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EERE Information Center

Ceiling Fans and Ceiling Fan 

Light Kits 

As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), the 

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established test 

procedures and energy conservation standards for ceiling fans 

and for ceiling fan light kits. The standards for ceiling fan light 

kits apply to certain socket types as of January 1, 2007, and 

other socket types on January 1, 2009. Links below provide 

further information for manufacturers and consumers. 

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Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat 

PDFs. Download Adobe Reader. 

Statutory Authority 

DOE developed energy conservation standards and test 

procedures for ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. (10 CFR 

430.32(s); 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix V). These standards

are promulgated under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act 

(EPCA) of 1975 as amended by EPACT 2005. (42 U.S.C. 6291-

6309). EPCA defines a "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)) and a "ceiling fan light kit" as 

"equipment designed to provide light from a ceiling fan that can 

be integral, such that the equipment is attached to the ceiling fan

prior to the time of retail sale; or attachable, such that at the 

time of retail sale the equipment is not physically attached to the 

ceiling fan, but may be included inside the ceiling fan at the time 

of sale or sold separately for subsequent attachment to the 

fan." (42 U.S.C. 6291(50)) 

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Information for Manufacturers 

All ceiling fans manufactured after January 1, 2007, must have 

fan speed controls separate from any lighting controls, adjustable

speed controls (either more than one speed or variable speed), 

and the capability of reverse fan action except in the cases of 

fans sold for industrial applications, outdoor applications, and 

cases in which safe standards would be violated by use of a 

reversible mode. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) 

Ceiling Fan Light Kits 

EPACT 2005 created three classes of ceiling fan light kits and 

Statutory 

Authority

Frequently Asked 

Questions

Contact 

Information

For Manufacturers Stakeholder Inquiries

For Consumers Future Rulemakings

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EERE-2007-BT-TP-0013 COMMENT 13
established mandatory energy and packaging requirements that 

apply on or after the dates given below: 

1. Ceiling fan light kits with medium screw base sockets

(also called "E26" base types) manufactured on or after 

January 1, 2007, must be packaged with screw-based 

compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that either meet version 

3.0 of the ENERGY STAR CFL program requirements or with

energy efficiency (lumens per watts) equivalent or better 

than comparable ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. 

2. Ceiling fan light kits with pin-based sockets for 

fluorescent lamps, manufactured on or after January 1, 

2007, must be packaged with lamps in all sockets. These 

lamps must meet the ENERGY STAR program requirements 

for Residential Light Fixtures, version 4.0. 

3. Ceiling fan light kits with any other socket type

including but not limited to candelabra screw base sockets, 

intermediate screw-base sockets, 2-pin halogen sockets, 

and bayonet sockets manufactured on or after January 1, 

2009, shall not be capable of operating with lamps that 

total more than 190 watts and must be packaged with 

lamps that together total 190 watts or less. DOE indicated 

in a January 11, 2007, final rule that it recognizes that 

manufacturers may choose to follow one of several possible

design pathways to ensure that the light kit is not capable 

of operating with lamps that total more than 190 watts. 72 

FR 1270. 

Definition, Standard and Test Procedure Documents 

Full Text of Federal Register Notices

[Terms "ceiling fan" and "ceiling fan light kits" 

are highlighted] 

Definitions of 

covered 

products

Energy Conservation Standards for Certain 

Consumer Products and Commercial and 

Industrial Equipment. 70 FR 60407 (October 18, 

2005) See Pages: 60412-13 (PDF 1.5 MB) 

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures 

for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial 

and Industrial Equipment; Technical Amendment 

to Energy Conservation Standards for Certain 

Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and 

Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 71340 (December 8,

2006) See pages: 71342-7 (PDF 869 KB) 

Test procedures

and general 

requirements

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures 

for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial 

and Industrial Equipment; Technical Amendment 

to Energy Conservation Standards for Certain 

Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and 

Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 71340 (December 8,

2006) See pages: 71 FR 71342-7; 71 FR 71366-

7 (PDF 869 KB) 

Energy 

Conservation 

Standards:

Energy Conservation Standards for Certain 

Consumer Products and Commercial and 

Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 60407 (October 18, 

2005) See pages: 71 FR 60408-9; 60412-13 

(PDF 1.5 MB) 

Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures 

for Certain Consumer Products and Certain 

Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Technical 

Amendment to Energy Conservation Standards 

for Certain Consumer Products and Certain 

Commercial and Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 

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EERE-2007-BT-TP-0013 COMMENT 13
*There are test procedures only for ceiling fans. 

