EERE Information Center Search Help More Search Options

Printable Version 

## Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies (Standby Mode andOff Mode) and for MultipleVoltage External Power Supplies This page presents additional information on the notice of proposed rulemaking and subsequent public meeting, instructions for stakeholder comments, contact information, and more for Docket Number EERE-2008- BT-TP-0004 . Return to the Battery Charger and External Power Supplies page for information on all of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) activities related to these products.
The following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader

. 

### Background Section 310 of EISA 2007 amended section 325 of EPCA by establishing definitions for active mode, standby mode, and off mode. This section also directs DOE to amend its existing test procedures for both battery chargers and external power supplies to measure the energy consumed in standby mode and off mode. It also authorizes the agency to amend by rule any of the definitions for active, standby, and off mode so long as the agency takes into consideration the most current versions of Standards 62301 and 62087 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
As required by section 325(u)(1)(E) of EPCA, DOE is conducting a determination on whether energy conservation standards shall be issued for external power supplies outside of Class A. Although the current DOE external power supply test procedure ( PDF 706 KB ) can test high-power external power supplies, it cannot accommodate external power supplies that convert to more than one output voltage simultaneously. Therefore, in order to proceed with the determination analysis, DOE is including amendments to the test procedure to allow for the testing of multiple-voltage external power supplies. 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Test Procedures for Ba... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

1 of 3 5/6/2009 3:00 PM

### Notice of Proposed Rulemakin g (NOPR) DOE published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) on August 15, 2008, proposing amendments to existing test procedures for battery chargers and external power supplies to include provisions for measuring standby-mode and off-mode energy consumption. In this NOPR, DOE is also proposing a test procedure to measure the energy consumption of multiple-voltage external power supplies. In addition, DOE isproposing certain revisions to the singlevoltage external power supply test procedure and reporting requirements for "Class A" external power supplies for public consideration.
NOPR and Public Meeting, EISA 2007 Test Procedures, Federal Register, August 15, 2008 ( PDF 344 KB )

DOE held a public meeting on September 12, 2008, to receive comments on the issues presented in the NOPR. 

### Meeting Materials All materials related to the public meeting, including the agenda, presentations, and any supplemental documents are posted here.
Public meeting agenda ( PDF 102 KB ) Issues for Stakeholder comment ( PDF 80 KB ) Presentation ( PDF 1.9 MB ) Transcript ( PDF 403 KB ) A transcript from the public meeting is available for public inspection in the Building Technologies Program Reading Room, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays, at: U.S. Department of Energy Forrestal Building Room 1J-018 1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20585 Telephone: (202) 586-9127



### Final Rule The final rule was published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2009 ( PDF 462 ).



### Contact Information Victor Petrolati Project Manager (202) 586-4549

Printable Version

Building Technologies Program Home | EERE Home | U.S. Department of Energy Webmaster | Web Site Policies | Security & Privacy| USA.gov

Content Last Updated: 04/30/2009 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Test Procedures for Ba... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

2 of 3 5/6/2009 3:00 PMEERE Information Center Search Help More Search Options

Printable Version 

## Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies

A. This page describes rulemaking activities and regulations regarding energy efficiency for battery chargers and external power supplies.
Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader

. Statutory Authority Rulemakings in Progress Current Regulations Past Rulemakings Contact Information


### Statutory Authority The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) (Pub. L. 94-163) established an energy conservation program for major household appliances. Learn more about the laws and regulations related to appliances & commercial equipment standards.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) (Pub. L. 109-58), amended section 325 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq.) in part by adding subsection 325(u) that directs the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a test procedure, hold a scoping workshop, and conduct a determination analysis of energy conservation standards for battery chargers (BCs) and external power supplies (EPSs). (42 U.S.C. 6295(u))
BC and EPS excerpts from EPACT 2005, August 8, 2005 ( PDF 205 KB )

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) (Pub. L. 110-140) significantly amended EPCA with regard to the energy conservation program for BCs and EPSs.
Section 301 defines and sets efficiency standards for Class A external power supplies (42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(C)) (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(3)). EISA 2007 directs DOE to publish a final rule by July 1, 2011, to determine whether the standards set for Class A EPSs should be amended and, if so, to include any amended standards as part of that final rule. The statute further directs DOE to publish a second final rule by July 1, 2015, to again determine whether the standards in effect should be amended (again including any amended standards as part of that final rule).
Section 309 modifies the statutory provision which directed DOE to 

