Minutes 

Conference Call of Parties Interested in Revising the 

DOE Test Procedures for Clothes Washers 

Monday, March 13, 2000, 3:00 p.m. 

Pursuant to a notice sent to parties interested in revising the DOE test procedures for clothes 

washers, AHAM hosted a conference call on Monday March 13, 2000. The following people 

pruticipated: 

AHAM Members: 

1. Doug Nagel, Amana 

2. Glenn Schwantes, Amana 

3. Phil Manthei, Alliance 

4. Richard Bollard, Fisher and Paykel 

5. Dave Modtland, Frigidaire 

6. Mike Griffith, Frigidaire 

7. Larry Hawkins, General Electric 

8. Dick Stillwell, Maytag 

9. Steve Sousek, Magtag 

10. Larry Wethje, AHAM staff 

Other Participants: 

10. John Dieckmann, Arthur D. Little, Inc. 

11. Dick Topping, Arthur D. Little, Inc. 

12. Bill Murphy, Arthur D. Little, Inc. 

13. Mike Rivest, Arthur D. Little, Inc. 

14. Bryan Berringer, DOE 

15. Jim Raba, DOE 

16. Andy Persily, NIST 

17. Natascha Castro, NIST 

18. Luther Myers, Textile Innovators 

Three exhibits were distributed to the interested parties prior to the conference call as follows: 

Exhibit 1 -

Exhibit 2 -

Exhibit 3 -

Proposed changes to both DOE test procedures for clothes washers, J and JI, as 

discussed by AHAM members during previous conference calls. 

Proposed language from Frigidaire regarding changes to the procedure for 

preconditioning the test cloth. 

Draft language from DOE for proposed changes to the JI test procedure, 

including a method of preconditioning the test cloth, test cloth specs, 

and determination of the RMC correction factor. 
.-

The group discussed the following topics, as moderated by AHAM staff person Larry Wethje: 

1. ,AHAM Proposed Changes - Exhibit 1 

The proposed changes are editorial in nature, and primarily suggest ways to clarify the original 

intent of the existing procedures. No one on the conference call took exception with the 

recommendations. 

2. !•reconditioning of Test Cloth 

Clarifications to the procedure for preconditioning the test cloth were discussed and the 

consensus was to accept in concept the draft language of Exhibit 2, with some revisions by DOE 

and ADL to make it more clear. It was agreed that 5 complete wash/rinse/spin cycles are to be 

used, the first two with AHAM Standard Detergent 2A and the last 3 without detergent. The test 

cloth shall be "bone dried" between each cycle, and 25 uses of the cloth are permitted after 

preconditioning. 

Additionally, it was agreed that a commercially available washer should be specified because 

some thought using a horizontal vs. vertical machine to precondition could affect the subsequent 

RMC of the test cloth. Therefore, it was agreed to specify a Pellerin Milnor machine, model 

number 36021RWP, since Textile Innovators will be using it and they may provide preconditioned test cloth. The machine has a load capacity of 75 lbs., so it was agreed to precondition 50 

lbs. at a time. 

DOE and ADL agreed to investigate the need for specifying a particular machine by 

preconditioning different loads in horizontal and vertical machines, then running extractor RMC 

tests to see ifthe machine type has an affect on RMC. 

3. ~ihrinkage of Test Cloth 

2 

The test procedure prescribes a shrinkage limitation of the test cloth to 4%, but no one on the call 

knew why. Some manufactures are seeing more than 4% shrinkage. It was felt that the 

shrinkage limitation might be unnecessary, given that the test procedure has detailed 

specifications on the cloth material. However, the decision to delete the shrinkage limitation will 

be held in abeyance pending further investigation of different lots by ADL to see ifthe RMC is 

aff e:cted by shrinkage. 

4. ]B:xtractor RMC Test Procedure and Correction - Factor 

The: draft language of Exhibit 3, Sections 2.6.5 through 2.8, was discussed. It was agreed that 

the general approach of correcting the RMC oftest cloth lots to the "standard" values of Table 

2.6.4 (based on "lot 3") seemed like a valid approach, but further work by the manufacturers and 

ADL will be done to determine if the method is sufficiently robust. 
Minor editorial changes to Exhibit 3 were agreed to, as follows: 

a. Renumber Section- 2.7, Calculation of RMC Correction Curve, 

to 2.6.6 (and all subsections accordingly). 

b. Change reference in 2.7.l to table 2.6.4 (Moderator's note: Table 2.6.4 needs 

to be referenced in Section 2.6.4 also). 

