[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 9, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49238-49273]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-19440]
[[Page 49237]]
Vol. 76
Tuesday,
No. 153
August 9, 2011
Part IV
Department of Energy
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10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Residential Clothes
Washers; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 9, 2011 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 49238]]
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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Parts 429 and 430
[Docket No. EERE-2010-BT-TP-0021]
RIN 1904-AC08
Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Residential
Clothes Washers
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: In this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNOPR),
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to revise its test
procedure for residential clothes washers established under the Energy
Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). DOE proposes to incorporate
provisions of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Standard 62301, ``Household electrical appliances--Measurement of
standby power'' (Second Edition). DOE also proposes to update the
provisions for measuring active mode energy and water consumption.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
SNOPR no later than September 8, 2011 See section V, ``Public
Participation,'' for details.
ADDRESSES: Any comments submitted must identify the SNOPR for Test
Procedures for residential clothes washers, and provide docket number
EERE-2010-BT-TP-0021 and/or regulatory information number (RIN) number
1904-AC08. Comments may be submitted using any of the following
methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
2. E-mail: [email protected]. Include the docket
number and/or RIN in the subject line of the message.
3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. If possible, please submit all items on a
CD. It is not necessary to include printed copies.
4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of
Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza, SW., Suite
600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586-2945. If possible,
please submit all items on a CD. It is not necessary to include printed
copies.
Written comments regarding the burden-hour estimates or other
aspects of the collection-of-information requirements contained in this
proposed rule may be submitted to Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy through the methods listed above and by e-mail to
[email protected].
For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process, see section V of this document
(Public Participation).
Docket: The docket is available for review at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2010-BT-TP-0021, including
Federal Register notices, framework documents, public meeting attendee
lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/
materials. All documents in the docket are listed in the
regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in the index
may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt from
public disclosure. The regulations.gov web page contains instructions
on how to access all documents, including public comments, in the
docket. See section V for information on how to submit comments through
regulations.gov.
For further information on how to submit a comment or review other
public comments and the docket, contact Ms. Brenda Edwards at (202)
586-2945 or by e-mail: [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Stephen L. Witkowski, U.S.
Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
Building Technologies Program, EE-2J, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7463. E-mail:
[email protected].
Ms. Elizabeth Kohl, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, GC-71, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-7796. E-mail:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Authority and Background
II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
A. Standby Mode and Off Mode
B. Current Usage Patterns and Capabilities
C. Additional Proposals
III. Discussion
A. Use of Proposed Test Procedure
B. Newly Proposed Standby Mode, Off Mode, and Active Mode Test
Procedure Provisions
1. Incorporating by Reference IEC Standard 62301 Edition 2.0 for
Measuring Standby Mode and Off Mode Power Consumption
2. Calculation of Energy Use in Low-Power Modes
3. Energy Test Cycle Definition
4. Load Adjustment Factor
5. Wash Time Setting
6. Annual Energy Cost
7. Additional Proposals
C. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements
1. Test Burden
2. Integration of Standby Mode and Off Mode Energy Consumption
Into the Efficiency Metric
3. Commercial Clothes Washers
4. Certification Requirements
D. Impact on EnergyGuide
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration
Act of 1974
V. Public Participation
A. Submission of Comments
B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
I. Authority and Background
Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C.
6291, et seq.; ``EPCA'' or, ``the Act'') sets forth a variety of
provisions designed to improve energy efficiency. (All references to
EPCA refer to the statute as amended through the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), Public Law 110-140 (Dec. 19,
2007)). Part B of title III (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309), which was
subsequently redesignated for editorial reasons as Part A on
codification in the U.S. Code, establishes the ``Energy Conservation
Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles.'' These include
residential clothes washers, the subject of today's notice. (42 U.S.C.
6292(a)(7))
Under EPCA, this program consists essentially of four parts: (1)
Testing, (2) labeling, (3) Federal energy conservation standards, and
(4) certification and enforcement procedures. The testing requirements
consist of test procedures that manufacturers of covered products must
use (1) As the basis for certifying to DOE that their products comply
with the applicable energy conservation
[[Page 49239]]
standards adopted under EPCA, and (2) for making representations about
the efficiency of those products. Similarly, DOE must use these test
requirements to determine whether the products comply with any relevant
standards promulgated under EPCA.
General Test Procedure Rulemaking Process
Under 42 U.S.C. 6293, EPCA sets forth the criteria and procedures
DOE must follow when prescribing or amending test procedures for
covered products. EPCA provides in relevant part that any test
procedures prescribed or amended under this section must be reasonably
designed to produce test results that measure energy efficiency, energy
use or estimated annual operating cost of a covered product during a
representative average use cycle or period of use. Test procedures must
not be unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
In addition, if DOE determines that a test procedure amendment is
warranted, it must publish proposed test procedures and offer the
public an opportunity to present oral and written comments on them. (42
U.S.C. 6293(b)(2)) Finally, in any rulemaking to amend a test
procedure, DOE must determine to what extent, if any, the proposed test
procedure would alter the measured energy efficiency of any covered
product as determined under the existing test procedure. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e)(1)) If DOE determines that the amended test procedure would
alter the measured efficiency of a covered product, DOE must amend the
applicable energy conservation standard accordingly. (42 U.S.C.
6293(e)(2))
DOE Test Procedure at Appendix J1
The DOE test procedure for clothes washers currently being
manufactured is found at 10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix J1. DOE
adopted appendix J1 in a 1997 final rule (hereinafter referred to as
the August 1997 Final Rule) to correct for changes in consumer habits
that resulted in an overstatement of average annual energy consumption
when using the methods specified in appendix J. 62 FR 45508 (Aug. 27,
1997). DOE added appendix J1, rather than amending appendix J, to
accommodate continued use of appendix J until DOE amended the
residential clothes washer conservation standards to reference the new
appendix J1.\1\ On January 12, 2001, DOE published a final rule
(hereinafter referred to as the January 2001 Final Rule), to amend the
energy conservation standards for residential clothes washers. The
January 2001 Final Rule references the efficiency metrics as defined in
appendix J1. 66 FR 3314. Use of the amended J1 test procedure was
required to demonstrate compliance with these amended energy
conservation standards as of January 1, 2004. Since 1997, DOE has
amended the test procedure in appendix J1 three times, twice
substantively to address test cloth correlation procedures, and once to
correct the introductory note. 63 FR 16669 (Apr. 6, 1998); 66 FR 3314,
3330 (Jan. 12, 2001); 68 FR 62198, 62204 (Oct. 31, 2003).
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\1\ Because appendix J applies only to clothes washers
manufactured before January 1, 2004, appendix J is now obsolete. 10
CFR 430 appendix J1.
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The test procedure at appendix J1 includes provisions for
determining the modified energy factor (MEF) for clothes washers, which
is a function of the total energy used for each cubic foot (ft\3\) of
clothes washer capacity. The test procedure measures the total energy
consumption of the clothes washer and provides for calculation of the
remaining moisture content (RMC) of the clothes at the completion of
the machine's full cycle. The test procedure at appendix J1 does not
address energy use in the standby or off modes.
DOE Test Procedure Updates: Authority and Regulatory Background
EPCA requires DOE to review its test procedures at least once every
seven years to determine whether amendments are warranted. (42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(1)) This rulemaking satisfies EPCA's periodic review
requirement.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007),
Public Law No. 110-140 also amended EPCA to require DOE to amend its
test procedures to integrate measures of standby mode and off mode
energy consumption into the overall energy efficiency, energy
consumption, or other energy descriptor for each covered product unless
the current test procedure already fully accounts for and incorporates
standby and off mode energy consumption or such integration is
technically infeasible. If an integrated test procedure is technically
infeasible, DOE must prescribe a separate standby mode and off mode
energy use test procedure for the covered product, if technically
feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) Any such amendment must consider
the most current versions of IEC Standard 62301 and IEC Standard 62087,
``Methods of measurement for the power consumption of audio, video, and
related equipment.'' \2\
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\2\ IEC standards are available online at http://www.iec.ch.
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In evaluating amendments to its test procedure for clothes washers,
DOE considered input from the public received in its separate
rulemaking proceeding to consider amendments to the energy conservation
standards applicable to residential clothes washers.\3\ On August 28,
2009, DOE published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the
availability of a framework document in its rulemaking to consider
amended energy conservation standards for residential clothes washers
(hereafter the August 2009 framework document). 74 FR 44306. In the
August 2009 framework document, DOE requested comments on revising the
clothes washer test procedure. DOE also held a public meeting on
September 21, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as the September 2009
public meeting) to discuss the issues presented in the framework
document, including issues related to the test procedure.
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\3\ EISA 2007 also amended EPCA, in relevant part, to revise the
energy conservation standards for residential clothes washers. The
revised standards established a maximum water consumption factor
(WF) of 9.5, effective January 1, 2011. EISA 2007 further required
that DOE publish a final rule no later than December 31, 2011
determining whether to amend the standards in effect for clothes
washers manufactured on or after January 1, 2015. (42 U.S.C.
6295(g)(9)) DOE is also required to consider standby and off mode
standards for residential clothes washers. (42 U.S.C.
6295(gg)(2)(C).
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DOE received comments in response to the August 2009 framework
document stating that it should consider changes to the active mode
test procedure for clothes washers. As a result, in addition to
proposing amendments to its test procedure to include measures for
standby and off mode power consumption, DOE proposed to address issues
regarding the active mode provisions of the test procedure. As
discussed in more detail below, the proposals were set forth in a
notice of proposed rulemaking issued on September 21, 2010 (75 FR
57556) (hereinafter referred to as the September 2010 NOPR) and are
being refined in this SNOPR.
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed a number of revisions and
additions to the test procedure at appendix J1, including: (1)
Incorporating standby and off mode power consumption into a combined
energy metric; (2) addressing technologies not covered by the appendix
J1 test procedure, such as steam wash cycles and self-clean cycles; (3)
revising the number of annual wash cycles; (4) updating use factors;
(5) revising the procedures and specifications for test cloth; (6)
redefining the appropriate water fill
[[Page 49240]]
level for the capacity measurement method; (7) establishing a new
measure of water consumption; and (8) revising the definition of the
energy test cycle. DOE requested comment on the proposals in the
September 2010 NOPR and held a public meeting on October 28, 2010
(hereinafter referred to as the October 2010 public meeting) to discuss
the issues presented.
The principal test procedure issues on which interested parties
commented included: (1) The referenced version of IEC Standard 62301;
(2) mode definitions; (3) inclusion of steam and self-clean cycles; (4)
measurement of delay start and cycle finished mode; (5) calculation of
annual energy use; (6) test cloth specifications; (7) usage patterns,
in particular annual use cycles, wash temperatures, and load sizes,
including a potential bias in favor of large-capacity clothes washers;
and (8) test burden.
II. Summary of the Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The following paragraphs summarize the changes and additions to the
September 2010 NOPR that DOE proposes in today's SNOPR. In the
regulatory text set forth at the end of this SNOPR, DOE sets forth the
proposed regulatory text from the September 2010 NOPR, as amended by
today's proposals. DOE's supporting analysis and discussion for the
portions of the proposed regulatory text not affected by this SNOPR may
be found in the September 2010 NOPR. 75 FR 57556 (Sept. 21, 2010).
A. Standby Mode and Off Mode
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed amendments to its clothes
washer test procedure including incorporating by reference specific
provisions from IEC Standard 62301, First Edition 2005-06 (``IEC
Standard 62301 (First Edition)'' or ``First Edition'') regarding test
conditions and test procedures for measuring standby mode and off mode
power consumption. 75 FR 57556, 57560 (Sept. 21, 2010). DOE also
proposed to incorporate the definitions of ``active mode,'' ``standby
mode,'' and ``off mode'' that were based on the definitions for those
terms provided in the most current draft at that time of an updated
version of IEC Standard 62301 (the Committee Draft for Vote, or ``CDV''
version). Id. at 57560-62. Further, DOE proposed to include additional
language that would clarify the application of clauses from IEC
Standard 62301 (First Edition) for measuring standby mode and off mode
power consumption.\4\ Id. at 57562-63.
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\4\ EISA 2007 directs DOE to also consider IEC Standard 62087
when amending its test procedure to include standby mode and off
mode energy consumption. See 42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A). DOE has
considered IEC Standard 62087, which addresses the methods of
measuring the power consumption of audio, video, and related
equipment, and determined that it is not relevant to this proposal.
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In response to the September 2010 NOPR, commenters suggested that
the draft updated version of IEC Standard 62301 would improve the mode
definitions and testing methodology. The IEC published IEC Standard
62301, Edition 2.0 2011-01 (``IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)'' or
``Second Edition'') on January 27, 2011. DOE has reviewed this updated
test procedure and believes that it improves some measurements of
standby mode and off mode energy use. Accordingly, DOE proposes in
today's SNOPR to incorporate certain provisions of the IEC Standard
62301 (Second Edition), along with clarifying language, into the new
clothes washer test procedure. DOE also proposes to incorporate into
the new test procedure definitions of ``active mode,'' ``standby
mode,'' and ``off mode'' based on the definitions provided in IEC
Standard 62301 Second Edition. In addition, DOE proposes to incorporate
measures of energy consumption associated with delay start and cycle
finished modes. Although these modes would be considered part of active
mode, the proposed measurements and calculations for standby and off
mode power consumption would include the energy use in such modes in a
simplified approach to account for energy use associated with all low-
power modes by means of a single power measurement.
Finally, DOE proposes in today's SNOPR to revise the calculations
for per-cycle energy use and annual energy cost to incorporate non-
active washing mode energy consumption. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3); 42
U.S.C. 6291(4), (7).
B. Current Usage Patterns and Capabilities
The proposed test procedure would update certain values from the
existing test procedure to reflect current usage patterns and
capabilities. DOE received multiple comments on this issue in response
to the August 2009 framework document, and reviewed current consumer
data from surveys conducted in 2004 and 2005 to propose updates in the
September 2010 NOPR. Based on this information and comments received in
response to the September 2010 NOPR, DOE is proposing additional
amendments to the load adjustment factor in today's SNOPR. DOE is also
proposing in this SNOPR to update the test load sizes specified in
appendix J1 to reflect the same test load sizes previously proposed for
appendix J2, allowing for testing of large-capacity clothes washers to
demonstrate compliance with existing energy conservation standards.
C. Additional Proposals
The revised clothes washer test procedure amendments DOE is
proposing in today's SNOPR would update the procedure to clarify the
existing methods for determining the energy test cycle, setting the
wash time for certain clothes washers, using the most current AHAM
Standard detergent, and clarifying the definition of ``cold wash'' for
clothes washers that offer both ``cold wash'' and ``tap cold wash''
settings. DOE is also proposing the following amendments in today's
SNOPR: Correcting the definition of cold rinse in appendix J1; deleting
the redundant sections 2.6.1.1-2.6.1.2.4 in appendix J1; and correcting
the calculations proposed in the September 2010 NOPR for per-cycle
self-clean water consumption.
III. Discussion
A. Use of Proposed Test Procedure
The amended test procedures in 10 CFR part 430 subpart B appendix
J1 and appendix J2 would become effective 30 days after the date of
publication in the Federal Register of the final rule in this test
procedure rulemaking. DOE would clarify in the published amended test
procedures, however, that manufacturers would be required to use
amended appendix J1 until the compliance date of any final rule
establishing amended energy conservation standards that addresses
standby and off mode power consumption for these products. 42 U.S.C.
6295(gg)(2)(C). At such time, manufacturers would begin using the test
procedures in appendix J2.
B. Newly Proposed Standby Mode, Off Mode, and Active Mode Test
Procedure Provisions
1. Incorporating by Reference IEC Standard 62301 Edition 2.0 for
Measuring Standby Mode and Off Mode Power Consumption
As noted in the September 2010 NOPR, DOE considered, pursuant to
EPCA, the most current versions of IEC Standard 62301 and IEC Standard
62087 for measuring power consumption in standby mode and off mode. (42
U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(A)) DOE noted that IEC
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Standard 62301 provides for measuring standby power in electrical
appliances, including clothes washers, and therefore, is applicable to
the provisions included in the new clothes washer test procedure. 75 FR
57556, 57560 (Sept. 21, 2010). DOE also noted that IEC Standard 62087,
which applies to audio, video, and related equipment, is inapplicable
to this rulemaking, and did not propose to include any of its
provisions in the new test procedure. The Northwest Energy Efficiency
Alliance (NEEA) agreed with DOE's determination that IEC Standard 62301
is an appropriate reference standard and that IEC Standard 62087 is not
relevant to this rulemaking. (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 2).
DOE proposed in the September 2010 NOPR to incorporate by reference
into this test procedure all applicable provisions from Sections 4 and
5 of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition). Specifically, DOE proposed to
incorporate, from section 4, (``General conditions for measurements''),
paragraph 4.2, ``Test room;'' paragraph 4.4, ``Supply voltage
waveform;'' paragraph 4.5, ``Power measurement accuracy;'' and from
section 5, (``Measurements''), paragraph 5.1, ``General,'' Note 1; and
paragraph 5.3, ``Procedure.'' 75 FR 57556, 57560 (Sept. 21, 2010).
These clauses provide test conditions and test procedures for measuring
average standby mode and average off mode power consumption. With
respect to test conditions, section 4 of IEC Standard 62301 (First
Edition) provides specifications for the test room conditions, supply
voltage waveform, and power measurement meter tolerances to ensure
repeatable and precise measurements of standby mode and off mode power
consumption. With respect to test procedures, section 5 of IEC Standard
62301 (First Edition) provides methods for measuring power consumption
when the power measurement is stable and when it is unstable.
DOE also proposed in the September 2010 NOPR to adopt certain
provisions from the IEC Standard 62301 Committee Draft for Vote (CDV)
version (an earlier draft version of the IEC 62301 revision), as well
as the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) version (the draft
version developed just prior to the issuance of the Second Edition).
Specifically, DOE proposed to adopt the 30-minute stabilization and 10-
minute measurement periods as described in the CDV version and the mode
definitions for active, standby and off mode as described in the FDIS
version.
DOE noted in the September 2010 NOPR and at the October 2010 public
meeting that the IEC was developing an updated version of IEC Standard
62301 (the Second Edition), and interested parties commented on the
appropriate version to use for the measurement of standby mode and off
mode energy use. Comments made at the public meeting were predicated
upon IEC Standard 62301 Final Draft International Standard (FDIS) being
the most current (draft) version of the updated standard. Alliance
Laundry Systems (ALS); NEEA; Whirlpool Corporation (Whirlpool); the
Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM); BSH Home Appliances
Corporation (BSH); and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E),
Southern California Gas Company (SCG), San Diego Gas and Electric
(SDG&E), and Southern California Edison (SCE) (collectively, the
``California Utilities'') commented that DOE should reference the most
current available draft of the Second Edition at the time, IEC Standard
62301 (FDIS). (ALS, No. 10 at p. 1; NEEA, No. 12 at p. 2; Whirlpool,
No. 13 at pp. 1-2; AHAM, No. 14 at pp. 2-3; AHAM, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 20 at pp. 21-22; BSH, No. 17 at p. 3; California
Utilities, No. 18 at p. 1) Whirlpool commented that the use of IEC
Standard 62301 (FDIS) would support international harmonization and
reduce manufacturer test burden. (Whirlpool, No. 13 at pp. 1-2) AHAM
stated that combining mode definitions based on IEC Standard 62301
(FDIS) with the test methods from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition)
could be confusing to manufacturers, and ignores the intent of IEC
Standard 62301 (FDIS). AHAM and Whirlpool further commented that DOE
should not choose to reference only certain sections of IEC Standard
62301, and that the document is meant to be used in its entirety.
(AHAM, No. 14 at p. 3; Whirlpool, No. 13 at p. 3) BSH agreed with DOE's
proposal to use IEC Standard 62301 as the basis for the standby and
lower power mode definitions, and noted that the most recent version of
the standard (i.e., IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS)) should be considered.
(BSH, No. 17 at p. 2)
AHAM also submitted a comment supporting the incorporation by
reference of the Second Edition in response to a Request for
Information (RFI) issued by DOE to implement Executive Order 13563,
``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review. (76 FR 6123, Feb. 3,
2011; AHAM, 4) \5\ DOE considered this comment in today's SNOPR and, as
stated below, is proposing to incorporate by reference relevant
portions of the Second Edition.
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\5\ All comments on the RFI are available at http://www.gc.energy.gov/1705.htm.
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IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) was issued on January 27, 2011
and is now the most current version of IEC Standard 62301. DOE has
reviewed the FDIS and Second Edition versions of IEC Standard 62301,
and notes that the provisions of the Second Edition are identical in
substance to those of the FDIS version. Therefore, DOE interprets
comments on IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS) to be equally applicable to IEC
Standard 62301 (Second Edition).
DOE notes that IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) is an
internationally accepted test procedure for measuring standby power in
residential appliances, and that this version provides clarification to
certain sections as compared to the First Edition, as discussed in the
following paragraphs.
Section 4, paragraph 4.4 of the Second Edition revises the power
measurement accuracy provisions of the First Edition. A more
comprehensive specification of required accuracy is provided in the
Second Edition that depends upon the characteristics of the power being
measured. Testers using the Second Edition are required to measure the
crest factor and power factor of the input power, and calculate a
maximum current ratio (MCR). The Second Edition then specifies
calculations to determine permitted uncertainty in MCR. DOE notes,
however, that the allowable uncertainty is the same or less stringent
than the allowable uncertainty specified in the First Edition,
depending on the value of MCR and the power level being measured (see
Table III.1 for example), so that sufficient accuracy of measurements
is achieved under a full range of possible measured power levels
without placing undue demands on the instrumentation. These power
measurement accuracy requirements were based upon detailed technical
submissions to the IEC in the development of IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS),
which showed that commonly used power measurement instruments were
unable to meet the original requirements for certain types of loads.
Therefore, the test burden associated with the additional measurements
and calculations is offset by the more reasonable requirements for
testing equipment, while maintaining acceptable measurement accuracy.
For these reasons, DOE proposes in today's supplemental notice to
incorporate by
[[Page 49242]]
reference the power equipment specifications in section 4, paragraph
4.4 of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition).
Table III.1--Comparison of Allowable Uncertainty in Measured Power
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Allowable uncertainty (W)
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Measured power (W) IEC 62301 (second edition)
IEC 62301 (first -------------------------------------
edition) MCR = 5 MCR = 15
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5.0.................................................... 0.1 0.1 0.14
2.0.................................................... 0.04 0.04 0.056
1.0.................................................... 0.02 0.02 0.028
0.5.................................................... 0.01 0.02 0.02
0.2.................................................... 0.01 0.02 0.02
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Additionally, IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) adds certain
clarifications to the installation and setup procedures in section 5,
paragraph 5.2 of the First Edition. The First Edition required that the
product be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, except if those instructions conflict with the standby
testing, and that if no instructions are given, the factory or default
settings shall be used. IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) added
provisions regarding products equipped with battery recharging
circuits, as well as instructions for testing each relevant
configuration option identified in the product's instructions for use.
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed that the clothes washer be
installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, but did not
propose additional provisions to require the use of default settings
for testing standby energy consumption because it did not have
information regarding the likelihood that consumers will alter the
default display settings. DOE requested comment on the suitability of
using the manufacturer's default settings in testing standby energy
consumption. 75 FR 57556, 57563 (Sept. 21, 2010). AHAM, ALS, NEEA, and
Whirlpool commented that standby energy consumption should be measured
at the manufacturer default settings. ALS and AHAM further stated that
if no factory default setting is indicated, the clothes washer should
be tested with the settings as shipped from the manufacturer. AHAM
stated that this approach would yield repeatable, reproducible results
among test laboratories. (ALS, No. 10 at p. 1; AHAM, No. 14 at pp. 5-6;
NEEA, No. 12 at p. 6; Whirlpool, No. 13 at p. 3)
DOE agrees with commenters that testing a clothes washer for
standby mode energy use (and, by extension, the combined low-power mode
energy use) at the default setting, or as shipped, if a default setting
is not indicated, would ensure consistency of results test-to-test and
among test laboratories. Therefore, DOE is proposing in today's SNOPR
to incorporate by reference, with qualification as discussed below, the
installation instructions in section 5, paragraph 5.2 of IEC Standard
62301 (Second Edition). DOE is not aware of any clothes washers with a
battery recharging circuit.