### Register for Email Updates The Department is firmly committed to informing the public of developments associated with this rulemaking. Register to receive email updates on rulemaking for battery chargers and external power supplies. 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

1 of 5 5/6/2009 2:48 PMperform the determination analysis (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)(i)(I), as amended). Specifically, EISA 2007 removed BCs from the determination (leaving only EPSs) and changed the deadline for completing the determination to two years after the date of enactment ( i.e. , by December 19, 2009). Because DOE is already required to perform two rounds of rulemakings to consider amended efficiency standards for Class A EPSs, the determination analysis under 42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)(i)(I) should not include these products. Therefore, DOE is interpreting 42 U.S.C. 6295 (u)(1)(E)(i)(I) as a requirement for a determination analysis that will consider in its scope only EPSs other than Class A. This determination is scheduled for issuance by December 19, 2009.
Section 309 also requires DOE to issue a final rule prescribing energy conservation standards for BCs, if technologically feasible and economically justified, by July 1, 2011 (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)(i)(II). This rulemaking will be bundled with the rulemaking for Class A EPSs, as the products are closely related and the provisions have the same statutory deadline.
Section 310 requires all test procedures for covered products to be amended to include test procedures for standby- and off-mode energy consumption. For BCs and EPSs, these amendments were required to be completed by December 31, 2008. (42 U.S.C 6295(gg)(2)(B))
BC and EPS excerpts from EISA 2007, December 19, 2007 ( PDF 133 KB ) BC and EPS excerpts from EPCA as amended by EISA 2007, December 19, 2007 ( PDF 139 KB )

Back to Top 

### Rulemakings in Progress In response to EISA 2007, DOE provided a report to Congress detailing its planned schedule for meeting the required rulemaking deadlines for all covered products, including BCs and EPSs. The report was published in February 2008.
Report to Congress on Appliance Energy Efficiency Rulemakings – Implementation Report: Energy Conservation Standards Activities, February 2008 ( PDF 311 KB )

The following list gives the rulemaking schedule for BCs and EPSs as set forth in the report. Click on a rulemaking to learn more about it.

Determination : Non-Class A EPSs; Final Action Date December 2009; Docket EERE-2009-BT-DET-0005 Standards : BCs and Class A EPSs; Final Action Date July 2011; Docket EERE-2008-BT-STD-0005 Standards: Class A EPSs; Final Action Date July 2015

In addition to these rulemakings, DOE is considering a rulemaking to develop a test procedure for measuring the active-mode energy consumption of BCs. No further information about this rulemaking is available at this time.
Back to Top 

### Current Regulations Test Procedures The current test procedures for BCs and EPSs were developed as part of a rulemaking process establishing test procedures for several products contained in the EPACT of 2005. The test procedures were subsequently amended to include provisions for measuring standby mode and off mode energy consumption, as directed by EISA 2007.

Final Rule, EPACT 2005 Test Procedures, Federal Register, 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

2 of 5 5/6/2009 2:48 PMDecember 8, 2006 ( PDF 706 KB ) Final Rule, Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies (Standby Mode and Off Mode), Federal Register, March 27, 2009 ( PDF 462 KB )

Energy Conservation Standards Battery Chargers There are currently no energy conservationstandards for battery chargers.
External Power Supplies Section 301 of EISA 2007 established minimum efficiency standards for Class A EPSs effective July 1, 2008. The provision is reproduced here:
(6) EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR CLASS A EXTERNAL POWERSUPPLIESIN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraphs (B) through (D), a class A external power supply manufactured on or after the later of July 1, 2008, or the date of enactment of this paragraph shall meet the following standards:

Active Mode

Nameplate Output Minimum Efficiency (decimal equivalent of a percentage)

<1 Watt 0.5 times the nameplate output

1 to not more than 51 Watts The sum of 0.09 times the natural logarithm of the nameplate output and 0.5

>51 Watts 0.85

No-Load Mode
Nameplate Output Maximum Consumption

Not more than 250 Watts 0.5 watts A.

NONCOVERED SUPPLIES- A class A external power supply shall not be subject to subparagraph (A) if the class A external power supply is—
manufactured during the period beginning on July 1, 2008, and ending on June 30, 2015; and i.

made available by the manufacturer as a service part or a spare part for an end-use product— that constitutes the primary load; and I. was manufactured before July 1, 2008. II. ii. B.