Please note: Ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits were part of a 

rulemaking process for several products covered in EPACT 2005. 

It is extremely important that stakeholders read these 

requirements in the context of the entire rule as there are 

overarching statements that apply to these products on subjects 

such as compliance, certification reporting, and enforcement. See

the full text of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10 (10 CFR 

Part 430). 

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For Consumers 

Ceiling Fans and Ceiling Fan Light Kits 

Consumers will save energy as a result of EPACT 2005's ceiling 

fan and ceiling fan light kit energy conservation standards. 

Standards will improve the efficiency of products in the market 

and make it easier for consumers to purchase energy-efficient 

ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. Since EPACT 2005 requires 

ceiling fan light kits to be packaged with lamps specified under 

the energy conservation standards, (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)), 

consumers will not have to search separately for lamps that are 

compatible with their ceiling fan light kits. 

If you are looking for energy efficient ceiling fan light kits with 

sockets that are either medium screw base or pin-base for 

fluorescent lamps, look for any units manufactured or imported 

after January 1, 2007. For all other types of ceiling fan light kits, 

standards will apply to those imported or manufactured after 

January 1, 2009. DOE encourages you to contact manufacturers 

for further information about the efficiency of ceiling fan light 

kits. 

For more information and to purchase ceiling fan light kits that 

are more energy efficient than the minimum standard, visit the 

ENERGY STAR page on ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. 

General Lighting Information 

The online DOE Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and 

Renewable Energy provides a variety of information about 

lighting, including tips for improving the efficiency of artificial 

lighting in your home; background information on types of 

lighting; and links to product information, professional services 

and lighting research. For more general information about 

energy-efficient lighting, visit the ENERGY STAR Lighting web 

page, which has information about purchasing energy-efficient 

lamps and fixtures. 

You may also contact the EERE Information Center with questions

about EERE's products, services, and technology programs by 

calling 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463) or filling out an 

information request online. 

71340 (December 8, 2006) See pages: 71342-7 

(PDF 869 KB) 

Energy Conservation Standards for Certain 

Ceiling Fan Light Kits. 72 FR 1270 (January 11, 

2007) See pages: 72 FR 1270-4 (PDF 198 KB) 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Question #1: How much time may elapse before a currentlimiting device must halt operation of a lamp that consumes more

Frequently Asked Questions on Ceiling 

Fans and Ceiling Fan Light Kits

Question #1: How much time may elapse before a 

current-limiting device must halt operation of a lamp 

that consumes more than 190 watts in order for the 

ceiling fan light kit (other than those light kits that have 

medium screw-based or pin-based sockets for 

fluorescent lamps) to comply with the energy 

conservation standards? Has DOE designated specific 

current limiting technologies that manufacturers must 

use? 

Question #2: Do the energy conservation requirements 

for ceiling fans apply to highly decorative ceiling fans? 

Question #3: Do the energy conservation requirements 

for ceiling fans apply to hugger fans? 

Question #4: Are light kits designed and marketed for 

hugger fans covered by the same statutory 

requirements that apply to ceiling fan light kits, as 

defined by EPCA? 

Question #5: Do the requirements for ceiling fan light 

kits packaged with pin-based sockets for fluorescent 

lamps apply to ceiling fan light kits with GU24 sockets? 

Question #6: Is accent lighting on ceiling fan light kits 

with sockets other than medium screw base or pinbased for fluorescent lamps subject to the total 190 watt 

limitation for all lamps included with the ceiling fan light 

kit? 

Question #7: When will DOE enforce the standard? 

When are manufacturers required to certify that their 

product is in compliance? 

Question #8: Does the standard apply to ceiling fans 

and ceiling fan light kits manufactured in the United 

States and abroad? 

Question #9: What would be an allowable time period 

for current-limiting devices to respond if a ceiling fan 

light kit consumes more than 190 watts? 

Question #10: Are current limiting devices necessary if 

a ceiling fan light kit incorporates a limited number of 

candelabra sockets? 

Question #11: How does the Energy Independence and 

Security Act of 2007 affect the use of socket adapters as 

they relate to ceiling fan light kits? 

Question #12: Are ceiling fan light kits that provide uplighting (i.e., directed at the ceiling) subject to the same 

EPCA requirements as traditional ceiling fan light kits 

(i.e., directing light downward)? 

