Ceiling Fans and Ceiling Fan Light Kits
As required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has established test procedures and energy conservation standards for ceiling fans and for ceiling fan light kits. The standards for ceiling fan light kits apply to certain socket types as of January 1, 2007, and other socket types on January 1, 2009. Links below provide further information for manufacturers and consumers.
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Statutory Authority
DOE developed energy conservation standards and test procedures for ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. (10 CFR 430.32(s); 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix V). These standards are promulgated under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975 as amended by EPACT 2005. (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309). EPCA defines a "ceiling fan" as a "nonportable device that is suspended from a ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan blades" (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)) and a "ceiling fan light kit" as "equipment designed to provide light from a ceiling fan that can be integral, such that the equipment is attached to the ceiling fan prior to the time of retail sale; or attachable, such that at the time of retail sale the equipment is not physically attached to the ceiling fan, but may be included inside the ceiling fan at the time of sale or sold separately for subsequent attachment to the fan." (42 U.S.C. 6291(50))
Information for Manufacturers
All ceiling fans manufactured after January 1, 2007, must have fan speed controls separate from any lighting controls, adjustable speed controls (either more than one speed or variable speed), and the capability of reverse fan action except in the cases of fans sold for industrial applications, outdoor applications, and cases in which safe standards would be violated by use of a reversible mode. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff))
Ceiling Fan Light Kits
EPACT 2005 created three classes of ceiling fan light kits and established mandatory energy and packaging requirements that apply on or after the dates given below:
- Ceiling fan light kits with medium screw base sockets (also called "E26" base types) manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, must be packaged with screw-based compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) that either meet version 3.0 of the ENERGY STAR CFL program requirements or with energy efficiency (lumens per watts) equivalent or better than comparable ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs.
- Ceiling fan light kits with pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps, manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, must be packaged with lamps in all sockets. These lamps must meet the ENERGY STAR program requirements for Residential Light Fixtures, version 4.0.
- Ceiling fan light kits with any other socket type including but not limited to candelabra screw base sockets, intermediate screw-base sockets, 2-pin halogen sockets, and bayonet sockets manufactured on or after January 1, 2009, shall not be capable of operating with lamps that total more than 190 watts and must be packaged with lamps that together total 190 watts or less. DOE indicated in a January 11, 2007, final rule that it recognizes that manufacturers may choose to follow one of several possible design pathways to ensure that the light kit is not capable of operating with lamps that total more than 190 watts. 72 FR 1270.
Definition, Standard and Test Procedure Documents
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Full Text of Federal Register Notices [Terms "ceiling fan" and "ceiling fan light kits" are highlighted] |
| Definitions of covered products | Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment. 70 FR 60407 (October 18, 2005) See Pages: 60412-13 (PDF 1.5 MB) Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Technical Amendment to Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 71340 (December 8, 2006) See pages: 71342-7 (PDF 869 KB) |
| Test procedures and general requirements | Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Technical Amendment to Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 71340 (December 8, 2006) See pages: 71 FR 71342-7; 71 FR 71366-7 (PDF 869 KB) |
| Energy Conservation Standards: | Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial and Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 60407 (October 18, 2005) See pages: 71 FR 60408-9; 60412-13 (PDF 1.5 MB) Energy Conservation Program: Test Procedures for Certain Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment; Technical Amendment to Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Consumer Products and Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment. 71 FR 71340 (December 8, 2006) See pages: 71342-7 (PDF 869 KB) Energy Conservation Standards for Certain Ceiling Fan Light Kits. 72 FR 1270 (January 11, 2007) See pages: 72 FR 1270-4 (PDF 198 KB) |
*There are test procedures only for ceiling fans.
Please note: Ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits were part of a rulemaking process for several products covered in EPACT 2005. It is extremely important that stakeholders read these requirements in the context of the entire rule as there are overarching statements that apply to these products on subjects such as compliance, certification reporting, and enforcement. See the full text of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 10 (10 CFR Part 430).
For Consumers
Ceiling Fans and Ceiling Fan Light Kits
Consumers will save energy as a result of EPACT 2005's ceiling fan and ceiling fan light kit energy conservation standards. Standards will improve the efficiency of products in the market and make it easier for consumers to purchase energy-efficient ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. Since EPACT 2005 requires ceiling fan light kits to be packaged with lamps specified under the energy conservation standards, (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)), consumers will not have to search separately for lamps that are compatible with their ceiling fan light kits.
