ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Security Industry Association (SIA) submitted comments this week supporting an energy efficiency rule proposed by the Department of Energy (DOE) that would exempt security and life-safety systems from no-load power requirements.
In January 2011, President Obama signed into law a bill that exempts external power supply (EPS) devices for security and life-safety products from federal energy efficiency standards that apply to devices in no-load mode. A SIA-led coalition that included both industry and environmental groups argued that, since security and life-safety equipment must always be in active mode, an efficiency standard for no-load mode is not realistic.
Lawmakers agreed. In March, the DOE proposed a rule on energy efficiency standards that notes Congress’ actions to “exempt certain EPS used in security and life-safety alarms and surveillance systems from the no-load mode power requirements.”
In its comments, SIA stated:
“We appreciate DOE’s recognition that Congress amended the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to exempt certain [EPS] used in security and life safety alarm and surveillance systems from the no-load mode power requirements that apply generally to Class A EPSs. We urge that the final rule explicitly state that EPS for security and life safety products, in accordance with the above noted law, are exempt from the no-load mode efficiency requirements.”
The group also offered to work with DOE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to design a distinguishing mark that DOE is considering requiring on EPS that qualify for the no-load mode exemption.
“We strongly suggest that any such mark be clear in design to avoid confusion in the marketplace, build on the current marking system and minimize design and other associated costs to safety and security businesses,” SIA noted.