MARKING- Any class A external power supply manufactured on or after July 1, 2008, or the date of enactment of this paragraph shall be clearly and permanently marked in accordance with the External Power Supply International Efficiency Marking Protocol, as referenced in the Energy Star Program Requirements for Single Voltage External AC-DC and AC-AC Power Supplies, version 1.1 published by the Environmental Protection Agency. C.

Definitions Battery Charger 42 U.S.C. 6291(32) as amended by Section 135 of EPACT 2005 The term battery charger means a device that charges batteries for consumer products, including battery chargers embedded in other consumer products.
External Power Supply 42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(A) as amended by Section 135 of EPACT 2005 IN GENERAL- The term external power supply means an external power supply circuit that is used to convert household electric current into DC current or lower-voltage AC current to operate a consumer product. 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

3 of 5 5/6/2009 2:48 PMConsumer Product 42 U.S.C. 6291(1) The term consumer product means any article other than an automobile, as defined in section 32901(a)(3) of title 49 of a type—
which in operation consumes, or is designed to consume, energy or water with respect to showerheads, faucets, water closets, and urinals; and A.

which, to any significant extent, is distributed in commerce for personal use or consumption by individuals without regard to whether such article of such type is in fact distributed in commerce for personal use or consumption by an individual, except that such term includes fluorescent lamp ballasts, general service fluorescent lamps, incandescent reflector lamps, showerheads, faucets, water closets, and urinals distributed in commerce for personal or commercial use or consumption. B.

Class A External Power Supply 42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(C) as amended by Section 301 of EISA 2007
IN GENERAL- The term class A external power supply means a device that— is designed to convert line voltage AC input into lower voltage AC or DC output; I.

is able to convert to only 1 AC or DC output voltage at a time; II.

is sold with, or intended to be used with, a separate end-use product that constitutes the primary load; III.

is contained in a separate physical enclosure from the end-use product; IV.

is connected to the end-use product via a removable or hard-wired male/female electrical connection, cable, cord, or other wiring; and V.

has nameplate output power that is less than or equal to 250 watts. VI. i.

EXCLUSIONS- The term class A external power supply does not include any device that— requires Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c); or I.

powers the charger of a detachable battery pack or charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated. II. ii.

Detachable Battery 42 U.S.C. 6291(52) as amended by Section 301 of EISA 2007 The term detachable battery means a battery that is—
contained in a separate enclosure from the product; and A. intended to be removed or disconnected from the product for recharging. B.

Back to Top 

### Past Rulemakings Test Procedures (from EPACT 2005) Docket Number: EE-RM/TP-05-500
Test procedures for BCs and EPSs were developed as part of a rulemaking process establishing test procedures for several products contained in EPACT 2005. To facilitate review of the relevant portions of this Final Rule, DOE highlighted the terms "battery charger" and "external power supply" throughout the final rule.

Final Rule, EPACT 2005 Test Procedures, Federal Register, December 8, 2006 ( PDF 706 KB ) 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

4 of 5 5/6/2009 2:48 PMLearn more about the EPACT 2005 test procedures

Determination Analysis (from EPACT 2005) Docket Number: EERE-2006-DET-0136
EPACT 2005 required DOE to issue a final rule to determine whether to issue energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power supplies. DOE initiated this determination analysis rulemaking in 2006, which included a scoping workshop on January 24, 2007, at DOE headquarters in Washington, DC. The determination was underway and on schedule for issuance by August 8, 2008, when EISA 2007 was enacted.

Learn moreabout the EPACT 2005 determination analysis


### Test Procedures (from EISA 2007) Docket Number EERE-2008-BT-TP-0004 Section 310 of EISA 2007 required DOE to amend its existing test procedures for both BCs and EPSs to measure to energy consumed in standby mode and off mode. It also authorized DOE to amend by rule any of the definitions for active, standby, and off mode so long as DOE took into consideration the most current versions of Standards 62301 and 62087 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Final Rule, Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies (Standby Mode and Off Mode), Federal Register, March 27, 2009 ( PDF 462 KB )