Section 5, paragraph 5.2 of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)
also states that, where instructions for use provide configuration
options, each relevant option should be separately tested. DOE believes
that this requirement to separately test each configuration option
could substantially increase test burden and potentially conflicts with
the requirement within the same section to set up the product in
accordance with the instructions for use or, if no such instructions
are available, to use the factory or default settings. Therefore, DOE
tentatively concludes that the portions of the installation
instructions in section 5, paragraph 5.2 of IEC Standard 62301 (Second
Edition) pertaining to batteries and the determination, classification,
and testing of relevant modes are not appropriate for the clothes
washer test procedure. Accordingly, DOE is proposing qualifying
language in the test procedure amendments in today's SNOPR to disregard
those portions of the installation instructions.
The Second Edition also contains provisions for the power supply
(section 4.3) and power-measuring instruments (section 4.4). Paragraph
4.3.2 requires that the value of the harmonic content of the voltage
supply be recorded during the test and reported. As described
previously, Paragraph 4.4.1 requires the instrument to measure the
crest factor and maximum current ratio. Paragraph 4.4.3 requires the
instrument to be capable of measuring the average power or integrated
total energy consumption over any operated-selected time interval. DOE
is aware of commercially available power measurement instruments that
can perform each of these required measurements individually. However,
DOE is aware that certain industry-standard instruments, such as the
Yokogawa WT210/WT230 digital power meter and possibly others, are
unable to measure harmonic content or crest factor while measuring
average power or total integrated energy consumption. DOE is concerned
that laboratories currently using power-measuring instruments without
this capability would be required to purchase, at potentially
significant expense, additional power-measuring instruments that are
able to perform all these measurements simultaneously. Therefore, DOE
proposes that it would be acceptable to measure the total harmonic
content, crest factor, and maximum current ratio before and after the
actual test measurement if the power measuring instrument is unable to
perform these measurements during the actual test measurement. DOE
requests comment on whether this represents an acceptable
interpretation of the power measurement requirements of the Second
Edition.
The other changes in the Second Edition that relate to the
measurement of standby mode and off mode power consumption involve the
measurement techniques and specification of the stability criteria
required to measure that power. The Second Edition contains more
detailed techniques to evaluate the stability of the power consumption
and to measure the power consumption for loads with different stability
characteristics. The user is given a choice of measurement procedures,
including sampling methods, average reading methods, and a direct meter
reading method. DOE evaluated these new methods in terms of test burden
and improvement in results as compared to those methods proposed in the
September 2010 NOPR, which were based on IEC Standard
[[Page 49243]]
62301 (First Edition), and also to identify the most consistent and
repeatable method for use in the DOE clothes washer test procedure.
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed to require measurement of
standby mode and off mode power using section 5, paragraph 5.3 of IEC
Standard 62301 (First Edition), clarified by requiring the product to
stabilize for at least 30 minutes and using an energy use measurement
period of not less than 10 minutes for cycle finished mode, inactive
mode, and off mode. 75 FR 57556, 57562-63 (Sept. 21, 2010). For delay
start mode, the September 2010 NOPR proposed to require the delay start
time to be set to 5 hours, allowing at least a 5-minute stabilization
period followed by a 60-minute measurement period. Id. at p. 57563.
Further, for any clothes washer in which the power varies over a cycle,
as described in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2 of the First Edition, the
September 2010 NOPR proposed to require the use of the average power
approach in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a). Id.
For today's supplemental notice, DOE compared the provisions of
each edition under different scenarios of power consumption stability
to determine the potential impacts of referencing the methodology from
IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) rather than from the First Edition.
Based on this analysis, DOE is proposing in today's SNOPR that the
power measurement be made using a sampling method described in IEC
Standard 62301 (Second Edition). Because, for the reasons discussed in
section III.B.2, DOE is not proposing to require separate measurement
of power consumption in cycle finished mode and delay start mode, the
analysis presented in the following sections is limited to measurements
made in inactive mode and off mode.
a. Stable Power Consumption
According to section 5, paragraph 5.3.1 of IEC Standard 62301
(First Edition), power consumption is defined as stable if it varies by
less than 5 percent over 5 minutes. In such a case, a direct reading
may be made at the end of the measurement period. With the proposed
clarifications in the September 2010 NOPR, the total test time for
inactive mode or off mode would be a minimum of 40 minutes (comprised
of a minimum 30-minute stabilization period, followed by a minimum 10-
minute period during which the stability criterion could be evaluated
and a direct power reading taken). Alternatively, the tester may select
an average power or accumulated energy approach, again with a minimum
30-minute stabilization period and a minimum 10-minute measurement
period. The average power approach would simply require a different
reading to be taken from the instrument (true average power instead of
a direct reading of instantaneous power), while the accumulated energy
approach would require the calculation of power by dividing accumulated
energy by the duration of the measurement period.
In comparison, section 5, paragraph 5.3.2 of IEC Standard 62301
(Second Edition) identifies a sampling method as the preferred means
for all power consumption measurements and the fastest test method when
the power is stable. For any non-cyclic power consumption, power
readings are initially recorded over a period of at least 15 minutes
after energizing the product. Data from the first third of the
measurement period are discarded, and stability is evaluated by a
linear regression through all power readings in the second two-thirds
of the data. If the slope of the linear regression is less than 10
milliwatts per hour (mW/h) for input power less than or equal to 1.0 W,
or less than 1 percent of the input power per hour for input power
greater than 1.0 W, the power consumption is calculated as the average
of the power readings during the second two-thirds of the measurement
period. If the slope of the linear regression does not meet these
stability criteria, the total period is continuously extended until the
stability criteria are met for the second two-thirds of the data. In
some cases, this is a more stringent requirement than the stability
criteria of IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition). The lack of a
definitive test period means that the test duration could extend past
15 minutes for certain products--up to 3 hours is allowed in the Second
Edition--and could introduce added test burden as compared to the First
Edition. In addition, performing the continuous linear regression
analysis required by the Second Edition would require the use of data-
acquisition software with the capability of performing real-time
statistical analysis, whereas the First Edition requires only simple
data logging capabilities. DOE requests comment on the potential test
burden for a laboratory that would be required to upgrade its data
acquisition system to enable real-time statistical analysis
capabilities.
IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) additionally provides an
alternative measurement method which may be used when the power
consumption is stable. Section 5, paragraph 5.3.4 of IEC Standard 62301
(Second Edition) specifies a direct reading method in which a minimum
30-minute stabilization period must be observed, followed by a first
power measurement. After an additional period of 10 minutes, a second
power measurement is taken. If the average of the two measurements
divided by the time interval between them meets certain threshold
criteria, then the power consumption is considered to be the average of
the two power measurements. Thus, the total test period would still be
a minimum of 40 minutes. DOE agrees that this method likely improves
the validity of the test results as compared to the First Edition,
since it is a more stringent measure of the stability of the power
consumption over a longer period of time than the First Edition
requires. However, if the threshold criteria are not met at the end of
the test, a different measurement method must be used. Further, the
Second Edition specifies that the direct reading method shall not be
used for verification purposes. Both of these qualifications
potentially increase test burden as compared to the First Edition,
possibly requiring the tester to conduct the more complex methodology
of the methods available under the Second Edition.
b. Unstable, Non-Cyclic Power Consumption
Section 5, paragraph 5.3.2 from IEC Standard 62301 (First Edition),
which DOE proposed in the September 2010 NOPR to incorporate by
reference with clarification, specifies that either the average power
method or accumulated energy approach could be used for measuring
unstable, non-cyclic power consumption (described in the Second Edition
as non-cyclic and ``varying'' power consumption). As described
previously, the clarifications proposed in the September 2010 NOPR
would limit total test duration to 40 minutes for inactive mode and off
mode.
In contrast, paragraph 5.3 of the Second Edition requires the use
of either a sampling method or average reading method for measuring
unstable, non-cyclic power consumption in standby mode or off mode. As
noted previously, DOE is proposing to require the use of the sampling
method, based on the following analysis.
The sampling method in paragraph 5.3.2 is the same as described
previously, but the measurement period must be at least 60 minutes, and
the cumulative average of all data points recorded during the second
two-thirds of the total period must fall within a band of
0.2 percent. The test procedure does not provide an upper time limit
for testing, possibly resulting in significantly increased measurement
[[Page 49244]]
time if the cumulative average criteria cannot be achieved after 60
minutes.
The average reading method in section 5, paragraph 5.3.3 in IEC
Standard 62301 (Second Edition) describes both an average power method
and accumulated energy method, either of which may be selected for
unstable, non-cyclic power. For both types of the average reading
method, a 30-minute stabilization period is specified, followed by two
comparison measurement periods of not less than 10 minutes each. The
average power values, which are either measured directly or calculated
from accumulated energy during each period, are compared to determine
whether they agree to within certain threshold criteria. If the
threshold is not achieved, the comparison periods are each extended in
approximately equal increments until the threshold is met. If agreement
is not achieved after reaching 30 minutes for each comparison period,
the sampling method must then be used. Therefore, the minimum test
period is 50 minutes, but may extend up to 90 minutes, at which time an
additional test may be required.
DOE believes that the stability criteria in either method improves
the accuracy and representativeness of the measurement as compared to
the First Edition, but would cause the required test time to increase,
with a corresponding increase in manufacturer burden due to the
additional time and complexity of the test conduct. Additionally, DOE
believes that manufacturers could face the risk of significant
additional test burden if the average reading method is initially
chosen but the power measurements do not meet the threshold criteria
with the allowable 90-minute maximum test time, requiring a subsequent
test using the sampling method.
c. Cyclic Power Consumption
As noted previously, DOE proposed in the September 2010 NOPR to use
the average power approach of section 5, paragraph 5.3.2(a) in IEC
Standard 62301 (First Edition), with a minimum 30-minute stabilization
period and 10-minute measurement period. The First Edition also
requires that at least one or more complete cycles be measured.
In the Second Edition, cyclic power must be measured according to
the sampling method in section 5, paragraph 5.3.2, but this method
requires a measurement period of at least four complete cycles (for a
total of at least 40 minutes) divided into two comparison periods, with
stability criteria evaluated by calculating the difference in average
power measured in each comparison period divided by the time difference
of the mid-point of each comparison period. This ``slope'' must be less
than 10 mW/h for input powers less than or equal to 1 W, and less than
1 percent of the input power per hour for input powers greater than 1
W. If the appropriate stability criterion is not met, additional cycles
are added to each comparison period until the criterion is achieved.
Once stability has been reached, the power consumption is calculated as
the average of all readings from both comparison periods. DOE believes
that this methodology produces an improved measurement over the
methodology from the First Edition, but the test duration could be
extended, again potentially introducing issues of test burden.
Conclusions on Incorporation of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)
In evaluating IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) and comparing it
to the First Edition, DOE recognizes the considerable body of comments
on and input to the provisions and methodology that IEC developed as
part of its latest revision process. DOE recognizes that, in some
cases, test burden and complexity would be increased by requiring the
use of the power supply, power measuring equipment, and test methods
specified in the Second Edition. However, DOE believes that in most
cases for residential clothes washers this added burden on
manufacturers is outweighed by the improved accuracy and
representativeness of the resulting power consumption measurement.
Furthermore, manufacturers supported DOE's use of the Second Edition.
Therefore, DOE concludes provisionally that the application of the
provisions of the Second Edition to all power measurements in standby
mode and off mode for clothes washers would be an improvement over the
First Edition and would not be unduly burdensome to conduct. Therefore,
DOE is proposing incorporation by reference of the relevant paragraphs
of section 4 and section 5 of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) in
the clothes washer test procedure.
To this end, DOE is also proposing to amend the reference in 10 CFR
430.3 to add a reference to IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition). DOE is
not proposing to replace the reference to the First Edition in 10 CFR
430.3 because several test procedures for other covered products not
addressed in today's SNOPR incorporate provisions from it. There are
also certain section numbering differences between the First Edition
and Second Edition of IEC Standard 62301 that impact the text of the
measurement provisions proposed for the clothes washer test procedure
in appendix J2. DOE further notes that the mode definitions that were
proposed in the September 2010 NOPR would not be affected by the
reference to IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) because the
definitions were based on IEC Standard 62301 (FDIS), which is identical
in substance to the Second Edition.
Further, DOE observes that although the Second Edition allows the
choice of multiple test methods for both stable and unstable non-cyclic
power consumption, the sampling method provides for a test duration
that is approximately the same or shorter than the allowable
alternative methods and does not require classification of the nature
of the power consumption (e.g., stable or unstable, non-cyclic) in
advance of the test. The average reading method in the Second Edition
allows the use of either the average power method or accumulated energy
method, at the discretion of the test laboratory, which could result in
inconsistent test results among different test laboratories.
Furthermore, for cyclic power consumption, the Second Edition requires
the use of the sampling method. For these reasons, DOE proposes in
today's SNOPR to specify the use of the sampling method in IEC Standard
62301 (Second Edition) section 5.3.2 for all measures of standby mode
and off mode power consumption.
2. Calculation of Energy Use in Low-Power Modes
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed two possible approaches
for measuring energy consumption in modes other than active washing
mode; i.e., inactive (standby) mode, off mode, delay start mode, and
cycle finished mode \6\ (hereafter, collectively referred to as low-
power modes).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ Delay start and cycle finished modes are considered part of
the active mode.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the first approach, DOE proposed allocating 295 hours per year
to the active washing mode, 16 hours to self-clean mode (if
applicable), 25 hours per year to delay start mode (if applicable), 15
hours per year to cycle finished mode (if applicable), and the
remainder to off and/or inactive mode. 75 FR 57556, 57564-65 (Sept. 21,
2010). Using this approach, the energy use per cycle associated with
inactive, off, delay start, and cycle finished modes would be
calculated by (1) Calculating the product of wattage and allocated
hours for all possible inactive, off, delay start and cycle finished
modes; (2) summing
[[Page 49245]]
the results; (3) dividing the sum by 1,000 to convert from Wh to kWh;
and (4) dividing by the proposed 295 use cycles per year.
For the second ``alternate approach,'' DOE proposed measuring power
consumption for only off and inactive modes for the purpose of
calculating the total energy consumed in all low-power modes. Using
this approach, separate measurements of delay start and cycle finished
mode energy consumption would not be required; instead, all the hours
not associated with active washing mode or self-clean mode (8,465 hours
total) would be allocated to the inactive and off modes. DOE noted that
delay start and cycle finished modes represent a relatively small
number of hours at low power consumption levels. For clothes washers
currently on the market, these levels are comparable to those for off/
inactive modes. Id.
In evaluating the best approach for measuring energy use in low-
power modes, DOE considered comments from interested parties regarding
the allocation of hours to modes other than active washing mode. A
number of these comments related to the estimates DOE provided of the
number of hours associated with each low-power mode.
NEEA objected to DOE's proposed allocation of the time spent in
cycle finished mode, based on an estimate of 3 minutes per cycle. NEEA
stated that DOE relied on anecdotal data from Australia to determine
its estimates. NEEA also noted that DOE was aware of units capable of
operating up to 10 hours in cycle finished mode, but had no field data
to support an assumption about what fraction of the 10 hours were used,
nor any data that would allow an estimate of the typical cycle finished
mode duration. NEEA recommended that DOE acquire data to provide a
statistically valid basis for assumptions about the duration of cycle
finished mode. NEEA further commented that there is no reason to
exclude the measurement of the energy use of fans and motors in the
cycle finished mode, or to arbitrarily curtail the time period for
their measurement. (NEEA, No. 12 at pp. 3, 7; NEEA, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 20 at pp. 75-76)
NEEA also commented that recent field measurements conducted for
the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) indicate that inactive
mode energy use can be significant, equivalent to the energy
consumption of an additional wash load per week (not including hot
water energy consumption). (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 3) NEEA stated that
DOE's estimates for the time spent in the inactive mode call into
question the need for the specified accuracy in measuring the power use
in the inactive mode. (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 7)
The California Utilities commented that DOE should increase the
length of time allocated to cycle finished mode in the test procedure
calculations. The California Utilities further noted that the
Australian study on which DOE relied for other estimates in the
proposed test procedure showed that 20 percent of the total use time
not allocated to active washing or delay start mode would be associated
with the cycle finished mode. Additionally, the California Utilities
noted that DOE's estimates were based on internal testing, although it
is not clear if the proposed cycle finished mode duration was based on
all machines tested, or only those having a cycle finished mode, and
requested either a clarification or correction to this calculation. The
California Utilities stated that it also was not clear whether DOE's
test sample included machines providing periodic air flow or tumbling
in the cycle finished mode, or if it only tested machines with an
extended display operation. The California Utilities recommended that
DOE test machines with these additional features to determine their
typical cycle finished mode duration, which for some machines may be
hours after completion of the wash cycle. (California Utilities, No. 18
at pp. 2-3)
ALS did not agree that cycle finished mode energy consumption
should be accounted for separately from the active washing mode. (ALS,
No. 10 at p. 1) Whirlpool commented that DOE should not measure or
include in the test procedure cycle finished energy consumed by air
movement fans or by periodic tumbling, as these are very limited
application features where the measurement burden would substantially
outweigh the value of the energy measurement. (Whirlpool, No. 13 at p.
2) Whirlpool commented further that the significant test burden
associated with measuring cycle finished mode results in virtually no
consumer benefit, and these values should be dropped from the test
procedure's calculations. (Whirlpool, No. 13 at p. 4)
AHAM also commented in response to the RFI issued by DOE to
implement Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review, opposing any test procedure requirement to measure separately
the energy use of delay start and cycle finished modes. AHAM stated
that the additional burden that would be required to measure a de
minimis amount of energy would not be justified. (76 FR 6123, Feb. 3,
2011; AHAM, 5-6)
DOE also received multiple comments from interested parties
regarding the proposed ``alternate approach,'' which would allocate all
the hours not associated with active washing mode to the inactive and
off modes.
ALS, AHAM, and BSH support the alternative calculation proposed in
the September 2010 NOPR. (ALS, No. 10 at p. 2; AHAM, No. 14 at p. 8;
AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at pp. 87-88; BSH, No. 17 at p.
3) ALS and AHAM generally oppose the proposed method of separately
allocating annual hours to delay start mode, cycle finished mode, and
self-clean mode because they believe that DOE does not have reliable
consumer use data for these modes. In addition, as stated above, ALS
and AHAM stated that these modes represent insignificant energy
consumption to justify measuring them separately. (ALS, No. 10 at p. 2;
AHAM, No. 14 at p. 7; AHAM, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at pp.
55-56, 73, 93) Whirlpool also commented that the test procedure should
not include delay start mode, cycle finished mode, or off mode because
these modes represent insignificant energy consumption. (Whirlpool, No.
13 at p. 4).
NEEA opposed the proposed alternative calculation method, stating
that it would be inappropriate to ignore the delay start and cycle
finished modes with almost no data on the actual duration and energy
use for these modes. (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 8) NEEA believes that the
energy use in delay start mode and cycle finished mode is not
insignificant, and should be included in the energy use calculations.
According to NEEA, manufacturers would have no incentive to minimize
energy used in these modes if they were not included in the
calculations. (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 8) NEEA further commented that the
proposed calculation method for measuring each mode is sound, but could
be simplified if the calculation simply involved active mode, with
delay start mode and cycle finished mode folded in, and inactive mode,
as measured for each model tested. (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 7) NEEA did,
however, comment that it might support the alternative approach if the
active wash mode is defined for each machine to include any cycle
finished mode, including machines with cycle finished modes with
intermittent tumbling that can last as long as 10 hours. (NEEA, Public
Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at p. 88)
The Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), American Council
for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), and NRDC (hereafter referred
to as the ``Joint Comment'') expressed support for
[[Page 49246]]
NEEA's proposal to fold delay start and cycle finished modes into a
single energy test cycle that would also include the active wash cycle.
The Joint Comment stated that this approach would seem to simplify the
test, and it would ensure that any energy and/or water consumption that
occurs after the final spin, such as the addition of steam, would be
captured by the test procedure. (Joint Comment, No. 16 at p. 4)
DOE acknowledges that certain clothes washers provide optional
tumbling or air circulation features in cycle finished mode. As noted
in the September 2010 NOPR, the number of residential clothes washers
equipped with a periodic tumbling or air circulation feature during
cycle finished mode represents less than 10 percent of the models
produced by manufacturers comprising over 90 percent of the market. 75
FR 57556, 57561 (Sept. 21, 2010). In addition, review of product
literature for the clothes washers equipped with such features shows
that these functions are typically consumer-selected options.
To further support the proposal in today's SNOPR, DOE performed
additional laboratory testing to quantify the energy consumption in
cycle finished mode. DOE tested the residential clothes washer model
that it identified as having the longest-duration and most energy-
intensive cycle finished feature on the market. This clothes washer
includes a user-selectable option that provides periodic tumbling and
air circulation for up to 10 hours following the completion of the wash
cycle. For the duration of this cycle finished mode, the cycle finished
indicator on the control panel remains activated, the door remains
locked, and an additional feature indicator light on the control panel
flashes.
DOE measured the energy consumption of this cycle finished feature
for the maximum possible 10 hour duration, using the warm wash/cold
rinse energy test cycle and the average test load size as indicated by
Table 5.1 in appendix J1, extended linearly as discussed in section
III.B.7.a. These test parameters were chosen because they correspond to
the highest usage factors according to the appendix J1 test procedure.
DOE also measured the clothes washer's standby energy consumption.
Figure III.1 shows the power consumption in W during the active washing
mode followed by the first 45 minutes of cycle-finished mode. The
shaded portion of the figure indicates cycle finished mode.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09AU11.014
Table III.2 shows the cycle finished mode energy consumption for
the test clothes washer along with the other factors that the proposed
Integrated Modified Energy Factor (IMEF) metric incorporates: (1)
Machine electrical energy use in active washing mode, (2) hot water
energy use in active washing mode, (3) energy associated with moisture
removal (i.e., drying energy), and (4) standby (inactive) mode energy
use.
Table III.2--Example Comparison of Total Per-Cycle Energy Consumption
With and Without Cycle Finished Mode
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per-cycle energy consumption
contributors (kWh/cycle)
Mode -------------------------------------
Cycle-finished
Standby mode only mode included
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Active washing mode--Machine 0.16 0.16
electrical energy................
Active washing mode--Hot water 0.23 0.23
energy...........................
Active washing mode--Drying energy 1.58 1.58
Standby mode (23 hours)........... 0.06 N/A
[[Page 49247]]
Cycle finished mode (10 hours).... N/A 0.08
Standby mode (13 hours)........... N/A 0.04
Total per-cycle energy consumption 2.03 2.09
(kWh)............................
IMEF (ft\3\/kWh/cycle)............ 1.91 1.85
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Figure III.2 shows the relative magnitude of each of the
contributors to total per-cycle energy consumption for both scenarios.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP09AU11.015
The cycle finished feature of this clothes washer consumes 0.08 kWh
over the maximum 10-hour duration. After accounting for the 10 fewer
hours in inactive mode, the cycle finished feature with intermittent
tumbling and air circulation would add a net 0.06 kWh to the total per-
cycle energy consumption of this clothes washer, an increase of 3.0
percent. If consumers were to select this feature for all wash cycles,
IMEF would decrease by 3.0 percent.
