This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.
December 08, 2006
DOE Issues Test Procedures for Appliance Efficiency
DOE on December 8th issued the final rule for new test procedures and definitions to determine the energy efficiency of residential appliances and commercial equipment. The final rulemaking will become effective on January 8th. The rule establishes test procedures and definitions for a variety of items as required by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005, many of which are related to lighting, including the following: ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits; torchieres; medium-base compact fluorescent lamps; fluorescent lamp ballasts; mercury vapor lamp ballasts; illuminated exit signs; and traffic signal modules and pedestrian modules. Other products included in the rulemaking are low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers, unit heaters, dehumidifiers, and a variety of commercial equipment, including pre-rinse spray valves; packaged air conditioning and heating equipment; refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers; automatic ice makers; and clothes washers. See the DOE press release, DOE's Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards Program Web site, and the full text of the final rule in the Federal Register.
