The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a Federal Register notice of final rule pertaining to test procedures for compact fluorescent lamps and medium base compact fluorescent lamps. This final rule, which goes into effect Sept. 28, amends the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) test procedures for medium-base compact fluorescent lamps (MBCFLs) and adopts test procedures for new metrics. In this final rule, DOE replaces references to ENERGY STAR testing requirements with references to the latest versions of the relevant industry standard test methods referenced by the ENERGY STAR testing requirements, with certain modifications.
In addition, DOE adopts new test procedures to support the ongoing energy conservation standards rulemaking for general service lamps, the recently revised final test procedure and energy conservation standards for ceiling fan light kits and the labeling requirements specified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The test procedures will also support the ENERGY STAR program requirements for lamps and luminaires. Specifically, this final rule adopts test methods for new metrics including color rendering index (CRI), correlated color temperature (CCT), power factor, and start time. DOE also adopts test procedures for additional CFL categories, including non-integrated CFLs and integrated CFLs that are not MBCFLs. This final rule also revises the sampling plan for performance metrics and incorporates methods to measure standby mode power.