DOE recognizes that the 3.0 percent decrease in IMEF represents a
worst-case scenario. A 3-percent increase in annual energy consumption
would occur only if a consumer activated this feature on 100 percent of
laundry cycles and if the cycle-finished activity persisted for the
full 10 hours after every cycle. While DOE lacks consumer usage data of
this cycle finished feature, DOE believes it is reasonable that
consumers would activate this feature less than 100 percent of the
time, and that, on average, the cycle finished activity would persist
for less than the full 10 hours. For illustrative purposes, if a
consumer selected the cycle finished option on 50 percent of all wash
cycles, and, on average, the cycle finished activity persisted for 50
percent of the maximum allowable time (i.e., for 5 hours), total annual
energy consumption would increase by only 0.75 percent.
Based on the results of the data presented here, DOE believes that
including a specific measurement of energy use of a cycle finished
feature that incorporates intermittent tumbling and air circulation
would not significantly impact the total annual energy consumption.
Furthermore, measuring the energy use over the entire duration of cycle
finished mode would increase the test duration by up to 10 hours,
depending on the maximum duration of cycle finished mode provided on
the clothes washer under test. DOE believes this would represent a
significant increase in test burden that would not be warranted by the
minimal additional energy use captured by measuring cycle finished mode
separately or as part of the active washing mode.
Therefore, in consideration of the data and estimates previously
presented in the September 2010 NOPR, the
[[Page 49248]]
additional energy consumption estimates presented in this SNOPR, the
uncertainty regarding consumer usage patterns, and the additional test
burden required, DOE is not proposing to adopt provisions to measure
cycle finished mode separately or as part of the active washing mode.
In the absence of a compelling reason to treat cycle finished mode
separately, DOE believes that its assumption set forth in the September
2010 NOPR that the power consumption in each low-power mode is similar
remains valid, and that in such a case, measuring power consumption of
each mode separately would introduce significant test burden without a
corresponding improvement in a representative measure of annual energy
use. Therefore, DOE is proposing in today's SNOPR to adopt the
``alternate approach'' for measuring total energy consumption, in which
all low-power mode hours are allocated to the inactive and off modes,
and the low-power mode power consumption is measured only in the
inactive and off modes, depending on which of these modes is present.
3. Energy Test Cycle Definition
The energy test cycle is the cycle currently used in determining
the modified energy factor (MEF) and water factor (WF) for a clothes
washer, and proposed to be used for determining integrated modified
energy factor (IMEF) and integrated water consumption factor (IWF). The
energy test cycle is defined in section 1.7 of the current clothes
washer test procedure based on (A) The cycle recommended by the
manufacturer for washing cotton or linen clothes, which includes all
wash/rinse temperature selections and water levels offered in that
cycle; and (B) other cycles that may include other temperature or water
level options if they contribute to an accurate representation of
energy consumption. In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed to amend
part (B) of the energy test cycle definition to provide clarity in
determining whether to test temperature options available only on cycle
settings other than that defined in part (A) of the definition.
Specifically, DOE proposed modifying part (B) as follows:
``* * * (B) if the cycle described in (A) does not include all
wash/rinse temperature settings available on the clothes washer and
required for testing as described in this test procedure, the energy
test cycle shall also include the portions of a cycle setting
offering these wash/rinse temperature settings with agitation/tumble
operation, spin speed(s), wash times, and rinse times that are
largely comparable to those for the cycle recommended by the
manufacturer for washing cotton or linen clothes. Any cycle under
(A) or (B) shall include the default agitation/tumble operation,
soil level, spin speed(s), wash times, and rinse times applicable to
that cycle, including water heating time for water heating clothes
washers.'' 75 FR 57556, 57575-76 (Sept. 21, 2010).
In testing conducted since the September 2010 NOPR, DOE has
observed that some clothes washers retain in memory the most recent
options selected for a cycle setting the next time that cycle is run.
To ensure repeatability of test results, particularly for cycles under
part (B) of the energy test cycle definition, DOE proposes in today's
SNOPR to further clarify that the manufacturer default conditions for
each cycle setting shall be used, except for the temperature selection,
if necessary. For example, if the extra hot temperature selection was
only available on the ``whites'' cycle, the manufacturer would use the
whites cycle to test that temperature setting. Because the default
temperature setting for the whites cycle may be warm or hot, however,
the manufacturer would have to manually adjust the temperature to get
to extra hot. For certification testing in such cases, the manufacturer
would use the default settings on the whites cycle for all options
except the temperature setting, which would be manually adjusted to
achieve the desired temperature.
In addition, DOE proposes to delete ``and required for testing as
described in this test procedure'' from part (B) as redundant and
unnecessary.
AHAM commented that DOE's proposal in the September 2010 NOPR to
amend Part B of the energy test cycle definition was vague, undefined,
and included a significant amount of variability. AHAM noted that
variability in a test procedure has substantial consequences for
manufacturers, and that the test procedure must be clear and be
uniformly understood to avoid serious consequences in variations in
testing across laboratories or technicians. (AHAM, No. 14 at p. 15) DOE
believes that the proposed modification to part (B) provides additional
specificity on the wash cycle settings (i.e., agitation/tumble
operation, spin speed(s), wash times, and rinse times) that, if
comparable to those for the cycle recommended by the manufacturer for
washing cotton or linen clothes, must be considered under part (B) of
the energy test cycle definition.
4. Load Adjustment Factor
The clothes washer test procedure relies on use factors to weight
different consumer behaviors in the overall energy and water
consumption calculations. The factors are based on consumer use data
and represent the fraction of all cycles that are run with certain
settings or characteristics. The Load Adjustment Factor (LAF)
represents the ratio of maximum load size to average load size. This
ratio is used in the calculation of the energy required to remove
moisture from the test load (i.e., drying energy). The RMC value used
in this calculation is based only on tests using the maximum test
load--the LAF is used to scale this value down to the average load
size. In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE noted that it lacked information
warranting adjusting this value or changing it from a fixed value to
one that varies as a function of average load size, and therefore did
not propose to amend the LAF in the test procedure. 75 FR 57556, 57572
(Sept. 21, 2010).
AHAM and ALS support DOE's proposal to retain the existing LAF in
the test procedure. (AHAM, No. 14 at p. 13; ALS, No. 10 at p. 4) BSH,
The California Utilities, Energy Solutions (ES), NEEA, Natural
Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and the Joint Comment stated that it
is an inconsistency in the test procedure to have a single LAF that
does not correlate with the load usage factors. (BSH, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 20 at pp. 149-150; California Utilities, No. 18 at p.
4; ES, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at p. 150; Joint Comment, No.
16 at pp. 5-6; NEEA, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at p. 149) ASAP
commented that an average load size value that depends on capacity does
not represent consumer usage. (ASAP, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20
at pp. 151-152) ES stated that the ratio of average load size to
maximum load size is 70-75 percent for small clothes washers but is
closer to 50-55 percent for larger clothes washers. (ES, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 20 at p. 150) The California Utilities recommended that
RMC be measured by testing with minimum, average, and maximum test load
sizes, with the average test load size calculated as 65 percent of the
maximum load size. The California Utilities further commented that the
results from each test load size should be weighted using the same load
usage factors as those used for the energy test cycle. (California
Utilities, No. 18 at p. 4) NRDC stated that a single LAF could be
calculated from the three weighting values assigned to the load usage
factors. (NRDC, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at pp. 142-145, 148-
149) NEEA and the Joint Comment doubted that the relationship between
[[Page 49249]]
tested RMC values and load size is linear for most clothes washers.
According to the Joint Comment, the Bern Clothes Washer Study found
that RMC decreases with increasing load size and that this effect is
more significant for top-loaders than for front-loaders. Due to this
finding, the Joint Comment believes that measuring RMC at a maximum
load size and assuming that the same RMC would apply to an ``average''
load size likely underestimates actual RMC and therefore dryer energy
consumption for an ``average'' load size. Instead, the Joint Comment
suggested that RMC be measured for minimum, maximum, and average load
sizes and that dryer energy consumption be calculated for each load
size using the corresponding measured RMC. A weighted-average dryer
energy consumption could then be calculated using the load usage
factors. The Joint Comment stated that, although this approach would
slightly increase test burden, it believes the increased burden would
be insignificant because tests with the different load sizes are
already required to be run in the current test procedure. Therefore,
the Joint Comment stated that the only addition would be an RMC
measurement for each of the different load size test cycles rather than
just for the maximum load test cycle. (Joint Comment, No. 16 at pp. 7-
8) NEEA also noted that there is no average test load size for manual
fill models, but three different load sizes for adaptive fill models.
According to NEEA, a weighted-average value for LAF is more
appropriate, but even better would be to conduct RMC tests at various
load sizes, and use the load usage factors to obtain weighted-average
results. (NEEA, No. 12 at pp. 12-13)
DOE notes that both the LAF and load usage factors are intended to
adjust test results measured at discrete load sizes to values that are
representative of real-world consumer use. The LAF, however, is also
intended to capture the dependence of RMC on load size because the RMC
test is conducted using only the maximum load size.
As observed by the California Utilities, data collected as part of
the Bern Clothes Washer Study suggest that an RMC test conducted at
maximum load size would produce a different RMC than a test conducted
at the average load size. Because the LAF must account for two
effects--the percentage of times that users select different load sizes
and the variation of measured RMC with load size--it would be expected
to differ somewhat from any of the load usage factors, which capture
only the consumer load size selection effect. For the August 1997 Final
Rule, however, DOE obtained information that, when averaged with data
provided by interested parties, showed that the relationship between
load size and RMC was almost non-existent. For this reason, DOE
concluded in the August 1997 Final Rule that it was acceptable to test
RMC using only the maximum load size. DOE does not believe that
conducting multiple RMC measurements at different load sizes would
improve the calculation of drying energy use. Additionally, DOE
believes that the Bern Study is inconclusive with respect to the LAF
because (1) The relationship between RMC and load size was not
demonstrated for individual machines, and (2) the test load composition
was not controlled.
In light of the available data suggesting that load size does not
affect the RMC measurement, the remaining trend that the LAF is
intended to capture is the pattern of consumer selection of load size,
which is already incorporated in the test procedure via the load usage
factors. This suggests that the LAF is duplicative of, yet inconsistent
with, the load usage factors. Therefore, DOE proposes in today's SNOPR
that, for consistency with the rest of the test procedure, the
representative load size calculation in the equation for drying energy
should incorporate the load usage factors rather than a separate LAF.
In the current drying energy calculation, the representative load size
is calculated by multiplying the fixed value of LAF by the maximum load
size. DOE proposes that this representative load size be replaced by a
weighted-average load size calculated by multiplying the minimum,
average, and maximum load usage factors by the minimum, average, and
maximum load sizes, respectively, and summing the products.
5. Wash Time Setting
The current test procedure specifies the wash time setting to be
used in the energy test cycle. If only one wash time is prescribed in
the energy test cycle, that wash setting is to be used; otherwise, the
wash time setting is required to be the higher of either the minimum
wash time or 70 percent of the maximum wash time available in the
energy test cycle. DOE has recently become aware that, for certain
clothes washers equipped with an electromechanical dial to control wash
time, the dial may yield different results for the same setting
depending on the direction in which the dial is turned to reach the
desired setting. DOE believes that consistency in setting the wash time
in such cases may be achieved by resetting the dial to the minimum wash
time and then turning it in the direction of increasing wash time to
reach the desired setting. If the desired setting is passed, the dial
should not be turned in the direction of decreasing wash time to reach
the setting. Instead, the dial should be returned to the minimum wash
time and then turned in the direction of increasing wash time until the
desired setting is reached. DOE, therefore, proposes to add these
clarifications to the wash time setting provisions in both appendix J1
and appendix J2. DOE believes that this clarification would not affect
the energy and water use measurements, but would help ensure
consistency when determining compliance with energy conservation
standards. To provide further consistency, DOE also proposes the
further clarification that the conditions stated in the case of more
than one wash time setting--that the wash time setting shall be the
higher of either the minimum, or 70 percent of the maximum wash time
available in the energy test cycle--shall apply regardless of the
labeling of suggested dial locations.
6. Annual Energy Cost
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE considered whether to amend the
estimated annual operating cost calculation in 10 CFR 430.23 to include
the cost of energy consumed in the non-active washing modes, but did
not propose such amendments for the following reasons:
DOE believed that the cost of energy consumed in self-
clean, standby, off, delay start, and cycle finished modes is small
relative to the total annual energy cost for clothes washers, and
therefore, would make little difference in the estimated annual
operating cost calculation.
The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC's) EnergyGuide Label
for clothes washers uses the estimated annual operating cost as its
primary indicator of product energy efficiency, compared to a range of
annual operating costs of similar products. Appendix F1 to 16 CFR part
305. An estimated annual operating cost incorporating self-clean,
standby, off, delay start, and cycle finished mode energy use would no
longer be directly comparable to the minimum and maximum energy costs
prescribed for the EnergyGuide label.
75 FR 57556, 57567 (Sept. 21, 2010).
ALS and AHAM supported DOE's proposal to maintain the existing
energy cost calculation. (ALS, No. 10 at p. 3; AHAM, No. 14 at p. 9)
AHAM and Whirlpool commented, however, that DOE's proposal to exclude
non-active
[[Page 49250]]
washing modes from the annual energy cost calculation is inconsistent
with the proposal to include these modes in the IMEF calculation.
(Whirlpool, No. 13 at p.5; AHAM, No. 14 at p. 9).
NEEA disagreed with DOE's assertion that the cost of energy
consumed in non-active washing modes would make little difference in
the estimated annual operating cost calculation. NEEA noted that no
publicly available data exists on which to base such an assertion, but
that end-use data from the field suggests that standby energy could
constitute as much as 5 to 10 percent of total clothes washer energy
use, not including drying energy use. (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 8)
EPCA requires that 180 days after the amended test procedure is
prescribed, all representations related to the energy use, efficiency,
or cost of energy consumed for residential clothes washers must reflect
the results of testing according to the amended test procedure, which
will include provisions for measuring standby and off mode energy use.
(42 U.S.C. 6293(c)(2)) Additionally, EPCA requires that any revisions
to the labels for residential clothes washers include disclosure of the
estimated annual operation cost (determined in accordance with DOE's
test procedures prescribed under section 6293 of EPCA), unless the
Secretary determines that disclosure of annual operating cost is not
technologically feasible, or if the FTC determines that such disclosure
is not likely to assist consumers in making purchasing decisions or is
not economically feasible. (42 U.S.C. 6294(c)(1))
For these reasons, DOE agrees that the annual energy cost
calculations in 10 CFR 430.23 for residential clothes washers should be
amended to include the cost of energy consumed in non-active washing
modes. Therefore, DOE proposes to amend the clothes washer test
procedure to revise the estimated annual operating cost calculation to
integrate energy use in standby, off and self-clean modes. The
estimated annual operating cost would be obtained by multiplying the
295 average number of annual use cycles by: (1) When electrically
heated water is used: (total per-cycle machine electrical energy
consumption + per-cycle hot water energy consumption + per-cycle self-
clean energy consumption + per-cycle ``combined low-power'' mode energy
consumption) x (the representative average unit cost in dollars per
kWh, as provided by the Secretary); or (2) when gas-heated or oil-
heated water is used: [(per-cycle machine electrical energy consumption
+ per-cycle self-clean machine electrical energy consumption + per-
cycle combined low-power mode energy consumption) x (the representative
average unit cost in dollars per kWh, as provided by the Secretary)] +
[(per-cycle water energy consumption for gas-heated or oil-heated water
+ per-cycle self-clean water energy consumption for gas-heated or oil-
heated water) x (representative average unit cost in dollars per Btu
for oil or gas, as appropriate, as provided by the Secretary)]. The
estimated annual operating cost would be rounded off to the nearest
dollar per year. To provide for the appropriate per-cycle electrical
and water heating measures used in the annual energy cost calculation,
DOE proposes new calculations of per-cycle self-clean electrical, hot
water, and overall energy consumption in today's SNOPR.
7. Additional Proposals
a. Extension of Test Load Size Table
The clothes washer test procedure at appendix J1 specifies test
load size for the active washing mode energy tests based on the clothes
washer's container volume. The table specifying the test load sizes,
Table 5.1, currently covers clothes washer container volumes up to only
3.8 ft 3. DOE stated in the September 2010 NOPR that it was
aware of multiple clothes washers available on the market that have
clothes container volumes exceeding 3.8 ft,3 and proposed to
revise Table 5.1 in the amended test procedure in appendix J2 to
establish test load size specifications for clothes washer container
volumes up to 6.0 ft 3. The proposed extension was based on
a continuation of the linear relationship between test load size and
clothes washer container volume in the DOE clothes washer test
procedure at appendix J1. 75 FR 57556, 57570-71 (Sept. 21, 2010).
DOE also received petitions for waiver from the current clothes
washer test procedure from a number of manufacturers for clothes
washers that they produce with clothes container volumes greater than
3.8 ft 3. DOE granted waivers to these manufacturers, all of
which contained alternate test procedures based on similar linear
extensions of Table 5.1.
DOE proposes to extend Table 5.1 in appendices J1 and J2 based on
the extended version of Table 5.1 proposed in the September 2010 NOPR
for appendix J2, with some minor adjustments. In the September 2010
NOPR, DOE presented inconsistent decimal places in the minimum,
average, and maximum load sizes in Table 5.1. This subsequently
affected the calculation of some of the average load size values in the
table. In today's SNOPR, DOE proposes to amend the extension to Table
5.1 in appendices J1 and J2 by specifying each load size value to the
hundredths decimal place.
b. Correction to Cold Rinse Definition
After the publication of the September 2010 NOPR, DOE became aware
of an error in the definition of cold rinse in the test procedure at
appendix J1. Specifically, cold rinse is defined in section 1.22 of
appendix J1 as ``the coldest rinse temperature available on the machine
(and should be the same rinse temperature selection tested in 3.7 of
this appendix).'' However, section 3.7 of appendix J1 contains
provisions for testing warm rinse, which instruct that such tests be
conducted with the hottest rinse temperature available. Thus, section
3.7 is inapplicable to the definition of cold rinse in section 1.22.
DOE proposes in today's SNOPR to remove reference to section 3.7 in the
definition of cold rinse in both section 1.22 of appendix J1 and
proposed section 1.7 of appendix J2.
c. Deletion of Redundant Test Cloth Specifications
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed deleting the redundant
sections 2.6.1.1-2.6.1.2.4 from appendix J2. These sections pertain to
test cloth specifications and preconditioning and were made obsolete in
the 2001 Final Rule, which added sections 2.6.3 through 2.6.7.2 into
appendix J1. 66 FR 3314. In today's SNOPR, DOE proposes to remove these
redundant sections from appendix J1 as well. Consistent with the
proposal in the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposes to use in section
2.6.4.3 the thread count specification from deleted section 2.6.1.1(A),
of 65 x 57 per inch (warp x fill), based on supplier data.
Additionally, DOE proposes to maintain a shrinkage limit, relocated
from section 2.6.1.1(B) to new section 2.6.4.7, but to increase the
current 4 percent limit to 5 percent. DOE also proposes to require the
cloth shrinkage to be measured as per the American Association of
Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Test Method 135-2010,
``Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Laundering.'' These
revisions are also supported by supplier data, according to AHAM.
(AHAM, No. 15 at p. 15).
d. Detergent Specifications for Test Cloth Preconditioning
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed amending the clothes
washer test procedure to specify the use of AHAM standard test
detergent Formula
[[Page 49251]]
3 in test cloth preconditioning, at a dosing of 27.0 g + 4.0 g/lb. DOE
proposed incorporating this amendment into the proposed appendix J2
test procedure.
ALS supported DOE's proposal to specify the use of AHAM standard
detergent Formula 3 in test cloth preconditioning as well as the
proposal to follow the instructions included with the detergent,
because it is makes the dosing common with the Dryer Test Load
preconditioning procedure. (ALS, No. 10 at p. 5) NEEA stated that it
foresees no problem with, and some benefit from, adopting the AHAM
detergent specification. (NEEA, No. 12 at p. 14) Whirlpool stated that
the proposed detergent formulation and dosage changes are consistent
with AHAM Standard HLD-1-2009, which Whirlpool supports. (Whirlpool,
No. 13 at p. 14) AHAM supported DOE's proposal to amend the test
procedure to specify the use of AHAM standard test detergent Formula 3
in test cloth preconditioning at a dosing of 27.0g +4.0g/lb (AHAM, No.
14 at p. 15; Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at pp. 194-195).
In today's SNOPR, DOE proposes to amend the appendix J1 and J2 test
procedures to require the use of the current AHAM standard test
detergent formula for test cloth preconditioning, at a dosing of 27.0g
+4.0g/lb. The current AHAM standard test detergent is Formula 3.
e. Cold Wash Temperature Selection
DOE has observed multiple clothes washer models that offer a ``tap
cold'' wash temperature setting in addition to a ``cold'' wash
temperature setting. DOE proposes to clarify how to classify these
temperature selections in appendix J1 and appendix J2.
Section 3.6 of appendix J1 defines the cold wash selection as ``the
coldest wash temperature selection available.'' Additionally, section
1.18 of Appendix J1 defines ``warm wash'' as ``all wash temperature
selections below the hottest hot, less than 135 [deg]F, and above the
coldest cold temperature selection.'' In some cases with these models,
DOE has observed that the ``cold'' setting mixes in hot water to raise
the temperature above the cold water supply temperature, as defined in
section 2.3 of Appendix J1. In such cases, DOE proposes that the
manufacturer specified ``cold'' setting should be considered a warm
wash, as defined in section 1.18; and that the ``tap cold'' setting
should be considered the cold wash, as defined in section 3.6. In cases
where the ``cold'' setting does not add any hot water for any of the
test loads required for the energy test cycle, the ``cold'' setting
should be considered the cold wash; and the ``tap cold'' setting would
not be required for testing. DOE requests comment on the
appropriateness of this clarification.
f. Correction to Per-Cycle Self-Clean Water Consumption Calculation
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE proposed incorporating per-cycle
self-clean hot water energy consumption (section 4.1.8) into the
calculation for IMEF, as well as total per-cycle self-clean water
consumption (section 4.2.14) into the calculation for IWF in appendix
J2. The proposed calculations in section 4.1.8 and section 4.2.14 did
not contain the numeric multipliers required to apportion the total
annual self-clean water consumption over the 295 representative average
number of clothes washer cycles in a year. In today's SNOPR, DOE
proposes to adjust the calculations in section 4.1.8 and 4.2.14 by
including a multiplier of 12/295, where 12 represents the average
number of clothes washer self-clean cycles in a year, and 295
represents the average number of clothes washer cycles in a year.
C. Compliance With Other EPCA Requirements
1. Test Burden
EPCA requires that any test procedures prescribed or amended under
this section be reasonably designed to produce test results that
measure energy efficiency, energy use or estimated annual operating
cost of a covered product during a representative average use cycle or
period of use. Test procedures must also not be unduly burdensome to
conduct.'' (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)).
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE noted that the proposed amendments
to the residential clothes washer test procedure would incorporate a
test standard that is accepted internationally for measuring power
consumption in standby mode and off mode (IEC Standard 62301). DOE
analyzed the available versions of IEC Standard 62301 at that time--IEC
Standard 62301 (First Edition), IEC Standard 62301 (CDV), and IEC
Standard 62301 (FDIS)--and determined that the proposed amendments to
the residential clothes washer test procedure would produce standby
mode and off mode average power consumption measurements that are
representative of an average use cycle. DOE also determined that the
test methods and equipment that the amendments would require for
measuring standby mode and off mode power in these products would not
be substantially different from the test methods and equipment required
in the current DOE test. Thus, DOE tentatively concluded that the
proposed test procedure amendments would not require manufacturers to
make significant investments in test facilities and new equipment. In
sum, DOE tentatively concluded in the September 2010 NOPR that the
amended test procedures would produce test results that measure the
standby mode and off mode power consumption during representative use,
and that the test procedures would not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
75 FR 57556, 57578 (Sept. 21, 2010).
DOE also noted in the September 2010 NOPR that the proposed active
mode amendments may require some manufacturers to incur equipment
purchases on the order of hundreds of dollars, and would require
testing additional cycles that could increase the total test time for
certain clothes washers by approximately 25 percent. DOE tentatively
concluded, however, that including these additional cycles in the test
procedure would provide for a more representative measurement of
machine energy efficiency and water use, and that the time commitment
required to test these additional cycles would not represent a
significant burden on manufacturers since the current test procedure
already requires multiple energy test cycles. Id.
Today's supplemental proposed amendments to the DOE test procedures
are based on an updated version of IEC Standard 62301, IEC Standard
62301 (Second Edition). As discussed in section III.B.1 of this notice,
DOE believes that the provisions of IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)
that it proposes to incorporate by reference in today's SNOPR provide a
means to measure power consumption with greater accuracy and
repeatability than the provisions from IEC Standard 62301 (First
Edition) that were originally proposed in the December 2010 NOPR. For
this reason, DOE concludes that today's supplemental proposed
amendments would also provide measurements representative of average
consumer use of the residential clothes washer under test. DOE further
believes these new provisions in the applicable sections of IEC
Standard 62301 (Second Edition) improve test results without undue
testing burden. DOE also believes that the potential for increased test
burden for certain power consumption measurements is offset by more
reasonable requirements for testing equipment, while maintaining
acceptable measurement accuracy.
[[Page 49252]]
Thus, DOE tentatively concludes that the amended test procedures newly
proposed in today's SNOPR would produce test results that measure the
standby mode and off mode power consumption during representative use,
and that the test procedures would not be unduly burdensome to conduct.
The active mode provisions newly proposed in today's SNOPR consist
of clarifications to test conduct and revised calculations, and would
not require any additional investment, equipment purchases, or test
time beyond those described in the September 2010 NOPR. Therefore,
DOE's retains its tentative conclusion that the proposed active mode
amendments would not impose a significant burden on manufacturers.
2. Integration of Standby Mode and Off Mode Energy Consumption Into the
Efficiency Metric
Section 325(gg)(2)(A) of EPCA requires that standby mode and off
mode energy consumption be integrated into the overall energy
efficiency, energy consumption, or other energy descriptor for each
covered product unless the current test procedures already fully
account for the standby mode and off mode energy consumption or if an
integrated test procedure is technically infeasible. (42 U.S.C.
6295(gg)(2)(A))
Today's SNOPR incorporates the clothes washer standby and off mode
energy consumption into a ``combined low-power mode'' energy
consumption, expressed in kWh, and converted into an IMEF, as discussed
in section III.B.2 of this notice.
EPCA provides that test procedure amendments adopted to comply with
the new EPCA requirements for standby and off mode energy consumption
will not determine compliance with previously established standards.
(42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2)(C)) Because DOE is incorporating these changes
in a new appendix J2 to 10 CFR part 430 subpart B that manufacturers
would not be required to use until the compliance date of amended
energy conservation standards for residential clothes washers, the test
procedure amendments pertaining to standby mode and off mode energy
consumption that DOE proposes to adopt in this rulemaking would not
apply to, and would have no effect on, existing standards.
3. Commercial Clothes Washers
The test procedure for commercial clothes washers is required to be
the same test procedure established for residential clothes washers.
(42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(8)) Thus, the test procedure set forth in appendix
J1 of subpart B of 10 CFR part 430 is also currently used to test
commercial clothes washers. (10 CFR part 431.154)
DOE noted in the September 2010 NOPR that the impacts to testing
commercial clothes washers would be limited to the proposed amendments
associated with active washing mode because commercial clothes washer
standards are based on MEF and WF. Among others, these include proposed
changes to the test load size specification, temperature use factors,
dryer usage factor (DUF), capacity measurement, and water supply
pressure specification, all of which could affect the measured energy
and water efficiencies of a commercial clothes washer. DOE believed
that the most significant impacts could be associated with the proposed
amendments for capacity measurement and usage factors, but did not have
information to evaluate any impacts for commercial clothes washers. 75
FR 57556, 57578 (Sept. 21, 2010).
In response, DOE received several comments on potential impacts of
an amended clothes washer test procedure on commercial clothes washers.
In today's SNOPR, DOE addresses those comments that pertain to the
revised proposal.
ALS commented that the most significant impact of the proposed
amended test procedure on commercial clothes washers is the standby
power measurement, because unlike most residential clothes washers,
commercial clothes washers are vended and have lighted displays to
invite customers to use them and provide instructions for use.
According to ALS, the inclusion of standby power would significantly
impact the ability for existing commercial clothes washers to meet more
stringent minimum energy conservation standards without requiring a
ready-to-use vended clothes washer to power down the display. ALS
stated that a powered-down display would cause a potential customer to
think the washer is not operational or ready to use, and thus
discourage its use. (ALS, No. 10 at pp. 5-6).
ALS also commented that the next most significant impact of the
proposed amended test procedure would be the clothes container capacity
measurement method, which would reduce the existing capacity rating.
This would significantly reduce an already smaller tub used in
commercial markets to even less volume measured, making it more
difficult to achieve the minimum required energy efficiency standard.
(ALS, No. 10 at p. 6)
Whirlpool commented that the nature of use for commercial clothes
washers would preclude the existence of delay start mode, cycle
finished mode, and steam cycles. Whirlpool stated that the clothes
washer test procedure should ignore those features if they are not on
the unit under test. Whirlpool also expressed concern regarding the
capacity measurement and modified temperature use factors. Whirlpool
stated that the proposed IMEF and IWF calculations are suitable for
commercial clothes washers. (Whirlpool, No. 13 at p. 14).
In response to these comments, and as stated above, the impacts to
testing commercial clothes washers would be limited to the proposed
amendments associated with active washing mode because commercial
clothes washer standards are based on MEF and WF. Because commercial
clothes washer standards do not include standby and off mode, the
addition of procedures to measure the energy use in standby and off
modes would be inapplicable to and would not affect the standards for
commercial clothes washers pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6293(e). For the
active mode provisions of the proposed test procedure that could affect
the measured energy and water efficiencies of a commercial clothes
washer, DOE notes that 42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(3) provides the following:
models of covered products in use before the date on which an amended
energy conservation standard (developed using the amended test
procedure pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6293(e)(2)) becomes effective that
comply with the energy conservation standard applicable to such covered
products on the day before such date are deemed to comply with the
amended standard. The same is true of revisions of such models that
come into use after such date and have the same energy efficiency,
energy use or water use characteristics.
DOE concurs that commercial clothes washers would not be affected
by any provisions for measuring delay start mode, cycle finished mode,
or steam cycles. Under the proposal in today's SNOPR, the energy use
for delay start and cycle finished modes would be included in the test
results pursuant to the ``alternate method'' for measuring standby mode
and off mode energy use, described in section III.B.2, and any such
energy use is not included in the MEF and WF metrics used for
commercial clothes washers.
4. Certification Requirements
Sections 6299-6305 and 6316 of EPCA authorize DOE to enforce
compliance with the energy and water
[[Page 49253]]
conservation standards established for certain consumer products and
commercial equipment. (42 U.S.C. 6299-6305 (consumer products), 6316
(commercial equipment)) On March 7, 2011, the Department revised,
consolidated, and streamlined its existing certification, compliance,
and enforcement regulations for certain consumer products and
commercial and industrial equipment covered under EPCA, including
residential clothes washers. 76 FR 12422. These regulations for
residential clothes washers are codified in 10 CFR part 429.20.
The certification requirements for residential clothes washers
consist of a sampling plan for selection of units for testing and
requirements for certification reports. Because the proposed amendments
to the test procedure would not revise the current energy conservation
standards, DOE is not proposing any amendments to the certification
reporting requirements for these products. However, because DOE
proposes in today's SNOPR to introduce two new metrics (IMEF and IWF),
DOE proposes amended provisions in the sampling plan in 10 CFR part
429.20(a)(2) that would include IMEF along with the existing measure of
MEF, and IWF along with the existing measure of WF.
D. Impact on EnergyGuide
In the September 2010 NOPR, DOE determined that the proposed test
procedure amendments would not affect the FTC EnergyGuide labeling
program because DOE did not propose to amend the estimated annual
operating cost calculation in 10 CFR 430.23.
NEEA commented that the energy use and annual energy cost
information on the Energy Guide label is supposed to represent a
reasonably accurate estimate of the annual energy use and energy cost
associated with the use of the labeled product. NEEA stated that it
would be nearly impossible to justify any rules associated with the
accuracy of such representations if whole categories of annual energy
use and cost are ignored. NEEA stated that Congress intended to account
for the energy use of every appliance in its inactive mode and to make
the results known to consumers. (NEEA, No.12 at p. 8)
NEEA also noted that the ratings of many models may change as a
result of the revised test procedure. NEEA commented that the
EnergyGuide labels for individual models tested under appendix J1 and
appendix J2 will exist in the marketplace together for a short time,
raising the likelihood of consumer confusion when this happens.
According to NEEA, there has been considerable consumer confusion in
the past when new models arrive with energy use and annual cost numbers
that are lower (or higher) than the lowest (or highest) numbers in the
range on the EnergyGuide label. (NEEA, No. 12 at pp.15-16).
The Joint Comment stated that the EnergyGuide label is designed to
communicate to consumers the estimated average annual operating cost of
a given product. Since the annual operating cost for a washer that a
consumer will incur includes the cost of energy consumed in all modes
including self-clean, standby, off, delay start, and cycle finished
modes, the operating costs of all modes should be included in the
annual operating cost calculation. (Joint Comment, No. 16 at p. 2).
In addition, the Joint Comment stated that the cost of energy
consumed in the additional non-active modes for many products will
likely be significant compared to the total energy cost, which DOE
estimates could consume as much as 48 kWh/year. The Joint Commenters
noted that the EnergyGuide label includes only the cost of the machine
energy and the water heating energy, and does not include the cost of
the energy required to remove the remaining moisture from the clothes,
which makes the cost of energy consumed in non-active-washing modes
more significant. According to the Joint Comment, the most efficient
washers listed by the FTC with a capacity greater than 3 cubic feet
only use about 110-130 kWh/year, and, therefore, the energy consumed in
modes other than the active washing mode could represent up to about 40
percent of total annual energy use, which is significant. (Joint
Comment, No. 16 at pp. 2-3).
Whirlpool objected to measuring additional energy use in non-active
modes but not reporting them on the EnergyGuide tag, stating that this
would be inconsistent. (Whirlpool, Public Meeting Transcript, No. 20 at
pp. 95-96).
ASAP commented that when the new standards go into effect, the
minimum and maximum operating costs on the EnergyGuide label would have
to be revised anyway to take into account the new standards, and that
the additional annual operating costs could be incorporated at that
point. ASAP stated that it supports incorporating all energy use,
including energy use in non-active modes. (ASAP, Public Meeting
Transcript, No. 20 at p. 96).
As discussed in section III.B.6, DOE proposes in today's SNOPR to
amend the estimated annual operating cost by incorporating the cost of
energy consumed in the non-active washing modes. DOE also proposed in
the September 2010 NOPR to update the number of annual use cycles. This
will affect the estimated annual operating cost disclosed on the
EnergyGuide label. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6294, the FTC may revise the
EnergyGuide label for residential clothes washers when the amended test
procedure becomes effective.
IV. Procedural Issues and Regulatory Review
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
The Office of Management and Budget has determined that test
procedure rulemakings do not constitute ``significant regulatory
actions'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory
Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). Accordingly, this
action was not subject to review under the Executive Order by the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
B. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires
preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IFRA) for
any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the
agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
As required by Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small
Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' 67 FR 53461 (August 16, 2002), DOE
published procedures and policies on February 19, 2003, to ensure that
the potential impacts of its rules on small entities are properly
considered during the DOE rulemaking process. 68 FR 7990. DOE has made
its procedures and policies available on the Office of the General
Counsel's Web site: http://www.gc.doe.gov.
DOE reviewed today's supplemental proposed rule under the
provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the procedures and
policies published on February 19, 2003. DOE tentatively concluded that
the September 2010 NOPR would not have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities, and today's SNOPR contains no
revisions to that proposal that would result a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities. The factual basis for this
certification is as follows:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) considers a business entity
to be
[[Page 49254]]
small business, if, together with its affiliates, it employs less than
a threshold number of workers specified in 13 CFR part 121. These size
standards and codes are established by the North American Industry
Classification System (NAICS). The threshold number for NAICS
classification code 335224, which applies to household laundry
equipment manufacturers and includes clothes washer manufacturers, is
1,000 employees. Searches of the SBA Web site \7\ to identify clothes
washer manufacturers within these NAICS codes identified, out of
approximately 17 manufacturers supplying clothes washers in the United
States, only one small business. This small business manufactures
laundry appliances, including clothes washers. The other manufacturers
supplying clothes washers are large multinational corporations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ A searchable database of certified small businesses is
available online at: http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proposed rule would amend DOE's test procedure by incorporating
testing provisions to address active mode, standby mode, and off mode
energy and water consumption that will be used to demonstrate
compliance with energy conservation standards. The proposed test
procedure amendments for measuring standby and off mode power
consumption using the ``alternative method'' involve measuring power
input when the clothes washer is in inactive mode or off mode, or both
if both modes are available on the clothes washer under test, as a
proxy for measuring power consumption in all low power modes. These
tests can be conducted in the same facilities used for the current
energy testing of these products, so it is anticipated that
manufacturers would not incur any additional facilities costs as a
result of the proposed test procedure amendments. The power meter
required for these tests might require greater accuracy than the power
meter used for current energy testing, but the investment required for
a possible instrumentation upgrade is expected to be approximately a
few thousand dollars. The duration of each non-active washing mode test
period is expected to be roughly 30-45 minutes, depending on stability
of the power consumption, using the alternative approach described
previously. This is comparable to approximately one-half to two-thirds
the time required to conduct a single energy test cycle. Each clothes
washer tested requires, on average, approximately 15 test cycles for
energy testing, which equates to about 3 days of testing. Using the
alternative approach proposed in today's SNOPR, DOE estimates roughly a
3-percent increase in total test period duration. This represents a
significant reduction compared to the 11 percent increase DOE estimated
in the September 2010 NOPR, which was based on the proposal to measure
inactive, off, delay start, and cycle finished modes separately. DOE
notes that the provisions from IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition)
proposed to incorporate by reference in today's SNOPR would require
longer test durations in the event that the threshold stability
criteria of the power measurement are not met. DOE believes that the
likelihood of such a longer test being required is very small, based on
the observations during testing for the September 2010 NOPR.
DOE also estimates that it costs a manufacturer approximately $2300
on average, including the cost of consumables, to conduct energy
testing for a particular clothes washer. DOE further estimates that the
cost of additional testing for non-active washing modes using the
proposed alternative approach would average $75 per machine, a 3-
percent increase over current test costs. This represents a significant
reduction compared to the 9 percent increase ($200) DOE estimated in
the September 2010 NOPR, which was based on the proposal to measure
inactive, off, delay start, and cycle finished modes separately. For
the same reason as discussed above, DOE does not believe it is likely
that these test costs will be higher due to extended test times
required by IEC Standard 62301 (Second Edition) in the event that the
threshold stability criteria of the power measurement are not met.
DOE believes these additional requirements for equipment and time
and additional cost to conduct the proposed non-active washing mode
test would not be expected to impose a significant economic burden on
entities subject to the applicable testing requirements. Although the
small business has significantly lower sales than other manufacturers
over which to amortize these additional costs, it produces only a
single platform which would be subject to the proposed non-active
washing mode tests.
DOE does not believe that the proposed test procedure amendments
for the active washing mode discussed in today's SNOPR would increase
test burden because they comprise revisions to calculations rather than
additional, longer, or more complex methodology. For standby mode and
off mode, as described in section III.B.1, certain provisions in
section 5 of IEC Standard 62301 Second Edition could require additional
testing time compared to the First Edition. However, DOE expects the
large majority of clothes washers to require less than one hour of
testing time to perform the standby power test under the proposed
alternative approach. Therefore, DOE does not believe these proposed
amendments would have a significant impact on a substantial number of
small entities.
For these reasons, DOE tentatively concludes and certifies that the
September 2010 NOPR, as modified by today's SNOPR, would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a regulatory flexibility analysis for
this rulemaking. DOE has previously transmitted the certification and
supporting statement of factual basis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy
of the SBA for review under 5 U.S.C. 605(b). DOE seeks comment on the
updated certification set forth above.
C. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Manufacturers of residential clothes washers must certify to DOE
that their products comply with any applicable energy conservation
standards. In certifying compliance, manufacturers must test their
products according to the DOE test procedures for clothes washers,
including any amendments adopted for those test procedures. DOE has
established regulations for the certification and recordkeeping
requirements for all covered consumer products and commercial
equipment, including residential clothes washers. 76 FR 12422 (March 7,
2011). The collection-of-information requirement for the certification
and recordkeeping is subject to review and approval by OMB under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This requirement has been approved by
OMB under OMB control number 1910-1400. Public reporting burden for the
certification is estimated to average 20 hours per response, including
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is
required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays
a currently valid OMB Control Number.
[[Page 49255]]
D. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
In this proposed rule, DOE proposes test procedure amendments that
it expects will be used to develop and implement future energy
conservation standards for residential clothes washers. DOE has
determined that this rule falls into a class of actions that are
categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and DOE's implementing
regulations at 10 CFR part 1021. Specifically, this proposed rule would
amend the existing test procedures without affecting the amount,
quality or distribution of energy usage, and, therefore, would not
result in any environmental impacts. Thus, this rulemaking is covered
by Categorical Exclusion A5 under 10 CFR part 1021, subpart D, which
applies to any rulemaking that interprets or amends an existing rule
without changing the environmental effect of that rule. Accordingly,
neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact
statement is required.
E. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999)
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have Federalism
implications. The Executive Order requires agencies to examine the
constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would
limit the policymaking discretion of the States and to carefully assess
the necessity for such actions. The Executive Order also requires
agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely
input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory
policies that have Federalism implications. On March 14, 2000, DOE
published a statement of policy describing the intergovernmental
consultation process it will follow in the development of such
regulations. 65 FR 13735. DOE has examined this proposed rule and has
determined that it would not have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. EPCA governs and prescribes Federal
preemption of State regulations as to energy conservation for the
products that are the subject of today's proposed rule. States can
petition DOE for exemption from such preemption to the extent, and
based on criteria, set forth in EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6297(d)) No further
action is required by Executive Order 13132.
F. Review Under Executive Order 12988
Regarding the review of existing regulations and the promulgation
of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil
Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (Feb. 7, 1996), imposes on Federal
agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1)
Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to
minimize litigation; (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected
conduct rather than a general standard; and (4) promote simplification
and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable
effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the
preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction;
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines
key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney
General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in
sections 3(a) and 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is
unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the
required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law,
the proposed rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order
12988.
G. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA)
requires each Federal agency to assess the effects of Federal
regulatory actions on State, local, and Tribal governments and the
private sector. Public Law 104-4, sec. 201 (codified at 2 U.S.C. 1531).
For a proposed regulatory action likely to result in a rule that may
cause the expenditure by State, local, and Tribal governments, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one
year (adjusted annually for inflation), section 202 of UMRA requires a
Federal agency to publish a written statement that estimates the
resulting costs, benefits, and other effects on the national economy.
(2 U.S.C. 1532(a), (b)) The UMRA also requires a Federal agency to
develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers
of State, local, and Tribal governments on a proposed ``significant
intergovernmental mandate,'' and requires an agency plan for giving
notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small
governments before establishing any requirements that might
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. On March 18, 1997,
DOE published a statement of policy on its process for
intergovernmental consultation under UMRA. 62 FR 12820; also available
at http://www.gc.doe.gov. DOE examined today's proposed rule according
to UMRA and its statement of policy and determined that the rule
contains neither an intergovernmental mandate, nor a mandate that may
result in the expenditure of $100 million or more in any year, so these
requirements do not apply.
H. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family well-being.
This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the
family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not
necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.
I. Review Under Executive Order 12630
DOE has determined, under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights'' 53 FR 8859 (March 18, 1988), that this regulation would not
result in any takings that might require compensation under the Fifth
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
J. Review Under Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most
disseminations of information to the public under guidelines
established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by
OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (Feb. 22, 2002), and
DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (Oct. 7, 2002). DOE has
reviewed today's proposed rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has
concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those
guidelines.
[[Page 49256]]
K. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001), requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB,
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a
final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy; or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use.
Today's regulatory action to amend the test procedure for measuring
the energy efficiency of residential clothes washers is not a
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Moreover, it
would not have a significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy, nor has it been designated as a
significant energy action by the Administrator of OIRA. Therefore, it
is not a significant energy action, and, accordingly, DOE has not
prepared a Statement of Energy Effects.
L. Review Under Section 32 of the Federal Energy Administration Act of
1974
Under section 301 of the Department of Energy Organization Act
(Pub. L. 95-91; 42 U.S.C. 7101), DOE must comply with section 32 of the
Federal Energy Administration Act of 1974, as amended by the Federal
Energy Administration Authorization Act of 1977. (15 U.S.C. 788; FEAA)
Section 32 essentially provides in relevant part that, where a proposed
rule authorizes or requires use of commercial standards, the notice of
proposed rulemaking must inform the public of the use and background of
such standards. In addition, section 32(c) requires DOE to consult with
the Attorney General and the Chairman of the FTC concerning the impact
of the commercial or industry standards on competition.
The proposed modifications to the test procedure addressed by this
action incorporate testing methods contained in the commercial
standard, IEC Standard 62301, Edition 2.0 2011-01, ``Household
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power.'' DOE has
evaluated this standard and is unable to conclude whether it fully
complies with the requirements of section 32(b) of the FEAA (i.e.,
whether it was developed in a manner that fully provides for public
participation, comment, and review.) DOE will consult with the Attorney
General and the Chairman of the FTC about the impact on competition of
using the methods contained in this standard, before prescribing a
final rule.
V. Public Participation
A. Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data, and information regarding this
proposed rule before or after the public meeting, but no later than the
date provided in the DATES section at the beginning of this proposed
rule. Interested parties may submit comments using any of the methods
described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice.
Submitting comments via http://www.regulations.gov. The http://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE
Building Technologies staff only. Your contact information will not be
publicly viewable except for your first and last names, organization
name (if any), and submitter representative name (if any). If your
comment is not processed properly because of technical difficulties,
DOE will use this information to contact you. If DOE cannot read your
comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for
clarification, DOE may not be able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will be publicly viewable if you
include it in the comment or in any documents attached to your comment.
Any information that you do not want to be publicly viewable should not
be included in your comment, nor in any document attached to your
comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first and last names,
organization names, correspondence containing comments, and any
documents submitted with the comments.
Do not submit to regulations.gov information for which disclosure
is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and commercial or
financial information (hereinafter referred to as Confidential Business
Information (CBI)). Comments submitted through regulations.gov cannot
be claimed as CBI. Comments received through the Web site will waive
any CBI claims for the information submitted. For information on
submitting CBI, see the Confidential Business Information section.
DOE processes submissions made through regulations.gov before
posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of being
submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being processed
simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to several
weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that regulations.gov
provides after you have successfully uploaded your comment.
Submitting comments via e-mail, hand delivery, or mail. Comments
and documents submitted via e-mail, hand delivery, or mail also will be
posted to regulations.gov. If you do not want your personal contact
information to be publicly viewable, do not include it in your comment
or any accompanying documents. Instead, provide your contact
information on a cover letter. Include your first and last names, e-
mail address, telephone number, and optional mailing address. The cover
letter will not be publicly viewable as long as it does not include any
comments
Include contact information each time you submit comments, data,
documents, and other information to DOE. If you submit via mail or hand
delivery, please provide all items on a CD, if feasible. It is not
necessary to submit printed copies. No facsimiles (faxes) will be
accepted.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, WordPerfect, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that
are not secured, written in English and are free of any defects or
viruses. Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. According to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit via
e-mail, postal mail, or hand delivery two well-marked copies: one copy
of the document marked confidential including all the
[[Page 49257]]
information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the document
marked non-confidential with the information believed to be
confidential deleted. Submit these documents via e-mail or on a CD, if
feasible. DOE will make its own determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it according to its determination.