c. In current Section 2.7.2, the consequence ifthe root mean square is 

greater than 2% needs to be stated. 

d. Renumber Section 2.8, Application of RM Correction Curve, to 2.6. 7 

(and all subsections accordingly) 

5. NIST concerns: 

3 

Andy Persily of NIST expressed 3 concerns NIST would have if it were called upon to determine 

the RMC correction factors of future test cloth lots as follows: 

1. Homogeneity of a given lot, for consistent correction factor throughout 

2. Since the "Standard Lot 3" will not be around forever, NIST thinks it 

should have 3 extractors to ensure future measurements are consistent 

3. An Uncertainty analysis of the RMC correction factor derivation 

should be developed 

The group discussed the above concerns. Luther Myers of Textile Innovators explained that the 

cloth samples are not all taken from one location in a lot due to the way the cloth is produced and 

folded so he didn't think number I was an issue. 

Regarding the extractors, others felt that as long as the rpm's were measured, it was not 

necessary to have 3 extractors. As for the uncertainty analysis, the issue was not fully discussed. 

6. Next Steps 

All AHAM members were at least cautiously optimistic that the test procedure issues would be 

resolved satisfactorily. Therefore, there was consensus to proceed with the efficiency standard 

negotiations, but any potential agreement on a revised standard would have to be contingent 

upon a satisfactory resolution of the test procedure issues. 

All participants on the call believed they would complete the additional work discussed above by 

the end of April. It was agreed that a tentative workshop (or perhaps just a conference call) 

should be held in late May or early June to review the results. 

7. Adjournment 

The call was adjourned at 4:35 p.m. 

Minutess Prepared by: 

Lawrence Wethje 

Vice President, Engineering Services 

AHAM 
Exhibit 1 

AHAM Proposed Changes to DOE Test Procedures J & Jl 

I. For the J Test Procedure: 

A. Re-title Section 2.3 as "Supply Water Requirements for Water and Energy Consumption Testing". 

B. Add a Section immediately following Section 2.3 which reads: 

"Supply Water Requirements for RMC Testing. For nonwater-heating clothes washers not equipped with 

thermostatically controlled water valves, the temperature of the hot water supply shall be maintained at 

140F ±_5F and the cold water supply shall be maintained at 60F ± 5F. All other clothes washers shall be 

connected to water supply temperatures as stated in Section 2.3." 

C. Add the following definitions for "cold rinse" and "warm rinse" in Section 3.3.1: 

4 

"Cold Rinse is the coldest rinse temperature available on the machine. Warm Rinse is the hottest 

rinse temperature available on the machine. " 

Note: In Appendix J, these definitions should not be added in the general definition section because there 

are other sections in the test procedure referring to cold and warm rinses in which the definitions do not 

apply. 

D. Revise Section 2:10 as follows: 

"Wash time (period of agitation or tumble) setting. If the maximum available wash time in the 

normal cycle is greater than 9. 75 minutes, the wash time shall be not less than 9. 75 minutes. If 

the maximum available wash time in the normal cycle is less than 9. 75 minutes, the wash time 

shall be the maximum available wash time. " 

E. Revise Section 2.11, Agitation and Spin Speed Settings, by adding the word "speed" just after the word 

"agitation". 

F. Revise Section 2.11. l by changing the word "levels" to "speed". 

II. For the Jl Test Procedure: 

A. Add the following definitions to Section 1.0: 

"Cold rinse means the coldest rinse temperature available on the machine (and should be the same rinse 

temperature selection tested in Section3. 7)." 

"Warm rinse means the hottest rinse temperature available on the machine (and should be the same rinse 

temperature selection tested in Section 3. 7). " 

B. In Section 4.1.5, for the variables ERx, ER., and ER,., add the words ''per definitions in Section 3. 7. 2" 

after the word "cycle". 

Larry Wethje, 3110100 
5 

Exhibit 2 

Proposed Language for Jl Test Procedure from Frigidaire 

March 7, 2000 

Larry Wethje 

VP, Engineering Services 

AHl\M 

1111 19th Street, NW 

Washington, DC 20036 

Re: Clothes Washer Test Procedure -Pre-conditioning of the Test Cloth 

Dear Larry, 

The following is the subject re-write based on the discussion during the conference call of February 23, 

2000: 

Revise 2.6.1. l 

"The energy test cloth shall not be used for more than 25 test runs (after pre-conditioning) and 

shall be clean and consist of the following: ... " 

Replace 2.6.1.2.1 with the following: 

"Place the test cloth in a clothes washer set at the maximum water level. Wash the load for ten 

minutes in soft water (17 ppm hardness or less) using 6.0 grams per gallon of water of AHAM 

Standard detergent 2A. The wash temperature is to be controlled to 135° ± 5° F (57.2° ±_2.8° C) 

and the rinse temperature is to be controlled to 60° ± 5° F (15.6° ± 2.8° C). Repeat the cycle with 

detergent and then repeat the cycle three additional times without detergent drying the load 

between cycles (total of five wash cycles)." 