If you are looking for energy efficient ceiling fan light kits with sockets that are either medium screw base or pin-base for fluorescent lamps, look for any units manufactured or imported after January 1, 2007. For all other types of ceiling fan light kits, standards will apply to those imported or manufactured after January 1, 2009. DOE encourages you to contact manufacturers for further information about the efficiency of ceiling fan light kits.
For more information and to purchase ceiling fan light kits that are more energy efficient than the minimum standard, visit the ENERGY STAR page on ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits.
General Lighting Information
The online DOE Consumer Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy provides a variety of information about lighting, including tips for improving the efficiency of artificial lighting in your home; background information on types of lighting; and links to product information, professional services and lighting research. For more general information about energy-efficient lighting, visit the ENERGY STAR Lighting web page, which has information about purchasing energy-efficient lamps and fixtures.
You may also contact the EERE Information Center with questions about EERE's products, services, and technology programs by calling 1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463) or filling out an information request online.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Frequently Asked Questions on Ceiling Fans and Ceiling Fan Light Kits |
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| Question #1: How much time may elapse before a current-limiting device must halt operation of a lamp that consumes more than 190 watts in order for the ceiling fan light kit (other than those light kits that have medium screw-based or pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps) to comply with the energy conservation standards? Has DOE designated specific current limiting technologies that manufacturers must use? |
| Question #2: Do the energy conservation requirements for ceiling fans apply to highly decorative ceiling fans? |
| Question #3: Do the energy conservation requirements for ceiling fans apply to hugger fans? |
| Question #4: Are light kits designed and marketed for hugger fans covered by the same statutory requirements that apply to ceiling fan light kits, as defined by EPCA? |
| Question #5: Do the requirements for ceiling fan light kits packaged with pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps apply to ceiling fan light kits with GU24 sockets? |
| Question #6: Is accent lighting on ceiling fan light kits with sockets other than medium screw base or pin-based for fluorescent lamps subject to the total 190 watt limitation for all lamps included with the ceiling fan light kit? |
| Question #7: When will DOE enforce the standard? When are manufacturers required to certify that their product is in compliance? |
| Question #8: Does the standard apply to ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits manufactured in the United States and abroad? |
| Question #9: What would be an allowable time period for current-limiting devices to respond if a ceiling fan light kit consumes more than 190 watts? |
| Question #10: Are current limiting devices necessary if a ceiling fan light kit incorporates a limited number of candelabra sockets? |
| Question #11: How does the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 affect the use of socket adapters as they relate to ceiling fan light kits? |
| Question #12: Are ceiling fan light kits that provide up-lighting (i.e., directed at the ceiling) subject to the same EPCA requirements as traditional ceiling fan light kits (i.e., directing light downward)? |
| Question #13: If my ceiling fan can accommodate more than one light kit, is it permissible for each discrete light kit installed on the ceiling fan to consume up to 190 watts? |
Question #1: How much time may elapse before a current-limiting device must halt operation of a lamp that consumes more than 190 watts in order for the ceiling fan light kit (other than those light kits that have medium screw-based or pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps) to comply with the energy conservation standards? Has DOE designated specific current limiting technologies that manufacturers must use?
Answer: The ceiling fan standard does not specify the use of any one technology. Manufacturers may choose to rely on any technology so long as the requirements of the standard are met, including, but not limited to, a fuse, circuit breaker or other current-limiting device. 72 FR 1270.
Current-limiting devices may vary in how quickly they respond, with some responding virtually instantaneously to cut off all current when 190 watts is exceeded or to prevent more than 190 watts from being consumed. Other current-limiting devices may take an extended period of time before preventing or limiting more than 190 watts of power consumption. Since the statute requires that the light kit "shall not be capable of operating with lamps that total more than 190 watts," it seems clear that Congress did not intend to permit an extended period of time to elapse before the current supplied to the lamps was actually limited to no more than 190 watts. However, from a practical perspective, DOE acknowledges that there may be a short lag between the time that a ceiling fan light kit is turned on and when the current-limiting device has performed its function. In acknowledging these technological limitations and a desire to not be unnecessarily design-restrictive, DOE believes that allowing a brief time period for the current limiting device to perform its function is consistent with the energy-saving purpose of the relevant provision of EPACT 2005, whose principle benefits will be provided during normal use (i.e., the total time the ceiling fan light kit is illuminated). DOE notes that the EPACT 2005 requirements, as implemented by DOE, only address the energy efficiency requirements for ceiling fan light kits and do not displace or modify other relevant legal requirements, including ones related to product safety. The Department is monitoring the status of industry proposals pending before the UL153 Standards Technical Panel to harmonize Underwriter's Laboratory safety standards with EPACT 2005 standards. DOE may revisit its interpretation of an acceptable time period for effective operation of current-limiting devices if the UL safety standards are changed.
