Microwave Ovens
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DOE has published a Federal Register correction notice pertaining to energy conservation standards and test procedures for microwave ovens in the standby and off modes 81 FR 7965(February 17, 2016). This document addresses a drafting error in the June 2013 standards final rule, which referenced the incorrect provision for determining standby power for microwave ovens. Neither the error nor the correction in this document affect the substance of both the test procedure and energy conservation standards rulemakings or any of the conclusions reached in support of those final rules. For more information, please see the rulemaking page.
Standards for Microwave Ovens
The following content summarizes the energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. 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
There are currently no energy conservation standards for microwave ovens.
Amended Standard
Microwave ovens manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), on or after June 17, 2016 must meet the energy conservation standards shown in the table below, as specified in the Code of Federal Regulations, 10 CFR 430.32(j)(3). This information is also available in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
Table 1. Energy Conservation Standards for Microwave Ovens
| Product Class |
Maximum Standby Power (Watts) |
| 1. Microwave-only ovens and countertop convection microwave ovens |
1.0 |
| 2. Built-in and over-the-range convection microwave ovens |
2.2 |
After a regulatory action has been completed, Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to identify the substantive changes between the draft submitted to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review and the action subsequently announced, and to identify those changes made at the suggestion or recommendation of OIRA. The document below provides more information.
Current Test Procedure
Manufacturers must follow the test procedures specified at 10 CFR 430.23(i) to demonstrate compliance with energy conservation standards for microwave ovens manufactured on or after June 17, 2016. Manufacturers must also follow these test procedures for representations related to standby mode and off mode energy consumption as of July 17, 2013. The methods to conduct the test procedure are further specified in 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Appendix I. This information is also in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Because there are currently no energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, manufacturers are not required to use the test procedure to determine compliance with DOE standards at this time.
- Final Rule: Test Procedure, Federal Register, 78 FR 4015 (January 18, 2013)
- Docket No. EERE-2008-BT-TP-0011 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents
For further guidance or to submit questions related to the implementation of this test procedure, visit the Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions page.
Waivers
Test procedure waivers have not been issued for microwave ovens.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.
Exceptions
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for microwave ovens.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Because there are no energy conservation standards for microwave ovens, the provisions of 10 CFR part 430 and part 1003 that apply to state exemptions to Federal pre-emption and small business exemptions are not relevant.
Energy conservation standards for microwave ovens 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. 6292(10))
Currently there are no energy conservation standards for microwave ovens. DOE determined in April 8, 2009 final rule for cooking products that such standards would not be technologically feasible and economically justified at that time. A test procedure final rule was published March 9, 2011.
Previous Standards
2009 Final Rule
1998 Final Rule
Previous Test Procedures
2011 Interim Final Rule
2010 Repeal of Active Mode Test Procedure
1997 Final Rule
Helpful Links and Contact Information
Helpful Links
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.
For more information related to the regulation of this product, please email:
microwave_ovens@ee.doe.gov