Factors of interest to DOE when evaluating requests to treat
submitted information as confidential include: (1) A description of the
items; (2) whether and why such items are customarily treated as
confidential within the industry; (3) whether the information is
generally known by or available from other sources; (4) whether the
information has previously been made available to others without
obligation concerning its confidentiality; (5) an explanation of the
competitive injury to the submitting person which would result from
public disclosure; (6) when such information might lose its
confidential character due to the passage of time; and (7) why
disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket, without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
B. Issues on Which DOE Seeks Comment
Although DOE welcomes comments on any aspect of this proposal, DOE
is particularly interested in receiving comments and views of
interested parties concerning the following issues:
(1) Incorporation by reference of certain provisions of IEC 62301
(Second Edition), and the accompanying impacts on measurement
improvement and test burden (see section III.B.1);
(2) The acceptability of measuring the total harmonic content,
crest factor, and maximum current ratio before and after the actual
test measurement if the power measuring instrument is unable to perform
these measurements during the actual test measurement;
(3) The potential test burden that would be required for a
laboratory to upgrade its data acquisition system to enable real-time
statistical analysis capabilities;
(4) The alternate method for measuring energy use in low-power
modes by means of measuring power consumption only in the inactive mode
and off mode (see section III.B.2);
(5) The proposed clarification of the energy test cycle definition
(see section III.B.3);
(6) The proposed use of a weighted-average load size based on the
load usage factors and the minimum, average, and maximum load sizes
rather than the product of the LAF and maximum load size in the drying
energy calculation (see section III.B.4); and
(7) The proposed clarification of how to classify the wash
temperature settings for clothes washers with both a ``cold'' wash
setting and a ``tap cold'' wash setting.
(8) DOE's tentative conclusion and certification that the September
2010 NOPR, as modified by today's SNOPR, would not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this proposed
rule.
List of Subjects
10 CFR Part 429
Energy conservation, Household appliances, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
10 CFR Part 430
Administrative practice and procedure, Energy conservation,
Household appliances, Incorporation by reference, Small businesses.
Issued in Washington, DC, on July 26, 2011.
Kathleen Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend parts
429 and 430 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set
forth below:
PART 429--CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER
PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT
1. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317.
2. Section 429.20 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(2)(i)
introductory text and (a)(2)(ii) introductory text to read as follows:
Sec. 429.20 Residential clothes washers.
(a) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) Any represented value of the water factor, integrated water
factor, the estimated annual operating cost, the energy or water
consumption, or other measure of energy or water consumption of a basic
model for which consumers would favor lower values shall be greater
than or equal to the higher of:
* * * * *
(ii) Any represented value of the modified energy factor,
integrated modified energy factor, or other measure of energy or water
consumption of a basic model for which consumers would favor higher
values shall be less than or equal to the lower of:
* * * * *
PART 430--ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
3. The authority citation for Part 430 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6309; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.
4. Section 430.3 is amended by:
a. Redesignating paragraphs (c) through (o) as paragraphs(d)
through (p);
b. Adding new paragraph (c);
c. Revising newly designated paragraph (m)(2).
The additions read as follows:
Sec. 430.3 Materials incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(c) AATCC. American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists,
P.O. Box 1215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919-549-8141, or go to
http://www.aatcc.org.
(1) AATCC Test Method 79-2010, Absorbency of Bleached Textiles,,
IBR approved for Appendix J1 and Appendix J2.
(2) AATCC Test Method 118-2007, Oil Repellency: Hydrocarbon
Resistance Test,, IBR approved for Appendix J1 and Appendix J2.
(3) AATCC Test Method 135-2010, Dimensional Changes of Fabrics
after Home Laundering, IBR approved for Appendix J1 and Appendix J2.
* * * * *
(m) * * *
(2) IEC Standard 62301 (``IEC 62301''), Household electrical
appliances--Measurement of standby power (Edition 2.0, 2011-01), IBR
approved for Appendix J2.
* * * * *
5. Section 430.23 is amended by revising paragraph (j) to read as
follows:
Sec. 430.23 Test procedures for the measurement of energy and water
consumption.
* * * * *
(j) Clothes washers. (1) The estimated annual operating cost for
automatic and semi-automatic clothes washers must be rounded off to the
nearest dollar per year and is defined as follows:
[[Page 49258]]
(i) Before use of appendix J2 becomes mandatory,
(A) When electrically heated water is used,
(N1 x ETE1 x CKWH)
Where,
N1 = the representative average residential clothes
washer use of 392 cycles per year according to appendix J1,
ETE1 = the total per-cycle energy consumption when
electrically heated water is used, in kilowatt-hours per cycle,
determined according to section 4.1.7 of appendix J1, and
CKWH = the representative average unit cost, in dollars
per kilowatt-hour, as provided by the Secretary.
(B) When gas-heated or oil-heated water is used,
(N1 x ((MET1 x CKWH) +
(HETG1 x CBTU)))
Where,
N1 and CKWH are defined in paragraph
(j)(1)(i)(A) of this section,
MET1 = the total weighted per-cycle machine electrical
energy consumption, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined
according to section 4.1.6 of appendix J1,
HETG1 = the per-cycle hot water energy consumption using
gas-heated or oil-heated water, in Btu per cycle, determined
according to section 4.1.4 of appendix J1, and
CBTU = the representative average unit cost, in dollars
per Btu for oil or gas, as appropriate, as provided by the
Secretary.
(ii) After use of appendix J2 becomes mandatory (see the note at
the beginning of appendix J2),
(A) When electrically heated water is used,
(N2 x (ETE2 + ETSC + ETSO)
x CKWH)
Where,
N2 = the representative average residential clothes
washer use of 295 cycles per year according to appendix J2,
ETE2 = the total per-cycle energy consumption, in
kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 4.1.7 of
appendix J2,
ETSC = the per-cycle self-clean energy consumption, in
kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to section 4.5 of
appendix J2,
ETSO = the per-cycle combined low-power mode energy
consumption, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to
section 4.4 of appendix J2, and
CKWH is defined in paragraph (j)(1)(i)(A) of this
section.
(B) When gas-heated or oil-heated water is used,
(N2 x ((MET2 + MESC + ETSO)
x CKWH) + ((HETG2 + HESCG) x
CBTU))
Where,
N2 and ETSO are defined in (j)(1)(ii)(A) of
this section,
MET2 = the total weighted per-cycle machine electrical
energy consumption, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined
according to section 4.1.6 of appendix J2,
MESC = the per-cycle self-clean machine electrical energy
consumption, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, determined according to
section 4.1.10 of appendix J2,
CKWH is defined in (j)(1)(i)(A) of this section,
HETG2 = the per-cycle hot water energy consumption using
gas-heated or oil-heated water, in Btu per cycle, determined
according to section 4.1.4 of appendix J2,
HESCG = the per-cycle self-clean hot water energy
consumption using gas-heated or oil-heated water, in Btu per cycle,
determined according to section 4.1.9 of appendix J2, and
CBTU is defined in (j)(1)(i)(B) of this section.
(2)(i) The modified energy factor for automatic and semi-automatic
clothes washers is determined in accordance with section 4.4 of
appendix J1 before appendix J2 becomes mandatory and section 4.6 of
appendix J2 when appendix J2 becomes mandatory. The result shall be
rounded off to the nearest 0.01 cubic foot per kilowatt-hour per cycle.
(ii) The integrated modified energy factor for automatic and semi-
automatic clothes washers is determined in accordance with section 4.7
of appendix J2 when appendix J2 becomes mandatory. The result shall be
rounded off to the nearest 0.01 cubic foot per kilowatt-hour per cycle.
(3) Other useful measures of energy consumption for automatic or
semi-automatic clothes washers shall be those measures of energy
consumption which the Secretary determines are likely to assist
consumers in making purchasing decisions and which are derived from the
application of appendix J1 before the date that appendix J2 becomes
mandatory or appendix J2 upon the date that appendix J2 becomes
mandatory. In addition, the annual water consumption of a clothes
washer can be determined by the product of:
(i) Before appendix J2 becomes mandatory, the representative
average-use of 392 cycles per year and the total weighted per-cycle
water consumption for cold wash in gallons per cycle determined
according to section 4.2.2 of appendix J1. The water consumption factor
can be determined in accordance with section 4.2.3 of appendix J1. The
remaining moisture content can be determined in accordance with section
3.8 of appendix J1.
(ii) After appendix J2 becomes mandatory, the representative
average-use of 295 cycles per year and the total weighted per-cycle
water consumption for all wash cycles in gallons per cycle determined
according to section 4.2.13 of appendix J2. The water consumption
factor can be determined in accordance with section 4.2.15 of appendix
J2. The integrated water consumption factor can be determined in
accordance with section 4.2.16 of appendix J2. The remaining moisture
content can be determined in accordance with section 3.8 of appendix
J2.
* * * * *
Appendix J--[Removed]
6. Appendix J to subpart B of part 430 is removed.
Appendix J1--[Amended]
7. Appendix J1 to subpart B of part 430 is amended by:
a. Revising the introductory text;
b. Revising section 1.22;
c. Removing sections 2.6.1.1 through 2.6.1.2.4;
d. Revising section 2.6.3.1;
e. Revising section 2.10;
f. Revising section 3.6;
g. Revising section 4.1.4, and
h. Revising section 5.
The revisions read as follows:
Appendix J1 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Automatic and Semi-automatic Clothes Washers
Appendix J1 is effective until the compliance date of any
amended standards for residential clothes washers. After this date,
all residential clothes washers shall be tested using the provisions
of Appendix J2 of this appendix.
* * * * *
1.22 Cold rinse means the coldest rinse temperature available on
the machine.
* * * * *
2.6.3.1 Perform 5 complete normal wash-rinse-spin cycles, the
first two with AHAM Standard detergent Formula 3 and the last three
without detergent. 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 27.0 grams + 4.0 grams per lb of
cloth load of AHAM Standard detergent Formula 3. The wash
temperature is to be controlled to 135 [deg]F 5 [deg]F
(57.2 [deg]C 2.8 [deg]C) and the rinse temperature is
to be controlled to 60 [deg]F 5 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C
2.8 [deg]C). Repeat the cycle with detergent and then
repeat the cycle three additional times without detergent, bone
drying the load between cycles (total of five wash and rinse
cycles).
* * * * *
2.10 Wash time setting. If one wash time is prescribed in the
energy test cycle, that shall be the wash time setting; otherwise,
the wash time setting shall be the higher of either the minimum or
70 percent of the maximum wash time available in the energy test
cycle, regardless of the labeling of suggested dial locations. If
the clothes washer is equipped with an electromechanical dial
controlling wash time, reset the dial to the minimum wash time and
then turn it in the direction of increasing wash time to reach the
[[Page 49259]]
appropriate setting. If the appropriate setting is passed, return
the dial to the minimum wash time and then turn in the direction of
increasing wash time until the setting is reached.
* * * * *
3.6 ``Cold Wash'' (Minimum Wash Temperature Selection). Water
and electrical energy consumption shall be measured for each water
fill level or test load size as specified in sections 3.6.1 through
3.6.3 of this Appendix for the coldest wash temperature selection
available. For a clothes washer that offers two or more wash
temperature settings labeled as cold, such as ``Cold'' and ``Tap
Cold'', the setting with the minimum wash temperature shall be
considered the cold wash. If any of the other cold wash temperature
settings add hot water to raise the wash temperature above the cold
water supply temperature, as defined in section 2.3 of this
Appendix, those setting(s) shall be considered warm wash setting(s),
as defined in section 1.18 of this Appendix. If none of the cold
wash temperature settings add hot water for any of the water fill
levels or test load sizes required for the energy test cycle, the
wash temperature setting labeled as ``Cold'' shall be considered the
cold wash, and the other wash temperature setting(s) labeled as cold
shall not be required for testing.
* * * * *
4. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements.
* * * * *
4.1.4 Total per-cycle hot water energy consumption using gas-
heated or oil-heated water. Calculate for the energy test cycle the
per-cycle hot water consumption, HETG, using gas-heated
or oil-heated water, expressed in Btu per cycle (or megajoules per
cycle) and defined as:
HETG = HET x 1/e x 3412 Btu/kWh or
HETG = HET x 1/e x 3.6 MJ/kWh
where:
e = Nominal gas or oil water heater efficiency = 0.75.
HET=As defined in 4.1.3.
* * * * *
5. Test Loads
Table 5.1--Test Load Sizes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Container volume Minimum load Maximum load Average load
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cu. ft. Liter
----------------------------------------------- Lb kg lb kg lb Kg
>= < >= <
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-0.8........................ 0-22.7......... 3.00 1.36 3.00 1.36 3.00 1.36
0.80-0.90.................... 22.7-25.5...... 3.00 1.36 3.50 1.59 3.25 1.47
0.90-1.00.................... 25.5-28.3...... 3.00 1.36 3.90 1.77 3.45 1.56
1.00-1.10.................... 28.3-31.1...... 3.00 1.36 4.30 1.95 3.65 1.66
1.10-1.20.................... 31.1-34.0...... 3.00 1.36 4.70 2.13 3.85 1.75
1.20-1.30.................... 34.0-36.8...... 3.00 1.36 5.10 2.31 4.05 1.84
1.30-1.40.................... 36.8-39.6...... 3.00 1.36 5.50 2.49 4.25 1.93
1.40-1.50.................... 39.6-42.5...... 3.00 1.36 5.90 2.68 4.45 2.02
1.50-1.60.................... 42.5-45.3...... 3.00 1.36 6.40 2.90 4.70 2.13
1.60-1.70.................... 45.3-48.1...... 3.00 1.36 6.80 3.08 4.90 2.22
1.70-1.80.................... 48.1-51.0...... 3.00 1.36 7.20 3.27 5.10 2.31
1.80-1.90.................... 51.0-53.8...... 3.00 1.36 7.60 3.45 5.30 2.4
1.90-2.00.................... 53.8-56.6...... 3.00 1.36 8.00 3.63 5.50 2.49
2.00-2.10.................... 56.6-59.5...... 3.00 1.36 8.40 3.81 5.70 2.59
2.10-2.20.................... 59.5-62.3...... 3.00 1.36 8.80 3.99 5.90 2.68
2.20-2.30.................... 62.3-65.1...... 3.00 1.36 9.20 4.17 6.10 2.77
2.30-2.40.................... 65.1-68.0...... 3.00 1.36 9.60 4.35 6.30 2.86
2.40-2.50.................... 68.0-70.8...... 3.00 1.36 10.00 4.54 6.50 2.95
2.50-2.60.................... 70.8-73.6...... 3.00 1.36 10.50 4.76 6.75 3.06
2.60-2.70.................... 73.6-76.5...... 3.00 1.36 10.90 4.94 6.95 3.15
2.70-2.80.................... 76.5-79.3...... 3.00 1.36 11.30 5.13 7.15 3.24
2.80-2.90.................... 79.3-82.1...... 3.00 1.36 11.70 5.31 7.35 3.33
2.90-3.00.................... 82.1-85.0...... 3.00 1.36 12.10 5.49 7.55 3.42
3.00-3.10.................... 85.0-87.8...... 3.00 1.36 12.50 5.67 7.75 3.52
3.10-3.20.................... 87.8-90.6...... 3.00 1.36 12.90 5.85 7.95 3.61
3.20-3.30.................... 90.6-93.4...... 3.00 1.36 13.30 6.03 8.15 3.7
3.30-3.40.................... 93.4-96.3...... 3.00 1.36 13.70 6.21 8.35 3.79
3.40-3.50.................... 96.3-99.1...... 3.00 1.36 14.10 6.40 8.55 3.88
3.50-3.60.................... 99.1-101.9..... 3.00 1.36 14.60 6.62 8.80 3.99
3.60-3.70.................... 101.9-104.8.... 3.00 1.36 15.00 6.80 9.00 4.08
3.70-3.80.................... 104.8-107.6.... 3.00 1.36 15.40 6.99 9.20 4.17
3.80-3.90.................... 107.6-110.4.... 3.00 1.36 15.80 7.16 9.40 4.26
3.90-4.00.................... 110.4-113.3.... 3.00 1.36 16.20 7.34 9.60 4.35
4.00-4.10.................... 113.3-116.1.... 3.00 1.36 16.60 7.53 9.80 4.45
4.10-4.20.................... 116.1-118.9.... 3.00 1.36 17.00 7.72 10.00 4.54
4.20-4.30.................... 118.9-121.8.... 3.00 1.36 17.40 7.90 10.20 4.63
4.30-4.40.................... 121.8-124.6.... 3.00 1.36 17.80 8.09 10.40 4.72
4.40-4.50.................... 124.6-127.4.... 3.00 1.36 18.20 8.27 10.60 4.82
4.50-4.60.................... 127.4-130.3.... 3.00 1.36 18.70 8.46 10.85 4.91
4.60-4.70.................... 130.3-133.1.... 3.00 1.36 19.10 8.65 11.05 5.00
4.70-4.80.................... 133.1-135.9.... 3.00 1.36 19.50 8.83 11.25 5.10
4.80-4.90.................... 135.9-138.8.... 3.00 1.36 19.90 9.02 11.45 5.19
4.90-5.00.................... 138.8-141.6.... 3.00 1.36 20.30 9.20 11.65 5.28
5.00-5.10.................... 141.6-144.4.... 3.00 1.36 20.70 9.39 11.85 5.38
5.10-5.20.................... 144.4-147.2.... 3.00 1.36 21.10 9.58 12.05 5.47
5.20-5.30.................... 147.2-150.1.... 3.00 1.36 21.50 9.76 12.25 5.56
5.30-5.40.................... 150.1-152.9.... 3.00 1.36 21.90 9.95 12.45 5.65
5.40-5.50.................... 152.9-155.7.... 3.00 1.36 22.30 10.13 12.65 5.75
5.50-5.60.................... 155.7-158.6.... 3.00 1.36 22.80 10.32 12.90 5.84
[[Page 49260]]
5.60-5.70.................... 158.6-161.4.... 3.00 1.36 23.20 10.51 13.10 5.93
5.70-5.80.................... 161.4-164.2.... 3.00 1.36 23.60 10.69 13.30 6.03
5.80-5.90.................... 164.2-167.1.... 3.00 1.36 24.00 10.88 13.50 6.12
5.90-6.00.................... 167.1-169.9.... 3.00 1.36 24.40 11.06 13.70 6.21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: (1) All test load weights are bone dry weights.
(2) Allowable tolerance on the test load weights are 0.10 lbs (0.05 kg).
8. Add a new Appendix J2 to subpart B of part 430 to read as
follows:
Appendix J2 to Subpart B of Part 430--Uniform Test Method for Measuring
the Energy Consumption of Automatic and Semi-Automatic Clothes Washers
Appendix J1 is effective until the compliance date of any amended
standards for residential clothes washers. After this date, all
residential clothes washers shall be tested using the provisions of
Appendix J2.
1. Definitions and Symbols
1.1 Active mode means a mode in which the clothes washer is
connected to a mains power source, has been activated, and is
performing one or more of the main functions of washing, soaking,
tumbling, agitating, rinsing, and/or removing water from the clothing,
or is involved in functions necessary for these main functions, such as
admitting water into the washer or pumping water out of the washer.
Active mode also includes delay start, cycle finished, and self-clean
modes.
1.2 Active washing mode means a mode in which the clothes washer is
performing any of the operations included in a complete cycle intended
for washing a clothing load, including the main functions of washing,
soaking, tumbling, agitating, rinsing, and/or removing water from the
clothing.
1.3 Adaptive control system means a clothes washer control system,
other than an adaptive water fill control system, which is capable of
automatically adjusting washer operation or washing conditions based on
characteristics of the clothes load placed in the clothes container,
without allowing or requiring consumer intervention or actions. The
automatic adjustments may, for example, include automatic selection,
modification, or control of any of the following: Wash water
temperature, agitation or tumble cycle time, number of rinse cycles,
and spin speed. The characteristics of the clothes load, which could
trigger such adjustments, could, for example, consist of or be
indicated by the presence of either soil, soap, suds, or any other
additive laundering substitute or complementary product.
Note: Appendix J2 does not provide a means for determining the
energy consumption of a clothes washer with an adaptive control
system. A waiver must be obtained pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27 to
establish an acceptable test procedure for each such clothes washer.
1.4 Adaptive water fill control system means a clothes washer water
fill control system which is capable of automatically adjusting the
water fill level based on the size or weight of the clothes load placed
in the clothes container, without allowing or requiring consumer
intervention or actions.
1.5 Bone-dry means a condition of a load of test cloth which has
been dried in a dryer at maximum temperature for a minimum of 10
minutes, removed and weighed before cool down, and then dried again for
10 minute periods until the final weight change of the load is 1
percent or less.
1.6 Clothes container means the compartment within the clothes
washer that holds the clothes during the operation of the machine.
1.7 Cold rinse means the coldest rinse temperature available on the
machine.
1.8 Combined low-power mode means the aggregate of available modes
other than active washing mode and self-clean mode, including inactive
mode, off mode, delay start mode, and cycle finished mode.
1.9 Compact means a clothes washer which has a clothes container
capacity of less than 1.6 ft\3\ (45 L).
1.10 Cycle finished mode means an active mode which provides
continuous status display following operation in active washing mode.
1.11 Deep rinse cycle means a rinse cycle in which the clothes
container is filled with water to a selected level and the clothes load
is rinsed by agitating it or tumbling it through the water.
1.12 Delay start mode means an active mode in which activation of
active washing mode is facilitated by a timer.
1.13 Energy test cycle for a basic model means (A) The cycle
recommended by the manufacturer for washing cotton or linen clothes,
and includes all wash/rinse temperature selections and water levels
offered in that cycle, and (B) if the cycle described in (A) does not
include all wash/rinse temperature settings available on the clothes
washer, the energy test cycle shall also include the portions of a
cycle setting offering these wash/rinse temperature settings with
agitation/tumble operation, spin speed(s), wash times, and rinse times
that are largely comparable to those for the cycle recommended by the
manufacturer for washing cotton or linen clothes. Any cycle under (A)
or (B) shall include the manufacturer's default agitation/tumble
operation, soil level, spin speed(s), wash times, and rinse times
applicable to that cycle, including water heating time for water
heating clothes washers.
1.14 IEC 62301 means the test standard published by the
International Electrotechnical Commission, entitled ``Household
electrical appliances--Measurement of standby power,'' Publication
62301 Edition 2.0 2011-01 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
1.15 Inactive mode means a standby mode that facilitates the
activation of active mode by remote switch (including remote control),
internal sensor, or timer, or that provides continuous status display.
1.16 Integrated modified energy factor means the quotient of the
cubic foot (or liter) capacity of the clothes container divided by the
total clothes washer energy consumption per cycle, with such energy
consumption expressed as the sum of:
(a) The machine electrical energy consumption;
(b) The hot water energy consumption;
(c) The energy required for removal of the remaining moisture in
the wash load;
[[Page 49261]]
(d) The combined low-power mode energy consumption; and
(e) The self-clean energy consumption, as applicable.
1.17 Integrated water consumption factor means the quotient of the
total clothes washer water consumption per cycle in gallons, with such
water consumption expressed as the sum of the total weighted per-cycle
water consumption and the per-cycle self-clean water consumption,
divided by the cubic foot (or liter) capacity of the clothes washer.
1.18 Load use factor means the percentage of the total number of
wash loads that a user would wash a particular size (weight) load.
1.19 Manual control system means a clothes washer control system
which requires that the consumer make the choices that determine washer
operation or washing conditions, such as, for example, wash/rinse
temperature selections, and wash time before starting the cycle.
