[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 98 (Monday, May 22, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27051-27054]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-12492]



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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

10 CFR Part 430


Energy Efficiency Standards Test Procedures, Labeling, and 
Certification Reporting for Certain Commercial and Industrial Electric 
Motors

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

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) will hold an informal public 
meeting to discuss issues and gather information related to energy 
efficiency standards, test procedures, labeling, and compliance 
certification for 1 through 200 horsepower electric motors that are 
manufactured alone or as a component of another piece of equipment. All 
persons are hereby given notice of the opportunity to attend this 
public meeting and to submit written statements.

DATES: The public meeting will be held on Friday, June 2, 1995. Written 
statements, in quadruplicate, must be received by June 30, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Written statements should be labeled ``Test Procedures and 
Efficiency Certification for Electric Motors,'' and submitted to: Ms. 
Sandy Cooper, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Mail 
Station EE-431, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20585. Telephone: (202) 586-7574; Telefax: (202) 
586-4617.
    The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m., and will be held at the U.S. 
Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Room 1E-245, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anthony Balducci, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 
Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Mail Station EE-431, Forrestal 
Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 
586-8459
James Raba, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and 
Renewable Energy, Mail Station EE-431, Forrestal Building, 1000 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-8654
Eugene Margolis, Esq., U.S. Department of Energy, Office of General 
Counsel, Mail Station GC-72, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-9507.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Authority

    Part 3 of Title IV of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act 
of 1978 (NECPA), Pub. L. 95-619, amends the Energy Policy and 
Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) to add ``Energy Efficiency of 
Industrial Equipment,'' which includes electric motors. The most recent 
amendment to EPCA, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), Pub. L. 102-
486, promulgates definitions related to electric motors in section 
122(a), 106 Stat. 2807, test procedures for motor efficiency in section 
122(b), 106 Stat. 2809, labeling for electric motors in section 122(c), 
106 Stat. 2809, standards for nominal full-load efficiency in section 
122(d), 106 Stat. 2814, and certification of compliance by 
manufacturers in section 122(e), 106 Stat. 2817.
    Section 122(a)(3) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 340(13)(A), 42 U.S.C. 
6311 (13)(A)), defines ``electric motor'' as any motor which is 
``general purpose T-frame, single-speed, foot-mounting, polyphase 
squirrel-cage induction of the National Electrical Manufacturers 
Association (NEMA) Designs A and B, continuous-rated, operating on 230/
460 volts and constant 60 Hertz line power, as defined in NEMA 
Standards Publication MG1-1987.'' Section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA, 
section 342(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. section 6313(b)(1)), prescribes standards 
for electric motors that are 1 through 200 horsepower, and 
``manufactured (alone or as a component of another piece of 
equipment),'' except for ``definite purpose motors, special purpose 
motors, and those motors exempted by the Secretary.''
    Section 122(b)(1) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 343(a)(5)(A), 42 
U.S.C. 6314 (a)(5)(A)), requires that testing procedures for motor 
efficiency shall be the test procedures specified in NEMA Standards 
Publication MG1-1987, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics 
Engineers (IEEE) Standard 112 Test Method B for motor efficiency, as in 
effect on October 24, 1992. Section 122(b)(1), EPCA section 
343(a)(5)(B) and (C), provide for amendment of the testing procedures 
if the test procedures in the NEMA and IEEE standards are revised.
    Section 122(c)(4) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 344(d), 42 U.S.C. 
6315(d)) directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Federal 
Trade Commission, see EPCA section 344(f), 42 U.S.C. 6315(f), to 
prescribe rules requiring motor [[Page 27052]] labeling to indicate 
energy efficiency on the permanent nameplate, to display that motor 
energy efficiency prominently in catalogs and other marketing 
materials, and to include other markings to facilitate enforcement of 
the energy efficiency standards.
    Section 122(e)(2) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 345(c), 42 U.S.C. 
6316(c)) requires manufacturers to certify compliance with energy 
efficiency standards through an independent testing or certification 
program nationally recognized in the United States.

2. Background

    The Department of Energy is drafting a proposed rule to implement 
the EPAct requirements for motors. However, the language of the EPAct 
raises several issues regarding definitions, testing, labeling, and 
certification.
    The purpose of the public meeting is to discuss these issues, 
gather information, and seek early resolution.