Question #13: If my ceiling fan can accommodate more 

than one light kit, is it permissible for each discrete light 

kit installed on the ceiling fan to consume up to 190 

watts? 

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than 190 watts in order for the ceiling fan light kit (other than 

those light kits that have medium screw-based or pin-based 

sockets for fluorescent lamps) to comply with the energy 

conservation standards? Has DOE designated specific current 

limiting technologies that manufacturers must use? 

Answer: The ceiling fan standard does not specify 

the use of any one technology. Manufacturers may 

choose to rely on any technology so long as the 

requirements of the standard are met, including, but 

not limited to, a fuse, circuit breaker or other 

current-limiting device. 72 FR 1270. 

Current-limiting devices may vary in how quickly 

they respond, with some responding virtually 

instantaneously to cut off all current when 190 watts 

is exceeded or to prevent more than 190 watts from 

being consumed. Other current-limiting devices may 

take an extended period of time before preventing or 

limiting more than 190 watts of power consumption. 

Since the statute requires that the light kit "shall not 

be capable of operating with lamps that total more 

than 190 watts," it seems clear that Congress did not 

intend to permit an extended period of time to elapse 

before the current supplied to the lamps was actually 

limited to no more than 190 watts. However, from a 

practical perspective, DOE acknowledges that there 

may be a short lag between the time that a ceiling 

fan light kit is turned on and when the currentlimiting device has performed its function. In 

acknowledging these technological limitations and a 

desire to not be unnecessarily design-restrictive, 

DOE believes that allowing a brief time period for the 

current limiting device to perform its function is 

consistent with the energy-saving purpose of the 

relevant provision of EPACT 2005, whose principle 

benefits will be provided during normal use (i.e., the 

total time the ceiling fan light kit is illuminated). DOE 

notes that the EPACT 2005 requirements, as 

implemented by DOE, only address the energy 

efficiency requirements for ceiling fan light kits and 

do not displace or modify other relevant legal 

requirements, including ones related to product 

safety. The Department is monitoring the status of 

industry proposals pending before the UL153 

Standards Technical Panel to harmonize 

Underwriter's Laboratory safety standards with 

EPACT 2005 standards. DOE may revisit its 

interpretation of an acceptable time period for 

effective operation of current-limiting devices if the 

UL safety standards are changed. 

As stated above, a ceiling fan light kit shall not be 

capable of operating with lamps that together 

consume more than 190 watts. (42 U.S.C. 6295(c)). 

However, it may be impractical for ceiling fan light 

kits to meet this requirement instantaneously. 

Accordingly, at issue is how much time is required for 

a current-limiting device to serve its function before 

a ceiling fan light kit is considered "capable of 

operating with lamps that consume more than 190 

watts." The statute does not discuss what time 

period is acceptable for the operation of a currentlimiting device for ceiling fan light kits. Irrespective 

of the type of current-limiting device employed by a 

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manufacturer, DOE believes that device should 

provide the required results within a short period of 

time (i.e., no more than a few minutes) to be 

considered rendering a ceiling fan light kit incapable 

of "operating" for the purpose of meeting the 190 

watt energy conservation standard. For example, it 

would be clear to DOE that any such device that 

provides the required result within one minute or less 

would qualify. In contrast, a current-limiting device 

that fails to operate for more than a few minutes 

would not meet the requirements of the standard, 

because it would allow the ceiling fan light kit to 

"operate" at a consumption level of more than 190 

watts. 

Additionally, DOE would be concerned with any 

current-limiting device that could easily be replaced 

with a substitute device or modified in such a way 

that the current-limiting function of the device would 

be disabled (i.e., it would allow a ceiling fan light kit 

to operate with lamps that consume more than 190 

watts). If the current-limiting function could be easily 

circumvented, DOE would not consider ceiling fan 

light kits incorporating those devices to be incapable 

of operating with lamps that consume more than 190 

watts. 

Question #2: Do the energy conservation requirements for 

ceiling fans apply to highly decorative ceiling fans? 

Answer: DOE recognizes that section 135(c)(4) of 

EPACT 2005, amends EPCA by adding two new 

requirements (42 U.S.C. 6295(v) and 42 U.S.C. 6295

(ff)) with respect to energy conservation standards 

for ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. Section 325

(v)(1) of EPCA provides that if DOE sets energy 

conservation standards for ceiling fans, it must 

consider ''establishing separate or exempted product 

classes for highly decorative fans for which air 

movement performance is a secondary design 

feature.'' (42 U.S.C. 6295(v)(1)) However, DOE has 

not established standards for ceiling fans beyond the 

design standards in section 325(ff) of EPCA. (42 

U.S.C. 6295(ff)) Thus, the requirement for DOE to 

consider whether highly decorative fans should be a 

separate regulated or exempted product class is not 

relevant at this time. 71 FR 71343. 

