Proposed Regulations for Internally Lighted Exit Signs
Bulletin (Update) – November 2003
| Update: This update responds to concerns and comments provided by stakeholders on the July 2003 bulletin. |
INTERNALLY LIGHTED EXIT SIGNS
Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) is proposing to amend Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations (the Regulations) under which dealers of internally lighted exit signs that are imported or shipped interprovincially for sale or lease in Canada would be required to comply with minimum energy performance standards.
The purpose of this document is to provide stakeholders with background information on the content of the Regulations so that they can submit comments. NRCan is particularly looking to receive feedback from stakeholders on the proposed minimum energy performance standards, effective date and verification requirements.
BACKGROUND
The most recent Canadian Standards Association standard for exit signs (CAN/CSA C860-01) was published in 2001.
This standard contains voluntary minimum performance standards of 22 watts for signs 120 V or less and 27 watts for signs greater than 120 V. These levels were harmonized with the National Building Code of Canada. The standard also addresses the visibility performance of the exit sign.
Technical criteria for ENERGY STAR® qualified exit signs are in effect in the United States and require 5 watts per face.
These criteria apply to ENERGY STAR in Canada as well. To meet them typically requires that LED technology be employed. Current studies have projected that in five years 70 percent of the exit signs sold in Canada will meet the ENERGY STAR criteria.
Given the significant energy and operational savings over the life cycle of the product and the maturity of the LED technology in this application, NRCan is concerned about the 30 percent of new exit signs that will not meet the ENERGY STAR level. NRCan believes that regulations are appropriate at this time to ensure complete market transformation to the higher efficiency technology.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
NRCan is proposing that the Regulations apply to internally lighted exit signs. For the purposes of the Regulations, an internally lighted exit sign is defined as a device used to identify the most direct path of egress for emergency purposes using a legend and optional directional indicator(s). This includes exit signs defined as
- Type 1
- Type 2, which includes exit signs supplied as a component of a combination emergency lighting unit consisting of an exit sign and/or battery pack with attached emergency lamps
- Type 3
But it does not include exit signs that are
- flashing
- photoluminescent
- radioluminescent
| Update: Comments from stakeholders indicated that exit signs in emergency lighting units should be specifically covered by the Regulations. |
Note: Types 1, 2 and 3 are defined in CAN/CSA C860-1.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE
The Canadian Standards Association standard CAN/CSA C860-01, Performance of Internally Lighted Exit Signs, will be the proposed test procedure for exit signs prescribed under the proposed amendment.
The standard can be ordered from
Canadian Standards Association
5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100
Mississauga ON L4W 5N6
Tel.: 1 800 463-6727
In Toronto, call (416) 747-4000.
Web site: csa.ca
MINIMUM ENERGY PERFORMANCE STANDARDS (MEPS)
The actual power consumed by an exit sign shall be not greater than 5 W per legend.
Type 3 signs will be allowed 5 W in addition to the 5 W per legend.
Legend is defined as the word displayed on an exit sign, specifically "EXIT" or "SORTIE."
Type 3 signs are defined in CAN/CSA C860-01 as an internally lighted exit sign that is permanently connected to a single external source of power (usually AC) and an internal DC power supply. The internal power supply may consist of an automatic load-control device, storage battery and means for charging the battery.
|
Update: Comments from stakeholders indicated that bilingual signs requiring more energy were not specifically addressed in the July 2003 bulletin. A bilingual sign would be considered a two- legend sign and would have a 10-watt maximum. A two-faced sign would also be considered a two-legend sign and would also have a 10-watt maximum.
Stakeholders also indicated that Type 3 signs had an additional power requirement for the battery and charger. Five watts was recommended as a reasonable allowance. A bilingual (two-legend), Type 3 sign would have a 15-watt maximum.
|
Note: Sections 9.3.1 and 9.3.2 from CAN/CSA C860-01, which specify different minimum energy performance standards, do not apply.