3. Discussion

    The Department is interested in receiving information and 
statements to help resolve the following issues:
    a. Definitions.
    (1) Metric equivalents. Section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 
342(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(1)) lists standards for electric motor 
nominal full-load efficiency ratings corresponding to horsepower and 
number of poles. Additionally, section 205b. of the Metric Conversion 
Act of 1975, Pub. L. 94-168, 15 U.S.C. 205b., states ``the declared 
policy of the United States--(1) to designate the metric system of 
measurement as the preferred system of weights and measures for United 
States trade and commerce; (2) to require that each Federal agency, by 
a date certain and to the extent economically feasible by the end of 
the fiscal year 1992, use the metric system of measurement in its 
procurements, grants, and other business-related activities, except to 
the extent that such use is impractical or is likely to cause 
significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to United States firms, 
such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products in 
non-metric units.'' This policy is promulgated in Executive Order 12770 
of July 25, 1991, ``Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs.'' 56 
FR 35801-03 (July 29, 1991). The Department seeks advice on how to 
implement these statutes with respect to motors under the EPAct. 
Specifically, should the energy efficiency rules identify kilowatt 
ratings equivalent to corresponding horsepower ratings, and other 
electrical and mechanical equivalents? If so how?
    (2) Basic model. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), in 10 CFR 
Part 430 Sec. 430.2, provides a definition for the term ``basic model'' 
in regard to the appliance program: ``Basic model means all units of a 
given type of covered product (or class thereof) manufactured by one 
manufacturer and--* * * (as to dishwashers, for example) which have 
electrical characteristics that are essentially identical, and which do 
not have any differing physical or functional characteristics that 
affect energy consumption.'' Basic model is a term used to describe a 
product or item of equipment whose performance, design, mechanical, and 
functional characteristics are essentially the same. Components of 
similar design may be substituted in a basic model without requiring 
additional testing if the represented measures of energy consumption 
continue to satisfy applicable provisions for sampling and testing. In 
the case of electric motors, a manufacturer may produce one basic model 
and thousands more of other model numbers that are essentially the 
same, all based on variations in design features that do not affect 
energy efficiency.
    The Department is considering defining the term ``basic model'' in 
its coverage of electric motors to mean all units of a given type of 
covered equipment (or class thereof) manufactured by a single 
manufacturer, and, with respect to electric motors, having the same 
rating, electrical design characteristics that are essentially 
identical, and no differing mechanical or functional characteristics 
that affect energy consumption or efficiency. The Department solicits 
the views of interested parties as to whether the Department should 
adopt such a definition.
    (3) Definite purpose motor. Under section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA 
section 342(b)(1), 42 U.S.C. 6313(b)(1)), the energy efficiency 
standards for electric motors do not apply to ``definite purpose 
motors.'' Section 122(a)(3) of the EPAct (EPCA Sec. 340(13)(B), 42 
U.S.C. Sec. 6311(13)(B)) defines a ``definite purpose motor'' as ``any 
motor designed in standard ratings with standard operating 
characteristics or standard mechanical construction for use under 
service conditions other than usual, or for use on a particular type of 
application which cannot be used in most general purpose 
applications.'' However, the EPAct does not define the term ``service 
conditions other than usual.'' Therefore, the Department is considering 
developing a definition for this term that will take into consideration 
adverse environmental and operating conditions, such as exposure to 
abrasive or combustible dusts, chemical fumes, nuclear radiation, salt-
laden air, abnormal shock or vibration, unbalanced supply voltage, 
power system not grounded, frequent starting, frequent short circuits, 
and so forth. The Department seeks advice in developing a definition 
for ``service conditions other than usual.''
    b. Testing.
    (1) Canadian Standards Association Standard C390. Section 122(b)(1) 
of the EPAct (EPCA, section 343(a)(5)(A), 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(5)(A)) 
states that ``the test procedures shall be the test procedures 
specified in NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1987 and IEEE Standard 112 
Test Method B for motor efficiency, as in effect on the date of the 
enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.'' Subsequently, the NEMA 
Standards Publication MG1-1987 was revised and superseded by MG1-1993 
on November 19, 1992, and published in October 1993 as MG1-1993. A 
further amendment, Revision 1 to MG1-1993, was added on December 7, 
1993.
    The EPAct (42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(5)(B) and (C)) provides for amending 
the established test procedures if the test procedures in NEMA 
Standards Publication MG1-1987 and IEEE Standard 112 Test Method B are 
amended. MG1-1993 with Revision 1, section MG1-12.58.1 states: 
``Efficiency and losses shall be determined in accordance with IEEE Std 
112 or Canadian Standards Association Standard C390.'' In considering 
