Energy Efficiency starts at home

Manufacturers address energy usage in home appliances

By Antoinette Price, 21 April 2017

Today, numerous machines and devices powered by electricity can be found in our homes. Take, for example, the kitchen. This room alone probably has a dishwasher, an oven and a fridge, not to mention an array of smaller appliances for preparing and cooking food.

Homes have many household appliances — New household appliances are more energy efficient (Photo: racsquality.ca)

More people need more energy

Many homes also have office equipment, such as computers and printers, and let’s not forget entertainment systems, which include television, video, audio and DVD players.

More must be done to ensure everyone has enough energy to meet daily requirements.

As well as increasing energy production by developing renewable energies, many countries around the world have developed policies and regulations to optimize the energy usage of electrical and electronic technologies. As part of this, manufacturers must find ways to improve the energy efficiency of their products.

IEC International Standards are being adopted to facilitate the implementation of these regulations and policies.

A global programme is part of the answer

IECEE, the IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components, operates the Electrical Energy Efficiency (E3) programme to support industry efforts to develop energy efficient products.

The programme offers a globally standardized approach to test and verify the Energy Efficiency of electrical equipment and provide proof of compliance to IEC International Standards, which cover energy performance, consumption and level of noise emission.

For example, IEC 62301 contains the method for measuring standby power of household appliances such as computers, entertainment equipment, washing machines, dishwashers, rice cookers and more.

IEC 62087 provides a measuring method for power consumption of TVs, monitors and videos.

Compatible with other major E3 management programmes

The fact that the E3 programme Statement of Test Results and associated Test Reports may be used to assess product Energy Efficiency, means that this programme is compatible with three other major Energy Efficiency management programmes used worldwide, which are:

Energy rating or labelling (including Minimum Energy Performance Standard)
Energy efficient product marking or certification
Standby power reduction programmes

Benefits for businesses, governments and consumers

Since IECEE Members mutually recognize the conformity assessment results for electrical products, the latter can be tested once and accepted in many markets, thereby avoiding lost time while optimizing costs.

The E3 programme also offers proof of compliance with different national regulations. It can be adopted as part of a country’s Energy Efficiency programmes, instead of reinventing the wheel, and it contributes to environmental protection.

Find out more about the IECEE E3 programme.