1.20 Manual water fill control system means a clothes washer water
fill control system which requires the consumer to determine or select
the water fill level.
1.21 Modified energy factor means the quotient of the cubic foot
(or liter) capacity of the clothes container divided by the total
clothes washer energy consumption per cycle, with such energy
consumption expressed as the sum of the machine electrical energy
consumption, the hot water energy consumption, and the energy required
for removal of the remaining moisture in the wash load.
1.22 Non-water-heating clothes washer means a clothes washer which
does not have an internal water heating device to generate hot water.
1.23 Off mode means a mode in which the clothes washer is connected
to a mains power source and is not providing any active or standby mode
function, and where the mode may persist for an indefinite time. An
indicator that only shows the user that the product is in the off
position is included within the classification of an off mode.
1.24 Self-clean mode means an active clothes washer operating mode
that is:
(a) Dedicated to cleaning, deodorizing, or sanitizing the clothes
washer by eliminating sources of odor, bacteria, mold, and mildew;
(b) Recommended to be run intermittently by the manufacturer; and
(c) Separate from clothes washing cycles.
1.25 Spray rinse cycle means a rinse cycle in which water is
sprayed onto the clothes for a period of time without maintaining any
specific water level in the clothes container.
1.26 Standard means a clothes washer which has a clothes container
capacity of 1.6 ft\3\ (45 L) or greater.
1.27 Standby mode means any modes in which the clothes washer is
connected to a mains power source and offers one or more of the
following user oriented or protective functions that may persist for an
indefinite time:
(a) To facilitate the activation of other modes (including
activation or deactivation of active mode) by remote switch (including
remote control), internal sensor, or timer;
(b) Continuous functions, including information or status displays
(including clocks) or sensor-based functions. A timer is a continuous
clock function (which may or may not be associated with a display) that
provides regular scheduled tasks (e.g., switching) and that operates on
a continuous basis.
1.28 Steam cycle means a wash cycle in which steam is injected into
the clothes container.
1.29 Symbol usage. The following identity relationships are
provided to help clarify the symbology used throughout this procedure.
E--Electrical Energy Consumption;
H--Hot Water Consumption;
C--Cold Water Consumption;
R--Hot Water Consumed by Warm Rinse;
TUF--Temperature Use Factor;
HE--Hot Water Energy Consumption;
F--Load Usage Factor;
Q--Total Water Consumption;
ME--Machine Electrical Energy Consumption;
RMC--Remaining Moisture Content;
WI--Initial Weight of Dry Test Load;
WC--Weight of Test Load After Extraction;
P--Power;
S--Annual Hours;
s--Steam Wash;
m--Extra Hot Wash (maximum wash temp. > 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C));
h--Hot Wash (maximum wash temp. <= 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C));
w--Warm Wash;
c--Cold Wash (minimum wash temp.);
r--Warm Rinse (hottest rinse temp.);
sc--Self Clean;
x or max--Maximum Test Load;
a or avg--Average Test Load;
n or min--Minimum Test Load;
ia--Inactive Mode;
o--Off Mode;
oi--Combined Off and Inactive Modes;
LP--Combined Low-Power Mode.
The following examples are provided to show how the above symbols
can be used to define variables:
Emx = ``Electrical Energy Consumption'' for an ``Extra Hot
Wash'' and ``Maximum Test Load''.
Ra = ``Hot Water Consumed by Warm Rinse'' for the ``Average
Test Load''.
TUFm = ``Temperature Use Factor'' for an ``Extra Hot Wash''.
HEmin = ``Hot Water Energy Consumption'' for the ``Minimum
Test Load''.
Qsc = ``Total Water Consumption'' for ``Self Clean''.
Pia = ``Power'' in ``Inactive Mode''.
So = ``Annual Hours'' in ``Off Mode''.
1.30 Temperature use factor means, for a particular wash/rinse
temperature setting, the percentage of the total number of wash loads
that an average user would wash with that setting.
1.31 Thermostatically controlled water valves means clothes washer
controls that have the ability to sense and adjust the hot and cold
supply water.
1.32 Uniformly distributed warm wash temperature selection(s) means
(A) Multiple warm wash selections for which the warm wash water
temperatures have a linear relationship with all discrete warm wash
selections when the water temperatures are plotted against equally
spaced consecutive warm wash selections between the hottest warm wash
and the coldest warm wash. If the warm wash has infinite selections,
the warm wash water temperature has a linear relationship with the
distance on the selection device (e.g. dial angle or slide movement)
between the hottest warm wash and the coldest warm wash. The criteria
for a linear relationship as specified above is that the difference
between the actual water temperature at any warm wash selection and the
point where that temperature is depicted on the temperature/selection
line formed by connecting the warmest and the coldest warm selections
is less than 5 percent. In all cases, the mean water
temperature of the warmest and the coldest warm selections must
coincide with the mean of the ``hot wash'' (maximum wash temperature <=
135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C)) and ``cold wash'' (minimum wash temperature)
water temperatures within 3.8 [deg]F ( 2.1
[deg]C); or (B) on a clothes washer with only one warm wash temperature
selection, a warm wash temperature selection with a water temperature
that coincides with the mean of the ``hot wash'' (maximum wash
temperature <= 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C)) and ``cold wash'' (minimum
wash temperature) water temperatures within 3.8 [deg]F
( 2.1 [deg]C).
1.33 Warm rinse means the hottest rinse temperature available on
the machine.
[[Page 49262]]
1.34 Warm wash means all wash temperature selections that are below
the maximum wash temperature <= 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C) and above the
minimum wash temperature.
1.35 Water consumption factor means the quotient of the total
weighted per-cycle water consumption divided by the cubic foot (or
liter) capacity of the clothes washer.
1.36 Water-heating clothes washer means a clothes washer where some
or all of the hot water for clothes washing is generated by a water
heating device internal to the clothes washer.
2. Testing Conditions
2.1 Installation. Install the clothes washer in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions. For combined low-power mode testing, the
product shall be installed in accordance with Section 5, Paragraph 5.2
of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), disregarding
the provisions regarding batteries and the determination,
classification, and testing of relevant modes.
2.2 Electrical energy supply.
2.2.1 Supply voltage and frequency. Maintain the electrical supply
at the clothes washer terminal block within 2 percent of 120, 120/240,
or 120/208Y volts as applicable to the particular terminal block wiring
system and within 2 percent of the nameplate frequency as specified by
the manufacturer. If the clothes washer has a dual voltage conversion
capability, conduct test at the highest voltage specified by the
manufacturer.
2.2.2 Supply voltage waveform. For the combined low-power mode
testing, maintain the electrical supply voltage waveform indicated in
Section 4, Paragraph 4.3.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference; see
Sec. 430.3). If the power measuring instrument used for testing is
unable to measure and record the total harmonic content during the test
measurement period, it is acceptable to measure and record the total
harmonic content immediately before and after the test measurement
period.
2.3 Supply Water.
2.3.1 Clothes washers in which electrical energy consumption or
water energy consumption are affected by the inlet water temperature.
(For example, water heating clothes washers or clothes washers with
thermostatically controlled water valves.). The temperature of the hot
water supply at the water inlets shall not exceed 135 [deg]F (57.2
[deg]C) and the cold water supply at the water inlets shall not exceed
60 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C). A water meter shall be installed in both the
hot and cold water lines to measure water consumption.
2.3.2 Clothes washers in which electrical energy consumption and
water energy consumption are not affected by the inlet water
temperature. The temperature of the hot water supply shall be
maintained at 135 [deg]F 5 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C 2.8 [deg]C) and the cold water supply shall be maintained at 60
[deg]F 5 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C 2.8 [deg]C). A
water meter shall be installed in both the hot and cold water lines to
measure water consumption.
2.4 Water pressure. The static water pressure at the hot and cold
water inlet connection of the clothes washer shall be maintained at 35
pounds per square inch gauge (psig) 2.5 psig (241.3 kPa
17.2 kPa) when the water is flowing. The static water
pressure for a single water inlet connection shall be maintained at 35
psig 2.5 psig (241.3 kPa 17.2 kPa) when the
water is flowing. A water pressure gauge shall be installed in both the
hot and cold water lines to measure water pressure.
2.5 Instrumentation. Perform all test measurements using the
following instruments as appropriate:
2.5.1 Weighing scales.
2.5.1.1 Weighing scale for test cloth. The scale shall have a
resolution of no larger than 0.2 oz (5.7 g) and a maximum error no
greater than 0.3 percent of the measured value.
2.5.1.2 Weighing scale for clothes container capacity measurement.
The scale should have a resolution no larger than 0.50 lbs (0.23 kg)
and a maximum error no greater than 0.5 percent of the measured value.
2.5.2 Watt-hour meter. The watt-hour meter shall have a resolution
no larger than 1 Wh (3.6 kJ) and a maximum error no greater than 2
percent of the measured value for any demand greater than 50 Wh (180.0
kJ).
2.5.3 Watt meter. The watt meter used to measure combined low-power
mode power consumption shall comply with the requirements specified in
Section 4, Paragraph 4.4 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference, see
Sec. 430.3). If the power measuring instrument used for testing is
unable to measure and record the crest factor, power factor, or maximum
current ratio during the test measurement period, it is acceptable to
measure the crest factor, power factor, and maximum current ratio
immediately before and after the test measurement period.
2.5.4 Temperature measuring device. The device shall have an error
no greater than 1 [deg]F ( 0.6 [deg]C) over
the range being measured.
2.5.5 Water meter. The water meter shall have a resolution no
larger than 0.1 gallons (0.4 liters) and a maximum error no greater
than 2 percent for the water flow rates being measured.
2.5.6 Water pressure gauge. The water pressure gauge shall have a
resolution of 1 pound per square inch gauge (psig) (6.9 kPa) and shall
have an error no greater than 5 percent of any measured value.
2.6 Test cloths.
2.6.1 Energy Test Cloth. The energy test cloth shall be made from
energy test cloth material, as specified in section 2.6.4 of this
Appendix, that is 24 \1/2\ inches by 36 \1/2\
inches (61.0 1.3 cm by 91.4 1.3 cm) and has
been hemmed to 22 \1/2\ inches by 34 \1/2\
inches (55.9 1.3 cm by 86.4 1.3 cm) before
washing. The energy test cloth shall be clean and shall not be used for
more than 60 test runs (after preconditioning as specified in 2.6.3 of
this appendix). All energy test cloth must be permanently marked
identifying the lot number of the material. Mixed lots of material
shall not be used for testing the clothes washers.
2.6.2 Energy Stuffer Cloth. The energy stuffer cloth shall be made
from energy test cloth material, as specified in section 2.6.4 of this
Appendix, and shall consist of pieces of material that are 12 \1/4\ inches by 12 \1/4\ inches (30.5
0.6 cm by 30.5 0.6 cm) and have been hemmed to 10 \1/4\ inches by 10 \1/4\ inches (25.4
0.6 cm by 25.4 0.6 cm) before washing. The energy stuffer
cloth shall be clean and shall not be used for more than 60 test runs
(after preconditioning as specified in section 2.6.3 of this Appendix).
All energy stuffer cloth must be permanently marked identifying the lot
number of the material. Mixed lots of material shall not be used for
testing the clothes washers.
2.6.3 Preconditioning of Test Cloths. The new test cloths,
including energy test cloths and energy stuffer cloths, shall be pre-
conditioned in a clothes washer in the following manner:
2.6.3.1 Perform 5 complete normal wash-rinse-spin cycles, the first
two with current AHAM Standard detergent Formula 3 and the last three
without detergent. 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 27.0 grams + 4.0 grams per lb of cloth load
of AHAM Standard detergent Formula 3. The wash temperature is to be
controlled to 135 [deg]F 5 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C 2.8 [deg]C) and the rinse temperature is to be controlled to 60
[deg]F 5 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C 2.8 [deg]C).
Repeat the cycle with detergent and then repeat the cycle three
additional times without detergent, bone drying the load between
[[Page 49263]]
cycles (total of five wash and rinse cycles).
2.6.4 Energy test cloth material. The energy test cloths and energy
stuffer cloths shall be made from fabric meeting the following
specifications. The material should come from a roll of material with a
width of approximately 63 inches and approximately 500 yards per roll.
However, other sizes may be used if they fall within the
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 specification shall be 5.60
0.25 ounces per square yard (190.0 8.4 g/m\2\).
2.6.4.3 The thread count shall be 65 x 57 per inch (warp x fill),
2 percent.
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 percent
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 shall be verified by:
2.6.4.5.1 American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
(AATCC) Test Method 118-2007, Oil Repellency: Hydrocarbon Resistance
Test (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), of each new lot of
test cloth (when purchased from the mill) to confirm the absence of
Scotchguard\TM\ or other water repellent finish (required scores of
``D'' across the board).
2.6.4.5.2 American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
(AATCC) Test Method 79-2010, Absorbency of Bleached Textiles
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3), of each new lot of test
cloth (when purchased from the mill) to confirm the absence of
Scotchguard\TM\ 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
for each new lot of test cloth by the Standard Extractor Remaining
Moisture Content (RMC) Test specified in section 2.6.5 of this
Appendix.
2.6.4.6.1 Repeat the Standard Extractor RMC Test in section 2.6.5
of this Appendix three times.
2.6.4.6.2 An RMC correction curve shall be calculated as specified
in section 2.6.6 of this Appendix.
2.6.4.7 The maximum shrinkage after preconditioning shall not be
more than 5 percent on the length and width. Measure per AATCC Test
Method 135-2010, Dimensional Changes of Fabrics After Home Laundering
(incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.6.5 Standard Extractor RMC Test Procedure. The following
procedure is used to evaluate the moisture absorption and retention
characteristics of a lot of test cloth by measuring the RMC in a
standard extractor at a specified set of conditions. Table 2.6.5 of
this Appendix is the matrix of test conditions. When this matrix is
repeated 3 times, a total of 60 extractor RMC test runs are required.
For the purpose of the extractor RMC test, the test cloths may be used
for up to 60 test runs (after preconditioning as specified in section
2.6.3 of this Appendix).
Table 2.6.5--Matrix of Extractor RMC Test Conditions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warm soak Cold soak
-------------------------------------------------------------------
15 min. spin 4 min. spin 15 min. spin 4 min. spin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100......................................... ............... ............... ............... ...............
200......................................... ............... ............... ............... ...............
350......................................... ............... ............... ............... ...............
500......................................... ............... ............... ............... ...............
650......................................... ............... ............... ............... ...............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.6.5.1 The standard extractor RMC tests shall be run in a North
Star Engineered Products Inc. (formerly Bock) Model 215 extractor
(having a basket diameter of 19.5 inches, length of 12 inches, and
volume of 2.1 ft\3\), with a variable speed drive (North Star
Engineered Products, P.O. Box 5127, Toledo, OH 43611) or an equivalent
extractor with same basket design (i.e., diameter, length, volume, and
hole configuration) and variable speed drive.
2.6.5.2 Test Load. Test cloths shall be preconditioned in
accordance with section 2.6.3 of this Appendix. The load size shall be
8.4 lbs, consistent with section 3.8.1 of this Appendix.
2.6.5.3 Procedure.
2.6.5.3.1 Record the ``bone-dry'' weight of the test load (WI).
2.6.5.3.2 Prepare the test load for soak by grouping four test
cloths into loose bundles. Bundles are created by hanging four cloths
vertically from one corner and loosely wrapping the test cloth onto
itself to form the bundle. Bundles are then placed into the water for
soak. Eight to nine bundles will be formed depending on the test load.
The ninth bundle may not equal four cloths but can incorporate energy
stuffer cloths to help offset the size difference.
2.6.5.3.3 Soak the test load for 20 minutes in 10 gallons of soft
(<17 ppm) water. The entire test load shall be submerged. The water
temperature shall be 100 [deg]F 5[deg]F (38 [deg]C 3 [deg]C)
2.6.5.3.4 Remove the test load and allow each of the test cloth
bundles to drain over the water bath for a maximum of 5 seconds.
2.6.5.3.5 Manually place the test cloth bundles in the basket of
the extractor, distributing them evenly by eye. The draining and
loading process should take less than 1 minute. Spin the load at a
fixed speed corresponding to the intended centripetal acceleration
level (measured in units of the acceleration of gravity, g) 1g for the intended time period 5 seconds.
2.6.5.3.6 Record the weight of the test load immediately after the
completion of the extractor spin cycle (WC).
2.6.5.3.7 Calculate the RMC as (WC-WI)/WI.
2.6.5.3.8 It is not necessary to drain the soak tub if the water
bath is corrected for water level and temperature before the next
extraction.
2.6.5.3.9 It is not necessary to dry the test load in between
extraction runs. However, the bone dry weight shall be checked after
every 12 extraction runs to make sure the bone dry weight is within
tolerance (8.4 0.1 lb).
2.6.5.3.10 The RMC of the test load shall be measured at five g
levels: 100 g, 200 g, 350 g, 500 g, and 650 g, using two different spin
times at each g level: 4 minutes and 15 minutes.
2.6.5.4 Repeat section 2.6.5.3 of this Appendix using soft (<17
ppm) water at 60 [deg]F 5 [deg]F.
[[Page 49264]]
2.6.6 Calculation of RMC Correction Curve.
2.6.6.1 Average the values of 3 test runs and fill in Table 2.6.5
of this Appendix. Perform a linear least-squares fit to relate the
standard RMC (RMCstandard) values (shown in Table 2.6.6.1 of
this Appendix) to the values measured in section 2.6.5 of this
Appendix:
(RMCcloth): RMCstandard - A x RMCcloth
+ B
where A and B are coefficients of the linear least-squares fit.
Table 2.6.6.1--Standard RMC Values
[RMC Standard]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RMC percentage
---------------------------------------------------------------
``g Force'' Warm soak Cold soak
---------------------------------------------------------------
15 min. spin 4 min. spin 15 min. spin 4 min. spin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100............................................. 45.9 49.9 49.7 52.8
200............................................. 35.7 40.4 37.9 43.1
350............................................. 29.6 33.1 30.7 35.8
500............................................. 24.2 28.7 25.5 30.0
650............................................. 23.0 26.4 24.1 28.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.6.6.2 Perform an analysis of variance test using two factors,
spin speed and lot, to check the interaction of speed and lot. Use the
values from Table 2.6.5 and Table 2.6.6.1 of this Appendix in the
calculation. The ``P'' value in the variance analysis shall be greater
than or equal to 0.1. If the ``P'' value is less than 0.1, the test
cloth is unacceptable. ``P'' is a theoretically based probability of
interaction based on an analysis of variance.
2.6.7 Application of the RMC correction curve.
2.6.7.1 Using the coefficients A and B calculated in section
2.6.6.1 of this Appendix:
RMCcorr = A x RMC + B
2.6.7.2 Substitute RMCcorr values in calculations in
section 3.8 of this Appendix.
2.7 Test Load Sizes. Maximum, minimum, and, when required, average
test load sizes shall be determined using Table 5.1 of this Appendix
and the clothes container capacity as measured in sections 3.1.1
through 3.1.5 of this Appendix. Test loads shall consist of energy test
cloths, except that adjustments to the test loads to achieve proper
weight can be made by the use of energy stuffer cloths with no more
than 5 stuffer cloths per load.
2.8 Use of Test Loads. Table 2.8 of this Appendix defines the test
load sizes and corresponding water fill settings which are to be used
when measuring water and energy consumptions. Adaptive water fill
control system and manual water fill control system are defined in
section 1 of this Appendix:
Table 2.8--Test Load Sizes and Water Fill Settings Required
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manual water fill control system Adaptive water fill control system
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test load size Water fill setting Test load size Water fill setting
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Max.................................. Max.................... Max.................... As determined by the
Min.................................. Min.................... Avg.................... Clothes Washer.
Min....................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.8.1 The test load sizes to be used to measure RMC are specified
in section 3.8.1 of this Appendix.
2.8.2 Test loads for energy and water consumption measurements
shall be bone dry prior to the first cycle of the test, and dried to a
maximum of 104 percent of bone dry weight for subsequent testing.
2.8.3 Load the energy test cloths by grasping them in the center,
shaking them to hang loosely and then put them into the clothes
container prior to activating the clothes washer.
2.9 Pre-Conditioning.
2.9.1 Non-water-heating clothes washer. If the clothes washer has
not been filled with water in the preceding 96 hours, pre-condition it
by running it through a cold rinse cycle and then draining it to ensure
that the hose, pump, and sump are filled with water.
2.9.2 Water-heating clothes washer. If the clothes washer has not
been filled with water in the preceding 96 hours, or if it has not been
in the test room at the specified ambient conditions for 8 hours, pre-
condition it by running it through a cold rinse cycle and then draining
it to ensure that the hose, pump, and sump are filled with water.
2.10 Wash time setting. If one wash time is prescribed in the
energy test cycle, that shall be the wash time setting; otherwise, the
wash time setting shall be the higher of either the minimum or 70
percent of the maximum wash time available in the energy test cycle,
regardless of the labeling of suggested dial locations. If the clothes
washer is equipped with an electromechanical dial controlling wash
time, reset the dial to the minimum wash time and then turn it in the
direction of increasing wash time to reach the appropriate setting. If
the appropriate setting is passed, return the dial to the minimum wash
time and then turn in the direction of increasing wash time until the
setting is reached.
2.11 Test room temperature.
2.11.1 Non-water-heating clothes washer. For combined low-power
mode testing, maintain room ambient air temperature conditions as
specified in Section 4, Paragraph 4.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by
reference; see Sec. 430.3).
2.11.2 Water-heating clothes washer. Maintain the test room ambient
air temperature at 75[deg]F 5[deg]F (23.9[deg]C 2.8[deg]C). For combined low-power mode testing, maintain room
ambient air temperature conditions as specified in Section 4, Paragraph
4.2 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3).
[[Page 49265]]
2.12 Bone dryer temperature. The dryer used for bone drying must
heat the test cloth and energy stuffer cloths above 210 [deg]F (99
[deg]C).
3. Test Measurements
3.1 Clothes container capacity. Measure the entire volume which a
dry clothes load could occupy within the clothes container during
washer operation according to the following procedures:
3.1.1 Place the clothes washer in such a position that the
uppermost edge of the clothes container opening is leveled
horizontally, so that the container will hold the maximum amount of
water.
3.1.2 Line the inside of the clothes container with 2 mil (0.051
mm) plastic sheet. All clothes washer components which occupy space
within the clothes container and which are recommended for use with the
energy test cycle shall be in place and shall be lined with 2 mil
(0.051 mm) plastic sheet to prevent water from entering any void space.
3.1.3 Record the total weight of the machine before adding water.
3.1.4 Fill the clothes container manually with either 60 [deg]F
5 [deg]F (15.6 [deg]C 2.8 [deg]C) or 100
[deg]F 10 [deg]F (37.8 [deg]C 5.5 [deg]C)
water, with the door open. For a top-loading, vertical-axis clothes
washer, fill the clothes container to the uppermost edge of the
rotating portion, including any balance ring. For a front-loading,
horizontal-axis clothes washer, fill the clothes container to the
uppermost edge that is in contact with the door seal. For all clothes
washers, any volume which cannot be occupied by the clothing load
during operation must be excluded from the measurement. Measure and
record the weight of water, W, in pounds.
3.1.5 The clothes container capacity is calculated as follows:
C = W/d
Where:
C = Capacity in cubic feet (liters).
W = Mass of water in pounds (kilograms).
d = Density of water (62.0 lbs/ft\3\ for 100 [deg]F (993 kg/m\3\ for
37.8 [deg]C) or 62.3 lbs/ft\3\ for 60 [deg]F (998 kg/m\3\ for 15.6
[deg]C)).
3.2 Procedure for measuring water and energy consumption values on
all automatic and semi-automatic washers. All energy consumption tests
shall be performed under the energy test cycle(s), unless otherwise
specified. Table 3.2 of this Appendix defines the sections below which
govern tests of particular clothes washers, based on the number of
wash/rinse temperature selections available on the model, and also, in
some instances, method of water heating. The procedures prescribed are
applicable regardless of a clothes washer's washing capacity, loading
port location, primary axis of rotation of the clothes container, and
type of control system.
