determine if the readings meet the 
low speed definition as defined in section 1.12 of this appendix. If 
not, restart Step 4b at the next highest speed until the low speed 
definition is met. Once the low speed definition is met, rotate the 
two-arm, stabilize the arm, and allow 30 seconds to allow the arm to 
stop oscillating. Repeat data recording for Axes B and D. Step 4b is 
complete when the readings for all axes meet the low speed 
definition at the same speed. Save the data for all axes only for 
those measurements that meet the low speed definition. Using the 
measurements applicable to low speed, record the average value of 
the power measurement in watts (W) (200 readings). Record the 
average value of the air velocity readings for each sensor in feet 
per minute (FPM) (200 readings).
    Step 4c: For four fixed sensor arms: Begin recording readings. 
Take 100 air velocity readings (100 seconds run-time) and record 
this data. Take the readings for all sensor arms (Axes A, B, C, and 
D) simultaneously. For all fans except multi-head fans and fans 
capable of oscillating, also measure power during the interval that 
air velocity measurements are taken. Record the average value of the 
air velocity readings for each sensor in feet per minute (FPM). 
Determine if the readings meet the low speed definition as defined 
in section 1.12 of this appendix. If not, restart Step 4c at the 
next highest speed until the low speed definition is met. Step 4c is 
complete when the readings for all axes meet the low speed 
definition at the same speed. Save the data for all axes only for 
those measurements that meet the low speed definition. Using the 
measurements applicable to low speed, record the average value of 
the power measurement in watts (W) (100 readings). Record the 
average value of the air velocity readings for each sensor in feet 
per minute (FPM) (100 readings).
    Step 5: Repeat step 4a, 4b or 4c until stable measurements are 
achieved.
    Step 6: Repeat steps 1 through 5 above on high speed for LSSD 
and VSD ceiling fans that also meet the definition of an LSSD fan. 
Note: Ensure that temperature and humidity readings are maintained 
within the required tolerances for the duration of the test (all 
tested speeds). Forced-air environmental conditioning equipment may 
be used and doors and vents may be opened between test sessions to 
maintain environmental conditions.
    Step 7: If testing a multi-mount ceiling fan, repeat steps 1 
through 6 with the ceiling fan in the ceiling fan configuration 
(associated with either hugger or standard ceiling fans) not already 
tested.
    If a multi-head ceiling fan includes more than one category of 
ceiling fan head, then test at least one of each unique category. A 
fan head with different construction that could affect air movement 
or power consumption, such as housing, blade pitch,

[[Page 69572]]

or motor, would constitute a different category of fan head.
    Step 8: For multi-head ceiling fans, measure active (real) power 
consumption in all phases simultaneously at each speed continuously 
for 100 seconds with all fan heads turned on, and record the average 
value at each speed in watts (W).
    For ceiling fans with an oscillating function, measure active 
(real) power consumption in all phases simultaneously at each speed 
continuously for 100 seconds with the oscillating function turned 
on. Record the average value of the power measurement in watts (W).
    For both multi-head ceiling fans and fans with an oscillating 
function, repeat power consumption measurement until stable power 
measurements are achieved.
    3.3.3 Air Velocity Measurements for Ceiling Fans With Airflow 
Not Directly Downward:
    Using the number of sensors that cover the same diameter as if 
the airflow were directly downward, record air velocity at each 
speed from the same number of continuous sensors with the largest 
air velocity measurements. This continuous set of sensors must be 
along the axis that the ceiling fan tilt is directed in (and along 
the axis that is 180 degrees from the first axis). For example, a 
42-inch fan tilted toward axis A may create the pattern of air 
velocity shown in Figure 4 of this appendix. As shown in Table 1 of 
this appendix, a 42-inch fan would normally require 7 active sensors 
per axis. However, because the fan is not directed downward, all 
sensors must record data. In this case, because the set of sensors 
corresponding to maximum air velocity are centered 3 sensor 
positions away from the sensor 1 along the A axis, substitute the 
air velocity at A axis sensor 4 for the average air velocity at 
sensor 1. Take the average of the air velocity at A axis sensors 3 
and 5 as a substitute for the average air velocity at sensor 2, take 
the average of the air velocity at A axis sensors 2 and 6 as a 
substitute for the average air velocity at sensor 3, etc. Lastly, 
take the average of the air velocities at A axis sensor 10 and C 
axis sensor 4 as a substitute for the average air velocity at sensor 
7. Stability criteria apply after these substitutions. For example, 
air velocity stability at sensor 7 are determined based on the 
average of average air velocity at A axis sensor 10 and C axis 
sensor 4 in successive measurements. Any air velocity measurements 
made along the B-D axis are not included in the calculation of 
average air velocity.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.010