As stated above, a ceiling fan light kit shall not be capable of operating with lamps that together consume more than 190 watts. (42 U.S.C. 6295(c)). However, it may be impractical for ceiling fan light kits to meet this requirement instantaneously. Accordingly, at issue is how much time is required for a current-limiting device to serve its function before a ceiling fan light kit is considered "capable of operating with lamps that consume more than 190 watts." The statute does not discuss what time period is acceptable for the operation of a current-limiting device for ceiling fan light kits. Irrespective of the type of current-limiting device employed by a manufacturer, DOE believes that device should provide the required results within a short period of time (i.e., no more than a few minutes) to be considered rendering a ceiling fan light kit incapable of "operating" for the purpose of meeting the 190 watt energy conservation standard. For example, it would be clear to DOE that any such device that provides the required result within one minute or less would qualify. In contrast, a current-limiting device that fails to operate for more than a few minutes would not meet the requirements of the standard, because it would allow the ceiling fan light kit to "operate" at a consumption level of more than 190 watts.
Additionally, DOE would be concerned with any current-limiting device that could easily be replaced with a substitute device or modified in such a way that the current-limiting function of the device would be disabled (i.e., it would allow a ceiling fan light kit to operate with lamps that consume more than 190 watts). If the current-limiting function could be easily circumvented, DOE would not consider ceiling fan light kits incorporating those devices to be incapable of operating with lamps that consume more than 190 watts.
Question #2: Do the energy conservation requirements for ceiling fans apply to highly decorative ceiling fans?
Answer: DOE recognizes that section 135(c)(4) of EPACT 2005, amends EPCA by adding two new requirements (42 U.S.C. 6295(v) and 42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) with respect to energy conservation standards for ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. Section 325(v)(1) of EPCA provides that if DOE sets energy conservation standards for ceiling fans, it must consider ''establishing separate or exempted product classes for highly decorative fans for which air movement performance is a secondary design feature.'' (42 U.S.C. 6295(v)(1)) However, DOE has not established standards for ceiling fans beyond the design standards in section 325(ff) of EPCA. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) Thus, the requirement for DOE to consider whether highly decorative fans should be a separate regulated or exempted product class is not relevant at this time. 71 FR 71343.
In the future, should DOE amend the energy conservation standards for ceiling fans, it will address whether to establish a separate or exempted product class for highly decorative ceiling fans. DOE also notes that the provision in EPCA that establishes ceiling fan design standards (section 325(ff) and codified in 10 CFR 430.32(s)(1) by the October 2005 final rule, 70 FR 60409, 60413) does not contain an exemption for highly decorative fans. Specifically, section 325(ff) of EPCA (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) requires all ceiling fans to have speed controls separate from lighting controls, adjustable speed controls, and the capability of reversible fan action for most fans. Section 325(ff) does not provide for separate treatment or exemption of highly decorative ceiling fans under these design standards. Therefore, the design standards apply to highly decorative ceiling fans, unless an exemption specified in section 325(ff) applies. 71 FR 71343.
Question #3: Do the energy conservation requirements for ceiling fans apply to hugger fans?
Answer: "Hugger fans" are typically understood to be ceiling fans that are not suspended from the ceiling. Instead, they are set flush with the ceiling. Since the statutory definition defines "ceiling fan" as "suspended from the ceiling" (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)), a hugger fan is not subject to EPCA requirements for ceiling fans. 71 FR 71343.
Question #4: Are light kits designed and marketed for hugger fans covered by the same statutory requirements that apply to ceiling fan light kits, as defined by EPCA?
Answer: Paragraph 321(49) of EPCA defines the term "ceiling fan" as "a nonportable device that is suspended from a ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan blades." (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)) Because Congress used the term "suspended" in the definition of "ceiling fan," DOE understands that hugger-type ceiling fans (hugger fans), which are mounted flush to the ceiling without any suspension rod, are not "ceiling fans" within the meaning of the statute. 71 FR 71340, 71343 (Dec. 8, 2006).
