Ceiling Fans
The Department of Energy (DOE) has had the authority to regulate the energy efficiency level of ceiling fan since 2005. A ceiling fan is a "nonportable device that is suspended from a ceiling for circulating air via the rotation of fan blades" (42 U.S.C. 6291(49)).
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) amended the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) setting standards for ceiling fans. DOE will conduct an analysis of energy, emission and cost reductions when it reviews these standards in future rulemakings.
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DOE has has published a Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking pertaining to energy conservation standards for ceiling fans. 81 FR 1688 (January 13, 2016). For more information, please see the rulemaking webpage.
Standards for Ceiling Fans
The following content summarizes the energy conservation standards for ceiling fans. The text is not an official reproduction of the Code of Federal Regulations and should not be used for legal research or citation.
Current Standard
Ceiling fans manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291 (16), on or after January 1, 2007, must meet the standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 430.32(s)(1). This information is also available in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
All ceiling fans manufactured on or after January 1, 2007, shall have the following features:
- Fan speed controls separate from any lighting controls;
- Adjustable speed controls (either more than 1 speed or variable speed);
- The capability of reversible fan action, except for—
- Fans sold for industrial applications;
- Fans sold for outdoor applications; and
- Cases in which safety standards would be violated by the use of the reversible mode.
Waivers
Test procedure waivers have not been issued for ceiling fans. For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR section 430.27.
Exceptions
DOE’s Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for ceiling fans. For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
State Exemptions to Federal Preemption
DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart D.
Small Business Exemptions
Any manufacturer of a covered product with annual gross revenues that do not exceed $8,000,000 from all its operations and meets certain other conditions may apply for an exemption to the energy conservation standard. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart E.
The current energy conservation standards for ceiling fans are mandated by Part A, the "Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles" of Title III of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended. (42 U.S.C. § 6291–6309) These appliances are treated as ‘‘covered products’’ under Part A. (42 U.S.C. 6291(49))
EPCA established the Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other than Automobiles, covering major household appliances. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) amended EPCA and established energy conservation standards and test procedures for ceiling fans.
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Helpful Links
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySaver.gov.
DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans are over 50% more efficient than non-qualified units.
For more information related to the regulation of this product, please email:
ceiling_fans@ee.doe.gov
