Notice of Petition for Waiver From Acuity Brands From the Department of Energy Illuminated Exit Signs Test Procedure, 26469-26473 [2017-11790]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 7, 2017 / Notices
Administrative Regulations (EDGAR),
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grants must submit an APR
demonstrating that substantial progress
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Dated: June 2, 2017.
Tomakie Washington,
Acting Director, Information Collection
Clearance Division, Office of the Chief Privacy
Officer, Office of Management.
[FR Doc. 2017–11801 Filed 6–6–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy
[Case No. IES–001]
Notice of Petition for Waiver From
Acuity Brands From the Department of
Energy Illuminated Exit Signs Test
Procedure
Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of petition for waiver and
request for public comments.
AGENCY:
This notice announces receipt
of a petition from Acuity Brands
(Acuity) seeking a waiver from specific
portions of the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE) test procedure for
determining the energy consumption of
illuminated exit signs. Acuity seeks to
use an alternate test procedure to
address issues involved in testing
certain basic models of illuminated exit
signs identified in its petition. Acuity
contends that its combination
illuminated exit signs cannot be
accurately tested using the currently
applicable DOE test procedure.
Although Acuity has proposed an
alternate test procedure, DOE is
proposing a different alternate test
procedure to test and rate specified
Acuity basic models in this notice. DOE
solicits comments, data, and
information concerning Acuity’s
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SUMMARY:
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petition and DOE’s proposed alternate
test procedure.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data,
and information with respect to the
petition received until July 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by case number IES–001, by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Email: AS_Waiver_Requests@
ee.doe.gov Include the case number
[Case No. IES–001] in the subject line of
the message.
• Mail: Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–2B/
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–0371. Please
submit one signed original paper copy.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: Mr. Bryan
Berringer, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, 950
L’Enfant Plaza SW., Room 6055,
Washington, DC 20024. Please submit
one signed original paper copy.
Docket: For access to the docket to
review the background documents
relevant to this matter, you may visit
https://www.regulations.gov. All
documents in the docket are listed in
the www.regulations.gov index.
However, some documents listed in the
index, such as those containing
information that is exempt from public
disclosure, may not be publicly
available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of
Energy, Building Technologies Program,
Mail Stop EE–5B, Forrestal Building,
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 586–0371. Email: AS_
Waiver_Requests@ee.doe.gov.
Ms. Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S.
Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, Mail Stop GC–33,
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: (202) 287–6111. Email:
Jennifer.Tiedeman@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In an
updated petition received on March 22,
2016 (initially submitted on April 17,
2013) and in an email received on May
1, 2017, Acuity requested that DOE
grant a test procedure waiver for
specified models of illuminated exit
signs that cannot be tested under the
existing DOE test procedure. The basic
models of illuminated exit signs at issue
are models typically known as
combination illuminated exit signs.
These basic models include components
such as egress lighting or alarms that
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26469
typically require a larger battery to
power the auxiliary features, which
causes the test procedure to provide
inaccurate comparative data.
I. Background and Authority
Title III, Part B 1 of the Energy Policy
and Conservation Act of 1975 (‘‘EPCA’’),
Public Law 94–163 (42 U.S.C. 6291–
6309, as codified) established the
Energy Conservation Program for
Consumer Products Other Than
Automobiles, a program that includes
illuminated exit signs.2 Part B includes
definitions, test procedures, labeling
provisions, energy conservation
standards, and the authority to require
information and reports from
manufacturers. Further, Part B
authorizes the Secretary of Energy to
prescribe test procedures that are
reasonably designed to produce results
that measure energy efficiency, energy
use, or estimated operating costs during
a representative average-use cycle, and
that are not unduly burdensome to
conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3)) The test
procedure for illuminated exit signs is
contained in 10 CFR part 431, subpart
L.3
The regulations set forth in 10 CFR
431.401 contain provisions that allow a
person to seek a waiver from the test
procedure requirements for a particular
basic model of a type of covered product
when the petitioner’s basic model for
which the petition for waiver was
submitted contains one or more design
characteristics that: (1) Prevent testing
according to the prescribed test
procedure, or (2) cause the prescribed
test procedures to evaluate the basic
model in a manner so unrepresentative
of its true energy consumption
characteristics as to provide materially
inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR
431.401(a)(1) A petitioner must include
in its petition any alternate test
procedures known to the petitioner to
evaluate the basic model in a manner
representative of its energy
consumption. 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii)
1 For editorial reasons Part B of title III was
redesignated as Part A upon incorporation into the
U.S. Code.
2 All references to EPCA refer to the statute as
amended through the Energy Efficiency
Improvement Act of 2015, Public Law 114–11
(April 30, 2015).
3 Although illuminated exit signs are covered
products pursuant to EPCA, as a matter of
administrative convenience and to minimize
confusion among interested parties, DOE adopted
illuminated exit sign provisions into subpart L of
10 CFR part 431 (the portion of DOE’s regulations
dealing with commercial and industrial equipment)
because typically businesses, rather than
individuals, purchase them. 70 FR 60407, 60409
(Oct. 18, 2005). DOE refers to illuminated exit signs
as either ‘‘products’’ or ‘‘equipment.’’
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 7, 2017 / Notices
DOE may grant a waiver subject to
conditions, including adherence to
alternate test procedures. 10 CFR
431.401(f)(2) As soon as practicable after
the granting of any waiver, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a notice
of proposed rulemaking to amend its
regulations so as to eliminate any need
for the continuation of such waiver. As
soon thereafter as practicable, DOE will
publish in the Federal Register a final
rule. 10 CFR 431.401(l).
DOE discusses the petition and
alternate test procedures in the
following sections.
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II. Petition for Waiver of Test Procedure
On March 22, 2016, Acuity filed an
updated petition for a waiver (the initial
petition was submitted on April 17,
2013) for certain basic models of
illuminated exit signs that are required
to be tested according to test procedures
detailed in 10 CFR 431.204. (Acuity, No.
0002 at pp. 1–3) 4 Acuity supplemented
its filing with an email submitted to
DOE on May 1, 2017, that further
clarified the specific basic models for
which the waiver is being requested.5
Acuity has requested a waiver for basic
models that provide the dual function of
exit signage and lighting for emergency
egress (combination illuminated exit
signs), stating that the battery used in
combination illuminated exit signs
requires a substantially larger capacity
to provide a minimum of 90 minutes of
egress lighting, as required by safety
codes. Acuity has further stated that it
is not feasible to separate the power
measurement associated with the exit
signage and the egress lighting because
a single battery and charging circuit
supplies power for both functions.
As an alternative to the test procedure
currently in place at 10 CFR part 431,
subpart L, Acuity has recommended
that, for combination illuminated exit
signs, the power should be determined
using the following procedure:
(1) Measure input power, which is the
total power supplied to the combination
illuminated exit sign including the
charging circuit and light source(s) for
the exit sign face(s). Note: The egress
4 A notation in this form provides a reference for
information that is in the docket for this test
procedure waiver (Docket No. EERE–2017–BT–
WAV–0033) (available at https://
www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2017-BTWAV-0033). This notation indicates that the
statement preceding the reference is document
number 2 in the docket and appears at pages 1–3
of that document.