    3.4 Test apparatus for large-diameter ceiling fans, high-speed 
belt-driven ceiling fans and large-diameter belt-driven ceiling 
fans:
    The test apparatus and instructions for testing large-diameter 
ceiling fans, HSBD and LDBD ceiling fans must conform to the 
requirements specified in sections 3 through 7 of AMCA 230-15 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), with the following 
modifications:
* * * * *
    3.5 Active mode test measurement for large-diameter ceiling 
fans, high-speed belt-driven ceiling fans and large-diameter belt-
driven ceiling fans:
    (1) Test large-diameter ceiling fans in accordance with AMCA 
208-18 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  430.3), in all phases 
simultaneously at:
    (a) High speed, and
    (b) 40 percent or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 
percent speed.
    (2) Test high-speed belt-driven ceiling fans and large-diameter 
belt-driven ceiling fans in accordance with AMCA 208-18, in all 
phases simultaneously at:
    (a) High speed, and
    (b) 40 percent or the nearest speed that is not less than 40 
percent speed, if the fan is capable of multi-speed operation.
    (3) When testing at 40 percent speed for large-diameter ceiling 
fans that can operate over an infinite number of speeds (e.g., 
ceiling fans with VFDs), ensure the average measured RPM is within 
the greater of 1% of the average RPM at high speed or 1 RPM. For 
example, if the average measured RPM at high speed is 50 RPM, for 
testing at 40% speed, the average measured RPM should be between 19 
RPM and 21 RPM. If the average measured RPM falls outside of this 
tolerance, adjust the ceiling fan speed and repeat the test. 
Calculate the airflow and measure the active (real) power 
consumption in all phases simultaneously in accordance with the test 
requirements specified in sections 8 and 9, AMCA 230-15, with the 
following modifications:
    3.5.1 Measure active (real) power consumption in all phases 
simultaneously at a point that includes all power-consuming 
components of the ceiling fan. If present, any additional 
accessories or features sold with the ceiling fan that do not relate 
to the ceiling fan's ability to create airflow by rotation of the 
fan blades (for example light kit, heater, air ionization, 
ultraviolet technology) are to be installed but turned off during 
testing. If the accessory/feature cannot be turned off, it shall be 
set to the lowest energy-consuming mode during testing.
* * * * *
    3.6 Test measurement for standby power consumption.
    (1) * * *
    (a) The ability to facilitate the activation or deactivation of 
other functions (including active mode) by remote switch (including 
remote control), internal sensor, or timer.
    (b) Continuous functions, including information or status 
displays (including clocks), or sensor-based functions.
* * * * *
    4. Calculation of Ceiling Fan Efficiency From the Test Results:
    4.1 Calculation of effective area for small-diameter ceiling 
fans other than high-speed belt-driven ceiling fans:
    Calculate the effective area corresponding to each sensor used 
in the test method for small-diameter ceiling fans other than high-
speed belt-driven ceiling fans (section 3.3 of this appendix) with 
the following equations:
    (1) For sensor 1, the sensor located directly underneath the 
center of the ceiling fan, the effective width of the circle is 2 
inches, and the effective area is:

[[Page 69573]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.011

    (2) For the sensors between sensor 1 and the last sensor used in 
the measurement, the effective area has a width of 4 inches. If a 
sensor is a distance d, in inches, from sensor 1, then the effective 
area is:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.012

    (3) For the last sensor, the width of the effective area depends 
on the horizontal displacement between the last sensor and the point 
on the ceiling fan blades furthest radially from the center of the 
fan. The total area included in an airflow calculation is the area 
of a circle 8 inches larger in diameter than the ceiling fan blade 
span (as specified in section 3 of this appendix).
    Therefore, for example, for a 42-inch ceiling fan, the last 
sensor is 3 inches beyond the end of the ceiling fan blades. Because 
only the area within 4 inches of the end of the ceiling fan blades 
is included in the airflow calculation, the effective width of the 
circle corresponding to the last sensor would be 3 inches. The 
calculation for the effective area corresponding to the last sensor 
would then be:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.013

