What is the DOE Energy Efficiency Certificate in the U.S.?

What is DOE Certification?

DOE stands for the Department of Energy. It represents the U.S. government's energy efficiency requirements for products. For power adapters, DOE Level IV efficiency became mandatory on July 1, 2011, and Level VI became mandatory in February 2016.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced significant revisions to the procedures governing its highly successful energy efficiency standards program. Currently, this program saves American households at least $500 annually and prevents millions of tons of climate-warming carbon pollution.

These procedural rules outline how the DOE updates energy efficiency standards. These standards currently cover 60 categories of appliances and equipment, accounting for approximately 90% of residential energy use, 60% of energy use in commercial buildings, and 30% in industrial settings.

DOE Certification Regulatory Standards:

- U.S. Federal Regulations: 10 CFR 429 and 10 CFR 430

  - 10 CFR 429 outlines sample selection and reporting requirements.

  - 10 CFR 430 specifies test procedures and compliance declaration requirements.

Standards Basis:

- U.S. Federal Regulations: 10 CFR 429 and 10 CFR 430

  - 10 CFR 429 specifies sample selection and reporting.

  - 10 CFR 430 defines the testing methods and compliance declaration rules.

In addition to saving energy, the new DOE/CEC standards also have a significant environmental impact. According to estimates, if all external power supplies in California met the new standards, the state would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 360,000 tons annually — equivalent to the emissions of 60,000 cars per year.

DOE Certification Process:

1. Confirm the product is within the scope.

2. Submit product samples for testing.

3. Complete registration upon passing the tests.

DOE Certification Timeline:

- Typically takes 3–4 weeks.

- Expedited processing is available at an additional cost.

Required Documentation for DOE Certification:

1. Product circuit diagram and PCB layout;

2. Product label (nameplate);

3. Authorization letter from the manufacturer (a Word document will be provided by the lab for signature);

4. Product specifications (e.g., LED chips, display panels);

5. LM80 report for LED chips (if applicable).

Main Product Categories Covered by DOE Certification:

- Chargers: Bluetooth headsets, Bluetooth speakers, fitness bands, mobile phones, tablets, car DVD players, MP3/MP4 players, and other small battery devices;

- Power Adapters: Chargers for mobile phones, tablets, etc. (DOE Level VI efficiency is now mandatory);

- Televisions;

- Boilers;

- Ceiling fans;

- Central air conditioners and heat pumps;

- Clothes dryers;

- Clothes washers;

- Computers and battery backup systems;

- Dehumidifiers;

- Direct heating equipment;

- Dishwashers;

- Furnace fans;

- Furnaces;

- Furnace products;

- Kitchen ranges and ovens;

- Microwave ovens;

- Miscellaneous refrigeration equipment;

- Pool heaters;

- Portable air conditioners;

- Refrigerators and freezers;

- Room air conditioners;

- Set-top boxes;

- Water heaters.