5 The following are the basic models of
combination LED exit signs for which Acuity seeks
a test procedure waiver: ECG 1F, ECG 1F HO, ECG
2F, ECG 2F HO, ECR 1F, ECR 1F HO, ECR 2F, ECR
2F HO, ECG LED 1F HO, ECG LED 2F HO, ECR LED
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III. Alternate Test Procedure
Upon review of the alternate test
procedure submitted by Acuity in its
petition for wavier, DOE found that
‘‘rated wattage of light source(s)’’
associated with the face and egress light
source(s), respectively, is not always
well documented in Acuity’s product
literature for the basic models under
consideration. A lack of data in the
manufacturer data sheet with respect to
the wattage of the light source(s)
prevents the accurate and repeatable
calculation of the combination
illuminated exit sign input power
demand in Acuity’s proposed test
procedure. Therefore, DOE is proposing
alternate test procedures that provide
methods to test and rate the basic
models at issue without the rated
wattage of the light source(s).
DOE investigated various approaches
to isolate the input power used to
illuminate only the exit sign portion of
a combination exit sign: Including
disconnecting the battery; scaling or
prorating the portion of the input power
demand associated with the battery; and
measuring alternative power quantities
as a proxy for input power demand.
DOE tentatively concluded that these
methods would require isolating the
battery power used to illuminate the
faces of the exit sign from the battery
power used to operate auxiliary
features. Based on DOE’s review of
combination exit signs, DOE has
tentatively determined that it is either
not possible to measure the required
quantities or that doing so would
require cutting of wires and modifying
the circuitry of the combination exit
sign.
DOE reviewed the basic models
submitted in Acuity’s petition for
waiver and updated basic model list
provided in Acuity’s email submitted to
DOE on May 1, 2017, and determined
that the basic models in the waiver are
comprised of two sub-varieties: (A)
Combination illuminated exit signs with
equivalent non-combination versions 6
and (B) Combination illuminated exit
signs without equivalent noncombination versions. Table III.1
provides a review of the combination
illuminated exit sign basic models
submitted by Acuity for waivers, and
notes DOE’s proposed alternate test
method, described in detail below.
1F HO, ECR LED 2F HO, ECG LED 1F, ECG LED
2F, ECR LED 1F, ECR LED 2F, ECBG LED 1F, ECBG
LED 2F, ECBR LED 1F, ECBR LED 2F, LHD2D18G,
LHD2D18R, LHD2D36G, LHD2D36R, LHD2D72G,
LHD2D72R, LHD2S18G, LHD2S18R, LHD2S36G,
LHD2S36R, LHD2S72G, LHD2S72R, LHQM LED 1F
HO GREEN, LHQM LED 1F HO RED, LHQM LED
2F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 2F HO RED, LHQM LED
1F GREEN, LHQM LED 1F RED, LHQM LED 2F
GREEN, LHQM LED 2F RED, LHXNY W 1 R, LHXC
W 1 RW, LHXC W 2 RW, LHZ618 GREEN, LHZ618
RED, LHZ636 GREEN, LHZ636 RED, LHZ672
GREEN, LHZ672 RED, QM LED 1F GREEN, QM
LED 1F HO GREEN, QM LED 1F RED, QM LED 1F
HO RED, QM LED 2F GREEN, QM LED 2F HO
GREEN, QM LED 2F RED, QM LED 2F HO RED,
NXPCL 1F, and NXPCL 2F.
6 DOE uses the term ‘‘equivalent non-combination
illuminated exit sign’’ in this notice to mean an
illuminated exit sign that consists of electric
consuming components and a battery identical to
those of the combination illuminated exit sign at
issue, but that does not have any auxiliary features.
The equivalent non-combination illuminated exit
sign must also have the same manufacturer and
number of faces as the combination exit sign whose
input power demand is being determined.
lights will not be operational in this
mode because they are designed to only
operate under a condition when the unit
is not receiving power.
(2) Determine the total battery power,
with the battery circuit connected and
fully charged before any measurements
are made.
total battery power = input
power¥rated wattage of light
source(s) for exit sign
(3) Determine the battery proration
factor.
battery proration factor = (rated wattage
of light source(s) for exit sign)/
(rated wattage of light sources(s) for
egress lighting + rated wattage of
light source(s) for exit sign)
(4) Calculate the combination
illuminated exit sign power.
combination illuminated exit sign
power = (battery proration factor ×
total battery power) + rated wattage
of light source(s) for exit sign
Acuity seeks a test procedure waiver
for specified basic models (see footnote
and Table III.1). Acuity also requested
that any new products introduced by
the company into commerce that
provide the dual function of exit signage
and emergency egress lighting be
covered by the waiver. DOE regulations
at 10 CFR 430.27(f)(2) provide that DOE
may grant a waiver, including
adherence to alternate test procedures,
only for ‘‘the basic model(s) for which
the waiver was requested.’’ Acuity may
request to extend the scope of a waiver
to additional basic models pursuant to
10 CFR 431.401(g) by identifying the
particular basic models for which a
waiver is requested, but the present
waiver, if granted, would extend to only
those basic models identified in the
updated waiver petition currently under
consideration.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 7, 2017 / Notices
TABLE III.1—REVIEW OF COMBINATION ILLUMINATED EXIT SIGN BASIC MODELS SUBMITTED BY ACUITY
Equivalent
non-combination
illuminated
exit sign *
Acuity basic model *
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECG 1F, ECG 1F HO, ECG 2F, ECG 2F HO, ECR 1F, ECR 1F HO,
ECR 2F, ECR 2F HO.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECG LED 1F HO, ECG LED 2F HO, ECR LED 1F HO, ECR LED 2F
HO.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECG LED 1F, ECG LED 2F, ECR LED 1F, ECR LED 2F ..................
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECBG LED 1F, ECBG LED 2F, ECBR LED 1F, ECBR LED 2F .........
Holophane brand models: LHD2D18G, LHD2D18R, LHD2D36G, LHD2D36R, LHD2D72G,
LHD2D72R, LHD2S18G, LHD2S18R, LHD2S36G, LHD2S36R, LHD2S72G, LHD2S72R.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHQM LED 1F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 1F HO RED, LHQM LED
2F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 2F HO RED.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHQM LED 1F GREEN, LHQM LED 1F RED, LHQM LED 2F
GREEN, LHQM LED 2F RED.
Lithonia Lighting brand model: LHXNY W 1 R ........................................................................................
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHXC W 1 RW, LHXC W 2 RW ...........................................................
