Proposed Amendment to Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations for Internally Lighted Exit Signs

Bulletin, July 2003

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 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 before it proceeds to prepublication in the Canada Gazette, Part 1. NRCan is particularly looking to receive feedback from stakeholders on the proposed minimum energy performance standards and effective date. Depending on the nature of the comments received, NRCan may initiate further consultation.

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 120V or less and 27 Watts for signs greater than 120V. These levels were harmonized with the National Building Code. The standard also addresses the visibility performance of the exit sign.

Technical criteria for ENERGY STAR^® qualified Exit Signs is in effect in the United States and requires 5 W per face.

This criteria applies to ENERGY STAR in Canada as well. To meet it, typically requires that LED technology be employed. Current studies have projected that in 5 years time 70% of the exit signs sold in Canada will meet the ENERGY STAR criteria.

Given the significant energy and operational savings over the lifecycle of the product and the maturity of the LED technology in this application, NRCan is concerned about the 30% 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 will apply to internally lighted exit signs. For the purposes of the Regulation an internally lighted exit sign is defined: as a device used in buildings to identify the most direct path of egress for emergency purposes. It contains a legend and optional directional indicator(s). The exit sign is considered to be internally illuminated if the legend and optional directional indicator or background, or both, are illuminated by a light source contained within the assembly supporting the legend and optional directional indicator.

This Standard does not apply to flashing exit signs, photoluminescent or radioluminescent exit signs.

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:

Minimum Energy Performance Standards

The actual power consumed by an exit sign shall be not greater then 5 W per face.

Note: Sections 9.3.1 and 9.3.2 from CAN/CSA-C860-01, that specify different minimum energy performance standards, do not apply.

Effective Date

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 efficacy 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 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.

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)
• The power (Watts per face)
• Number of faces
• Total power demand (W)
• Power factor (specify if lagging or leading)
• Total harmonic distortion
• The name of the organization or province that carried out the verification and authorized the verification mark that will appear on the product

This report must be submitted, by the dealer, to the Minister of NRCan before the product is imported into Canada or traded inter-provincially 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, and
• 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 intentions 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.

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: