The California Energy Commission adopted new standards updating the Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Title 20) for lighting appliances. Updates rolled out in two tiers with Tier 1 effective January 1, 2018 and Tier 2 effective July 1, 2019. Notably, this update adds standards for small-diameter directional lamps. The updated regulations incorporate elements of lighting product quality for both general service LED lamps and small-diameter directional lamps in addition to the traditional lighting appliance efficiency standards previously included in the regulations. The addition of these new standards will require revisions to the California Appliance Efficiency Database product certification process, as well as updates to product labeling requirements for lamp marking, marketing material, and product packaging.
Major changes include:
- Updates to Lamp Regulations & Categories:
General service LED lamps are now regulated as a separate category from other light sources in the general service lamp category. New requirements include specific performance metrics and corresponding test methods to quantify product performance in an industry-recognized manner. Small diameter directional lamps with a diameter of 2.25 inches or less that are equipped with ANSI compliant base-types or the E26 base type are now regulated. New requirements apply to both low- and line-voltage lamps. Portable luminaires that are equipped with a socket requiring a general service lamp must be packaged with a compact fluorescent lamp or LED lamp that adheres to the updated lamp requirements.
General service lamps sold or offered for sale in California after January 1, 2020 must be 45 lumens per watt or greater. More details are provided in the California Energy Commission's Regulatory Advisory published November 27, 2019.
- California Appliance Efficiency Database:
The appliance database filing structure that manufacturers use to submit products for listing with the California Energy Commission will include new product categories and performance metrics starting January 1, 2020.
- Product Labeling:
Manufacturers must test and certify their products with the updated regulations before including claims of dimmability, incandescent lamp equivalency, wattage equivalence, decorative lamp lumen output, or compliance with the Voluntary California Quality LED Lamp Specification in their lamp marking, marketing material, and package labeling.