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHZ618 GREEN, LHZ618 RED, LHZ636 GREEN, LHZ636 RED,
LHZ672 GREEN, LHZ672 RED.
Holophane brand models: QM LED 1F GREEN, QM LED 1F HO GREEN, QM LED 1F RED, QM
LED 1F HO RED, QM LED 2F GREEN, QM LED 2F HO GREEN, QM LED 2F RED, QM LED 2F
HO RED.
Navilite brand models: NXPCL 1F, NXPCL 2F ........................................................................................
DOE’s proposed
alternate test
method
No .........................
Method B.
No .........................
Method B.
Yes ........................
No .........................
No .........................
Method A.
Method B.
Method B.
Yes ........................
Method A.
No .........................
Method B.
No .........................
No .........................
Yes ........................
Method B.
Method B.
Method A.
Yes ........................
Method A.
Yes ........................
Method A.
* All Acuity basic models listed in the table above are illuminated exit signs manufacturered exclusively with LEDs.
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For these two sub-varieties, DOE
presents the two alternate test methods,
test method A and test method B, in the
following sections.
A. Test Method for Combination
Illuminated Exit Sign Basic Models With
Equivalent Non-Combination
Illuminated Exit Signs (Method A)
DOE has determined that for Acuity
combination illuminated exit sign basic
models ECG LED 1F, ECG LED 2F, ECR
LED 1F, ECR LED 2F, LHQM LED 1F
HO GREEN, LHQM LED 1F HO RED,
LHQM LED 2F HO GREEN, LHQM LED
2F HO RED, LHZ618 GREEN, LHZ618
RED, LHZ636 GREEN, LHZ636 RED,
LHZ672 GREEN, LHZ672 RED, QM LED
1F GREEN, QM LED 1F HO GREEN, QM
LED 1F RED, QM LED 1F HO RED, QM
LED 2F GREEN, QM LED 2F HO
GREEN, QM LED 2F RED, QM LED 2F
HO RED, NXPCL 1F, and NXPCL 2F it
is not possible to keep the face(s)
illuminated while disconnecting the
battery and all auxiliary features in a
manner that permits reinstallation using
only the original parts in order to allow
for the measurement of only the input
power required to illuminate the face(s).
However, DOE has determined that
these models have equivalent noncombination illuminated exit sign
models. For these basic models, DOE is
considering the following alternate test
method (method A):
(1) Identify a non-combination
illuminated exit sign equivalent to the
combination illuminated exit sign under
test. A unit is an equivalent noncombination substitute only if it
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consists entirely of components
identical to all of those of the unit
whose input power demand is being
determined, but does not include any
auxiliary features, and contains an
electrically connected battery. The
equivalent unit must also have the same
manufacturer and number of faces as the
unit whose input power demand is
being determined.
(2) Assign the input power demand of
the combination illuminated exit sign
under test as the input power demand
of the equivalent non-combination
illuminated exit sign.
B. Test Method for Combination
Illuminated Exit Sign Basic Models
Without Equivalent Non-Combination
Illuminated Exit Signs (Method B)
DOE has determined that for Acuity
combination illuminated exit sign basic
models ECG 1F, ECG 1F HO, ECG 2F,
ECG 2F HO, ECR 1F, ECR 1F HO, ECR
2F, ECR 2F HO, ECG LED 1F HO, ECG
LED 2F HO, ECR LED 1F HO, ECR LED
2F HO, ECBG LED 1F, ECBG LED 2F,
ECBR LED 1F, ECBR LED 2F,
LHD2D18G, LHD2D18R, LHD2D36G,
LHD2D36R, LHD2D72G, LHD2D72R,
LHD2S18G, LHD2S18R, LHD2S36G,
LHD2S36R, LHD2S72G, LHD2S72R,
LHQM LED 1F GREEN, LHQM LED 1F
RED, LHQM LED 2F GREEN, LHQM
LED 2F RED, LHXNY W 1 R, LHXC W
1 RW, and LHXC W 2 RW it is not
possible to keep the face(s) illuminated
while disconnecting the battery and all
auxiliary features in a manner that
permits reinstallation using only the
original parts to allow for the
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measurement of only the input power
required to illuminate the face(s). DOE
has also determined that these models
do not have equivalent non-combination
illuminated exit sign models, rendering
method A inapplicable. For these basic
models, DOE is considering the
following alternate test method (method
B):
If the combination illuminated exit
sign under test uses only LEDs to
illuminate all face(s) of the unit, assign
an input power demand according to
the following formula:
input power demand = 5 watts ×
number of faces 7
IV. Summary and Request for
Comments
Through this notice, DOE is
publishing Acuity’s petition for waiver
pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iv).
The petition contains no confidential
information. The petition includes a
description of why DOE’s test procedure
produces inaccurate results for certain
models of combination illuminated exit
signs and a recommended alternate test
procedure, applicable to the
measurement of energy efficiency of the
models of combination illuminated exit
signs specified by Acuity in its petition
for waiver. In this notice, DOE proposes
a different test method for determining
the energy efficiency of the combination
7 This method requires determination of the
number of faces for each basic model. Face count
is the number of faces (no fewer than one) with
which an illuminated exit sign basic model can be
configured by an end user when all electric light
sources are connected and energized.
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illuminated exit signs included in
Acuity’s waiver.
DOE solicits comments from
interested parties on all aspects of the
petition, the test method recommended
by Acuity, DOE’s stated concerns
regarding that test method, and DOE’s
proposed test procedure. Pursuant to 10
CFR 431.401(d), any person submitting
written comments to DOE must also
send a copy of such comments to the
petitioner. The contact information for
the petitioner is: Cheryl English, VP,
Government & Industry Relations,
Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., One
Lithonia Way, Conyers, GA 30012. All
submissions received must include the
case number for this proceeding. Submit
electronic comments in WordPerfect,
Microsoft Word, Portable Document
Format (PDF), or text (American
Standard Code for Information
Interchange (ASCII)) file format and
avoid the use of special characters or
any form of encryption. Wherever
possible, include the electronic
signature of the author. DOE does not
accept telefacsimiles (faxes).
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 two copies: One copy of
the document including all the
information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document with the
information believed to be confidential
deleted. DOE will make its own
determination about the confidential
status of the information and treat it
according to its determination.
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Issued in Washington, DC, on May 26,
2017.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
Date: 3/22/2016
Subject: Acuity Brands Updated Petition
for Test Procedure Waiver for
Illuminated Exit Signs
Upon request by DOE, Acuity Brands
is updating the petition request
submitted on 4/17/2013 for test
procedure waiver for Illuminated Exit
Signs pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401 to
clarify that the petition is for a final test
procedure waiver for certain models of
illuminated exit signs.
The petition is on the grounds that the
basic models contain design
characteristics which prevent testing of
the basic models according to the
prescribed test procedures and that the
prescribed test procedures evaluate the
basic models in a manner
unrepresentative of their true energy
consumption characteristics and
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provide materially inaccurate
comparative data.