In the future, should DOE amend the energy 

conservation standards for ceiling fans, it will address 

whether to establish a separate or exempted product 

class for highly decorative ceiling fans. DOE also 

notes that the provision in EPCA that establishes 

ceiling fan design standards (section 325(ff) and 

codified in 10 CFR 430.32(s)(1) by the October 2005 

final rule, 70 FR 60409, 60413) does not contain an 

exemption for highly decorative fans. Specifically, 

section 325(ff) of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) requires 

all ceiling fans to have speed controls separate from 

lighting controls, adjustable speed controls, and the 

capability of reversible fan action for most fans. 

Section 325(ff) does not provide for separate 

treatment or exemption of highly decorative ceiling 

fans under these design standards. Therefore, the 

design standards apply to highly decorative ceiling 

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fans, unless an exemption specified in section 325(ff) 

applies. 71 FR 71343. 

Question #3: Do the energy conservation requirements for 

ceiling fans apply to hugger fans? 

Answer: "Hugger fans" are typically understood to 

be ceiling fans that are not suspended from the 

ceiling. Instead, they are set flush with the ceiling. 

Since the statutory definition defines "ceiling fan" as 

"suspended from the ceiling" (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)), a 

hugger fan is not subject to EPCA requirements for 

ceiling fans. 71 FR 71343. 

Question #4: Are light kits designed and marketed for hugger 

fans covered by the same statutory requirements that apply to 

ceiling fan light kits, as defined by EPCA? 

Answer: Paragraph 321(49) of EPCA defines the 

term "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)) 

Because Congress used the term "suspended" in the 

definition of "ceiling fan," DOE understands that 

hugger-type ceiling fans (hugger fans), which are 

mounted flush to the ceiling without any suspension 

rod, are not "ceiling fans" within the meaning of the 

statute. 71 FR 71340, 71343 (Dec. 8, 2006). 

Paragraph 321(50) of EPCA defines the term "ceiling 

fan light kit" as "equipment designed to provide light 

from a ceiling fan" (42 U.S.C. 6291(50)) Thus, the 

use of the EPCA-defined term "ceiling fan" in the 

definition of a "ceiling fan light kit" raises the issue of 

whether light kits designed to be operated on hugger 

fans are subject to the energy conservation standard 

for ceiling fan light kits (see 10 CFR 430.32(s)). 

DOE's response is dependent upon the applications 

for which a specific light kit is capable of being 

installed. Application scenario #1: If a light kit is 

designed to be installed on a hugger fan and cannot 

be installed on a suspended ceiling fan, then DOE 

would not consider that light kit covered under the 

statute. In other words, light kits that are not 

capable of being installed on suspended ceiling fans 

are not subject to the regulatory requirements. 

Application scenario #2: If a light kit is designed and 

marketed as a hugger fan light kit but is also capable 

of being installed on a suspended ceiling fan, then 

this product may be installed extensively as a 

substitute for regulated ceiling fan light kits. 

Therefore, light kits designed and marketed for 

hugger fans that are also capable of being installed

on suspended ceiling fans are considered covered 

products by DOE, by virtue of the fact that these 

ceiling fan light kits otherwise could be readily and 

easily used as substitutes for regulated products. 

Question #5: Do the requirements for ceiling fan light kits 

packaged with pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps apply to 

ceiling fan light kits with GU24 sockets? 

Answer: DOE understands that GU24 is a base type 

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that has large pins that lock into a GU24 socket. The 

GU24 socket is a line-voltage socket and is capable 

of accommodating different types of lamps, including 

incandescent lamps. Section 325(ff)(2)-(4) of EPCA 

classifies ceiling fan light kits by socket type only, 

not be the lamp-type inserted into those sockets. (42 

U.S.C. 6294(ff)(2)-(4)) The socket type classified as 

pin-based for fluorescent lamps has been uniformly 

understood to refer to sockets which (1) receive (and 

operate) fluorescent lamps that lack an integral 

ballast and (2) transmit voltage, received through a 

ballast, to such lamps at levels considerably higher 

than the line voltage. 