whether to amend the motor efficiency test procedures specified in NEMA 
Standards Publication MG1-1987 in order to require the motor efficiency 
test procedures specified in NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1993 with 
Revision 1, the Department hereby solicits information on the affect of 
the additional reference to Canadian Standards Association Standard 
C390.
    (2) Testing sampling plan. Section 122(d) of the EPAct (EPCA, 
section 342(b), 42 U.S.C. 6313(b)) requires each electric motor to have 
a certain ``nominal full load efficiency,'' which is defined in section 
122(a)(3) of the EPAct (EPCA section 340(13)(H), 42 U.S.C. 6311(13)(H)) 
as the average efficiency of a population of motors of duplicate design 
as determined in accordance with NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1987. 
NEMA Standards Publications MG1-1987 and MG1-1993 with Revision 1 both 
provide for the determination of nominal full load efficiencies that 
are to represent the average efficiency of a large population 
[[Page 27053]] of motors of duplicate design, and a corresponding 
minimum efficiency that any motor must equal or exceed to be rated at 
the corresponding nominal efficiency. The DOE contemplates establishing 
a testing sampling plan to reasonably ensure that the results from 
testing a few motors will establish the average efficiency of the large 
population of motors of duplicate design. This could be done by 
requiring the testing of a sufficient number of motors of a particular 
model, selected at random, so that an estimate at the 95 percent 
statistical confidence level can be made both that the motors of this 
model offered for sale have both a mean efficiency equal to or greater 
than the nominal efficiency given in NEMA Standards Publication MG1-
1993 Revision 1 for this rating, and also that at least 99 percent of 
these motors of this same particular model have efficiencies equal to 
or greater than the minimum efficiency associated with the nominal 
efficiency given for this motor in the NEMA Standards Publication MG1-
1993 Revision 1. The Department seeks advice on what type of sampling 
plan should be adopted.
    (3) Alternative method of efficiency determination. In the case 
where a manufacturer produces hundreds of different basic models of 
electric motors, it may be neither technically feasible, nor 
economically justifiable to test all basic models for compliance. For 
such situations, the Department is considering the use of predictive 
mathematical calculations and statistical methodologies developed from 
scientific and engineering analyses that are substantiated by actual 
test data in order to calculate the efficiency, i.e. total power 
losses, for some basic models of electric motors. Such ``alternative 
efficiency determination methods,'' engineering or statistical 
analyses, would require support by actual testing of some minimum 
number of basic models and would incorporate computer simulations, 
modeling, or other mathematical evaluations of performance data. The 
alternate efficiency determination method to verify compliance for 
motors is similar to the method used in the appliance program, 10 CFR 
part 430, Sec. 430.24(m)(2)(ii), that permits manufacturers of central 
air conditioners to verify compliance by use of an ``alternative rating 
method.''
    The Department solicits views on both the feasibility of testing 
all models of motors, as well as appropriate alternative methods for 
determining efficiency in the event it is not feasible to test all 
models.
    c. Labeling. Section 122(c)(4) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 344(d), 
42 U.S.C. 6315(d)) requires the following: (1) ``Not later than 12 
months after the Secretary establishes test procedures for electric 
motors * * * the Secretary shall prescribe labeling rules * * * taking 
into consideration NEMA Standards Publication MG1-1987;'' and (2) such 
labeling rules shall ``(1) indicate the energy efficiency of the motor 
on the permanent nameplate attached to such motor; (2) prominently 
display the energy efficiency of the motor in equipment catalogs and 
other material used to market the equipment; and (3) include such other 
markings as the Secretary determines necessary, solely to facilitate 
enforcement of the standards.''
    Based upon these EPAct requirements, the Department is considering 
the required use of a distinct logo, such as lower case letters ``ee'' 
within a circle, to identify motors that are manufactured as energy-
efficient and in compliance with the EPAct. Such a logo would be 
permanently marked on the motor nameplate to facilitate enforcement, be 
prominently displayed on packaging, in shipping documents, in customs 
and commercial documents, and other materials. The Department is also 
considering a requirement of permanent markings on the motor nameplate 
of both the nominal efficiency and the minimum efficiency associated 
with that nominal efficiency, and of prominent displays of both the 
nominal and minimum efficiency values in catalogs to assist purchasers 
in making purchasing decisions.
    In addition, section 122(c)(4) of the EPAct (EPCA, section 344(c), 
42 U.S.C. 6315(c)) authorized additional required displays of 
information about electric motor energy efficiency that are likely to 
assist purchasers in making purchasing decisions, including 
instructions for maintenance, use, or repair of the motor, and 
information on energy use. Thus, the Department is also considering use 
of a label(s) or marking(s) that bear(s) the following statement(s): 
(1) ``This motor complies with energy efficiency requirements in the 
Energy Policy Act of 1992 at the time of original manufacture, 
[DATE].'' or ``Efficiency complies with EPACT at time of manufacture, 
