Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedure for General Service Lamps
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Energy is updating the rules for testing general service lamps to make sure tests are clear and fair. These changes affect lamp makers and testers by setting new instructions on how to handle colored lamps, extra parts, and testing equipment. The new rules kick in February 18, 2025, with mandatory testing changes starting July 15, 2025, helping keep energy-saving standards on track without adding big costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Turn off non-light features during testing
If a GSL includes non-lighting components (for example, a camera or speaker) that do not affect light output, DOE requires testing with as many of those components turned off as possible without permanently altering the product. If a component cannot be turned off without permanent alteration, its energy consumption must be included in test measurements. These rules are effective February 18, 2025, and mandatory for testing starting July 15, 2025.
No testing of lamps as 'colored' lamps
DOE requires that general service lamps (GSLs) must not be tested as colored lamps. DOE considered, but did not adopt, a requirement to test tunable lamps at 2700 K, so the final rule only clarifies that lamps must be tested so they are not operating as a colored lamp. This clarification is effective February 18, 2025, and mandatory for testing beginning July 15, 2025.
New rules for testing non-integrated lamps
For non-integrated GSLs, DOE removes the instruction to test at manufacturer-declared input voltage/current and requires testing using a fluorescent lamp ballast, HID lamp ballast, or external LED driver chosen in order of preference based on manufacturer compatibility lists and commercial availability. The rule also specifies starting methods, ballast factors, and that ballasts/drivers should operate the maximum number of lamps with instructions to calculate individual lamp values. These clarifications take effect February 18, 2025, with mandatory product testing beginning July 15, 2025.
Compliance dates for amended test procedures
The amended test procedure clarifications become effective on February 18, 2025. Representations of energy use or efficiency must be based on testing conducted under the amended procedures beginning July 15, 2025. Manufacturers and test labs must comply with these dates for certification and representations.
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