Paragraph 321(50) of EPCA defines the term "ceiling fan light kit" as "equipment designed to provide light from a ceiling fan" (42 U.S.C. 6291(50)) Thus, the use of the EPCA-defined term "ceiling fan" in the definition of a "ceiling fan light kit" raises the issue of whether light kits designed to be operated on hugger fans are subject to the energy conservation standard for ceiling fan light kits (see 10 CFR 430.32(s)).
DOE's response is dependent upon the applications for which a specific light kit is capable of being installed. Application scenario #1: If a light kit is designed to be installed on a hugger fan and cannot be installed on a suspended ceiling fan, then DOE would not consider that light kit covered under the statute. In other words, light kits that are not capable of being installed on suspended ceiling fans are not subject to the regulatory requirements. Application scenario #2: If a light kit is designed and marketed as a hugger fan light kit but is also capable of being installed on a suspended ceiling fan, then this product may be installed extensively as a substitute for regulated ceiling fan light kits. Therefore, light kits designed and marketed for hugger fans that are also capable of being installed on suspended ceiling fans are considered covered products by DOE, by virtue of the fact that these ceiling fan light kits otherwise could be readily and easily used as substitutes for regulated products.
Question #5: Do the requirements for ceiling fan light kits packaged with pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps apply to ceiling fan light kits with GU24 sockets?
Answer: DOE understands that GU24 is a base type that has large pins that lock into a GU24 socket. The GU24 socket is a line-voltage socket and is capable of accommodating different types of lamps, including incandescent lamps. Section 325(ff)(2)-(4) of EPCA classifies ceiling fan light kits by socket type only, not be the lamp-type inserted into those sockets. (42 U.S.C. 6294(ff)(2)-(4)) The socket type classified as pin-based for fluorescent lamps has been uniformly understood to refer to sockets which (1) receive (and operate) fluorescent lamps that lack an integral ballast and (2) transmit voltage, received through a ballast, to such lamps at levels considerably higher than the line voltage.
Due to the fact that this socket type operates at line voltage and such sockets are not uniquely associated with fluorescent lamps, DOE does not consider them to be "pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps." (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(3)) Rather, DOE considers any ceiling fan light kit with GU24 sockets as the third group of ceiling fan light kits, specifically, those with sockets that are not medium screw base or pin-based for fluorescent lamps. 71 FR 71345.
Question #6: Is accent lighting on ceiling fan light kits with sockets other than medium screw base or pin-based for fluorescent lamps subject to the total 190 watt limitation for all lamps included with the ceiling fan light kit?
Answer: DOE does not consider ceiling fan accent lighting that is not a significant light source to be part of the 190-watt limitation. DOE has made this determination for three reasons. First, pursuant to section 135(a)(3) of EPACT 2005, EPCA defines a ceiling fan light kit, in part as equipment "designed to provide light." (42 U.S.C. 6291(50)) The purpose of accent lighting is not to provide direct light; instead, it is commonly used for decorative purposes. As such, accent lighting is not covered by EPCA.
Second, this application of the standard is clearly consistent with EPCA's treatment of ceiling fan light kits with medium-screw base sockets and those with pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps. For these two types of ceiling fan light kits, section 325(ff) of EPCA clearly regulates only lamps inserted into screw base or pin-based sockets, and not any accent lights otherwise incorporated into the fan. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)(2)-(3))
Third, DOE is concerned with addressing energy consumption by light sources that are aligned with the primary purpose of the ceiling fan light kit. For ceiling fan light kits, the general illumination provided by the light kit is its principal function, and thus should be subject to the 190-wattt limitation. Other ancillary lighting, such as accent lighting serves primarily an aesthetic purpose and is therefore not part of the general illumination function of the ceiling fan light kit. 71 FR 71347.
Question #7: When will DOE enforce the standard? When are manufacturers required to certify that their product is in compliance?
Answer: Compliance with the standard is required and enforceable as of January 1, 2007, for ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits with sockets that are medium screw base and pin-based for fluorescent lamps. Compliance with the standard for ceiling fan light kits with sockets that are any other socket type is required and enforceable as of January 1, 2009. After these dates, manufacturers must meet the ceiling fan and ceiling fan light kit requirements and be able to demonstrate compliance.
However, manufacturers are not yet required to submit compliance certification reports. The process for submitting compliance certification reports is being developed in an on-going rulemaking. When the certification and enforcement procedures are finalized, manufacturers must represent to DOE that the ceiling fan light kits for which there are effective standards and packaging requirements set by EPACT 2005 are compliant.