    For a 46-inch ceiling fan, the effective area of the last sensor 
would have a width of 5 inches, and the effective area would be:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.014

    4.2 Calculation of airflow and efficiency for small-diameter 
ceiling fans other than high-speed belt-driven ceiling fans:
    Calculate fan airflow using the overall average of both sets of 
air velocity measurements at each sensor position from the 
successive sets of measurements that meet the stability criteria 
from section 3.3 of this appendix. To calculate airflow for HSSD, 
LSSD, and VSD ceiling fans, multiply the overall average air 
velocity at each sensor position from section 3.3 (for high speed 
for HSSD, LSSD, and VSD ceiling fans that also meet the definition 
of an LSSD ceiling fan; and repeated for low speed only for LSSD and 
VSD ceiling fans that also meet the definition of an LSSD ceiling 
fan) by that sensor's effective area (see section 4.1 of this 
appendix), and then sum the products to obtain the overall 
calculated airflow at the tested speed.
    For each speed, using the overall calculated airflow and the 
overall average power consumption measurements from the successive 
sets of measurements as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.015


Where:

CFMi = airflow at speed i,
OHi = operating hours at speed i, as specified in Table 2 
of this appendix,
Wi = power consumption at speed i,
OHSb = operating hours in standby mode, as specified in 
Table 2 of this appendix, and
WSb = power consumption in standby mode.

    Calculate two ceiling fan efficiencies for multi-mount ceiling 
fans: One efficiency corresponds to the ceiling fan mounted in the 
configuration associated with the definition of a hugger ceiling 
fan, and the other efficiency corresponds to the ceiling fan mounted 
in the configuration associated with the definition of a standard 
ceiling fan.

  Table 2 to Appendix U to Subpart B of Part 430: Daily Operating Hours
                 for Calculating Ceiling Fan Efficiency
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            No Standby     With standby
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Daily Operating Hours for LSSD and VSD* Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Speed..............................             3.4             3.4
Low Speed...............................             3.0             3.0
Standby Mode............................             0.0            17.6
Off Mode................................            17.6             0.0
               Daily Operating Hours for HSSD Ceiling Fans
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Speed..............................            12.0            12.0
Standby Mode............................             0.0            12.0
Off Mode................................            12.0             0.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 These values apply only to VSD fans that also meet the definition of an
  LSSD fan.


[[Page 69574]]

    4.3 Calculation of airflow and efficiency for multi-head ceiling 
fans:
    Calculate airflow for each fan head using the method described 
in section 4.2 of this appendix. To calculate overall airflow at a 
given speed for a multi-head ceiling fan, sum the airflow for each 
fan head included in the ceiling fan (a single airflow can be 
applied to each of the identical fan heads, but at least one of each 
unique fan head must be tested). The power consumption is the 
measured power consumption with all fan heads on. Using the airflow 
as described in this section, and power consumption measurements 
from section 3.3 of this appendix, calculate ceiling fan efficiency 
for a multi-head ceiling fan as follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07DE21.016

Where:
CFMi = sum of airflows for each head at speed i,
OHi = operating hours at speed i as specified in Table 2 
of this appendix,
Wi = power consumption at speed i,
OHSb = operating hours in standby mode as specified in 
Table 2 of this appendix, and
WSb = power consumption in standby mode.

    5. Calculation of Ceiling Fan Energy Index (CFEI) From the Test 
Results for Large Diameter Ceiling Fans, High-Speed Belt-Driven 
Ceiling Fans, and Large-Diameter Belt-Driven Ceiling Fans:
    Calculate CFEI, which is the FEI for large-diameter ceiling 
fans, high-speed belt-driven ceiling fans, and large-diameter belt-
driven ceiling fans, at the speeds specified in section 3.5 of this 
appendix according to ANSI/AMCA 208-18, with the following 
modifications:
    (1) Using an Airflow Constant (Q0) of 26,500 cubic feet per 
minute;
    (2) Using a Pressure Constant (P0) of 0.0027 inches water gauge; 
and
    (3) Using a Fan Efficiency Constant ([eta]0) of 42 percent.
[FR Doc. 2021-25416 Filed 12-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P