Due to the fact that this socket type operates at line 

voltage and such sockets are not uniquely associated 

with fluorescent lamps, DOE does not consider them 

to be "pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps." (42 

U.S.C. 6295(ff)(3)) Rather, DOE considers any 

ceiling fan light kit with GU24 sockets as the third 

group of ceiling fan light kits, specifically, those with 

sockets that are not medium screw base or pinbased for fluorescent lamps. 71 FR 71345. 

Question #6: Is accent lighting on ceiling fan light kits with 

sockets other than medium screw base or pin-based for 

fluorescent lamps subject to the total 190 watt limitation for all 

lamps included with the ceiling fan light kit? 

Answer: DOE does not consider ceiling fan accent 

lighting that is not a significant light source to be 

part of the 190-watt limitation. DOE has made this 

determination for three reasons. First, pursuant to 

section 135(a)(3) of EPACT 2005, EPCA defines a 

ceiling fan light kit, in part as equipment "designed 

to provide light." (42 U.S.C. 6291(50)) The purpose 

of accent lighting is not to provide direct light; 

instead, it is commonly used for decorative purposes. 

As such, accent lighting is not covered by EPCA. 

Second, this application of the standard is clearly 

consistent with EPCA's treatment of ceiling fan light 

kits with medium-screw base sockets and those with 

pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps. For these 

two types of ceiling fan light kits, section 325(ff) of 

EPCA clearly regulates only lamps inserted into screw 

base or pin-based sockets, and not any accent lights 

otherwise incorporated into the fan. (42 U.S.C. 6295

(ff)(2)-(3)) 

Third, DOE is concerned with addressing energy 

consumption by light sources that are aligned with 

the primary purpose of the ceiling fan light kit. For 

ceiling fan light kits, the general illumination 

provided by the light kit is its principal function, and 

thus should be subject to the 190-wattt limitation. 

Other ancillary lighting, such as accent lighting 

serves primarily an aesthetic purpose and is 

therefore not part of the general illumination function 

of the ceiling fan light kit. 71 FR 71347. 

Question #7: When will DOE enforce the standard? When are 

manufacturers required to certify that their product is in 

compliance? 

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Answer: Compliance with the standard is required 

and enforceable as of January 1, 2007, for ceiling 

fans and ceiling fan light kits with sockets that are 

medium screw base and pin-based for fluorescent 

lamps. Compliance with the standard for ceiling fan 

light kits with sockets that are any other socket type 

is required and enforceable as of January 1, 2009. 

After these dates, manufacturers must meet the 

ceiling fan and ceiling fan light kit requirements and 

be able to demonstrate compliance. 

However, manufacturers are not yet required to 

submit compliance certification reports. The process 

for submitting compliance certification reports is 

being developed in an on-going rulemaking. When 

the certification and enforcement procedures are 

finalized, manufacturers must represent to DOE that 

the ceiling fan light kits for which there are effective 

standards and packaging requirements set by EPACT 

2005 are compliant. 

Question #8: Does the standard apply to ceiling fans and ceiling

fan light kits manufactured in the United States and abroad? 

Answer: Yes, the standards promulgated by EPACT 

2005 do apply to ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits 

manufactured domestically and imported to the 

United States. More specifically, the standards 

established by Section 135(c)(4) of EPACT 2005 

require that ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits 

"manufactured on or after" a given date shall be 

subject to the specified standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295

(ff)) Section 321 of EPCA defines the term 

"manufacture" as meaning "to manufacture, produce, 

assemble or import." (42 U.S.C. 6291(10)) 

Therefore, DOE interprets the effective date of these 

regulations to be the date on which a product is 

manufactured, produced, assembled or imported. For 

example, imported products must meet or exceed 

the regulations on the date they are imported to the 

United States, not the day they are shipped from the 

country of manufacture. 

Question #9: What would be an allowable time elapse for 

current-limiting devices to respond to if a ceiling fan light kit 

consumes more than 190 watts? 

Answer: The Department has received inquiries 

seeking clarification on whether any time may elapse 

before a current-limiting device prevents all lamps in 

a ceiling fan light kit from consuming more than 190 

watts in total. 

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a 

requirement that all lamps on ceiling fan light kits 

other than those with medium screw based sockets 

and pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps 

manufactured on or after January 1, 2009, shall not 

be capable of operating with lamps that in total 

consume more than 190 watts. (42 U.S.C. 6295(c)) 

These statutory requirements further the Act's 

purpose of achieving energy savings during the 

course of normal operation of ceiling fan light kits. 