3.2.1 Inlet water temperature and the wash/rinse temperature
settings.
3.2.1.1 For automatic clothes washers set the wash/rinse
temperature selection control to obtain the wash water temperature
selection control to obtain the wash water temperature desired (extra
hot, hot, warm, or cold) and cold rinse, and open both the hot and cold
water faucets.
3.2.1.2 For semi-automatic washers:
(1) For hot water temperature, open the hot water faucet completely
and close the cold water faucet;
(2) For warm inlet water temperature, open both hot and cold water
faucets completely;
(3) For cold water temperature, close the hot water faucet and open
the cold water faucet completely.
3.2.1.3 Determination of warm wash water temperature(s) to decide
whether a clothes washer has uniformly distributed warm wash
temperature selections. The wash water temperature, Tw, of each warm
water wash selection shall be calculated or measured.
(1) For non-water heating clothes washers, calculate Tw as follows:
Tw([deg]F) = ((Hw x 135 [deg]F) + (Cw x 60 [deg]F))/(Hw+Cw)
or
Tw([deg]C) = ((Hw x 57.2 [deg]C) + (Cw x 15.6 [deg]C))/(Hw + Cw)
Where:
Hw = Hot water consumption of a warm wash.
Cw = Cold water consumption of a warm wash.
(2) For water-heating clothes washers, measure and record the
temperature of each warm wash selection after fill.
3.2.2 Total water consumption during the energy test cycle shall be
measured, including hot and cold water consumption during wash, deep
rinse, and spray rinse.
3.2.3 Clothes washers with adaptive water fill/manual water fill
control systems
3.2.3.1 Clothes washers with adaptive water fill control system and
alternate manual water fill control systems. If a clothes washer with
an adaptive water fill control system allows consumer selection of
manual controls as an alternative, then both manual and adaptive modes
shall be tested and, for each mode, the energy consumption
(HET, MET, and DE) and water
consumption (QT), values shall be calculated as set forth in
section 4 of this Appendix. Then the average of the two values (one
from each mode, adaptive and manual) for each variable shall be used in
section 4 of this Appendix for the clothes washer.
3.2.3.2 Clothes washers with adaptive water fill control system.
3.2.3.2.1 Not user adjustable. The maximum, minimum, and average
water levels as defined in the following sections shall be interpreted
to mean that amount of water fill which is selected by the control
system when the respective test loads are used, as defined in Table 2.8
of this Appendix. The load usage factors which shall be used when
calculating energy consumption values are defined in Table 4.1.3 of
this Appendix.
3.2.3.2.2 User adjustable. Four tests shall be conducted on clothes
washers with user adjustable adaptive water fill controls which affect
the relative wash water levels. The first test shall be conducted with
the maximum test load and with the adaptive water fill control system
set in the setting that will give the most energy intensive result. The
second test shall be conducted with the minimum test load and with the
adaptive water fill control system set in the setting that will give
the least energy intensive result. The third test shall be conducted
with the average test load and with the adaptive water fill control
system set in the setting that will give the most energy intensive
result for the given test load. The fourth test shall be conducted with
the average test load and with the adaptive water fill control system
set in the setting that will give the least energy intensive result for
the given test load. The energy and water consumption for the average
test load and water level shall be the average of the third and fourth
tests.
3.2.3.3 Clothes washers with manual water fill control system. In
accordance with Table 2.8 of this Appendix, the water fill selector
shall be set to the maximum water level available on the clothes washer
for the maximum test load size and set to the minimum water level for
the minimum test load size. The load usage factors which shall be used
when calculating energy consumption values are defined in Table 4.1.3
of this Appendix.
[[Page 49266]]
Table 3.2--Test Section Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Max. Wash Temp. Available <=135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C) >135 [deg]F (57.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [deg]C) \**\
-------------------------
Number of Wash Temp. Selections 1 2 >2 3 >3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test Sections Required to be Followed.......... ........... ........... ........... 3.3 3.3
........... 3.4 3.4 ........... 3.4
........... ........... 3.5 3.5 3.5
3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6
........... ........... *3.7 *3.7 *3.7
3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8
........... ........... ........... [dagger]3.9 [dagger]3.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ Only applicable to machines with warm rinse.
\**\ Only applicable to water heating clothes washers on which the maximum wash temperature available exceeds
135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C).
[dagger] Only applicable to machines equipped with a steam cycle.
3.3 ``Extra Hot Wash'' (Max Wash Temp 135 [deg]F (57.2
[deg]C)) for water heating clothes washers only. Water and electrical
energy consumption shall be measured for each water fill level and/or
test load size as specified in sections 3.3.1 through 3.3.3 of this
Appendix for the hottest wash setting available.
3.3.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hmx), cold water consumption (Cmx), and
electrical energy consumption (Emx) shall be measured for an
extra hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle, with the controls set for
the maximum water fill level. The maximum test load size is to be used
and shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.3.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hmn), cold water consumption (Cmn), and
electrical energy consumption (Emn) shall be measured for an
extra hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle, with the controls set for
the minimum water fill level. The minimum test load size is to be used
and shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.3.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers with an
adaptive water fill control system, measure the values for hot water
consumption (Hma), cold water consumption (Cma),
and electrical energy consumption (Ema) for an extra hot
wash/cold rinse energy test cycle, with an average test load size as
determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.4 ``Hot Wash'' (Max Wash Temp <= 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C)). Water
and electrical energy consumption shall be measured for each water fill
level or test load size as specified in sections 3.4.1 through 3.4.3 of
this Appendix for a 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C) wash, if available, or for
the hottest selection less than 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C).
3.4.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hhx), cold water consumption (Chx), and
electrical energy consumption (Ehx) shall be measured for a
hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle, with the controls set for the
maximum water fill level. The maximum test load size is to be used and
shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.4.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hhn), cold water consumption (Chn), and
electrical energy consumption (Ehn) shall be measured for a
hot wash/cold rinse energy test cycle, with the controls set for the
minimum water fill level. The minimum test load size is to be used and
shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.4.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers with an
adaptive water fill control system, measure the values for hot water
consumption (Hha), cold water consumption (Cha),
and electrical energy consumption (Eha) for a hot wash/cold
rinse energy test cycle, with an average test load size as determined
per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.5 ``Warm Wash.'' Water and electrical energy consumption shall be
determined for each water fill level and/or test load size as specified
in sections 3.5.1 through 3.5.2.3 of this Appendix for the applicable
warm water wash temperature(s) with a cold rinse.
3.5.1 Clothes washers with uniformly distributed warm wash
temperature selection(s). The reportable values to be used for the warm
water wash setting shall be the arithmetic average of the measurements
for the hot and cold wash selections. This is a calculation only, no
testing is required.
3.5.2 Clothes washers that lack uniformly distributed warm wash
temperature selections. For a clothes washer with fewer than four
discrete warm wash selections, test all warm wash temperature
selections. For a clothes washer that offers four or more warm wash
selections, test at all discrete selections, or test at 25 percent, 50
percent, and 75 percent positions of the temperature selection device
between the hottest hot (<= 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C)) wash and the
coldest cold wash. If a selection is not available at the 25, 50 or 75
percent position, in place of each such unavailable selection use the
next warmer setting. Each reportable value to be used for the warm
water wash setting shall be the arithmetic average of all tests
conducted pursuant to this section.
3.5.2.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hwx), cold water consumption (Cwx), and
electrical energy consumption (Ewx) shall be measured with
the controls set for the maximum water fill level. The maximum test
load size is to be used and shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this
Appendix.
3.5.2.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hwn), cold water consumption (Cwn), and
electrical energy consumption (Ewn) shall be measured with
the controls set for the minimum water fill level. The minimum test
load size is to be used and shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this
Appendix.
3.5.2.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers with
an adaptive water fill control system, measure the values for hot water
consumption (Hwa), cold water consumption (Cwa),
and electrical energy consumption (Ewa) with an average test
load size as determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.6 ``Cold Wash'' (Minimum Wash Temperature Selection). Water and
electrical energy consumption shall be measured for each water fill
level or test load size as specified in sections 3.6.1 through 3.6.3 of
this Appendix for the coldest wash temperature selection available. For
a clothes washer that offers two or more wash temperature settings
labeled as cold, such as ``Cold'' and ``Tap Cold'', the setting with
the minimum wash temperature shall be considered the cold wash. If any
of the other cold wash temperature settings add hot water to raise the
wash temperature above the cold water supply temperature, as defined in
[[Page 49267]]
section 2.3 of this Appendix, those setting(s) shall be considered warm
wash setting(s), as defined in section 1.34 of this Appendix. If none
of the cold wash temperature settings add hot water for any of the
water fill levels or test load sizes required for the energy test
cycle, the wash temperature setting labeled as ``Cold'' shall be
considered the cold wash, and the other wash temperature setting(s)
labeled as cold shall not be required for testing.
3.6.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hcx), cold water consumption (Ccx), and
electrical energy consumption (Ecx) shall be measured for a
cold wash/cold rinse energy test cycle, with the controls set for the
maximum water fill level. The maximum test load size is to be used and
shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.6.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hcn), cold water consumption (Ccn), and
electrical energy consumption (Ecn) shall be measured for a
cold wash/cold rinse energy test cycle, with the controls set for the
minimum water fill level. The minimum test load size is to be used and
shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.6.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers with an
adaptive water fill control system, measure the values for hot water
consumption (Hca), cold water consumption (Cca),
and electrical energy consumption (Eca) for a cold wash/cold
rinse energy test cycle, with an average test load size as determined
per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.7 ``Warm Wash/Warm Rinse.'' Water and electrical energy
consumption shall be determined for each water fill level and/or test
load size as specified in sections 3.7.2.1 through 3.7.2.3 of this
Appendix for the applicable warm wash temperature selection as
described in section 3.7.1 or 3.7.2 of this Appendix and the hottest
available rinse temperature selection.
3.7.1 Clothes washers with uniformly distributed warm wash
temperature selection(s). Test the warm wash/warm rinse cycle at the
wash temperature selection with the temperature selection device at the
50 percent position between the hottest hot (<= 135 [deg]F (57.2
[deg]C)) wash and the coldest cold wash.
3.7.2 Clothes washers that lack uniformly distributed warm wash
temperature selections. For a clothes washer with fewer than four
discrete warm wash selections, test all warm wash temperature
selections. For a clothes washer that offers four or more warm wash
selections, test at all discrete selections, or test at 25 percent, 50
percent, and 75 percent positions of the temperature selection device
between the hottest hot (<= 135 [deg]F (57.2 [deg]C)) wash and the
coldest cold wash. If a selection is not available at the 25, 50, or 75
percent position, in place of each such unavailable selection use the
next warmer setting. Each reportable value to be used for the warm
water wash setting shall be the arithmetic average of all tests
conducted pursuant to this section.
3.7.2.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hwwx), cold water consumption (Cwwx), and
electrical energy consumption (Ewwx) shall be measured with
the controls set for the maximum water fill level. The maximum test
load size is to be used and shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this
Appendix.
3.7.2.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hwwn), cold water consumption (Cwwn), and
electrical energy consumption (Ewwn) shall be measured with
the controls set for the minimum water fill level. The minimum test
load size is to be used and shall be determined per Table 5.1 of this
Appendix.
3.7.2.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers with
an adaptive water fill control system, measure the values for hot water
consumption (Hwwa), cold water consumption
(Cwwa), and electrical energy consumption (Ewwa)
with an average test load size as determined per Table 5.1 of this
Appendix.
3.8 Remaining Moisture Content:
3.8.1 The wash temperature will be the same as the rinse
temperature for all testing. Use the maximum test load as defined in
Table 5.1 and section 3.1 of this Appendix for testing.
3.8.2 For clothes washers with cold rinse only:
3.8.2.1 Record the actual ``bone dry'' weight of the test load
(WImax), then place the test load in the clothes washer.
3.8.2.2 Set water level selector to maximum fill.
3.8.2.3 Run the energy test cycle.
3.8.2.4 Record the weight of the test load immediately after
completion of the energy test cycle (WCmax).
3.8.2.5 Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum
test load, RMCmax, expressed as a percentage and defined as:
RMCmax = ((WCmax - WImax)/
WImax) x 100%
3.8.3 For clothes washers with cold and warm rinse options:
3.8.3.1 Complete sections 3.8.2.1 through 3.8.2.4 of this Appendix
for cold rinse. Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum
test load for cold rinse, RMCCOLD, expressed as a percentage
and defined as:
RMCCOLD = ((WCmax- WImax)/
WImax) x 100%
3.8.3.2 Complete sections 3.8.2.1 through 3.8.2.4 of this Appendix
for warm rinse. Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum
test load for warm rinse, RMCWARM, expressed as a percentage
and defined as:
RMCWARM = ((WCmax - WImax)/
WImax) x 100%
3.8.3.3 Calculate the remaining moisture content of the maximum
test load, RMCmax, expressed as a percentage and defined as:
RMCmax = RMCCOLD x (1 - TUFr) +
RMCWARM x (TUFr)
where:
TUFr is the temperature use factor for warm rinse as
defined in Table 4.1.1 of this Appendix.
3.8.4 Clothes washers that have options such as multiple selections
of spin speeds or spin times that result in different RMC values and
that are available in the energy test cycle, shall be tested at the
maximum and minimum extremes of the available options, excluding any
``no spin'' (zero spin speed) settings, in accordance with requirements
in section 3.8.2 or 3.8.3 of this Appendix. The calculated
RMCmax,max extraction and RMCmax,min extraction
at the maximum and minimum settings, respectively, shall be combined as
follows and the final RMC to be used in section 4.3 of this Appendix
shall be:
RMC = 0.75 x RMCmax,max extraction + 0.25 x
RMCmax,min extraction
3.9 ``Steam Wash'' for clothes washers equipped with a steam cycle.
Water and electrical energy consumption shall be measured for each
water fill level and/or test load size as specified in sections 3.9.1
through 3.9.3 of this Appendix for the hottest wash setting available
with steam.
3.9.1 Maximum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hsx), cold water consumption (Csx), and
electrical energy consumption (Esx) shall be measured for a
steam energy test cycle, with the controls set for the maximum water
fill level. The maximum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.9.2 Minimum test load and water fill. Hot water consumption
(Hsn), cold water consumption (Csn), and
electrical energy consumption (Esn) shall be measured for a
steam energy test cycle, with the controls set for the minimum
[[Page 49268]]
water fill level. The minimum test load size is to be used and shall be
determined per Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
3.9.3 Average test load and water fill. For clothes washers with an
adaptive water fill control system, measure the values for hot water
consumption (Hsa), cold water consumption (Csa),
and electrical energy consumption (Esa) for a steam energy
test cycle using an average test load size as determined per Table 5.1
of this Appendix.
3.10 Self-clean. Set the controls to obtain the self-clean cycle.
Hot water consumption (Hsc), cold water consumption
(Csc), and electric energy consumption (Esc)
shall be measured for the self-clean cycle. Do not use a test load.
3.11 Combined low-power mode power. Connect the clothes washer to a
watt meter as specified in section 2.5.3 of this Appendix. Establish
the testing conditions set forth in sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.11 of this
Appendix. For clothes washers that take some time to enter a stable
state from a higher power state as discussed in Section 5, Paragraph
5.1, note 1 of IEC 62301 (incorporated by reference; see Sec. 430.3),
allow sufficient time for the clothes washer to reach the lower power
state before proceeding with the test measurement. Follow the test
procedure for the sampling method specified in Section 5, Paragraph
5.3.2 of IEC 62301 for testing in each possible mode as described in
sections 3.11.1 and 3.11.2 of this Appendix.
3.11.1 If a clothes washer has an inactive mode as defined in
section 1.15 of this Appendix, measure and record the average inactive
mode power of the clothes washer, Pia, in watts.
3.11.2 If a clothes washer has an off mode as defined in section
1.23 of this Appendix, measure and record its average off mode power,
Po, in watts.
4. Calculation of Derived Results From Test Measurements
4.1 Hot water and machine electrical energy consumption of clothes
washers.
4.1.1 Per-cycle temperature-weighted hot water consumption for
maximum, average, and minimum water fill levels using each appropriate
load size as defined in section 2.8 and Table 5.1 of this Appendix.
Calculate for the cycle under test the per-cycle temperature weighted
hot water consumption for the maximum water fill level, Vhx,
the average water fill level, Vha, and the minimum water
fill level, Vhn, expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters
per cycle) and defined as:
(a) Vhx = [Hsx x TUFs] +
[Hmx x TUFm] + [Hhx x TUFh]
+ [Hwx x TUFw] + [Hwwx x
TUFww] + [Hcx x TUFc]
(b) Vha = [Hsa x TUFs] +
[Hma x TUFm] + [Hha x TUFh]
+ [Hwa x TUFw] + [Hwwa x
TUFww] + [Hca x TUFc]
(c) Vhn = [Hsn x TUFs] +
[Hmn x TUFm] + [Hhn x TUFh]
+ [Hwn x TUFw] + [Hwwn x
TUFww] + [Hcn x TUFc]
Where:
Hsx, Hsa, and Hsn, are reported hot
water consumption values, in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle),
at maximum, average, and minimum water fill, respectively, for the
steam cycle with the appropriate test loads as defined in section 2.8
of this Appendix.
Hmx, Hma, and Hmn, are reported hot
water consumption values, in gallons per-cycle (or liters per cycle),
at maximum, average, and minimum water fill, respectively, for the
extra hot wash cycle with the appropriate test loads as defined in
section 2.8 of this Appendix.
Hhx, Hha, and Hhn, are reported hot
water consumption values, in gallons per-cycle (or liters per cycle),
at maximum, average, and minimum water fill, respectively, for the hot
wash cycle with the appropriate test loads as defined in section 2.8 of
this Appendix.
Hwx, Hwa, and Hwn, are reported hot
water consumption values, in gallons per-cycle (or liters per cycle),
at maximum, average, and minimum water fill, respectively, for the warm
wash cycle with the appropriate test loads as defined in section 2.8 of
this Appendix.
Hwwx, Hwwa, and Hwwn, are reported hot
water consumption values, in gallons per-cycle (or liters per cycle),
at maximum, average, and minimum water fill, respectively, for the warm
wash/warm rinse cycle with the appropriate test loads as defined in
section 2.8 of this Appendix.
Hcx, Hca, and Hcn, are reported hot
water consumption values, in gallons per-cycle (or liters per cycle),
at maximum, average, and minimum water fill, respectively, for the cold
wash cycle with the appropriate test loads as defined in section 2.8 of
this Appendix.
TUFs, TUFm, TUFh, TUFw,
TUFww, and TUFc are temperature use factors for
steam wash, extra hot wash, hot wash, warm wash, warm wash/warm rinse,
and cold wash temperature selections, respectively, and are as defined
in Table 4.1.1 of this Appendix.
Table 4.1.1--Temperature Use Factors
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<= 135 <= 135 <= 135 >135 [deg]F >135 [deg]F
------------- [deg]F [deg]F --------------------------
Max wash temp available -------------------------- Steam Steam
(57.2 (57.2 (57.2 (57.2 (57.2
[deg]C) [deg]C) [deg]C) [deg]C) [deg]C)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Wash Temp Selections..................................... Single 2 Temps >2 Temps 3 Temps >3 Temps 3 Temps >3 Temps
TUFs (steam)................................................. NA NA NA NA NA 0.02 0.02
TUFm (extra hot)............................................. NA NA NA 0.14 0.05 0.12 0.03
TUFh (hot)................................................... NA 0.63 0.14 NA 0.09 NA 0.09
TUFww (warm/warm)............................................ NA NA *0.27 *0.27 *0.27 *0.27 *0.27
TUFw (warm).................................................. NA NA 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22
TUFc (cold).................................................. 1.00 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37 0.37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Only applicable to machines offering a warm/warm cycle. For machines with no warm/warm cycle, this value should be zero and TUFw (warm) should be
0.49.
4.1.2 Total per-cycle hot water energy consumption for all maximum,
average, and minimum water fill levels tested. Calculate the total per-
cycle hot water energy consumption for the maximum water fill level,
HEmax, the minimum water fill level, HEmin, and
the average water fill level, HEavg, expressed in kilowatt-
hours per cycle and defined as:
(a) HEmax = [Vhx x T x K] = Total energy when a
maximum load is tested.
(b) HEavg = [Vha x T x K] = Total energy when an
average load is tested.
[[Page 49269]]
(c) HEmin = [Vhn x T x K] = Total energy when a
minimum load is tested.
Where:
T = Temperature rise = 75 [deg]F (41.7 [deg]C).
K = Water specific heat in kilowatt-hours per gallon degree F = 0.00240
(0.00114 kWh/L-[deg]C).
Vhx, Vha, and Vhn are as defined in
section 4.1.1 of this Appendix.
4.1.3 Total weighted per-cycle hot water energy consumption.
Calculate the total weighted per-cycle hot water energy consumption,
HET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle and defined as:
HET = [HEmax x Fmax] +
[HEavg x Favg] + HEmin x
Fmin]
Where:
HEmax, HEavg, and HEmin are as defined
in section 4.1.2 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, and Fmin are the load
usage factors for the maximum, average, and minimum test loads based on
the size and type of the control system on the washer being tested. The
values are as shown in Table 4.1.3 of this Appendix.
Table 4.1.3--Load Usage Factors
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water fill control system Manual Adaptive
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fmax =........................................ \1\ 0.72 \2\ 0.12
Favg =........................................ ........... \2\ 0.74
Fmin =........................................ \1\ 0.28 \2\ 0.14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Reference 3.2.3.3.
\2\ Reference 3.2.3.2.
4.1.4 Total per-cycle hot water energy consumption using gas-heated
or oil-heated water. Calculate for the energy test cycle the per-cycle
hot water consumption, HETG, using gas-heated or oil-heated
water, expressed in Btu per cycle (or megajoules per cycle) and defined
as:
HETG = HET x 1/e x 3412 Btu/kWh or
HETG = HET x 1/e x 3.6 MJ/kWh
Where:
e = Nominal gas or oil water heater efficiency = 0.75.
HET = As defined in section 4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.1.5 Per-cycle machine electrical energy consumption for all
maximum, average, and minimum test load sizes. Calculate the total per-
cycle machine electrical energy consumption for the maximum water fill
level, MEmax, the average water fill level,
MEavg, and the minimum water fill level, MEmin,
expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle and defined as:
(a) MEmax = [Esx x TUFs] +
[Emx x TUFm] + [Ehx x TUFh]
+ [Ewx x TUFw] + [Ewwx x
TUFww] + [EcxxTUFc]
(b) MEavg = [Esa x TUFs] +
[Ema x TUFm] + [Eha x TUFh]
+ [Ewa x TUFw] + [Ewwa x
TUFww] + [Eca x TUFc]
(c) MEmin = [Esn x TUFs] +
[Emn x TUFm] + [Ehn x TUFh]
+ [Ewn x TUFw] + [Ewwn x
TUFww] + [Ecn x TUFc]
Where:
Esx, Esa, and Esn, are reported
electrical energy consumption values, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, at
maximum, average, and minimum test loads, respectively, for the steam
cycle.
Emx, Ema, and Emn, are reported
electrical energy consumption values, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, at
maximum, average, and minimum test loads, respectively, for the extra
hot wash cycle.
Ehx, Eha, and Ehn, are reported
electrical energy consumption values, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, at
maximum, average, and minimum test loads, respectively, for the hot
wash cycle.
Ewx, Ewa, and Ewn, are reported
electrical energy consumption values, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, at
maximum, average, and minimum test loads, respectively, for the warm
wash cycle.
Ewwx, Ewwa, and Ewwn, are reported
electrical energy consumption values, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, at
maximum, average, and minimum test loads, respectively, for the warm
wash/warm rinse cycle.