Background
Illuminated Exit Signs are covered
under the Energy Policy & Conservation
Act (EPCA) as amended by Section 135
of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct
2005). This product category was
included in EPA’s Energy Star program
and the intent of the EPAct 2005
amendment was to make the Energy Star
program’s product regulated by EPCA.
The test procedures adopted by
Congress for this product category is the
Energy Star program (v. 2.0) test
procedures, and the energy conservation
standards are the performance
requirements for the Energy Star
program (v. 2.0). See 42 U.S.C.
6293(b)(9) and 6295(w).
When Illuminated Exit Signs were
included in EPAct 2005, the industry
interpretation was based on a scope
consistent with the Energy Star program
covering products that provided only
the functional characteristics defined in
the regulation to illuminate the signage
itself, with no expressed intent to also
regulate energy used for emergency
egress lighting. The statutory definition
of illuminated exit sign (10 CFR
431.202) includes the phrase ‘‘consists
of electrically powered integral light
source that—(i) illuminates the legend
‘EXIT’ and any directional indicators . . .’’
Certain basic models of illuminated
exit signs provide the dual function of
exit signage and lighting for emergency
egress (combo unit). However, the
battery used in a combo unit requires a
substantially larger capacity to provide
a minimum of 90 minutes of egress
lighting as required by life safety code,
as well as illuminating the EXIT legend
and directional indicators. Because of
this, the test procedures when applied
to a combo unit do not accurately
represent the energy consumption
associated with illuminating the exit
sign legend.
See the following Web site for figures
of the ‘‘Standard Illuminated Exit Sign’’
and ‘‘Combo unit’’ Illuminated Exit Sign
and Egress Light’’: https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2017-BT-WAV0033
Basic Models Requested for Test
Procedure Waiver
The following Acuity Brands basic
models are submitted under the
conditions of this waiver:
EC, ECB, LHD2, LHQM, LHX, LHXC,
LHZ, QM, NNYXSC, NX (NavLite
combo)
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(covering all lettering colors, housing
material, source type or other options
for each basic model)
Furthermore, Acuity Brands petitions
that any new products introduced by
Acuity Brands into commerce that
provide the dual function of exit signage
and emergency egress lighting will also
be covered by the waiver.
Test Procedure Issues
A combo unit utilizes a higher
capacity battery to power both the exit
sign face(s) as well as emergency egress
lighting during a power outage. While
§ 431.202 indicates that the input power
demand shall be measured with
batteries at full charge, the higher
capacity dual function battery for a
combo unit results in a higher power
than a smaller battery utilized in a unit
that provides only the exit signage
functionality.
The performance specification for the
input power described in the Energy
Star specifications limits the power to
illuminate the face of the exit sign with
no reference to power associated with
the emergency egress lighting. The test
procedure for Energy Star 2.0 requires
the measurement of power including the
internal battery, but the power limits
were not established using a baseline for
units that provide the dual function
associated with a combo unit. For a
combo unit, it is not feasible to separate
the power measurement associated with
the exit signage and the egress lighting
since a single battery and charging
circuit supplies power for both
functions.
Alternate Test Procedure for Combo
Units
There are no nationally recognized
test procedures to measure the power
for a combo unit that describes the
power associated only with illuminating
the face(s) of the exit sign. Therefore
Acuity Brands is submitting the
following alternate test procedure to
accurately represent the power of a
combo unit used to illuminating the
legend ‘EXIT’, directional indicators and
proportional battery power for the
face(s) of the exit sign.
For combination exit and egress
lighting units (combo units), the power
shall be determined by the following
procedure:
1. Measure input power, the total
power supplied to the combo unit
including the charging circuit and light
source(s) for the exit sign face(s). Note:
The egress lights will not be operational
in this mode since they are designed to
only operate under a condition when
the unit is not receiving power.
E:\FR\FM\07JNN1.SGM
07JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 7, 2017 / Notices
2. Determine the total battery power,
with the battery circuit connected and
fully charged before any measurements
are made.
total battery power = input
power¥rated wattage of light
source(s) for exit sign
3. Determine the battery proration
factor:
Battery proration factor = rated wattage
of light source(s) for exit sign (rated
wattage of light sources(s) for egress
lighting + rated wattage of light
source(s) for exit sign)
4. Calculate the combo unit power:
Combo unit power = (Battery proration
factor × total battery power) + rated
wattage of light source(s) for exit
sign
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Conclusion
Acuity Brands is submitting this
request for a test procedure waiver for
combo units that provide the dual
function of exit signage and emergency
egress lighting. The waiver request has
outlined that:
1. The prescribed test procedures are
based on power intended only to
illuminate the face of the exit sign and
will evaluate the basic models of combo
units in a manner unrepresentative of
their true energy consumption
characteristics
2. the prescribed test procedures will
evaluate the basic models of combo
units in a manner that results in
materially inaccurate comparative data,
and
3. there are no existing industry
standards that define test procedures to
measure the energy consumption
characteristics for a combo unit that is
associated with only the exit sign
face(s), and
4. the alternate test procedure
proposed by Acuity Brands for combo
units will accurately describe the power
to illuminate the face of the exit and the
proportion of battery charging circuit
power used to illuminate the face(s) of
the exit during a power outage.
Based on DOE general counsel
guidance on waivers issued December
23, 2010, it is our understanding that
DOE has made a commitment to (1) act
promptly on waiver requests and to
update its test procedures to address
granted waivers going forward and (2)
prevent the administrative waiver
process from delaying or deterring the
introduction of novel, innovative
products into the marketplace and as a
matter of enforcement policy will
refrain from enforcement actions related
to pending waiver requests.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:37 Jun 06, 2017
Jkt 241001
Thank you in advance for your
prompt consideration of this waiver
request.
Cheryl English
VP, Government & Industry Relations
Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., One
Lithonia Way, Conyers, GA 30012,
770–860–2660, Cheryl.English@
AcuityBrands.com.
[FR Doc. 2017–11790 Filed 6–6–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Project No. 14828–000]
Merchant Hydro Developers, LLC;
Notice of Preliminary Permit
Application Accepted for Filing and
Soliciting Comments, Motions To
Intervene, and Competing Applications
On January 18, 2017, Merchant Hydro
Developers, LLC, filed an application for
a preliminary permit, pursuant to
section 4(f) of the Federal Power Act
(FPA), proposing to study the feasibility
of the Meyersdale Pumped Storage
Hydroelectric Project to be located in
Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The
sole purpose of a preliminary permit, if
issued, is to grant the permit holder
priority to file a license application
during the permit term. A preliminary
permit does not authorize the permit
holder to perform any land-disturbing
activities or otherwise enter upon lands
or waters owned by others without the
owners’ express permission.
