Distribution Transformers
As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), “distribution transformer” means a transformer that (1) has an input voltage of 34.5 kV or less; (2) has an output voltage of 600 V or less; (3) is rated for operation at a frequency of 60 Hz; and (4) has a capacity of 10 kVA to 2500 kVA for liquid-immersed units and 15 kVA to 2500 kVA for dry-type units. The term “distribution transformer” does not include a transformer that is an: autotransformer; drive (isolation) transformer; grounding transformer; machine-tool (control) transformer; nonventilated transformer; rectifier transformer; regulating transformer; sealed transformer; special-impedance transformer; testing transformer; transformer with tap range of 20 percent or more; uninterruptible power supply transformer; or welding transformer.10 CFR 431.192
Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for distribution transformers since 2007.
Current Standard | Current Test Procedure |
Ongoing Rulemaking for Standards | Ongoing Rulemaking for Test Procedure |
Helpful Links
Recent and Ongoing Activities
On January 11, 2023, DOE published a notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public meeting (NOPR) proposing amended energy conservation standards for distribution transformers, and also to announce a public meeting to receive comment on the proposed standards and associated analyses and results. The notice provided an opportunity for submitting written comments, data, and information by March 13, 2023. DOE received a request from Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.; a joint request from the American Public Power Association (APPA), Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA); and a request from the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) to extend the written comment period. DOE has reviewed these requests and is publishingFederal Register notice granting an extension of the comment period for 14 days to allow public comments to be submitted until March 27, 2023.
DOE has published a Federal Register notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) pertaining to energy conservation standards for distribution transformers. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) requires DOE to periodically determine whether more stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. In this NOPR, DOE proposes amended standards for distribution transformers, and also announces a public meeting to receive comment on these proposed standards and associated analyses and results.
For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Standards
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Notice of proposed rulemaking and announcement of public meeting
Notice of proposed rulemaking; Comment Extension
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- Federal Register, 88FR1722 (January 11, 2023)
- Federal Register, 88FR10856 (February 22, 2023)
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Webinar and Availability of the Preliminary TSD; Reopening of public comment period
Notification of a webinar and availability of preliminary TSD
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Request for information
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The liquid-immersed and medium-voltage dry-type distribution transformers energy conservation standard rulemaking docket EERE–2010–BT–STD–0048 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
The low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers energy conservation standard rulemaking docket EERE–2011–BT–STD–0051 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information:
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
Test Procedure
| Final Rule |
- Federal Register, 896FR51230 (September 14, 2021).
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| Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
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Request for Information; Reopening of the Comment Period
Request for Information
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The docket EERE-2017-BT-TP-0055 contains all notices, public comments, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
Current Standard
Distribution transformers manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 431.196.
To determine that distribution transformers that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at 10 CFR 431.193 and Appendix A.
Helpful Links
Compliance
DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429. These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement. More information on these regulations is available here.
Waivers
For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.
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 distribution transformers.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.
State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption
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 431, subpart V or subpart W.
For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov
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