Question #8: Does the standard apply to ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits manufactured in the United States and abroad?
Answer: Yes, the standards promulgated by EPACT 2005 do apply to ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits manufactured domestically and imported to the United States. More specifically, the standards established by Section 135(c)(4) of EPACT 2005 require that ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits "manufactured on or after" a given date shall be subject to the specified standards. (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) Section 321 of EPCA defines the term "manufacture" as meaning "to manufacture, produce, assemble or import." (42 U.S.C. 6291(10)) Therefore, DOE interprets the effective date of these regulations to be the date on which a product is manufactured, produced, assembled or imported. For example, imported products must meet or exceed the regulations on the date they are imported to the United States, not the day they are shipped from the country of manufacture.
Question #9: What would be an allowable time elapse for current-limiting devices to respond to if a ceiling fan light kit consumes more than 190 watts?
Answer: The Department has received inquiries seeking clarification on whether any time may elapse before a current-limiting device prevents all lamps in a ceiling fan light kit from consuming more than 190 watts in total.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a requirement that all lamps on ceiling fan light kits other than those with medium screw based sockets and pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps manufactured on or after January 1, 2009, shall not be capable of operating with lamps that in total consume more than 190 watts. (42 U.S.C. 6295(c)) These statutory requirements further the Act's purpose of achieving energy savings during the course of normal operation of ceiling fan light kits. Manufacturers may choose to follow one of several possible design pathways to comply with this energy conservation design standard, including, but not limited to, a fuse, circuit breaker or other current-limiting device. 72 FR 1270.
Current-limiting devices may vary in how quickly they respond, with some responding almost instantaneously to cut off all current when 190 watts is exceeded or to prevent more than 190 watts from being consumed. Other current-limiting devices may take an extended period of time before preventing or limiting more than 190 watts of power consumption. From a practical perspective, there may have to be a short lag between the time that a ceiling fan light kit is turned on and when the current-limiting device has performed its function. In acknowledging these technological limitations and a desire to not be unnecessarily design-restrictive, DOE believes that permitting a brief time period for the current-limiting device to perform its function is consistent with the energy-saving purpose of the relevant provision of EPACT 2005, whose principal benefits will be provided during normal use (i.e., the total time the ceiling fan light kit is illuminated). We note that the EPACT 2005 requirements, as implemented by DOE, only address the energy efficiency requirements for ceiling fan light kits and do not displace or modify other relevant legal requirements, including ones related to product safety. The Department is monitoring the status of industry proposals pending before the UL153 Standards Technical Panel to harmonize Underwriter's Laboratory safety standards with EPACT 2005 standards. DOE may revisit its interpretation of an acceptable time period for effective operation of current-limiting devices if the UL safety standards are changed.
As stated above, a ceiling fan light kit shall not be capable of operating with lamps that consume more than 190 watts in total. (42 U.S.C. 6295(c)) At issue is how much time is required for a current-limiting device to serve its function before a ceiling fan light kit is considered "capable of operating with lamps that consume more than 190 watts." The statute does not discuss what time period is acceptable for the operation of a current-limiting device for ceiling fan light kits. Irrespective of the current-limiting device employed by a manufacturer, DOE believes that device should provide the required result within a short period of time (i.e., no more than a few minutes) to be considered rendering a ceiling fan light kit incapable of "operating" for the purpose of the ceiling fan light kit energy conservation standard. For example, it would be clear to DOE that any device that effectively limited the total wattage by a lamp to not more than 190 watts within one minute would qualify. In contrast, a current-limiting device that fails to operate for more than a few minutes would not meet the requirements of the standard, because it would allow that ceiling fan light kit to "operate" at a consumption level of more than 190 watts.
Additionally, DOE would be concerned with any current-limiting device that could easily be replaced with a substitute device or modified in such a way that the current-limiting function of the device would be disabled (i.e., it would allow a ceiling fan light kit to operate with lamps that would consume more than 190 watts). If the current-limiting device would be easily circumvented, DOE would not consider the ceiling fan light kit incorporating those devices to be incapable of operating with lamps that consume more than 190 watts.
Question #10: Are current limiting devices necessary if a ceiling fan light kit incorporated a limited number of candelabra sockets?