[DATE].''; (2) ``Consult the manufacturer for maintenance, use, or 
repair.'' or ``Repair only in factory authorized shop.''; and (3) 
``Estimated kilowatts used after 2000 hours continuous operation 
according to manufacturer's ratings: __________'', or ``Est. annual kW 
used: __________''. (Annual would be defined as ``2000 hours continuous 
operation according to manufacturer's ratings.'')
    The Department seeks advice on whether such label(s) or marking(s) 
would assist purchasers, and on the content, design, size, location, 
and attachment of such label(s) or marking(s).
    d. Certification. Section 122(e)(2) of the EPAct (EPCA section 
345(c), 42 U.S.C. 6316(c)) requires ``manufacturers to certify, through 
an independent testing or certification program nationally recognized 
in the United States, that such motor meets the applicable (nominal 
full-load efficiency standard).''
    (1) Compliance. The Department is considering implementation of the 
EPAct requirement for ``manufacturers to certify'' by means of a 
compliance statement and certification report that each basic model of 
energy efficient electric motor meets the requirements of the EPAct. 
This is similar to 10 CFR 430.62(a), which sets forth the appliance 
program procedures to be followed for certification by requiring each 
manufacturer to ``certify by means of a compliance statement and 
certification report that each basic model meets the requirements of 
that standard.'' A manufacturer's compliance statement and 
certification report for each basic model of energy efficient electric 
motor would be based, at least in part, upon actual testing or an 
alternative efficiency determination method. The Department solicits 
the views of interested parties on such a requirement.
    (2) Independent testing and certification. The Department is also 
considering how to interpret and implement the EPAct requirement for 
``manufacturers to certify, through an independent testing or 
certification program nationally recognized in the United States, that 
such motor meets the applicable (nominal full-load efficiency 
standard).'' Such testing or certification programs could be operated 
by commercial laboratories, government laboratories, and trade 
associations. The Department seeks information as to the identity, 
nature, and capabilities of any nationally recognized program(s) for 
the testing and certification of motors. The Department is aware that 
the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers conducts a program to 
verify manufacturers' certifications of the total refrigerated volume 
of refrigerators and the energy efficiency values of room air 
conditioners; that the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association conducts 
a testing program to verify manufacturers' certifications of the energy 
efficiency of water heaters, furnaces, room heaters, and boilers; and 
[[Page 27054]] that the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute 
conducts a testing program to verify manufacturers' certifications of 
the energy efficiency and other performance criteria of residential and 
commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems. The Department seeks 
information on any similar existing programs that certify or verify the 
performance characteristics of motors. In addition, the Department 
seeks information as to whether foreign commercial laboratories, 
foreign government laboratories, or trade associations operate such 
programs.
    The Department also seeks advice concerning two other possible 
issues under 122(e) of the EPAct (EPCA section 345(c), 42 U.S.C. 
6316(c)). First, questions may arise as to what constitutes ``an 
independent testing or certification program [that is] nationally 
recognized.'' The Department seeks input as to the criteria by which an 
organization should be considered competent (1) to conduct the specific 
tests or calibrations for motors according to the required test 
procedures, and (2) to operate a certification program. One possibility 
is that the Department could consider a motor testing or certification 
program to be ``nationally recognized'' if the program were accredited 
by the National Institute of Standards and Technology/National 
Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NIST/NVLAP). The Department 
seeks views on such an approach, including the question of whether a 
foreign program recognized by NIST/NVLAP should be considered 
``nationally recognized in the United States.'' Second, the Department 
seeks views as to whether manufacturers are permitted to self-test or 
self-certify the energy efficiency of their own motors, and, if so, 
under what circumstances.
    e. Identification of other issues. The Department will seek to 
resolve the above issues in developing a proposed rule. In addition, 
there may be other issues that the Department will need to address. The 
purpose of the meeting is to identify all of these various issues and 
to begin dialogue with interested parties to help resolve them.

4. Public Meeting Procedure

    The meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference style. A 
court reporter will be present to record the minutes of the meeting. 
There shall be no discussion of proprietary information, costs or 
prices, market shares, or other commercial matters regulated by 
antitrust law. After the meeting and period for written statements, the 
Department will consider the views presented in formulating a Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking regarding energy efficient motors.

    Issued in Washington, DC, May 16, 1995.
Christine A. Ervin,
Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
[FR Doc. 95-12492 Filed 5-19-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P