### Contact Information Victor Petrolati Project Manager (202) 586-4549

Back to Top

Printable Version

Building Technologies Program Home | EERE Home | U.S. Department of Energy Webmaster | Web Site Policies | Security & Privacy| USA.gov

Content Last Updated: 05/01/2009 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

5 of 5 5/6/2009 2:48 PMEERE Information Center Search Help More Search Options

Printable Version 

## Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies This page describes rulemaking activities and regulations regarding energy efficiency for battery chargers and external power supplies.
Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader

. Statutory Authority Rulemakings in Progress Current Regulations Past Rulemakings Contact Information


### Statutory Authority The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) (Pub. L. 94-163) established an energy conservation program for major household appliances. Learn more about the laws and regulations related to appliances & commercial equipment standards.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) (Pub. L. 109-58), amended section 325 of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6291 et seq. ) in part by adding subsection 325(u) that directs the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a test procedure, hold a scoping workshop, and conduct a determination analysis of energy conservation standards for battery chargers (BCs) and external power supplies (EPSs). (42 U.S.C. 6295(u))
BC and EPS excerpts from EPACT 2005, August 8, 2005 ( PDF 205 KB )

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) (Pub. L. 110-140) significantly amended EPCA with regard to the energy conservation program for BCs and EPSs.
Section 301 defines and sets efficiency standards for Class A external power supplies (42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(C)) (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(3)). EISA 2007 directs DOE to publish a final rule by July 1, 2011, to determine whether the standards set for Class A EPSs should be amended and, if so, to include any amended standards as part of that final rule. The statute further directs DOE to publish a second final rule by July 1, 2015, to again determine whether the standards in effect should be amended (again including any amended standards as part of that final rule).
Section 309 modifies the statutory provision which directed DOE to perform the determination analysis (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)(i)(I), as 

### Register for E-mail Updates The Department is firmly committed to informing the public of developments associated with this rulemaking. Register to receive e-mail updates on rulemaking activities for battery chargers and external power supplies. 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

1 of 5 6/22/2009 8:27 A Mamended). Specifically, EISA 2007 removed BCs from the determination (leaving only EPSs) and changed the deadline for completing the determination to two years after the date of enactment ( i.e. , by December 19, 2009). Because DOE is already required to perform two rounds of rulemakings to consider amended efficiency standards for Class A EPSs, the determination analysis under 42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)(i)(I) should not include these products. Therefore, DOE is interpreting 42 U.S.C. 6295 (u)(1)(E)(i)(I) as a requirement for a determination analysis that will consider in its scope only EPSs other than Class A. This determination is scheduled for issuance by December 19, 2009.
Section 309 also requires DOE to issue a final rule prescribing energy conservation standards for BCs, if technologically feasible and economically justified, by July 1, 2011 (42 U.S.C. 6295(u)(1)(E)(i)(II). This rulemaking will be bundled with the rulemaking for Class A EPSs, as the products are closely related and the provisions have the same statutory deadline.
Section 310 requires all test procedures for covered products to be amended to include test procedures for standby- and off-mode energy consumption. For BCs and EPSs, these amendments were required to be completed by December 31, 2008. (42 U.S.C 6295(gg)(2)(B))
BC and EPS excerpts from EISA 2007, December 19, 2007 ( PDF 133 KB ) BC and EPS excerpts from EPCA as amended by EISA 2007, December 19, 2007 ( PDF 139 KB )

Back to Top 

### Rulemakings in Progress In response to EISA 2007, DOE provided a report to Congress detailing its planned schedule for meeting the required rulemaking deadlines for all covered products, including BCs and EPSs. The report was published in February 2008.
Report to Congress on Appliance Energy Efficiency Rulemakings – Implementation Report: Energy Conservation Standards Activities, February 2008 ( PDF 311 KB )

The following list gives the rulemaking schedule for BCs and EPSs as set forth in the report. Click on a rulemaking to learn more about it.

Determination : Non-Class A EPSs; Final Action Date December 2009; Docket EERE-2009-BT-DET-0005 Standards : BCs and Class A EPSs; Final Action Date July 2011; Docket EERE-2008-BT-STD-0005 Standards: Class A EPSs; Final Action Date July 2015

In addition to these rulemakings, DOE is considering a rulemaking to develop a test procedure for measuring the active-mode energy consumption of BCs. No further information about this rulemaking is available at this time.
Back to Top 

### Current Regulations Test Procedures The current test procedures for BCs and EPSs were developed as part of a rulemaking process establishing test procedures for several products contained in the EPACT of 2005. The test procedures were subsequently amended to include provisions for measuring standby mode and off mode energy consumption, as directed by EISA 2007.

