Directive Decoder

The Ecodesign of Energy using Products (EuP) Directive mainly affects equipment designers. The EC will impose implementing measures that will place requirements on products which will require on-going improvements in ecodesign. The requirements for each type of product will be different and most requirements are not yet known. However some general guidance to new product design can be given:

• If products have a standby mode, this is likely to be affected with a maximum consumption level in this mode. Standby mode is used where the equipment needs to be reactivated remotely or is required to carry out a function such as displaying a clock. The maximum power consumption in standby mode depends on the equipment’s function and 1 watt decreasing to 0.5 watts is being proposed for products that use standby as a re-activation function only. Televisions, microwave ovens, computer monitors, etc. will need to be designed to ensure that this is not exceeded. This requirement has far-reaching implications as every function within a products circuitry will need to be reviewed to determine how the power consumption can be reduced.

• Many products cannot be completely shut down as the “off-switch” disconnects the input power supply from other parts of the equipment but does not disconnect the power supply from the mains. This is termed “off-mode” and the EC is proposing to restrict power consumption of equipment in this mode initially to 1 watt and, two years later, to 0.5 watts.

• Power consumption of many products will either be controlled by imposing restrictions with specific consumption limit values or be controlled by having to show consumers an energy rating label. Energy ratings are already used on light bulbs, washing machines and refrigerators and these enable consumers to choose the product which uses the least energy. Most products currently on the market achieve the top rating as a result of improvements made by manufacturers. This is not very useful for consumers and it does not give an incentive to reduce power consumption further. Therefore one proposal is to change the criteria used for these ratings so that the power consumption of top rated products is lower than is currently used and so that only the very best products can achieve the top rating. This will give an incentive to manufacturers to make further improvements to their products. For example, it is proposed that new energy ratings will be developed for fluorescent lamps which will identify the best performing products, currently most have the top “A” rating. Another proposal is to regulate the minimum energy efficiency of power supplies and battery chargers with obligatory specified minimum efficiency values and this will directly affect power supply design.

• Active power management is also being proposed by the EC. This would require the equipment to switch itself into standby mode if it is not in use. A variety of products are left switched on permanently and unnecessarily, such as computers, printers, lighting (this can be controlled with movement sensors), etc. In some products, switching to standby is impractical but power savings can be made by switching off functions that are not in use.

• Product life and other information may be required for certain new products. This is being proposed for lamps to encourage designers to make them last as long as possible.

• EuP could restrict hazardous materials, for example the recently completed study into office lighting recommended reducing the maximum mercury content of fluorescent lamps below that currently permitted in the RoHS Directive.

EuP implementing measures will target energy consumption but could affect any aspect of equipment design and so it will be advisable to consider how new products are built to:
• Minimise power consumption
• Make recycling easier
• Avoid hazardous substances
• Improve reliability and life expectancy
- in order to pre-empt legislation that may require these attributes in the future.

Directive Decoder