What: On November 25, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) proposed several clarifications to the test procedures for general service lamps (GSLs). Specifically, the proposed rule:
- clarifies that GSLs must not be tested as colored lamps;
- requires GSLs that can operate at multiple, correlated colored temperatures (CCTs) to be tested at 2700 Kelvin or the closest available CCT greater than 200 Kelvin;
- requires lamps with additional components that do not affect the light output of the lamp to be turned off during testing;
- removes the instruction to operate non-integrated LED lamps at the manufacturer-declared input voltage and current;
- specifies that non-integrated lamps be tested with a fluorescent lamp ballast or external driver that is selected based on compatibility lists and availability;
- specifies the starting method and ballast factors for the fluorescent lamp ballasts used in testing;
- specifies that the fluorescent lamp ballasts used in testing operate the maximum number of lamps and instructions for calculating individual lamp values where more than one lamp is operated; and,
- incorporate American National Standards Institute sections on thermal characteristics, electrical characteristics, and compatibility criteria by reference.
Why: The proposed rule would apply to manufacturers of GSLs. DOE identified potential small manufacturers based on Small Business Administration guidelines categorizing businesses operating under NAICS code 335139, “electric lamp bulb and other lighting equipment manufacturing.” DOE identified 261 small domestic businesses that assemble GSLs.
DOE states that none of the identified small businesses are expected to incur costs because of the proposed rule. DOE states the proposed rule only provides further clarification regarding how to appropriately test certain lamps with additional functionality. DOE states these clarifications would not result in additional test costs, nor would they require retesting for any manufacturers. DOE also states the clarifications regarding testing non-integrated GSLs, which reflect how these lamps are currently being tested by manufacturers, would also not result in additional test costs nor require retesting by any manufacturers, including small manufacturers. DOE is concluding that the proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
DOE is requesting comments on the proposed rule, and small businesses are encouraged to provide detailed information on direct cost implications and whether any regulatory alternatives would minimize the impact on small entities.
Action: Comments are due by December 26, 2024.
Read the proposed rule and submit comments.
Advocacy contact: Send an email to Shanerika Flemings at shanerika.flemings@sba.gov.