EPA Proposes New Specifications/Test Procedure for AC/DC Power Supplies

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released new proposed energy efficiency specifications and a test procedure for AC/DC power supplies, commonly known as external "power packs." The EPA intends to create strong market incentives for more energy-efficient power supplies through the DOE/EPA Energy Star program.

External power supplies convert AC power from a wall outlet into lower voltage DC power for use in cordless tools and telephones, cell phones and many other consumer and office products. In the U.S., the total amount of electricity that flows through external and internal power supplies is more than 207 billion kwh/year (worth about $17 billion/year), or about six percent of the national electric bill. More efficient designs could save an estimated 15 to 20 percent of that energy, according to the EPA. The draft specification is available for review and comment via the ENERGY STAR website at www.energystar.gov/powersupplies.

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