Manufacturers may choose to follow one of several 

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possible design pathways to comply with this energy 

conservation design standard, including, but not 

limited to, a fuse, circuit breaker or other currentlimiting device. 72 FR 1270. 

Current-limiting devices may vary in how quickly 

they respond, with some responding almost 

instantaneously to cut off all current when 190 watts 

is exceeded or to prevent more than 190 watts from 

being consumed. Other current-limiting devices may 

take an extended period of time before preventing or 

limiting more than 190 watts of power consumption. 

From a practical perspective, there may have to be a 

short lag between the time that a ceiling fan light kit 

is turned on and when the current-limiting device has 

performed its function. In acknowledging these 

technological limitations and a desire to not be 

unnecessarily design-restrictive, DOE believes that 

permitting a brief time period for the current-limiting 

device to perform its function is consistent with the 

energy-saving purpose of the relevant provision of 

EPACT 2005, whose principal benefits will be 

provided during normal use (i.e., the total time the 

ceiling fan light kit is illuminated). We note that the 

EPACT 2005 requirements, as implemented by DOE, 

only address the energy efficiency requirements for 

ceiling fan light kits and do not displace or modify 

other relevant legal requirements, including ones 

related to product safety. The Department is 

monitoring the status of industry proposals pending 

before the UL153 Standards Technical Panel to 

harmonize Underwriter's Laboratory safety standards 

with EPACT 2005 standards. DOE may revisit its 

interpretation of an acceptable time period for 

effective operation of current-limiting devices if the 

UL safety standards are changed. 

As stated above, a ceiling fan light kit shall not be 

capable of operating with lamps that consume more 

than 190 watts in total. (42 U.S.C. 6295(c)) At issue 

is how much time is required for a current-limiting 

device to serve its function before a ceiling fan light 

kit is considered "capable of operating with lamps 

that consume more than 190 watts." The statute 

does not discuss what time period is acceptable for 

the operation of a current-limiting device for ceiling 

fan light kits. Irrespective of the current-limiting 

device employed by a manufacturer, DOE believes 

that device should provide the required result within 

a short period of time (i.e., no more than a few 

minutes) to be considered rendering a ceiling fan 

light kit incapable of "operating" for the purpose of 

the ceiling fan light kit energy conservation standard. 

For example, it would be clear to DOE that any 

device that effectively limited the total wattage by a 

lamp to not more than 190 watts within one minute 

would qualify. In contrast, a current-limiting device 

that fails to operate for more than a few minutes 

would not meet the requirements of the standard, 

because it would allow that ceiling fan light kit to 

"operate" at a consumption level of more than 190 

watts. 

Additionally, DOE would be concerned with any 

current-limiting device that could easily be replaced 

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EERE-2007-BT-TP-0013 COMMENT 13
with a substitute device or modified in such a way 

that the current-limiting function of the device would 

be disabled (i.e., it would allow a ceiling fan light kit 

to operate with lamps that would consume more 

than 190 watts). If the current-limiting device would 

be easily circumvented, DOE would not consider the 

ceiling fan light kit incorporating those devices to be 

incapable of operating with lamps that consume 

more than 190 watts. 

Question #10: Are current limiting devices necessary if a ceiling

fan light kit incorporated a limited number of candelabra sockets?

Answer: The Department has received inquiries 

seeking clarification on whether a current-limiting 

device is necessary when the ceiling fan light kit 

consists of only two candelabra sockets which may 

be operated with lamps rated no higher than 60 

watts each. The rationale offered is that since these 

sockets would provide for no more than a maximum 

of 120 watts, a current-limiting device would not be 

necessary to prevent the ceiling fan light kit from 

consuming more than 190 watts. 

Ceiling fan light kits with candelabra screw base 

sockets fall within the third category of ceiling fan 

light kits "with any other socket type including but 

not limited to candelabra screw base sockets" 

regulating by EPACT 2005 that must not be capable 

of operating with lamps that total more than 190 

watts, effective January 1, 2009. 72 FR 1270. DOE is 

not aware of any candelabra screw base that exceed 

75 watts, and thus some manufacturers have 

indicated that a ceiling fan light kit with two 

candelabra screw base sockets could not exceed 190 

watts. These manufacturers are asking whether 

limiting the ceiling fan light kit to two candelabra 

screw base sockets would be sufficient to ensure that 

the ceiling fan light kit would be incapable of 

consuming more than 190 watts. 