The proposed project would consist of
the following: (1) A new upper reservoir
with a surface area of 45 acres and a
storage capacity of 675 acre-feet at a
surface elevation of approximately 2,790
feet above mean sea level (msl) created
through construction of a new rollercompacted concrete or rock-filled dam
and/or dike; (2) excavating a new lower
reservoir with a surface area of 30 acres
and a total storage capacity of 810 acrefeet at a surface elevation of 2,100 feet
msl; (3) a new 5,500-foot-long, 48-inchdiameter penstock connecting the upper
and lower reservoirs; (4) a new 150-footlong, 50-foot-wide powerhouse
containing two turbine-generator units
with a total rated capacity of 38
megawatts; (5) a new transmission line
connecting the powerhouse to a nearby
electric grid interconnection point at the
Meyersdale Wind Farm; and (6)
appurtenant facilities. Possible initial
fill water and make-up water would
come from the nearby Casselman River,
including groundwater. The proposed
PO 00000
Frm 00051
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
26473
project would have an annual
generation of 139,369 megawatt-hours.
Applicant Contact: Adam Rousselle,
Merchant Hydro Developers, LLC, 5710
Oak Crest Drive, Doylestown, PA 18902;
phone: 267–254–6107.
FERC Contact: Monir Chowdhury;
phone: (202) 502–6736.
Deadline for filing comments, motions
to intervene, competing applications
(without notices of intent), or notices of
intent to file competing applications: 60
days from the issuance of this notice.
Competing applications and notices of
intent must meet the requirements of 18
CFR 4.36.
The Commission strongly encourages
electronic filing. Please file comments,
motions to intervene, notices of intent,
and competing applications using the
Commission’s eFiling system at https://
www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp.
Commenters can submit brief comments
up to 6,000 characters, without prior
registration, using the eComment system
at https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
ecomment.asp. You must include your
name and contact information at the end
of your comments. For assistance,
please contact FERC Online Support at
FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, (866)
208–3676 (toll free), or (202) 502–8659
(TTY). In lieu of electronic filing, please
send a paper copy to: Secretary, Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888
First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.
The first page of any filing should
include docket number P–14828–000.
More information about this project,
including a copy of the application, can
be viewed or printed on the ‘‘eLibrary’’
link of the Commission’s Web site at
https://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/
elibrary.asp. Enter the docket number
(P–14828) in the docket number field to
access the document. For assistance,
contact FERC Online Support.
Dated: June 1, 2017.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017–11766 Filed 6–6–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
[Docket No. ER17–1723–000]
Green Power Solutions of Georgia,
LLC; Supplemental Notice That Initial
Market-Based Rate Filing Includes
Request for Blanket Section 204
Authorization
This is a supplemental notice in the
above-referenced proceeding of Green
E:\FR\FM\07JNN1.SGM
07JNN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 7, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26469-26473]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11790]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
[Case No. IES-001]
Notice of Petition for Waiver From Acuity Brands From the
Department of Energy Illuminated Exit Signs Test Procedure
AGENCY: Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of petition for waiver and request for public comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice announces receipt of a petition from Acuity Brands
(Acuity) seeking a waiver from specific portions of the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE) test procedure for determining the energy consumption
of illuminated exit signs. Acuity seeks to use an alternate test
procedure to address issues involved in testing certain basic models of
illuminated exit signs identified in its petition. Acuity contends that
its combination illuminated exit signs cannot be accurately tested
using the currently applicable DOE test procedure. Although Acuity has
proposed an alternate test procedure, DOE is proposing a different
alternate test procedure to test and rate specified Acuity basic models
in this notice. DOE solicits comments, data, and information concerning
Acuity's petition and DOE's proposed alternate test procedure.
DATES: DOE will accept comments, data, and information with respect to
the petition received until July 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by case number IES-001,
by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Email: AS_Waiver_Requests@ee.doe.gov Include the case
number [Case No. IES-001] in the subject line of the message.
Mail: Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE-2B/1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 586-0371. Please
submit one signed original paper copy.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L'Enfant Plaza
SW., Room 6055, Washington, DC 20024. Please submit one signed original
paper copy.
Docket: For access to the docket to review the background documents
relevant to this matter, you may visit https://www.regulations.gov. All
documents in the docket are listed in the www.regulations.gov index.
However, some documents listed in the index, such as those containing
information that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly
available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bryan Berringer, U.S. Department
of Energy, Building Technologies Program, Mail Stop EE-5B, Forrestal
Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585-0121.
Telephone: (202) 586-0371. Email: AS_Waiver_Requests@ee.doe.gov.
Ms. Jennifer Tiedeman, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the
General Counsel, Mail Stop GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585-0121. Telephone: (202) 287-6111. Email:
Jennifer.Tiedeman@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In an updated petition received on March 22,
2016 (initially submitted on April 17, 2013) and in an email received
on May 1, 2017, Acuity requested that DOE grant a test procedure waiver
for specified models of illuminated exit signs that cannot be tested
under the existing DOE test procedure. The basic models of illuminated
exit signs at issue are models typically known as combination
illuminated exit signs. These basic models include components such as
egress lighting or alarms that typically require a larger battery to
power the auxiliary features, which causes the test procedure to
provide inaccurate comparative data.
I. Background and Authority
Title III, Part B \1\ of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of
1975 (``EPCA''), Public Law 94-163 (42 U.S.C. 6291-6309, as codified)
established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other
Than Automobiles, a program that includes illuminated exit signs.\2\
Part B includes definitions, test procedures, labeling provisions,
energy conservation standards, and the authority to require information
and reports from manufacturers. Further, Part B authorizes the
Secretary of Energy to prescribe test procedures that are reasonably
designed to produce results that measure energy efficiency, energy use,
or estimated operating costs during a representative average-use cycle,
and that are not unduly burdensome to conduct. (42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3))
The test procedure for illuminated exit signs is contained in 10 CFR
part 431, subpart L.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For editorial reasons Part B of title III was redesignated
as Part A upon incorporation into the U.S. Code.
\2\ All references to EPCA refer to the statute as amended
through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015, Public Law
114-11 (April 30, 2015).
\3\ Although illuminated exit signs are covered products
pursuant to EPCA, as a matter of administrative convenience and to
minimize confusion among interested parties, DOE adopted illuminated
exit sign provisions into subpart L of 10 CFR part 431 (the portion
of DOE's regulations dealing with commercial and industrial
equipment) because typically businesses, rather than individuals,
purchase them. 70 FR 60407, 60409 (Oct. 18, 2005). DOE refers to
illuminated exit signs as either ``products'' or ``equipment.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The regulations set forth in 10 CFR 431.401 contain provisions that
allow a person to seek a waiver from the test procedure requirements
for a particular basic model of a type of covered product when the
petitioner's basic model for which the petition for waiver was
submitted contains one or more design characteristics that: (1) Prevent
testing according to the prescribed test procedure, or (2) cause the
prescribed test procedures to evaluate the basic model in a manner so
unrepresentative of its true energy consumption characteristics as to
provide materially inaccurate comparative data. 10 CFR 431.401(a)(1) A
petitioner must include in its petition any alternate test procedures
known to the petitioner to evaluate the basic model in a manner
representative of its energy consumption. 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iii)
[[Page 26470]]
DOE may grant a waiver subject to conditions, including adherence
to alternate test procedures. 10 CFR 431.401(f)(2) As soon as
practicable after the granting of any waiver, DOE will publish in the
Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking to amend its
regulations so as to eliminate any need for the continuation of such
waiver. As soon thereafter as practicable, DOE will publish in the
Federal Register a final rule. 10 CFR 431.401(l).
