(a) Scope. This section provides test procedures for measuring, pursuant to EPCA, the energy efficiency of metal halide lamp ballasts. After July 25, 2022, and prior to December 21, 2022, any representations with respect to energy use or efficiency of metal halide lamp fixtures must be in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this section or the test procedures as they appeared in 10 CFR 431.324 as it appeared in the 10 CFR parts 200-499 edition revised as of January 1, 2022. On or after December 21, 2022, any representations, including certifications of compliance for metal halide lamp fixtures subject to any energy conservation standard, made with respect to the energy use or efficiency of metal halide lamp fixtures must be made in accordance with the results of testing pursuant to this section.

(b) Active mode procedure—(1) General instructions. Specifications in referenced standards that are recommended, that “shall” or “should” be met, or that are not otherwise explicitly optional, are mandatory. In cases where there is a conflict between any industry standard(s) and this section, the language of the test procedure in this section takes precedence over the industry standard(s).

(2) Test conditions and setup. (i) The power supply, ballast conditions, lamp position, and instrumentation must all conform to the requirements specified in Section 4.0 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020) (incorporated by reference; see § 431.323).

(ii) Airflow in the room for the testing period must be ≤0.5 meters/second.

(iii) Test circuits must be in accordance with the circuit connections specified in Section 6.3 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020).

(iv) For ballasts designed to operate lamps rated less than 150 W that have 120 V as an available input voltage, testing must be performed at 120 V. For ballasts designed to operate lamps rated less than 150 W that do not have 120 V as an available voltage, testing must be performed at the highest available input voltage. For ballasts designed to operate lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 W that have 277 V as an available input voltage, testing must be conducted at 277 V. For ballasts designed to operate lamps rated greater than or equal to 150 W that do not have 277 V as an available input voltage, testing must be conducted at the highest available input voltage.

(v) Operate dimming ballasts at maximum input power.

(vi) Select the metal halide lamp for testing as follows:

(A) The metal halide lamp used for testing must meet the specifications of a reference lamp as defined by ANSI C82.9-2016 and the rated values of the corresponding lamp data sheet as specified in ANSI C78.43-2017 (both incorporated by reference; see § 431.323) for single-ended lamps and ANSI C78.44-2016 (incorporated by reference; see § 431.323) for double-ended lamps.

(B) Ballasts designated with ANSI codes corresponding to more than one lamp must be tested with the lamp having the highest nominal lamp wattage as specified in ANSI C78.43-2017 or ANSI C78.44-2016, as applicable.

(C) Ballasts designated with ANSI codes corresponding to both ceramic metal halide lamps (code beginning with “C”) and quartz metal halide lamps (code beginning with “M”) of the same nominal lamp wattage must be tested with the quartz metal halide lamp.

(3) Test method—(i) Stabilization criteria—(A) General instruction. Lamp must be seasoned as prescribed in Section 4.4.1 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020).

(B) Basic stabilization method. Lamps using the basic stabilization method must be stabilized in accordance with Section 4.4.2 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020). Stabilization is reached when the lamp's electrical characteristics vary by no more than 3-percent in three consecutive 10- to 15-minute intervals measured after the minimum burning time of 30 minutes.

(C) Alternative stabilization method. In cases where switching from the reference ballast to test ballast without extinguishing the lamp is impossible, such as for low-frequency electronic ballasts, the alternative stabilization method must be used. Lamps using the alternative stabilization method must be stabilized in accordance with Section 4.4.3 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020).

(ii) Test measurements. (A) The ballast input power during operating conditions must be measured in accordance with the methods specified in Sections 6.1 and 6.8 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020).

(B) The ballast output (lamp) power during operating conditions must be measured in accordance with the methods specified in Sections 6.2 and 6.10 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020).

(C) For ballasts with a frequency of 60 Hz, the ballast input and output power shall be measured after lamps have been stabilized according to Section 4.4 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020) using a wattmeter with accuracy specified in Section 4.5 of ANSI C82.6-2015 (R2020); and

(D) For ballasts with a frequency greater than 60 Hz, the ballast input and output power shall have a basic accuracy of ±0.5 percent at the higher of either 3 times the output operating frequency of the ballast or 2.4 kHz.

(iii) Calculations. (A) To determine the percent efficiency of the ballast under test, divide the measured ballast output (lamp) power, as measured in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section, by the measured ballast input power, as measured in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) of this section. Calculate percent efficiency to three significant figures.

(B) [Reserved]

(c) Standby mode procedure—(1) General instructions. Measure standby mode energy consumption only for a ballast that is capable of operating in standby mode. Specifications in referenced standards that are recommended, that “shall” or “should” be met, or that are not otherwise explicitly optional, are mandatory. When there is a conflict, the language of the test procedure in this section takes precedence over IEC 63103 (incorporated by reference; see § 431.323).

(2) Test conditions and setup. (i) Establish and maintain test conditions and setup in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(ii) Connect each ballast to a lamp as specified in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section. Note: ballast operation with a reference lamp is not required.

(3) Test method and measurement. (i) Turn on all of the lamps at full light output. If any lamp is not functional, replace the lamp and repeat the test procedure. If the ballast will not operate any lamps, replace the unit under test.

(ii) Send a signal to the ballast instructing it to have zero light output using the appropriate ballast communication protocol or system for the ballast being tested.

(iii) Stabilize the ballast prior to measurement using one of the methods as specified in Section 5.4 of IEC 63103.

(iv) Measure the standby mode energy consumption in watts using one of the methods as specified in Section 5.4 of IEC 63103.