EFFECTIVE DATE
NRCan is proposing that the energy efficiency standard for internally lighted exit signs come into effect on April 1, 2004.
| Update: One stakeholder has requested a on-year phase-in period after publication. NRCan would consider November 1, 2004, as an alternate date. NRCan is requesting additional input from other stakeholders before making a change to the original proposed date of April 1, 2004. |
All exit signs subject to the Regulations as described in this document that are manufactured after the specified date will be required to meet the stated efficiency levels.
LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
No labelling requirements will be introduced at this time.
VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The same verification requirements that apply to other products regulated under the Energy Efficiency Act will apply to internally lighted exit signs.
NRCan is proposing that regulated internally lighted exit signs will carry a verification mark indicating that the energy performance of the product has been verified. The verification mark is the mark of a Standards Council of Canada (SCC) accredited certification organization that administers an energy performance verification program for this product. This organization must also be recognized by NRCan. NRCan will also accept labels issued by a province indicating that the product meets the provincial energy efficiency levels as a verification mark, providing that the provincial level is equivalent to or exceeds the federally regulated level.
| Update: One stakeholder suggested that additional information on the product is a burden and requested that the verification mark be allowed on the packaging. The only exception to allow the mark on the package is for lamps where marking on the lamps begins to interfere with performance. Other products, such as ballasts and appliances, all have the verification mark on the exterior of the product. NRCan requests additional input before making a decision on this issue. |
| Update: For clarification, under SCC accreditation the certification organization ensures that the test laboratory is either SCC accredited to perform the specified test or self-qualified by the organization to perform the test. |
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The energy efficiency report required for this product will include the following information:
- The product name (i.e. Internally Lighted Exit Sign)
- The manufacturer's identification
- The model number
- The input voltage (V)
- The frequency (Hz)
- Total current (A)
- Number of legends (see definition in MEPS section earlier in this document
- Total power demand (W)
- Total harmonic distortion for units >5 W
- Power factor (specify if lagging or leading) for units >5 W
- The name of the organization or province that carried out the verification and authorized the verification mark that will appear on the product
| Update: Comments from stakeholders indicated that total harmonic distortion and power factor were not significant to products of low power. The reporting requirements have also been modified to reflect the change from "face" to "legend." |
This report must be submitted by the dealer to the Minister of National Resources Canada before the product is imported to Canada or traded interprovincially for the first time.
IMPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A dealer who is importing these products into Canada must include the following information on the customs release document:
- The type of product
- The model number
- The brand name
- The name and address of the dealer importing the product
- The purpose for which the product is being imported (i.e. for sale or lease in Canada without modification; for sale or lease in Canada after modification to comply with energy efficiency standards; or for use as a component in a product being exported from Canada)
HARMONIZATION
NRCan attempts, as much as possible, to harmonize with other regulatory agencies.
The Province of Ontario has indicated its intention to harmonize with the proposed federal levels and effective date. Other provinces are expected to follow suit.
The proposed minimum energy performance standard is 5 watts per face. This is in harmonization with ENERGY STAR program requirements for exit signs.
| Update: Stakeholders have indicated that discussions are underway to change ENERGY STAR criteria from 5 watts per face to 3 watts per face. This does not conflict with the regulatory plans. Canada's bilingual requirements necessitated a change in criteria from "face" to "legend" for the purposes of regulation. |
COMMENTS INVITED
The information in this bulletin is being issued in advance of prepublication in the Canada Gazette, to allow time for concerned parties to comment on the proposal. All correspondence should be forwarded to
Katherine Delves
Office of Energy Efficiency
Natural Resources Canada
1 Observatory Crescent
Building No. 1, 2nd Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0E4
Tel.: (613) 947-1207
Fax: (613) 947-5286
e-mail: kdelves{AT}nrcan.gc.ca
Web site: oee.nrcan.gc.ca/regulations/home_page.cfm
| 
Return Home