Answer: The Department has received inquiries seeking clarification on whether a current-limiting device is necessary when the ceiling fan light kit consists of only two candelabra sockets which may be operated with lamps rated no higher than 60 watts each. The rationale offered is that since these sockets would provide for no more than a maximum of 120 watts, a current-limiting device would not be necessary to prevent the ceiling fan light kit from consuming more than 190 watts.
Ceiling fan light kits with candelabra screw base sockets fall within the third category of ceiling fan light kits "with any other socket type including but not limited to candelabra screw base sockets" regulating by EPACT 2005 that must not be capable of operating with lamps that total more than 190 watts, effective January 1, 2009. 72 FR 1270. DOE is not aware of any candelabra screw base that exceed 75 watts, and thus some manufacturers have indicated that a ceiling fan light kit with two candelabra screw base sockets could not exceed 190 watts. These manufacturers are asking whether limiting the ceiling fan light kit to two candelabra screw base sockets would be sufficient to ensure that the ceiling fan light kit would be incapable of consuming more than 190 watts.
DOE is aware of screw-in socket converters that can adapt a candelabra screw base socket to use a medium screw base lamp. This relatively simple and inexpensive conversion process would enable a two-candelabra socket ceiling fan light kit to operate with, for example, two 150 watt medium-screw base A-19 lamps, and thereby consume 300 watts - exceeding the 190 watt limit. Such easy circumvention of an energy conservation standard is not acceptable. Therefore, the Department requires that all ceiling fan light kits in this "other lamp socket type" category manufactured on or after January 1, 2009, must contain some type of current-limiting device to ensure they are not capable of operating with lamps that total more than 190 watts.
Question #11: How does the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 affect the use of socket adapters as they relate to ceiling fan light kits?
Answer: DOE reviewed the language in Section 321(e) of EISA 2007 which amended Section 332(a) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to prohibit certain types of socket adapters. (42 U.S.C. 6302(a)) Specifically, the statute prohibits "any manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or private labeler to distribute in commerce an adapter that—(A) is designed to allow an incandescent lamp that does not have a medium screw base to be installed into a fixture or lampholder with a medium screw base socket; and (B) is capable of being operated at a voltage range at least partially within 110 and 130 volts."
DOE interprets this legislative provision as banning socket adapters that would enable lamps that do not have medium screw bases from being installed into medium screw base sockets. This prohibition of certain socket adapters appears in the same section of EISA 2007 where Congress establishes mandatory efficiency standards for medium screw base lamps, and thus is most likely intended to prevent socket adapters from becoming a means of circumventing the new standard on medium screw base lamps.
On this webpage of FAQ's for ceiling fan light kits, question #10 outlines the Department's concerns over the use of socket adapters with respect to ceiling fan light kits. Question #10 addresses whether a design incorporating two candelabra sockets would constitute an acceptable current-limiting device to ensure that the ceiling fan light kit does not consume more than 190 watts, since there are no candelabra-based lamps manufactured that consume more than 75 watts. (Note: To further ensure that wattages of candelabra base lamps do not increase over time, section 321(a)(3)(A)(ii)(II) of EISA 2007 set a standard which provides the limitation that no candelabra base incandescent lamp may exceed 60 watts. (42 U.S.C. 6295(i)(1)(C)(i)) In its letter, DOE states that it does not view a limited number of sockets as a means of standards compliance because the wattage of candelabra base lamps was never an issue. Instead, DOE is concerned that socket converters could readily adapt a candelabra, intermediate, or other base type to use a medium screw base lamp. The socket adapter would easily and inexpensively convert the socket to operate larger-based lamps, such as medium-screw base, which can have higher wattages. Furthermore, DOE is also concerned about safety issues associated with the use of socket adapters that may result in lamp wattages being installed that exceed the rated wattage limit of ceiling fan light kits.
Despite the fact that EISA 2007 now prohibits socket adapters that convert medium screw base sockets to other socket types, DOE remains concerned with respect to socket adapters that could be used with ceiling fan light kits to convert other socket types to operate medium screw base lamps. Those types of socket adapters are still allowed under the statute, and could be used to convert sockets to accommodate larger base types that would accommodate lamps with wattages totaling more than 190 watts.
Question #12: Are ceiling fan light kits that provide up-lighting (i.e., directed at the ceiling) subject to the same EPCA requirements as traditional ceiling fan light kits (i.e., directing light downward)?