Revise 2.6.2 to clarify: 

"Energy stuffer cloth. The energy stuffer cloth ... The number oftest runs on the same energy 

stuffer cloth shall not exceed 25 runs (after pre-conditioning)." 

Please forward to the Test Procedure Task Force members. Contact me for clarification and/or if 

additional assistance is required. 

Sinc:erely, 

David B. Modtland 

Manager - Washer Engineering 
Exhibit 3 

DOE Draft Language for Changes to Jl Test Procedure 

(Distributed by Bryan Berringer of DOE on March 3, 2000) 

Replace the current Section 2.6 in Appendix JI with the following: 

2.6 Test Cloths. 

2.6. I Energy Test Cloth. The energy 

test cloth shall be made from energy test 

cloth material, as specified in 2.6.4, that 

is 24 inches by 36 inches (61.0 cm by 

91.4 cm) and has been hemmed to 22 

inches by 34 inches (55.9 cm by 86.4 

cm) before washing. The maximum 

shrinkage after five washes shall not be 

more than four percent on the length and 

width. The number of test runs on the 

same energy test cloths shall not exceed 

25 runs. 

2. 6. 2 Energy Stuffer Cloth. The 

energy stuffer cloth shall be made from 

energy test cloth material, as specified in 

2.6.4, and shall consist of pieces of 

material that are 12 inches by 12 inches 

(30.5 cm by 30.5 cm) and have been 

hemmed to 10 inches by 10 inches (25.4 

cm by 25.4 cm) before washing. The 

maximum shrinkage after five washes 

shall not be more than four percent on 

the length and width. The number of 

test runs on the same energy stuffer 

cloths shall not exceed 25 runs. 

2.6.3 Preconditioning of Test Cloths. 

The new test cloths, including energy 

test cloths and energy stuff er cloths, 

shall be pre-conditioned in a clothes 

washer in the following manner: 

2.6.3. I Wash the test cloth using a 

commercially available clothes washing 

detergent that is suitable for 135°F 

(57.2°C) wash water as recommended 

by the manufacturer, with the washer set 

on maximum water level. Place 

detergent in washer and then place the 

new load to be conditioned in the 

washer. Wash the load for ten minutes 

in soft water ( l 7ppm or less). Wash 

water is to be hot, and controlled at 

135°F±5°F (57.2°C±2.8°C). Rinse 

water temperature is to be cold, and 

controlled at 60°F± 5° F 

(15.6°C±2.8°C). Rinse the load through 

a second rinse using the same water 

temperature (if an optional second rinse 

is available on the clothes washer, use 

it). 

2.6.3.2. Dry the Load 

2.6.3.3 A final cycle is to be hot water 

wash with no detergent followed by two 

cold water rinses 

2.6.3.4 Dry the Load 

2.6.4 Energy Test Cloth Material. 

The energy test cloths and energy stuffer 

cloths shall be made from fabric meeting 

the following specifications. 

2.6.4.1 Nominal Fabric Type. Pure 

finished bleached cloth, made with a 

momie or granite weave, which is 

nominally 50 percent cotton and 50 

percent polyester. 
2.6.4.2 The fabric weight shall be 5.60 

ounces per square yard (190.0 g/m2

), ± 

5%. 

2.6.4.3 The thread count shall be 61 x 54 

per inch (warp x fill),± 2%. 

2.6.4.4 The warp yarn and filling yarn 

shall each have fiber content of 50 

percent ± 4 percent cotton, with the 

balance being polyester, and be open end 

spun, 15/1 ± 5% cotton count blended 

yarn. 