DOE discusses the petition and alternate test procedures in the
following sections.
II. Petition for Waiver of Test Procedure
On March 22, 2016, Acuity filed an updated petition for a waiver
(the initial petition was submitted on April 17, 2013) for certain
basic models of illuminated exit signs that are required to be tested
according to test procedures detailed in 10 CFR 431.204. (Acuity, No.
0002 at pp. 1-3) \4\ Acuity supplemented its filing with an email
submitted to DOE on May 1, 2017, that further clarified the specific
basic models for which the waiver is being requested.\5\ Acuity has
requested a waiver for basic models that provide the dual function of
exit signage and lighting for emergency egress (combination illuminated
exit signs), stating that the battery used in combination illuminated
exit signs requires a substantially larger capacity to provide a
minimum of 90 minutes of egress lighting, as required by safety codes.
Acuity has further stated that it is not feasible to separate the power
measurement associated with the exit signage and the egress lighting
because a single battery and charging circuit supplies power for both
functions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ A notation in this form provides a reference for information
that is in the docket for this test procedure waiver (Docket No.
EERE-2017-BT-WAV-0033) (available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=EERE-2017-BT-WAV-0033). This notation indicates that the
statement preceding the reference is document number 2 in the docket
and appears at pages 1-3 of that document.
\5\ The following are the basic models of combination LED exit
signs for which Acuity seeks a test procedure waiver: ECG 1F, ECG 1F
HO, ECG 2F, ECG 2F HO, ECR 1F, ECR 1F HO, ECR 2F, ECR 2F HO, ECG LED
1F HO, ECG LED 2F HO, ECR LED 1F HO, ECR LED 2F HO, ECG LED 1F, ECG
LED 2F, ECR LED 1F, ECR LED 2F, ECBG LED 1F, ECBG LED 2F, ECBR LED
1F, ECBR LED 2F, LHD2D18G, LHD2D18R, LHD2D36G, LHD2D36R, LHD2D72G,
LHD2D72R, LHD2S18G, LHD2S18R, LHD2S36G, LHD2S36R, LHD2S72G,
LHD2S72R, LHQM LED 1F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 1F HO RED, LHQM LED 2F HO
GREEN, LHQM LED 2F HO RED, LHQM LED 1F GREEN, LHQM LED 1F RED, LHQM
LED 2F GREEN, LHQM LED 2F RED, LHXNY W 1 R, LHXC W 1 RW, LHXC W 2
RW, LHZ618 GREEN, LHZ618 RED, LHZ636 GREEN, LHZ636 RED, LHZ672
GREEN, LHZ672 RED, QM LED 1F GREEN, QM LED 1F HO GREEN, QM LED 1F
RED, QM LED 1F HO RED, QM LED 2F GREEN, QM LED 2F HO GREEN, QM LED
2F RED, QM LED 2F HO RED, NXPCL 1F, and NXPCL 2F.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
As an alternative to the test procedure currently in place at 10
CFR part 431, subpart L, Acuity has recommended that, for combination
illuminated exit signs, the power should be determined using the
following procedure:
(1) Measure input power, which is the total power supplied to the
combination illuminated exit sign including the charging circuit and
light source(s) for the exit sign face(s). Note: The egress lights will
not be operational in this mode because they are designed to only
operate under a condition when the unit is not receiving power.
(2) Determine the total battery power, with the battery circuit
connected and fully charged before any measurements are made.
total battery power = input power-rated wattage of light source(s) for
exit sign
(3) Determine the battery proration factor.
battery proration factor = (rated wattage of light source(s) for exit
sign)/(rated wattage of light sources(s) for egress lighting + rated
wattage of light source(s) for exit sign)
(4) Calculate the combination illuminated exit sign power.
combination illuminated exit sign power = (battery proration factor x
total battery power) + rated wattage of light source(s) for exit sign
Acuity seeks a test procedure waiver for specified basic models
(see footnote and Table III.1). Acuity also requested that any new
products introduced by the company into commerce that provide the dual
function of exit signage and emergency egress lighting be covered by
the waiver. DOE regulations at 10 CFR 430.27(f)(2) provide that DOE may
grant a waiver, including adherence to alternate test procedures, only
for ``the basic model(s) for which the waiver was requested.'' Acuity
may request to extend the scope of a waiver to additional basic models
pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(g) by identifying the particular basic
models for which a waiver is requested, but the present waiver, if
granted, would extend to only those basic models identified in the
updated waiver petition currently under consideration.
III. Alternate Test Procedure
Upon review of the alternate test procedure submitted by Acuity in
its petition for wavier, DOE found that ``rated wattage of light
source(s)'' associated with the face and egress light source(s),
respectively, is not always well documented in Acuity's product
literature for the basic models under consideration. A lack of data in
the manufacturer data sheet with respect to the wattage of the light
source(s) prevents the accurate and repeatable calculation of the
combination illuminated exit sign input power demand in Acuity's
proposed test procedure. Therefore, DOE is proposing alternate test
procedures that provide methods to test and rate the basic models at
issue without the rated wattage of the light source(s).
DOE investigated various approaches to isolate the input power used
to illuminate only the exit sign portion of a combination exit sign:
Including disconnecting the battery; scaling or prorating the portion
of the input power demand associated with the battery; and measuring
alternative power quantities as a proxy for input power demand. DOE
tentatively concluded that these methods would require isolating the
battery power used to illuminate the faces of the exit sign from the
battery power used to operate auxiliary features. Based on DOE's review
of combination exit signs, DOE has tentatively determined that it is
either not possible to measure the required quantities or that doing so
would require cutting of wires and modifying the circuitry of the
combination exit sign.
DOE reviewed the basic models submitted in Acuity's petition for
waiver and updated basic model list provided in Acuity's email
submitted to DOE on May 1, 2017, and determined that the basic models
in the waiver are comprised of two sub-varieties: (A) Combination
illuminated exit signs with equivalent non-combination versions \6\ and
(B) Combination illuminated exit signs without equivalent non-
combination versions. Table III.1 provides a review of the combination
illuminated exit sign basic models submitted by Acuity for waivers, and
notes DOE's proposed alternate test method, described in detail below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\ DOE uses the term ``equivalent non-combination illuminated
exit sign'' in this notice to mean an illuminated exit sign that
consists of electric consuming components and a battery identical to
those of the combination illuminated exit sign at issue, but that
does not have any auxiliary features. The equivalent non-combination
illuminated exit sign must also have the same manufacturer and
number of faces as the combination exit sign whose input power
demand is being determined.