Answer: Yes. In its December 2006 Test Procedure Final Rule, DOE specifically addressed the issue of ceiling fan light kits that direct light upward in a discussion about how the standard would apply to one particular type of ceiling fan light kit. DOE clarified that the requirements of traditional (i.e., directed downward) ceiling fan light kits would also apply to light kits designed to direct light upward. 71 FR 71340 (Dec. 8, 2006). On this point, DOE stated, "EPCA expressly subjects ceiling fan light kits with sockets other than medium screw base sockets and pin-based sockets for fluorescent lamps to the wattage limitation requirement. It is conceivable that some ceiling fan light kit designs could provide 'up-lighting' if the lamps installed in the ceiling fan light kit are directed upward. Thus, these ceiling fan light kits would be subject to the 190-watt limitation." 71 FR 71340, 71346-47 (Dec. 8, 2006). In other words, any ceiling fan light kit that directs light upward (in whole or in part) with sockets other than medium screw base sockets and pin-based sockets must comply with the 190-watt limitation requirement.
DOE does consider all ceiling fan light kits to be covered by the regulations, regardless of whether they are integral (i.e., sockets attached directly to the fan housing) or detachable, and irrespective of the direction of light emission from the fixture. Thus, if an up-lighting ceiling fan light kit incorporates medium screw base sockets, the kit must be packaged with Energy Star Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) version 3.0 to fill each socket, or light sources other than CFLs that have lumens per watt performance at least equivalent to comparably configured CFLs meeting those Energy Star standards. See 10 CFR 430.32(s)(2). If the sockets for an up-lighting ceiling fan light kit are pin-based for fluorescent lamps, then the kit must be packaged with a lamp or lamps to fill all sockets, and the system must meet the requirements of Energy Star Residential Light Fixtures version 4.0. See 10 CFR 430.32(s)(3). Finally, if the sockets for an up-lighting ceiling fan light kit incorporate any other type of socket, then the kit must not be capable of operating with lamps that total more than 190 watts, and must be packaged with lamps to fill all sockets in that light kit. See 10 CFR 430.32(s)(4).
Question #13: If my ceiling fan can accommodate more than one light kit, is it permissible for each discrete light kit installed on the ceiling fan to consume up to 190 watts?
Answer: Yes. If a ceiling fan has more than one light kit or is designed to be capable of operating with more than one light kit (e.g., having two mounts for light kits, or having one integral kit and a mount for an additional kit), DOE interprets the relevant statutory requirements (codified in DOE regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(s) as being applicable to each ceiling fan light kit individually. That is, each ceiling fan light kit affixed to a ceiling fan must individually comply with the EPCA requirements (i.e., packaging requirements, system performance and/or wattage limits). For certain ceiling fan designs that incorporate multiple mounting points for ceiling fan light kits, DOE understands that the total lighting wattage consumed by one ceiling fan installation (i.e., using multiple ceiling fan light kits) could exceed 190 watts.
Stakeholder Inquiries
Still have questions? You can contact DOE for further information about ceiling fan and ceiling fan light kit design standards electronically or by mail. See contact information for DOE's point of contact for this product.
Future Rulemaking Status
On July 25, 2006, DOE proposed rules for how manufacturers could certify compliance with the Federal standards. 71 FR 42178. The reporting rules have not been finalized. The notice of proposed rulemaking is listed on this webpage under "Definitions and Standards Documents."
There are no other rulemakings pending or scheduled at this time. However, according to EPCA as amended by EPACT 2005, after January 1, 2010, the Secretary may consider, and issue, amended energy efficiency standards for ceiling fan light kits (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) if they are technologically feasible, economically justified, and will create significant energy savings (42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p)). Any amended standard would apply to products manufactured two years after the date of publication of the standard final rule (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)).
The Secretary may also consider, and issue, energy efficiency or energy use standards for electricity used by ceiling fans to circulate air in a room (42 U.S.C. 6295(ff)) if standards are technologically feasible, economically justified, and will create significant energy savings (42 U.S.C. 6295(o) and (p)). In issuing these standards, the Secretary shall consider exempting, or setting different standards for, product classes for which the primary standards are not technologically feasible, or economically justified and establishing separate exempted product classes for highly decorative fans for which air movement performance is a secondary design feature.
Contact Information
Linda Graves, Lighting Standards Project Manager
U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program
1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Mailstop EE-2J
Washington, D.C. 20585
Phone: (202) 586-1851
Email:linda.graves@ee.doe.gov