July 25, 2016, DOE issued the regulation of DOE 10 CFR Appendix U to subpart B of part 430, ｕｐｄａｔｅd ceiling fan test method. The regulation has been effective on August 24, 2016.

Impact

Impact Statement: All ceiling fans CFM test shall be impacted.

Overview of Changes: The test procedure for ceiling fan CFM was different from one using for Energy Star before.

Action Required: After January 23, 2017, all ceiling fans CFM data using for DOE registration or artwork shall be tested per this new DOE CFM test procedure.

Revisions

1. Scope:

Ceiling fans, include high-speed small-diameter ceiling fans, low-speed small-diameter ceiling fans, large-diameter ceiling fans, hugger ceiling fans, multi-mount ceiling fans, ceiling fans with multiple fan heads, and ceiling fans ｗｈｅｒｅ the airflow is not directed vertically.

Exclude

• Ceiling fans ｗｈｅｒｅ the plane of rotation of a ceiling fan’s blades is not less than or equal to 45 degrees from horizontal, or cannot be adjusted based on the manufacturer’s specifications to be less than or equal to 45 degrees from horizontal;
• Centrifugal ceiling fans;
• Belt-driven ceiling fans; and
• Oscillating ceiling fans.

2. Definitions

Low-speed small-diameter ceiling fan means a small-diameter ceiling fan that has a blade thickness greater than or equal to 3.2 mm at the edge and a maximum tip speed less than or equal to the applicable limit specified in the table below

High-speed small-diameter ceiling fan means a small-diameter ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan and that has a blade thickness of less than 3.2 mm at the edge or a maximum tip speed greater than the applicable limit specified in the table in this definition.

Hugger ceiling fan means a low-speed small-diameter ceiling fan that is not a very-small-diameter ceiling fan, highly-decorative ceiling fan or belt-driven ceiling fan; for which the lowest point on the fan blades is less than or equal to 10 inches from the ceiling.

3. Test Setup

Old Setup

New Setup

• Test Cylinder is no needed any more;
• Hang ceiling fans in the fan configuration that minimizes the distance between the ceiling and the lowest point of the fan blades;
• Multi-mount fans should be tested in two configurations;
• Any heater installed with a ceiling fan is to be switched off during testing;
• Light fixture is to be installed but turned off during testing;
• Any oscillating function causing the axis of rotation of the fan head(s) to change relative to the ceiling is to be switched off during airflow testing. 

4. Active mode test

• High-speed small-diameter ceiling fans (HSSD) just need to be tested at high speed;
• Low-speed small-diameter ceiling fans (LSSD) need to be tested at low speed first and then at high speed;
• Large-diameter ceiling fans must be tested as follow table

5. Labeling Requirement

Per 16 CFR 305, it mentions that representations for ceiling fans must be derived from applicable procedures in 10 CFR parts 429, 430, and 431.

Our service

• Intertek can provide energy efficiency testing and certification service for fans according to the requirements of Europe ErP and energy labeling, the U.S. DOE and Energy Star, Australia STC and other countries and regions. 
• Our testing laboratories have been optimized to meet the demands of various standards, and provide efficient and accurate testing service and the best testing solutions.
• With 62 energy efficiency laboratories around the world, we are expert in delivering a variety of energy efficiency solutions which are easy to understand and implement, and eliminate your concerns about cost.

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