Final Rule, EPACT 2005 Test Procedures, Federal Register, December 8, 2006 ( PDF 706 KB ) 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

2 of 5 6/22/2009 8:27 A MFinal Rule, Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies (Standby Mode and Off Mode), Federal Register, March 27, 2009 ( PDF 462 KB )

Energy Conservation Standards Battery Chargers There are currently no energy conservationstandards for battery chargers.
External Power Supplies Section 301 of EISA 2007 established minimum efficiency standards for Class A EPSs effective July 1, 2008. The provision is reproduced here:
(6) EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR CLASS A EXTERNAL POWERSUPPLIESIN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraphs (B) through (D), a class A external power supply manufactured on or after the later of July 1, 2008, or the date of enactment of this paragraph shall meet the following standards:

Active Mode

Nameplate Output Minimum Efficiency (decimal equivalent of a percentage)

<1 Watt 0.5 times the nameplate output

1 to not more than 51 Watts The sum of 0.09 times the natural logarithm of the nameplate output and 0.5

>51 Watts 0.85

No-Load Mode
Nameplate Output Maximum Consumption

Not more than 250 Watts 0.5 watts A.

NONCOVERED SUPPLIES- A class A external power supply shall not be subject to subparagraph (A) if the class A external power supply is—
manufactured during the period beginning on July 1, 2008, and ending on June 30, 2015; and i.

made available by the manufacturer as a service part or a spare part for an end-use product— that constitutes the primary load; and I. was manufactured before July 1, 2008. II. ii. B.

MARKING- Any class A external power supply manufactured on or after July 1, 2008, or the date of enactment of this paragraph shall be clearly and permanently marked in accordance with the External Power Supply International Efficiency Marking Protocol, as referenced in the Energy Star Program Requirements for Single Voltage External AC-DC and AC-AC Power Supplies, version 1.1 published by the Environmental Protection Agency. C.

Definitions Battery Charger 42 U.S.C. 6291(32) as amended by Section 135 of EPACT 2005 The term battery charger means a device that charges batteries for consumer products, including battery chargers embedded in other consumer products.
External Power Supply 42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(A) as amended by Section 135 of EPACT 2005 IN GENERAL- The term external power supply means an external power supply circuit that is used to convert household electric current into DC current or lower-voltage AC current to operate a consumer product. 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

3 of 5 6/22/2009 8:27 A MConsumer Product 42 U.S.C. 6291(1) The term consumer product means any article other than an automobile, as defined in section 32901(a)(3) of title 49 of a type—
which in operation consumes, or is designed to consume, energy or water with respect to showerheads, faucets, water closets, and urinals; and A.

which, to any significant extent, is distributed in commerce for personal use or consumption by individuals without regard to whether such article of such type is in fact distributed in commerce for personal use or consumption by an individual, except that such term includes fluorescent lamp ballasts, general service fluorescent lamps, incandescent reflector lamps, showerheads, faucets, water closets, and urinals distributed in commerce for personal or commercial use or consumption. B.

Class A External Power Supply 42 U.S.C. 6291(36)(C) as amended by Section 301 of EISA 2007
IN GENERAL- The term class A external power supply means a device that— is designed to convert line voltage AC input into lower voltage AC or DC output; I.

is able to convert to only 1 AC or DC output voltage at a time; II.

is sold with, or intended to be used with, a separate end-use product that constitutes the primary load; III.

is contained in a separate physical enclosure from the end-use product; IV.

is connected to the end-use product via a removable or hard-wired male/female electrical connection, cable, cord, or other wiring; and V.

has nameplate output power that is less than or equal to 250 watts. VI. i.

EXCLUSIONS- The term class A external power supply does not include any device that— requires Federal Food and Drug Administration listing and approval as a medical device in accordance with section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c); or I.

powers the charger of a detachable battery pack or charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor operated. II. ii.

Detachable Battery 42 U.S.C. 6291(52) as amended by Section 301 of EISA 2007 The term detachable battery means a battery that is—
contained in a separate enclosure from the product; and A. intended to be removed or disconnected from the product for recharging. B.