Ecx, Eca, and Ecn, are reported
electrical energy consumption values, in kilowatt-hours per cycle, at
maximum, average, and minimum test loads, respectively, for the cold
wash cycle.
TUFs, TUFm, TUFh, TUFw,
TUFww, and TUFc are as defined in Table 4.1.1 of
this Appendix.
4.1.6 Total weighted per-cycle machine electrical energy consumption.
Calculate the total per-cycle load size weighted energy consumption,
MET, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle and defined as:
MET = [MEmax x Fmax] +
[MEavg x Favg] + [MEmin x
Fmin]
Where:
MEmax, MEavg, and MEmin are as defined
in section 4.1.5 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, and Fmin are as defined in
Table 4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.1.7 Total per-cycle energy consumption when electrically heated
water is used. Calculate for the energy test cycle the total per-cycle
energy consumption, ETE, using electrically heated water,
expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle and defined as:
ETE = HET + MET
Where:
MET = As defined in section 4.1.6 of this Appendix.
HET = As defined in section 4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.1.8 Per-cycle self-clean hot water energy consumption when
electrically heated water is used. Calculate the per-cycle self-clean
hot water energy consumption, HEsc, expressed in kilowatt-
hours per cycle, and defined as:
HEsc = [Hsc x T x K] x 12/295
Where:
Hsc = reported hot water consumption value, in gallons per-
cycle, for the self-clean cycle as defined in section 3.10 of this
Appendix.
T = Temperature rise = 75 [deg]F (41.7 [deg]C).
K = Water specific heat in kilowatt-hours per gallon degree F = 0.00240
(0.00114 kWh/L-[deg]C).
12 = Representative average number of clothes washer self-clean cycles
in a year.
295 = Representative average number of clothes washer cycles in a year.
4.1.9 Per-cycle self-clean hot water energy consumption using gas-
heated or oil-heated water. Calculate the per-cycle self-clean hot
water energy consumption, HESCG, using gas-heated or oil-
heated water, expressed in Btu per cycle (or megajoules per cycle) and
defined as:
HESCG = [HESC x 1/e x 3412 Btu/kWh] x 12/295 or
HESCG = [HET x 1/e x 3.6 MJ/kWh] x 12/295
Where:
e = Nominal gas or oil water heater efficiency = 0.75.
HEsc = As defined in section 4.1.8 of this Appendix.
12 = Representative average number of clothes washer self-clean cycles
in a year.
295 = Representative average number of clothes washer cycles in a year.
4.1.10 Per-cycle self-clean machine electrical energy consumption.
Calculate the per-cycle self-clean machine electrical energy
consumption, MEsc, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle,
and defined as:
MEsc = Esc x 12/295
Where:
Esc = Reported electrical energy consumption value, in
gallons per-cycle, for the self-clean cycle as defined in section 3.10
of this Appendix.
[[Page 49270]]
12 = Representative average number of clothes washer self-clean cycles
in a year.
295 = Representative average number of clothes washer cycles in a year.
4.2 Water consumption of clothes washers.
4.2.1 Per-cycle water consumption for steam wash. Calculate the
maximum, average, and minimum total water consumption, expressed in
gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle), for the steam cycle and
defined as:
Qsmax = [Hsx + Csx]
Qsavg = [Hsa + Csa]
Qsmin = [Hsn + Csn]
Where:
Hsx, Csx, Hsa, Csa,
Hsn, and Csn are defined in section 3.9 of this
Appendix.
4.2.2 Per-cycle water consumption for extra hot wash. Calculate the
maximum, average, and minimum total water consumption, expressed in
gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle), for the extra hot wash cycle
and defined as:
Qmmax = [Hmx + Cmx]
Qmavg = [Hma + Cma]
Qmmin = [Hmn + Cmn]
Where:
Hmx, Cmx, Hma, Cma,
Hmn, and Cmn are defined in section 3.3 of this
Appendix.
4.2.3 Per-cycle water consumption for hot wash. Calculate the
maximum, average, and minimum total water consumption, expressed in
gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle), for the hot wash cycle and
defined as:
Qhmax = [Hhx + Chx]
Qhavg = [Hha + Cha]
Qhmin = [Hhn + Chn]
Where:
Hhx, Chx, Hha, Cha,
Hhn, and Chn are defined in section 3.4 of this
Appendix.
4.2.4 Per-cycle water consumption for warm wash with cold rinse.
Calculate the maximum, average, and minimum total water consumption,
expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle), for the warm
wash/cold rinse cycle and defined as:
Qwmax = [Hwx + Cwx]
Qwavg = [Hwa + Cwa]
Qwmin = [Hwn + Cwn]
Where:
Hwx, Cwx, Hwa, Cwa,
Hwn, and Cwn are defined in section 3.5 of this
Appendix.
4.2.5 Per-cycle water consumption for warm wash with warm rinse.
Calculate the maximum, average, and minimum total water consumption,
expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle), for the warm
wash/warm rinse cycle and defined as:
Qwwmax = [Hwwx + Cwwx]
Qwwavg = [Hwwa + Cwwa]
Qwwmin = [Hwwn + Cwwn]
Where:
Hwwx, Cwwx, Hwwa, Cwwa,
Hwwn, and Cwwn are defined in section 3.7 of this
Appendix.
4.2.6 Per-cycle water consumption for cold wash. Calculate the
maximum, average, and minimum total water consumption, expressed in
gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle), for the cold wash cycle and
defined as:
Qcmax = [Hcx + Ccx]
Qcavg = [Hca + Cca]
Qcmin = [Hcn + Ccn]
Where:
Hcx, Ccx, Hca, Cca,
Hcn, and Ccn are defined in section 3.6 of this
Appendix.
4.2.7 Total weighted per-cycle water consumption for steam wash.
Calculate the total weighted per cycle consumption, QsT,
expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle) and defined as:
QsT = [Qsmax x Fmax] +
[Qsavg x Favg] + [Qsmin x
Fmin]
Where:
Qsmax, Qsavg, Qsmin are defined in
section 4.2.1 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, Fmin are defined in Table
4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.2.8 Total weighted per-cycle water consumption for extra hot
wash. Calculate the total weighted per cycle consumption,
QmT, expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle)
and defined as:
QmT = [Qmmax x Fmax] +
[Qmavg x Favg] + [Qmmin x
Fmin]
Where:
Qmmax, Qmavg, Qmmin are defined in
section 4.2.2 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, Fmin are defined in Table
4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.2.9 Total weighted per-cycle water consumption for hot wash.
Calculate the total weighted per cycle consumption, QhT,
expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle) and defined as:
QhT = [Qhmax x Fmax] +
[Qhavg x Favg] + [Qhmin x
Fmin]
Where:
Qhmax, Qhavg, Qhmin are defined in
section 4.2.3 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, Fmin are defined in Table
4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.2.10 Total weighted per-cycle water consumption for warm wash
with cold rinse. Calculate the total weighted per cycle consumption,
QwT, expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle)
and defined as:
QwT = [Qwmax x Fmax] +
[Qwavg x Favg] + [Qwmin x
Fmin]
Where:
Qwmax, Qwavg, Qwmin are defined in
section 4.2.4 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, Fmin are defined in Table
4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.2.11 Total weighted per-cycle water consumption for warm wash
with warm rinse. Calculate the total weighted per cycle consumption,
QwT, expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle)
and defined as:
QwwT = [Qwwmax x Fmax] +
[Qwwavg x Favg] + [Qwwmin x
Fmin]
Where:
Qwwmax, Qwwavg, Qwwmin are defined in
section 4.2.5 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, Fmin are defined in Table
4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.2.12 Total weighted per-cycle water consumption for cold wash.
Calculate the total weighted per cycle consumption, QcT,
expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle) and defined as:
QcT = [Qcmax x Fmax] +
[Qcavg x Favg] + [Qcmin x
Fmin]
Where:
Qcmax, Qcavg, Qcmin are defined in
section 4.2.6 of this Appendix.
Fmax, Favg, Fmin are defined in Table
4.1.3 of this Appendix.
4.2.13 Total weighted per-cycle water consumption for all wash
cycles. Calculate the total weighted per cycle consumption,
QT, expressed in gallons per cycle (or liters per cycle) and
defined as:
QT = [QsT x TUFs] + [QmT x
TUFm] + [QhT x TUFh] + [QwT
x TUFw] + [QwwT x TUFww] +
[QcT x TUFc]
Where:
QsT, QmT, QhT, QwT,
QwwT, and QcT are defined in sections 4.2.7
through 4.2.12 of this Appendix.
TUFs, TUFm, TUFh, TUFw,
TUFww, and TUFc are defined in Table 4.1.1 of
this Appendix.
4.2.14 Per-cycle self-clean water consumption. Calculate the total
per-cycle self-clean water consumption, Qsc, in gallons per
cycle (or liters per cycle) and defined as:
Qsc = [Hsc + Csc] x12/295
Where:
Hsc = As defined in section 3.10 of this Appendix.
Csc = As defined in 3.10 of this Appendix.
12 = Representative average number of clothes washer self-clean cycles
in a year.
295 = Representative average number of clothes washer cycles in a year.
[[Page 49271]]
4.2.15 Water consumption factor. Calculate the water consumption
factor, WCF, expressed in gallons per cycle per cubic feet (or liter
per cycle per liter), as:
WCF = QcT/C
Where:
QcT = As defined in section 4.2.12 of this Appendix.
C = As defined in section 3.1.5 of this Appendix.
4.2.16 Integrated water consumption factor. Calculate the
integrated water consumption factor, IWF, expressed in gallons per
cycle per cubic feet (or liter per cycle per liter), as:
IWF = [QT + Qsc]/C
Where:
QT = As defined in section 4.2.13 of this Appendix.
Qsc = As defined in section 4.2.14 of this Appendix.
C = As defined in section 3.1.5 of this Appendix.
4.3 Per-cycle energy consumption for removal of moisture from test
load. Calculate the per-cycle energy required to remove the moisture of
the test load, DE, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle and
defined as:
DE = [(Fmax x Maximum test load weight) +
(Favg x Average test load weight) + (Fmin x
Minimum test load weight)] x (RMC-4%) x (DEF) x (DUF)
Where:
Fmax, Favg, and Fmin are as defined in
Table 4.1.3 of this Appendix.
Maximum, average, and minimum test load weights are as defined in Table
5.1 of this Appendix.
RMC = As defined in section 3.8.2.5, 3.8.3.3, or 3.8.4 of this
Appendix.
DEF = Nominal energy required for a clothes dryer to remove moisture
from clothes = 0.5 kWh/lb (1.1 kWh/kg).
DUF = Dryer usage factor, percentage of washer loads dried in a clothes
dryer = 0.91.
4.4 Per-cycle combined low-power mode energy consumption. Calculate
the clothes washer combined low-power mode energy consumption per
cycle, ETLP, expressed in kilowatt-hours per cycle and
defined as:
ETLP = [(Pia x Sia) + (Po x
So)] x Kp/295
Where:
Pia = Washer inactive mode power, in watts, as defined in
section 3.11.1 of this Appendix for clothes washers capable of
operating in inactive mode; otherwise, Pia = 0.
Po = Washer off mode power, in watts, as defined in section
3.11.2 of this Appendix for clothes washers capable of operating in off
mode; otherwise, Po = 0.
Sia = Annual hours in inactive mode as defined as
Soi if no off mode is possible, [Soi/2] if both
inactive mode and off mode are possible, and 0 if no inactive mode is
possible.
So = Annual hours in off mode as defined as Soi
if no inactive mode is possible, [Soi/2] if both inactive
mode and off mode are possible, and 0 if no off mode is possible.
Soi = Combined annual hours for off and inactive mode =
8,465.
Kp = Conversion factor of watt-hours to kilowatt-hours =
0.001.
295 = Representative average number of clothes washer cycles in a year.
4.5 Per-cycle self-clean energy consumption. Calculate the clothes
washer self-clean energy per cycle, ETSC, expressed in
kilowatt-hours per cycle and defined as:
ETSC = HEsc + MEsc
Where:
HEsc = As defined in section 4.1.8 of this Appendix.
MEsc = As defined in section 4.1.10 of this Appendix.
4.6 Modified energy factor. Calculate the modified energy factor,
MEF, expressed in cubic feet per kilowatt-hour per cycle (or liters per
kilowatt-hour per cycle) and defined as:
MEF = C/(ETE + DE)
Where:
C = As defined in section 3.1.5 of this Appendix.
ETE = As defined in section 4.1.7 of this Appendix.
DE = As defined in section 4.3 of this Appendix.
4.7 Integrated modified energy factor. Calculate the integrated
modified energy factor, IMEF, expressed in cubic feet per kilowatt-hour
per cycle (or liters per kilowatt-hour per cycle) and defined as:
IMEF = C/(ETE + DE + ETLP +
ETSC)
Where:
C = As defined in section 3.1.5 of this Appendix.
ETE = As defined in section 4.1.7 of this Appendix.
DE = As defined in section 4.3 of this Appendix.
ETLP = As defined in section 4.4 of this Appendix.
ETSC = As defined in section 4.5 of this Appendix.
5. Test Loads
Table 5.1--Test Load Sizes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Container volume Minimum load Maximum load Average load
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cu. ft. Liter
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lb kg Lb kg lb Kg
>= < >= <
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----
0-0.8........................................... 0-22.7............................ 3.00 1.36 3.00 1.36 3.00 1.36
0.80-0.90....................................... 22.7-25.5......................... 3.00 1.36 3.50 1.59 3.25 1.47
0.90-1.00....................................... 25.5-28.3......................... 3.00 1.36 3.90 1.77 3.45 1.56
1.00-1.10....................................... 28.3-31.1......................... 3.00 1.36 4.30 1.95 3.65 1.66
1.10-1.20....................................... 31.1-34.0......................... 3.00 1.36 4.70 2.13 3.85 1.75
1.20-1.30....................................... 34.0-36.8......................... 3.00 1.36 5.10 2.31 4.05 1.84
1.30-1.40....................................... 36.8-39.6......................... 3.00 1.36 5.50 2.49 4.25 1.93
1.40-1.50....................................... 39.6-42.5......................... 3.00 1.36 5.90 2.68 4.45 2.02
1.50-1.60....................................... 42.5-45.3......................... 3.00 1.36 6.40 2.90 4.70 2.13
1.60-1.70....................................... 45.3-48.1......................... 3.00 1.36 6.80 3.08 4.90 2.22
1.70-1.80....................................... 48.1-51.0......................... 3.00 1.36 7.20 3.27 5.10 2.31
1.80-1.90....................................... 51.0-53.8......................... 3.00 1.36 7.60 3.45 5.30 2.4
1.90-2.00....................................... 53.8-56.6......................... 3.00 1.36 8.00 3.63 5.50 2.49
2.00-2.10....................................... 56.6-59.5......................... 3.00 1.36 8.40 3.81 5.70 2.59
2.10-2.20....................................... 59.5-62.3......................... 3.00 1.36 8.80 3.99 5.90 2.68
2.20-2.30....................................... 62.3-65.1......................... 3.00 1.36 9.20 4.17 6.10 2.77
2.30-2.40....................................... 65.1-68.0......................... 3.00 1.36 9.60 4.35 6.30 2.86
2.40-2.50....................................... 68.0-70.8......................... 3.00 1.36 10.00 4.54 6.50 2.95
[[Page 49272]]
2.50-2.60....................................... 70.8-73.6......................... 3.00 1.36 10.50 4.76 6.75 3.06
2.60-2.70....................................... 73.6-76.5......................... 3.00 1.36 10.90 4.94 6.95 3.15
2.70-2.80....................................... 76.5-79.3......................... 3.00 1.36 11.30 5.13 7.15 3.24
2.80-2.90....................................... 79.3-82.1......................... 3.00 1.36 11.70 5.31 7.35 3.33
2.90-3.00....................................... 82.1-85.0......................... 3.00 1.36 12.10 5.49 7.55 3.42
3.00-3.10....................................... 85.0-87.8......................... 3.00 1.36 12.50 5.67 7.75 3.52
3.10-3.20....................................... 87.8-90.6......................... 3.00 1.36 12.90 5.85 7.95 3.61
3.20-3.30....................................... 90.6-93.4......................... 3.00 1.36 13.30 6.03 8.15 3.7
3.30-3.40....................................... 93.4-96.3......................... 3.00 1.36 13.70 6.21 8.35 3.79
3.40-3.50....................................... 96.3-99.1......................... 3.00 1.36 14.10 6.40 8.55 3.88
3.50-3.60....................................... 99.1-101.9........................ 3.00 1.36 14.60 6.62 8.80 3.99
3.60-3.70....................................... 101.9-104.8....................... 3.00 1.36 15.00 6.80 9.00 4.08
3.70-3.80....................................... 104.8-107.6....................... 3.00 1.36 15.40 6.99 9.20 4.17
3.80-3.90....................................... 107.6-110.4....................... 3.00 1.36 15.80 7.16 9.40 4.26
3.90-4.00....................................... 110.4-113.3....................... 3.00 1.36 16.20 7.34 9.60 4.35
4.00-4.10....................................... 113.3-116.1....................... 3.00 1.36 16.60 7.53 9.80 4.45
4.10-4.20....................................... 116.1-118.9....................... 3.00 1.36 17.00 7.72 10.00 4.54
4.20-4.30....................................... 118.9-121.8....................... 3.00 1.36 17.40 7.90 10.20 4.63
4.30-4.40....................................... 121.8-124.6....................... 3.00 1.36 17.80 8.09 10.40 4.72
4.40-4.50....................................... 124.6-127.4....................... 3.00 1.36 18.20 8.27 10.60 4.82
4.50-4.60....................................... 127.4-130.3....................... 3.00 1.36 18.70 8.46 10.85 4.91
4.60-4.70....................................... 130.3-133.1....................... 3.00 1.36 19.10 8.65 11.05 5.00
4.70-4.80....................................... 133.1-135.9....................... 3.00 1.36 19.50 8.83 11.25 5.10
4.80-4.90....................................... 135.9-138.8....................... 3.00 1.36 19.90 9.02 11.45 5.19
4.90-5.00....................................... 138.8-141.6....................... 3.00 1.36 20.30 9.20 11.65 5.28
5.00-5.10....................................... 141.6-144.4....................... 3.00 1.36 20.70 9.39 11.85 5.38
5.10-5.20....................................... 144.4-147.2....................... 3.00 1.36 21.10 9.58 12.05 5.47
5.20-5.30....................................... 147.2-150.1....................... 3.00 1.36 21.50 9.76 12.25 5.56
5.30-5.40....................................... 150.1-152.9....................... 3.00 1.36 21.90 9.95 12.45 5.65
5.40-5.50....................................... 152.9-155.7....................... 3.00 1.36 22.30 10.13 12.65 5.75
5.50-5.60....................................... 155.7-158.6....................... 3.00 1.36 22.80 10.32 12.90 5.84
5.60-5.70....................................... 158.6-161.4....................... 3.00 1.36 23.20 10.51 13.10 5.93
5.70-5.80....................................... 161.4-164.2....................... 3.00 1.36 23.60 10.69 13.30 6.03
5.80-5.90....................................... 164.2-167.1....................... 3.00 1.36 24.00 10.88 13.50 6.12
5.90-6.00....................................... 167.1-169.9....................... 3.00 1.36 24.40 11.06 13.70 6.21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes: (1) All test load weights are bone dry weights.
(2) Allowable tolerance on the test load weights are 0.10 lbs (0.05 kg).
6. Waivers and Field Testing
6.1 Waivers and Field Testing for Nonconventional Clothes Washers.
Manufacturers of nonconventional clothes washers, such as clothes
washers with adaptive control systems, must submit a petition for
waiver pursuant to 10 CFR 430.27 to establish an acceptable test
procedure for that clothes washer if the washer cannot be tested
pursuant to the DOE test procedure or the DOE test procedure yields
results that are so unrepresentative of the clothes washer's true
energy consumption characteristics as to provide materially inaccurate
comparative data. In such cases, field testing may be appropriate for
establishing an acceptable test procedure. The following are guidelines
for field testing which may be used by manufacturers in support of
petitions for waiver. These guidelines are not mandatory and the
Department may determine that they do not apply to a particular model.
Depending upon a manufacturer's approach for conducting field testing,
additional data may be required. Manufacturers are encouraged to
communicate with the Department prior to the commencement of field
tests which may be used to support a petition for waiver. Section 6.3
of this Appendix provides an example of field testing for a clothes
washer with an adaptive water fill control system. Other features, such
as the use of various spin speed selections, could be the subject of
field tests.
6.2 Nonconventional Wash System Energy Consumption Test. (1) The
field test may consist of a minimum of 10 of the nonconventional
clothes washers (``test clothes washers'') and 10 clothes washers
already being distributed in commerce (``base clothes washers''). The
tests should include a minimum of 50 energy test cycles per clothes
washer. The test clothes washers and base clothes washers should be
identical in construction except for the controls or systems being
tested. Equal numbers of both the test clothes washer and the base
clothes washer should be tested simultaneously in comparable settings
to minimize seasonal or consumer laundering conditions or variations.
The clothes washers should be monitored in such a way as to accurately
record the total energy consumption per cycle. At a minimum, the
following should be measured and recorded throughout the test period
for each clothes washer: Hot water usage in gallons (or liters),
electrical energy usage in kilowatt-hours, and the cycles of usage.
(2) The field test results would be used to determine the best
method to correlate the rating of the test clothes washer to the rating
of the base clothes washer. If the base clothes washer is rated at A
kWh per year, but field tests at B kWh per year, and the test clothes
washer field tests at D kWh per year, the test unit would be rated as
follows:
[[Page 49273]]
A x (D/B) = G kWh per year
6.3 Adaptive water fill control system field test. (1) Section
3.2.3.1 of this Appendix defines the test method for measuring energy
consumption for clothes washers which incorporate control systems
having both adaptive and alternate cycle selections. Energy consumption
calculated by the method defined in section 3.2.3.1 of this Appendix
assumes the adaptive cycle will be used 50 percent of the time. This
section can be used to develop field test data in support of a petition
for waiver when it is believed that the adaptive cycle will be used
more than 50 percent of the time. The field test sample size should be
a minimum of 10 test clothes washers. The test clothes washers should
be representative of the design, construction, and control system that
will be placed in commerce. The duration of field testing in the user's
house should be a minimum of 50 energy test cycles, for each unit. No
special instructions as to cycle selection or product usage should be
given to the field test participants, other than inclusion of the
product literature pack which would be shipped with all units, and
instructions regarding filling out data collection forms, use of data
collection equipment, or basic procedural methods. Prior to the test
clothes washers being installed in the field test locations, baseline
data should be developed for all field test units by conducting
laboratory tests as defined by section 1 through section 5 of this
Appendix to determine the energy consumption, water consumption, and
remaining moisture content values. The following data should be
measured and recorded for each wash load during the test period: Wash
cycle selected, the mode of the clothes washer (adaptive or manual),
clothes load dry weight (measured after the clothes washer and clothes
dryer cycles are completed) in pounds, and type of articles in the
clothes load (e.g., cottons, linens, permanent press). The wash loads
used in calculating the in-home percentage split between adaptive and
manual cycle usage should be only those wash loads which conform to the
definition of the energy test cycle.
Calculate:
T = The total number of energy test cycles run during the field
test.
Ta = The total number of adaptive control energy test
cycles.
Tm = The total number of manual control energy test
cycles.
The percentage weighting factors:
Pa = (Ta/T) x 100 (the percentage weighting
for adaptive control selection)
Pm = (Tm/T) x 100 (the percentage weighting
for manual control selection)
(2) Energy consumption (HET, MET, and
DE) and water consumption (QT), values
calculated in section 4 of this Appendix for the manual and adaptive
modes, should be combined using Pa and Pm as
the weighting factors.
[FR Doc. 2011-19440 Filed 8-8-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P