DOE is aware of screw-in socket converters that can 

adapt a candelabra screw base socket to use a 

medium screw base lamp. This relatively simple and 

inexpensive conversion process would enable a twocandelabra socket ceiling fan light kit to operate 

with, for example, two 150 watt medium-screw base 

A-19 lamps, and thereby consume 300 watts - 

exceeding the 190 watt limit. Such easy 

circumvention of an energy conservation standard is 

not acceptable. Therefore, the Department requires 

that all ceiling fan light kits in this "other lamp socket 

type" category manufactured on or after January 1, 

2009, must contain some type of current-limiting 

device to ensure they are not capable of operating 

with lamps that total more than 190 watts. 

Question #11: How does the Energy Independence and Security

Act of 2007 affect the use of socket adapters as they relate to 

ceiling fan light kits? 

Answer: DOE reviewed the language in Section 321

(e) of EISA 2007 which amended Section 332(a) of 

the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit 

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certain types of socket adapters. (42 U.S.C. 6302(a)) 

Specifically, the statute prohibits "any manufacturer, 

distributor, retailer, or private labeler to distribute in 

commerce an adapter that—(A) is designed to allow 

an incandescent lamp that does not have a medium 

screw base to be installed into a fixture or 

lampholder with a medium screw base socket; and 

(B) is capable of being operated at a voltage range at 

least partially within 110 and 130 volts." 

DOE interprets this legislative provision as banning 

socket adapters that would enable lamps that do not 

have medium screw bases from being installed into 

medium screw base sockets. This prohibition of 

certain socket adapters appears in the same section 

of EISA 2007 where Congress establishes mandatory 

efficiency standards for medium screw base lamps, 

and thus is most likely intended to prevent socket 

adapters from becoming a means of circumventing 

the new standard on medium screw base lamps. 

On this webpage of FAQ's for ceiling fan light kits, 

question #10 outlines the Department's concerns 

over the use of socket adapters with respect to 

ceiling fan light kits. Question #10 addresses 

whether a design incorporating two candelabra 

sockets would constitute an acceptable currentlimiting device to ensure that the ceiling fan light kit 

does not consume more than 190 watts, since there 

are no candelabra-based lamps manufactured that 

consume more than 75 watts. (Note: To further 

ensure that wattages of candelabra base lamps do 

not increase over time, section 321(a)(3)(A)(ii)(II) of 

EISA 2007 set a standard which provides the 

limitation that no candelabra base incandescent lamp 

may exceed 60 watts. (42 U.S.C. 6295(i)(1)(C)(i)) In 

its letter, DOE states that it does not view a limited 

number of sockets as a means of standards 

compliance because the wattage of candelabra base 

lamps was never an issue. Instead, DOE is concerned 

that socket converters could readily adapt a 

candelabra, intermediate, or other base type to use a 

medium screw base lamp. The socket adapter would 

easily and inexpensively convert the socket to 

operate larger-based lamps, such as medium-screw 

base, which can have higher wattages. Furthermore, 

DOE is also concerned about safety issues associated 

with the use of socket adapters that may result in 

lamp wattages being installed that exceed the rated 

wattage limit of ceiling fan light kits. 

Despite the fact that EISA 2007 now prohibits socket 

adapters that convert medium screw base sockets to 

other socket types, DOE remains concerned with 

respect to socket adapters that could be used with 

ceiling fan light kits to convert other socket types to 

operate medium screw base lamps. Those types of 

socket adapters are still allowed under the statute, 

and could be used to convert sockets to 

accommodate larger base types that would 

accommodate lamps with wattages totaling more 

than 190 watts. 

Question #12: Are ceiling fan light kits that provide up-lighting 

(i.e., directed at the ceiling) subject to the same EPCA 

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EERE-2007-BT-TP-0013 COMMENT 13
requirements as traditional ceiling fan light kits (i.e., directing 

light downward)? 

Answer: Yes. In its December 2006 Test Procedure 

Final Rule, DOE specifically addressed the issue of 

ceiling fan light kits that direct light upward in a 

discussion about how the standard would apply to 

one particular type of ceiling fan light kit. DOE 

clarified that the requirements of traditional (i.e., 

directed downward) ceiling fan light kits would also 

apply to light kits designed to direct light upward. 71 

FR 71340 (Dec. 8, 2006). On this point, DOE stated, 

"EPCA expressly subjects ceiling fan light kits with 

sockets other than medium screw base sockets and 

pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps to the 

wattage limitation requirement. It is conceivable that 

some ceiling fan light kit designs could provide 'uplighting' if the lamps installed in the ceiling fan light 

kit are directed upward. Thus, these ceiling fan light 

kits would be subject to the 190-watt limitation." 71 

FR 71340, 71346-47 (Dec. 8, 2006). In other words, 

any ceiling fan light kit that directs light upward (in 

whole or in part) with sockets other than medium 

screw base sockets and pin-based sockets must 

comply with the 190-watt limitation requirement. 