Back to Top

Certification and Enforcement Provisions Manufacturers of covered products must report to DOE that the products they manufacture comply with applicable energy conservation standards. The standby and off mode test procedure final rule published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2009, explains the steps manufacturers must take to demonstrate compliance for Class A EPSs. These requirements will become effective once DOE has issued a final rule for a sampling plan for EPSs. Manufacturers need not submit certification reports for EPSs at this time. Certification requirements are summarized on page 13321 and discussed in greater detail on pages 13327-31. The amendments to 10 CFR Part 430 are reproduced on pages 13335-6. 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

4 of 5 6/22/2009 8:27 A MFinal Rule, Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies (Standby Mode and Off Mode), Federal Register, March 27, 2009 ( PDF 462 KB ) Frequently Asked Questions


### Past Rulemakings Test Procedures (from EPACT 2005) Docket Number: EE-RM/TP-05-500
Test procedures for BCs and EPSs were developed as part of a rulemaking process establishing test procedures for several products contained in EPACT 2005. To facilitate review of the relevant portions of this final rule, DOE highlighted the terms "battery charger" and "external power supply" throughout the final rule.

Final Rule, EPACT 2005 Test Procedures, Federal Register, December 8, 2006 ( PDF 706 KB ) Learn more about the EPACT 2005 test procedures

Determination Analysis (from EPACT 2005) Docket Number: EERE-2006-DET-0136
EPACT 2005 required DOE to issue a final rule to determine whether to issue energy conservation standards for battery chargers and external power supplies. DOE initiated this determination analysis rulemaking in 2006, which included a scoping workshop on January 24, 2007, at DOE headquarters in Washington, DC. The determination was underway and on schedule for issuance by August 8, 2008, when EISA 2007 was enacted.

Learn moreabout the EPACT 2005 determination analysis

Test Procedures (from EISA 2007) Docket Number EERE-2008-BT-TP-0004
Section 310 of EISA 2007 required DOE to amend its existing test procedures for both BCs and EPSs to measure to energy consumed in standby mode and off mode. It also authorized DOE to amend by rule any of the definitions for active, standby, and off mode so long as DOE took into consideration the most current versions of Standards 62301 and 62087 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Final Rule, Test Procedures for Battery Chargers and External Power Supplies (Standby Mode and Off Mode), Federal Register, March 27, 2009 ( PDF 462 KB )



### Contact Information Victor Petrolati Project Manager (202) 586-4549

Back to Top

Printable Version

Building Technologies Program Home | EERE Home | U.S. Department of Energy Webmaster | Web Site Policies | Security & Privacy| USA.gov

Content Last Updated: 06/18/2009 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Battery Chargers and ... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standard s/residential/b...

5 of 5 6/22/2009 8:27 A MEERE Information Center Search Help More Search Options

Printable Version 

## Frequently Asked Questions This page presents the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) answers to frequently asked questions about certification and enforcement related to external power supplies (EPSs).
The DOE rule takes effect on April 27, 2009, but when do we have to start reporting data on EPSs to DOE? In section 2D, the rule mentions that manufacturers are not required to certify compliance to DOE until sampling requirements are finalized. When is that going to happen? After the sampling requirements are finalized, how long will we have to supply our data to DOE? Once the deadline for supplying data is established, will we have to supply data to DOE only on new models or will we have to supply data on all models we have in production? According to the final rule, it does not seem that DOE changed at all the definition of a single-output Class A EPS vs. a BC in EISA 2007. Is this true? Will DOE publish a separate test procedure document for EPSs that manufacturers can share with their suppliers? If so, when would that happen? Reading the final rule and trying to pick out only the items and issues relevant to testing is very difficult. Does the effective date of April 27, 2009, apply to date of manufacture? Who should submit the required information to DOE–manufacturers or the private brand/supplier? What if the private brand/supplier does not label the product with its name? What method(s) will be available for submission of data, and what is the process for each method? Our EPS models for Energy Star compliance are simply AC-AC adapters. This is simply the voltage transformer used to convert AC 120V input to AC 6.5/7.3/8.0V ready for the built-in rectifier and filter circuit within the base unit and external charge cradles: How do the DOE's requirements for EPSs intersect with the a. 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Frequently Asked Que... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

1 of 6 6/22/2009 8:28 A Mrequirements for Energy Star, including data reporting, selection of certified test labs, and product and packaging labeling for compliance (Energy Star and DOE)? Are there any "grandfathering" provisions or exceptions? b.

