TO: Roger Sherman
Tensor Corporation
FROM: Clark linstone, Chair Government Affairs Committee and Dick Upton, President
Date: 7 June 2005
Subject: State Legislatures Passing Laws that impact torchieres, Ceiling fans and other products
To date several states have taken action to pass energy efficiency legislation that impacts several products of our industry. Torchieres, ceiling fans and light kits, exit signs and certain lamps have been targeted. A matrix reviewing several states new laws and requirements is enclose. We have also enclosed a special three part report on California requirements.
Attached is an overview of action taken by several states, its current status and the effective date of the legislation. We trust you will find it to be useful/helpful. To the best of our knowledge the report is accurate as of 31 May. However, legislation may develop tomorrow or our service provider may have inadvertently deleted a state’s action.
At this time, the only way to determine if states have made changes or additions to their 2005 legislation is by contacting the office of public information at each state capitol.
I. Torchieres
Manufactures Requirements
Please note that legislation appears to be very similar from state to state, but manufactures should keep up-to-date as details could change for each state. Torchieres must limit total lamp loads to 190 watts or less. Importantly, the manufacturer is responsible for insuring this requirement. The torchiere must shut itself off if higher wattage lamps are used. A waming label is not adeguate!
Sources for systems to limit torchiere power
The California energy commission has confirmed that a simple circuit breaker builat into the torchiere and rated for 1.5 amperes may be used for load control according to terry McGowan, ALA Director of Technology. Small circuit breakers are manufactured by several companies including Tyco Electronics, Schurter, E-T-A and Heinemann. They are available from electrical distributors and components companies such as Allied Electronics. There are other ALA members such as Lutron, Lightolier, Leviton and others who may be able to help you with dimming systems for torchieres that will meet the 190watt limitation.
II. Ceiling Fans
In many states we have been successful in having ceiling fans deleted from the legislation. However, in some states light kits do have regulations/requirements.
III. Labeling/Effective Date
Please pay careful attention to labeling requirements and effective dates.
ALA has been successful in rallying members and defeating bills is some of the states. We are also working on gaining passage of the Federal Energy Act to reduce or preclude action by individual states.
We will continue our efforts for the benefit of our members and the industry.
