The European Union has issued directives with the aim to reduce the energy consumption of electrical household appliances and thus to contribute to the protection of the climate. The compliance to this directive is binding for the manufacturer, the legally regulated consumer information is provided in the shape of the energy label. The energy efficiency data, such as the power or water consumption, is documented on the energy label. The tests base on the EU directives and the European standards. In addition to the manufacturers the independent VDE Testing and Certification Institute is involved with the performance of energy efficiency tests and the evaluation of label information. On account of the fact that the methods for determination of these information are highly sensible the demands on the testing equipment, additional aids and the personnel is very high at the VDE Institute.
The VDE Institute carries out tests for energy labeling of washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and televisions as well as energy consumption measurements for ovens. Fully automatic test systems and a complete water preparation system are available at the VDE Institute.
That's new in 2011
Last year, Directive 2010/30/EC for the regulation of energy marking, replacing Directive 92/75/EC, took effect. The key change is the extension of the energy efficiency classes.While the evaluation so far ranged from A to G, there are now classes A+ to A+++, depending on the product group, for even greater energy efficiency. Classes E to G have been abolished (except for television sets). Energy efficiency classes shall thus reflect the technological progress. Moreover, exact design specifications for the energy label have been added.
Accordingly, the individual product categories also have new delegated regulations, which will take effect during the course of this year. On 30 November 2011, the new energy label for television sets (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1062/2010) will be introduced. The new regulation for domestic refrigerators and freezers (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1060/2010) will also become effective on that date. Introduction of the new regulations for domestic washing machines (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1061/2010) and dishwashers (Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1059/2010) is planned for 20 December 2011. Besides the new design of the label, there are also new requirements to be met by both suppliers and dealers.