What are the new energy conservation standards for external power supplies?

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently proposed new energy conservation standards for External Power Supplies (EPSs). These proposed standards, known as Trial Standard Level 4 (TSL4), aim to tighten energy efficiency requirements across all types of EPSs. TSLs are a tool used by the DOE to set energy conservation benchmarks.

What are the new standards for power supply design?

In 2014, the US Department of Energy formalized their newest mandatory standard and the EU’s voluntary Code of Conduct version 5 took effect. This white paper briefly explains the US and EU’s new standards and what they mean to power supply designers.

What are the labeling requirements for external power supplies?

Labeling requirements will be mandated to meet the same International Eficiency Marking Protocol for External Power Supplies Version 3.0 as the previous Level V standard. Globally, it is expected that other nations will soon follow suit with the DoE Level VI standard.

Do external power supplies have a power efficiency mandate?

At a global level, mandates for power efficiency exist for most consumer electronics and home appliances. External power supplies have had regulations dating back to 2004, when the California Energy Commission created one of the first mandates for efficiency of external power supplies used to power appliances or consumer electronic devices.

When will external power supplies become law?

Although there is not an oficial timeline for these voluntary standards becoming law, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who design external power supplies into their products would best be served to future-proof their designs to the latest regulations to ensure that they are in compliance in each region where their product is sold.

What is a basic voltage external power supply?

Basic-voltage external power supply means an external power supply that is not a low-voltage power supply EPSs DoE Level VI also defines power supplies as direct operation and indirect operation products. A direct operation product is an external power supply (EPS) that functions in its end product without the assistance of a battery.