DOE does consider all ceiling fan light kits to be 

covered by the regulations, regardless of whether 

they are integral (i.e., sockets attached directly to 

the fan housing) or detachable, and irrespective of 

the direction of light emission from the fixture. Thus, 

if an up-lighting ceiling fan light kit incorporates 

medium screw base sockets, the kit must be 

packaged with Energy Star Compact Fluorescent 

Lamps (CFLs) version 3.0 to fill each socket, or light 

sources other than CFLs that have lumens per watt 

performance at least equivalent to comparably 

configured CFLs meeting those Energy Star 

standards. See 10 CFR 430.32(s)(2). If the sockets 

for an up-lighting ceiling fan light kit are pin-based 

for fluorescent lamps, then the kit must be packaged 

with a lamp or lamps to fill all sockets, and the 

system must meet the requirements of Energy Star 

Residential Light Fixtures version 4.0. See 10 CFR 

430.32(s)(3). Finally, if the sockets for an up-lighting 

ceiling fan light kit incorporate any other type of 

socket, then the kit must not be capable of operating 

with lamps that total more than 190 watts, and must 

be packaged with lamps to fill all sockets in that light 

kit. See 10 CFR 430.32(s)(4). 

Question #13: If my ceiling fan can accommodate more than 

one light kit, is it permissible for each discrete light kit installed 

on the ceiling fan to consume up to 190 watts? 

Answer: Yes. If a ceiling fan has more than one 

light kit or is designed to be capable of operating 

with more than one light kit (e.g., having two 

mounts for light kits, or having one integral kit and a 

mount for an additional kit), DOE interprets the 

relevant statutory requirements (codified in DOE 

regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(s) as being applicable 

to each ceiling fan light kit individually. That is, each 

ceiling fan light kit affixed to a ceiling fan must 

individually comply with the EPCA requirements (i.e., 

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EERE-2007-BT-TP-0013 COMMENT 13
packaging requirements, system performance and/or 

wattage limits). For certain ceiling fan designs that 

incorporate multiple mounting points for ceiling fan 

light kits, DOE understands that the total lighting 

wattage consumed by one ceiling fan installation 

(i.e., using multiple ceiling fan light kits) could 

exceed 190 watts. 

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Stakeholder Inquiries 

Still have questions? You can contact DOE for further information 

about ceiling fan and ceiling fan light kit design standards 

electronically or by mail. See contact information for DOE's point 

of contact for this product. 

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Future Rulemaking Status 

On July 25, 2006, DOE proposed rules for how manufacturers 

could certify compliance with the Federal standards. 71 FR 

42178. The reporting rules have not been finalized. The notice of 

proposed rulemaking is listed on this webpage under "Definitions 

and Standards Documents." 

There are no other rulemakings pending or scheduled at this 

time. However, according to EPCA as amended by EPACT 2005, 

after January 1, 2010, the Secretary may consider, and issue, 

amended energy efficiency standards for ceiling fan light kits (42 

U.S.C. 6295(ff)) if they are technologically feasible, economically 

justified, and will create significant energy savings (42 U.S.C. 

6295(o) and (p)). Any amended standard would apply to 

products manufactured two years after the date of publication of 

the standard final rule (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)). 

The Secretary may also consider, and issue, energy efficiency or 

energy use standards for electricity used by ceiling fans to 

circulate air in a room (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) if standards are 

technologically feasible, economically justified, and will create 

significant energy savings (42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p)). In issuing

these standards, the Secretary shall consider exempting, or 

setting different standards for, product classes for which the 

primary standards are not technologically feasible, or 

economically justified and establishing separate exempted 

product classes for highly decorative fans for which air movement

performance is a secondary design feature. 

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Contact Information 

Linda Graves, Lighting Standards Project Manager 

U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program 

1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Mailstop EE-2J 

Washington, D.C. 20585 

Phone: (202) 586-1851 

Email:linda.graves@ee.doe.gov

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