Will the DOE's certification and data reporting process be similar to the approach used by FCC, which is a model familiar to many companies in the electronics sector? What will be the requirements for paperwork? c.

Is the DOE standard and certification applicable only to the EPS or to the EPS and host device together? d.

Question: The DOE rule takes effect on April 27, 2009, but when do we have to start reporting data on EPSs to DOE? In section 2D, the rule mentions that manufacturers are not required to certify compliance to DOE until sampling requirements are finalized. When is that going to happen?

Answer: The sampling plan requirements will be finalized by the end of the year through a DOE Final Rule for Certification, Compliance and Enforcement Requirements for EPACT 2005 Consumer Products.

Back to Top
Question: After the sampling requirements are finalized, how long will we have to supply our data to DOE?

Answer: Once DOE publishes its Final Rule for Certification, Compliance and Enforcement Requirements for EPACT 2005 Consumer Products it will become effective 30 days after publication. Therefore, the External Power Supply (EPS) Certification Requirements announced in our March 27, 2009, Final Rule will become effective 30 days after publication of the DOE Final Rule for Certification, Compliance and Enforcement Requirements for EPACT 2005 Consumer Products. However, we will give manufacturers of EPSs additional time to file the Certification Reports for all products that they manufacture. It has not been decided what additional time will be allowed at this point, but this will be communicated to our stakeholders during or before the DOE Final Rule for Certification, Compliance and Enforcement Requirements for EPACT 2005 Consumer Products is published.

Back to Top
Question: Once the deadline for supplying data is established, will we have to supply data to DOE only on new models or will we have to supply data on all models we have in 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Frequently Asked Que... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

2 of 6 6/22/2009 8:28 A Mproduction?

Answer: DOE will require data to be submitted for all EPS models that are manufactured or imported after the effective date of the DOE Final Rule for Certification, Compliance and Enforcement Requirements for EPACT 2005 Consumer Products.

Back to Top
Question: According to the final rule, it does not seem that DOE changed at all the definition of a single-output Class A EPS vs. a BC in EISA 2007. Is this true?

Answer: DOE has retained in the final rule the definitions for "Class A" EPS and battery chargers that were established in EISA 2007. See EISA 2007, Pub. L. No. 110-140, Sec. 301(a) (Dec. 19, 2007). DOE has provided its interpretations of these definitions for stakeholder comment in a Framework Document for potential standards for EPS and BCs. This Framework Document is available on our Web site: www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings /appliance_standards/residential /battery_external_std_2008.html

. Back to Top
Question: Will DOE publish a separate test procedure document for EPSs that manufacturers can share with their suppliers? If so, when would that happen? Reading the final rule and trying to pick out only the items and issues relevant to testing is very difficult.

Answer: No. The United States Government Printing Office publishes annually an official codification of Federal Regulations and this will be published on 1/1/2010. Codifications of Federal Regulations are also available on-line at www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html

. Back to Top
Question: Does the effective date of April 27, 2009, apply to date of manufacture?

Answer: The EPS energy efficiency standard was established by Congress under EISA 2007 and became effective on July 1, 2008. This date applies to the required compliance of all "Class A" EPSs that were manufactured or imported for sale in commerce in the United States. Although DOE has not yet established formal reporting requirements for EPSs, this fact does not relieve manufacturers of their legal obligations to ensure that their products meet the requirements under the law. A manufacturer who chooses to violate these requirements could be subject to civil penalties and other appropriate action. See 42 U.S.C. §§ 6302-6305.

Back to Top 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Frequently Asked Que... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

3 of 6 6/22/2009 8:28 A MQuestion: Who should submit the required information to DOE–manufacturers or the private brand/supplier? What if the private brand/supplier does not label the product with its name?

Answer: Your question on "manufacturers or private brand suppliers" of the EPS can generally be answered by which party is the first to distribute the EPS into commerce in the United States. If the EPS is made overseas and imported into the country by the EPS manufacturer for sale to an end-use consumer product manufacturer in the United States for sale with his product (e.g. laptop computer), or to an EPS distributor, the EPS manufacturer would be responsible for ensuring and reporting that the EPS complies with the energy conservation standards when it arrives at the port of entry.