2.6.4.5 Water repellent finishes, such as 

fluoropolymer stain resistant finishes 

shall not be applied to the test cloth. The 

absence of such finishes can be/shall be 

verified by: 

2.6.4.5.1 AATCC-118 Oil 

Repel/ency Test (DuPont or 3M version) 

of each new lot of test cloth (when 

purchased from the mill) to confirm the 

absence of Scotchguard or other water 

repellent finish (required scores of "D" 

across the board) 

2. 6. 4. 5. 2 AA TCC- 79 Drop 

Absorbency Test of each new lot of test 

cloth (when purchased from the mill) to 

confirm the absence of Scotchguard or 

other water repellent finish (time to 

absorb one drop should be on the order 

of 1 second) 

2. 6. 4. 6 The moisture absorption 

and retention shall be evaluated by the 

Standard Extractor RMC Test specified 

in 2.6.5. 

2. 6. 4. 6.1 Repeat the Standard 

Extractor RMC Test 2.6.5 three times. 

2.6.5 Standard Extractor RMC Test 

Procedure. 

2.6.5.l The standard extractor RMC tests 

shall be run in a Bock Model 

extractor with a variable speed drive. 

2.6.5.2 Test Load. Test cloths shall be 

preconditioned in accordance with 2.6.3. 

The load size shall be 8.4 lbs 

2. 6. 5. 3 Procedure 

2.6.5.3.l Record the bone-dry 

weight, WI, of the test load. 

2.6.5.3.2 Soak the test load for 20 

minutes in 10 gal of soft ( < 17 ppm) 

water. The water temperature shall be 

100°F ± 5°F. 

2.6.5.3.3 Remove the test load and 

allow water to gravity drain off of the 

test cloths. Then manually place the test 

cloths in the basket of the extractor, 

distributing them evenly by eye. Spin 

the load at a fixed speed corresponding 

to the intended g level ± 1 g for the 

intended time period ± 5 seconds. 

2.6.5.3.4 Record the moist weight, 

WC, immediately at the completion of 

the spin. 

2.6.5.3.5 Calculate the RMC as 

(WC-WI)/WI. 

2.6.5.3.6 The RMC of the test load 

shall be measured at three (3) g levels: 

50 g, 200, 350g, using two different spin 

times at each g level: 4 minutes, and 15 

minutes 
2.6.5.4 Repeat 2.6.5.3 using soft 

(<17 ppm) water at 60 F ± 5 F. 

2. 7 Calculation of RMC correction 

curve. 

2. 7 .1 Perform a linear least-squares fit 

to relate the standard RMC (RMCstandard) 

values (shown in table 2.7.1) to the 

values measured in 2.6.4.6 (RMCc1oth): 

RMCstandard-A * RMCc101h + B 

Where A and B are coefficients of the 

linear least squares fit. 

2. 7.2 Check accuracy of linear least 

squares fit using the following method: 

If the root mean square value of: 

{SALL TESTs[((RMC.m.\LHRD, -A • RMCcwrH-, - B/)!(N- 2)]} III< 2o/o - -

where N is the number of distinct tests 

(9), where a sum is taken over all of the 

different tests, where RMCsrANDARD_i is 

the RMC standard value for the i-th test, 

and RMCcwTH-_i is the average 

measured RMC value for the i-th cloth 

test. 

2.8 Application of RMC correction 

curve. 

2.8.1 Using the coefficients, A&B 

calculated in 2. 7 .1. 

RMCcorr = A * RMC + B 

2.8.2 Substitute RMCcorr values in 

calculations in Section 3.8. 
. 

J 

Table 2.6.4 Standard RMC values (RMCstandard) ,, RMC% 

,;Q. Wann Soak 

15 min. spin 4 min. spin 

50 50.5% 55.8% 

200 36.1% 40.9% 

350 29.9% 33.6% 

Note: Numbers shown are preliminary. 

Cold Soak . 

15 min. spin 4 min. spin 

52.8% 59.1% 

38.0% 43.5% 

30.9% 36.1% 
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Commercial Building Energy Codes insert 346: 

INTRODUCTION: The activity develops and promulgates Federal commercial building codes 

and participates in developing and disseminating voluntary (model) commercial codes in 

partnership with the building industry consensus and model code organizations, States, code 

officials, design professionals, builders, building product manufacturers, public interest groups, 

and utilities. Codes are essential to transferring energy-efiicient technologies and practices in 

commercial buildings and help to lower building operation costs and consumer bills, reduce 

energy consumption, and reduce carbon emissions. As measures that improve energy efficiency 

are included in codes and as buildings incorporate those measures, building practices are 

transformed making further rounds of energy efficiency code changes easier. This activity also 

provides technical assistance and outreach. Technical and financial assistance, training, and 

outreach activities for commercial building codes are also included in the Community Energy 

Program under Building Technology Assistance programs.