Effective January 1, 2007 Federal Law 10 CFR Part 431 “Energy Efficiency Program for Certain Commercial and Industrial Equipment” prohibits transformer manufacturers from manufacturing low voltage dry-type distribution transformers, intended for sale in the United States and U.S. territories, that do not meet minimum energy efficiency standards set forth in NEMA Standard TP-1.

People throughout the electrical industry need to be aware of this new law, and be taking actions now in preparation for this important change.

Consultants and Engineers need to be amending their specifications to include compliance with the new law. The dimensions of transformers that meet the NEMA TP-1 efficiency levels may be different than the dimensions of non-compliant models. The lay out of electrical rooms should be reviewed to verify that the new transformers fit in the space allocated.

For transformers that will not ship until 2007, distributors and salespeople need to be quoting compliant transformers. After the first of the year, the availability of transformers manufactured prior to January 1, 2007 will be limited. When the existing supply is depleted, there will not be any option other than to purchase and install transformers that comply with the federal law. There is a significant price premium on transformers that comply with this law.

If you have questions regarding this new law, or would like more information, please contact your local Eaton sales office.