[[Page 26471]]
Table III.1--Review of Combination Illuminated Exit Sign Basic Models Submitted by Acuity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equivalent non-combination DOE's proposed alternate test
Acuity basic model * illuminated exit sign * method
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECG 1F, No................................ Method B.
ECG 1F HO, ECG 2F, ECG 2F HO, ECR 1F,
ECR 1F HO, ECR 2F, ECR 2F HO.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECG LED No................................ Method B.
1F HO, ECG LED 2F HO, ECR LED 1F HO,
ECR LED 2F HO.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECG LED Yes............................... Method A.
1F, ECG LED 2F, ECR LED 1F, ECR LED 2F.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: ECBG LED No................................ Method B.
1F, ECBG LED 2F, ECBR LED 1F, ECBR LED
2F.
Holophane brand models: LHD2D18G, No................................ Method B.
LHD2D18R, LHD2D36G, LHD2D36R, LHD2D72G,
LHD2D72R, LHD2S18G, LHD2S18R, LHD2S36G,
LHD2S36R, LHD2S72G, LHD2S72R.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHQM LED Yes............................... Method A.
1F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 1F HO RED, LHQM
LED 2F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 2F HO RED.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHQM LED No................................ Method B.
1F GREEN, LHQM LED 1F RED, LHQM LED 2F
GREEN, LHQM LED 2F RED.
Lithonia Lighting brand model: LHXNY W 1 No................................ Method B.
R.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHXC W 1 No................................ Method B.
RW, LHXC W 2 RW.
Lithonia Lighting brand models: LHZ618 Yes............................... Method A.
GREEN, LHZ618 RED, LHZ636 GREEN, LHZ636
RED, LHZ672 GREEN, LHZ672 RED.
Holophane brand models: QM LED 1F GREEN, Yes............................... Method A.
QM LED 1F HO GREEN, QM LED 1F RED, QM
LED 1F HO RED, QM LED 2F GREEN, QM LED
2F HO GREEN, QM LED 2F RED, QM LED 2F
HO RED.
Navilite brand models: NXPCL 1F, NXPCL Yes............................... Method A.
2F.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* All Acuity basic models listed in the table above are illuminated exit signs manufacturered exclusively with
LEDs.
For these two sub-varieties, DOE presents the two alternate test
methods, test method A and test method B, in the following sections.
A. Test Method for Combination Illuminated Exit Sign Basic Models With
Equivalent Non-Combination Illuminated Exit Signs (Method A)
DOE has determined that for Acuity combination illuminated exit
sign basic models ECG LED 1F, ECG LED 2F, ECR LED 1F, ECR LED 2F, LHQM
LED 1F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 1F HO RED, LHQM LED 2F HO GREEN, LHQM LED 2F
HO RED, LHZ618 GREEN, LHZ618 RED, LHZ636 GREEN, LHZ636 RED, LHZ672
GREEN, LHZ672 RED, QM LED 1F GREEN, QM LED 1F HO GREEN, QM LED 1F RED,
QM LED 1F HO RED, QM LED 2F GREEN, QM LED 2F HO GREEN, QM LED 2F RED,
QM LED 2F HO RED, NXPCL 1F, and NXPCL 2F it is not possible to keep the
face(s) illuminated while disconnecting the battery and all auxiliary
features in a manner that permits reinstallation using only the
original parts in order to allow for the measurement of only the input
power required to illuminate the face(s). However, DOE has determined
that these models have equivalent non-combination illuminated exit sign
models. For these basic models, DOE is considering the following
alternate test method (method A):
(1) Identify a non-combination illuminated exit sign equivalent to
the combination illuminated exit sign under test. A unit is an
equivalent non-combination substitute only if it consists entirely of
components identical to all of those of the unit whose input power
demand is being determined, but does not include any auxiliary
features, and contains an electrically connected battery. The
equivalent unit must also have the same manufacturer and number of
faces as the unit whose input power demand is being determined.
(2) Assign the input power demand of the combination illuminated
exit sign under test as the input power demand of the equivalent non-
combination illuminated exit sign.
B. Test Method for Combination Illuminated Exit Sign Basic Models
Without Equivalent Non-Combination Illuminated Exit Signs (Method B)
DOE has determined that for Acuity combination illuminated exit
sign basic models ECG 1F, ECG 1F HO, ECG 2F, ECG 2F HO, ECR 1F, ECR 1F
HO, ECR 2F, ECR 2F HO, ECG LED 1F HO, ECG LED 2F HO, ECR LED 1F HO, ECR
LED 2F HO, ECBG LED 1F, ECBG LED 2F, ECBR LED 1F, ECBR LED 2F,
LHD2D18G, LHD2D18R, LHD2D36G, LHD2D36R, LHD2D72G, LHD2D72R, LHD2S18G,
LHD2S18R, LHD2S36G, LHD2S36R, LHD2S72G, LHD2S72R, LHQM LED 1F GREEN,
LHQM LED 1F RED, LHQM LED 2F GREEN, LHQM LED 2F RED, LHXNY W 1 R, LHXC
W 1 RW, and LHXC W 2 RW it is not possible to keep the face(s)
illuminated while disconnecting the battery and all auxiliary features
in a manner that permits reinstallation using only the original parts
to allow for the measurement of only the input power required to
illuminate the face(s). DOE has also determined that these models do
not have equivalent non-combination illuminated exit sign models,
rendering method A inapplicable. For these basic models, DOE is
considering the following alternate test method (method B):
If the combination illuminated exit sign under test uses only LEDs
to illuminate all face(s) of the unit, assign an input power demand
according to the following formula:
input power demand = 5 watts x number of faces \7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\ This method requires determination of the number of faces
for each basic model. Face count is the number of faces (no fewer
than one) with which an illuminated exit sign basic model can be
configured by an end user when all electric light sources are
connected and energized.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IV. Summary and Request for Comments
Through this notice, DOE is publishing Acuity's petition for waiver
pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401(b)(1)(iv). The petition contains no
confidential information. The petition includes a description of why
DOE's test procedure produces inaccurate results for certain models of
combination illuminated exit signs and a recommended alternate test
procedure, applicable to the measurement of energy efficiency of the
models of combination illuminated exit signs specified by Acuity in its
petition for waiver. In this notice, DOE proposes a different test
method for determining the energy efficiency of the combination
[[Page 26472]]
illuminated exit signs included in Acuity's waiver.