If the EPS is manufactured overseas for an end-use consumer product that is also manufactured overseas (e.g. laptop computer) and the importer was the end-use consumer product manufacturer, then the end-use consumer product manufacturer would be the responsible party for ensuring and reporting that the EPS complies with the energy conservation standards when it arrives at the port of entry. However, nothing prevents the end-use product manufacturer from ensuring that the EPS has already been certified by the EPS manufacturer, so that it eliminates the end-use product manufacturer responsibility to certify.
Also, an end-use product manufacturer who supplies imported EPSs for sale with their end-use product is considered a "manufacturer" of the EPS under the legislative definition, if the end-use product is manufactured and distributed in commerce in the United States. Therefore, the end-use product manufacturer would also be the responsible party for ensuring and reporting that the EPS complies with the energy conservation standards prior to distribution in commerce (unless the end-use product is manufactured solely for export). Again, nothing precludes this end-use product manufacturer from ensuring that the EPS has already been certified by the overseas EPS manufacturer to eliminate the end-use product manufacturer responsibility for ensuring and reporting compliance.

Back to Top
Question: What method(s) will be available for submission of data, and what is the process for each method?

Answer: At this point the only method allowable for submission of data is hard copy. DOE is evaluating the possibility of providing an option to permit the electronic submission 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Frequently Asked Que... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

4 of 6 6/22/2009 8:28 A Mof data. DOE plans to issue in the future a Federal Register Notice regarding reporting methods.

Back to Top
Question: Our EPS models for Energy Star compliance are simply AC-AC adapters. This is simply the voltage transformer used to convert AC 120V input to AC 6.5/7.3/8.0V ready for the built-in rectifier and filter circuit within the base unit and external charge cradles:

a. How do the DOE's requirements for EPSs intersect with the requirements for Energy Star, including data reporting, selection of certified test labs, and product and packaging labeling for compliance (Energy Star and DOE)?

Answer: The ENERGY STAR Program is a voluntary program while the DOE Appliance Standards Program is a mandatory program. Consequently, there will be differences between these programs. DOE and the ENERGY STAR Program use the same test procedure for measuring the energy efficiency of the EPS, but may have different sampling requirements. The DOE sampling requirements with respect to EPSs have not yet been finalized by DOE. DOE and the ENERGY STAR Programs both allow manufacturers to certify results for only the lowest and highest voltage models within a design family. Manufacturers are not required to use independent certified labs to test EPSs. EISA 2007 requires that all "Class A" EPS that are required to meet the EISA 2007 standard for EPS and be clearly and permanently marked in accordance with the EPS International Efficiency Marking Protocol. ENERGY STAR is now requiring a level V marking. DOE believes that any EPS with at least a level IV marking is in compliance with the EISA requirement.

Back to Top

b. Are there any "grandfathering" provisions or exceptions?

Answer: No grandfathering provisions were included in EISA. EISA 2007 did include some "Exclusions" from "Class A" EPS definition. DOE has provided its interpretations of the definitions and exclusions under EISA 2007 for stakeholder comment in a Framework Document for battery charger and external power supply standards. EISA 2007 also exempts a "Class A" EPS from the standards if the EPS was manufactured from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2015 and the EPS was made available by the manufacturer as a service part or a spare part for an end-use product that: 1) constitutes the primary load; and 2) was manufactured before July 1, 2008.

Back to Top 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Frequently Asked Que... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

5 of 6 6/22/2009 8:28 A Mc. Will the DOE's certification and data reporting process be similar to the approach used by FCC, which is a model familiar to many companies in the electronics sector? What will be the requirements for paperwork?

Answer: DOE's certification and data reporting will be similar to that of other products that are covered under the Appliance Standards Program.

Back to Top

d. Is the DOE standard and certification applicable only to the EPS or to the EPS and host device together?

Answer: The EISA 2007 standards only apply to the EPSs that meet the Class A definition. See EISA 2007, at Sec. 301(c).

Back to Top

Printable Version

Building Technologies Program Home | EERE Home | U.S. Department of Energy Webmaster | Web Site Policies | Security & Privacy| USA.gov

Content Last Updated: 06/18/2009 

### Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards: Frequently Asked Que... http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/b...

6 of 6 6/22/2009 8:28 A M