DOE solicits comments from interested parties on all aspects of the
petition, the test method recommended by Acuity, DOE's stated concerns
regarding that test method, and DOE's proposed test procedure. Pursuant
to 10 CFR 431.401(d), any person submitting written comments to DOE
must also send a copy of such comments to the petitioner. The contact
information for the petitioner is: Cheryl English, VP, Government &
Industry Relations, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., One Lithonia Way,
Conyers, GA 30012. All submissions received must include the case
number for this proceeding. Submit electronic comments in WordPerfect,
Microsoft Word, Portable Document Format (PDF), or text (American
Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)) file format and
avoid the use of special characters or any form of encryption. Wherever
possible, include the electronic signature of the author. DOE does not
accept telefacsimiles (faxes).
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 two copies: One copy of the document including
all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy of the
document with the information believed to be confidential deleted. DOE
will make its own determination about the confidential status of the
information and treat it according to its determination.
Issued in Washington, DC, on May 26, 2017.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy.
Date: 3/22/2016
Subject: Acuity Brands Updated Petition for Test Procedure Waiver for
Illuminated Exit Signs
Upon request by DOE, Acuity Brands is updating the petition request
submitted on 4/17/2013 for test procedure waiver for Illuminated Exit
Signs pursuant to 10 CFR 431.401 to clarify that the petition is for a
final test procedure waiver for certain models of illuminated exit
signs.
The petition is on the grounds that the basic models contain design
characteristics which prevent testing of the basic models according to
the prescribed test procedures and that the prescribed test procedures
evaluate the basic models in a manner unrepresentative of their true
energy consumption characteristics and provide materially inaccurate
comparative data.
Background
Illuminated Exit Signs are covered under the Energy Policy &
Conservation Act (EPCA) as amended by Section 135 of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005). This product category was included in EPA's
Energy Star program and the intent of the EPAct 2005 amendment was to
make the Energy Star program's product regulated by EPCA. The test
procedures adopted by Congress for this product category is the Energy
Star program (v. 2.0) test procedures, and the energy conservation
standards are the performance requirements for the Energy Star program
(v. 2.0). See 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(9) and 6295(w).
When Illuminated Exit Signs were included in EPAct 2005, the
industry interpretation was based on a scope consistent with the Energy
Star program covering products that provided only the functional
characteristics defined in the regulation to illuminate the signage
itself, with no expressed intent to also regulate energy used for
emergency egress lighting. The statutory definition of illuminated exit
sign (10 CFR 431.202) includes the phrase ``consists of electrically
powered integral light source that--(i) illuminates the legend `EXIT'
and any directional indica- tors . . .''
Certain basic models of illuminated exit signs provide the dual
function of exit signage and lighting for emergency egress (combo
unit). However, the battery used in a combo unit requires a
substantially larger capacity to provide a minimum of 90 minutes of
egress lighting as required by life safety code, as well as
illuminating the EXIT legend and directional indicators. Because of
this, the test procedures when applied to a combo unit do not
accurately represent the energy consumption associated with
illuminating the exit sign legend.
See the following Web site for figures of the ``Standard
Illuminated Exit Sign'' and ``Combo unit'' Illuminated Exit Sign and
Egress Light'': https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2017-
BT-WAV-0033
Basic Models Requested for Test Procedure Waiver
The following Acuity Brands basic models are submitted under the
conditions of this waiver:
EC, ECB, LHD2, LHQM, LHX, LHXC, LHZ, QM, NNYXSC, NX (NavLite combo)
(covering all lettering colors, housing material, source type or
other options for each basic model)
Furthermore, Acuity Brands petitions that any new products
introduced by Acuity Brands into commerce that provide the dual
function of exit signage and emergency egress lighting will also be
covered by the waiver.
Test Procedure Issues
A combo unit utilizes a higher capacity battery to power both the
exit sign face(s) as well as emergency egress lighting during a power
outage. While Sec. 431.202 indicates that the input power demand shall
be measured with batteries at full charge, the higher capacity dual
function battery for a combo unit results in a higher power than a
smaller battery utilized in a unit that provides only the exit signage
functionality.
The performance specification for the input power described in the
Energy Star specifications limits the power to illuminate the face of
the exit sign with no reference to power associated with the emergency
egress lighting. The test procedure for Energy Star 2.0 requires the
measurement of power including the internal battery, but the power
limits were not established using a baseline for units that provide the
dual function associated with a combo unit. For a combo unit, it is not
feasible to separate the power measurement associated with the exit
signage and the egress lighting since a single battery and charging
circuit supplies power for both functions.
Alternate Test Procedure for Combo Units
There are no nationally recognized test procedures to measure the
power for a combo unit that describes the power associated only with
illuminating the face(s) of the exit sign. Therefore Acuity Brands is
submitting the following alternate test procedure to accurately
represent the power of a combo unit used to illuminating the legend
`EXIT', directional indicators and proportional battery power for the
face(s) of the exit sign.
For combination exit and egress lighting units (combo units), the
power shall be determined by the following procedure:
1. Measure input power, the total power supplied to the combo unit
including the charging circuit and light source(s) for the exit sign
face(s). Note: The egress lights will not be operational in this mode
since they are designed to only operate under a condition when the unit
is not receiving power.
[[Page 26473]]
2. Determine the total battery power, with the battery circuit
connected and fully charged before any measurements are made.
total battery power = input power-rated wattage of light source(s) for
exit sign
3. Determine the battery proration factor:
Battery proration factor = rated wattage of light source(s) for exit
sign (rated wattage of light sources(s) for egress lighting + rated
wattage of light source(s) for exit sign)
4. Calculate the combo unit power:
Combo unit power = (Battery proration factor x total battery power) +
rated wattage of light source(s) for exit sign
Conclusion
Acuity Brands is submitting this request for a test procedure
waiver for combo units that provide the dual function of exit signage
and emergency egress lighting. The waiver request has outlined that:
1. The prescribed test procedures are based on power intended only
to illuminate the face of the exit sign and will evaluate the basic
models of combo units in a manner unrepresentative of their true energy
consumption characteristics
2. the prescribed test procedures will evaluate the basic models of
combo units in a manner that results in materially inaccurate
comparative data, and
3. there are no existing industry standards that define test
procedures to measure the energy consumption characteristics for a
combo unit that is associated with only the exit sign face(s), and
4. the alternate test procedure proposed by Acuity Brands for combo
units will accurately describe the power to illuminate the face of the
exit and the proportion of battery charging circuit power used to
illuminate the face(s) of the exit during a power outage.
Based on DOE general counsel guidance on waivers issued December
23, 2010, it is our understanding that DOE has made a commitment to (1)
act promptly on waiver requests and to update its test procedures to
address granted waivers going forward and (2) prevent the
administrative waiver process from delaying or deterring the
introduction of novel, innovative products into the marketplace and as
a matter of enforcement policy will refrain from enforcement actions
related to pending waiver requests.
Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of this waiver
request.
Cheryl English
VP, Government & Industry Relations
Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., One Lithonia Way, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-
860-2660, Cheryl.English@AcuityBrands.com.
[FR Doc. 2017-11790 Filed 6-6-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
