--- title: Are you prepared for the Level VI Energy-Efficiency Regulation? description: The U.S. Level VI energy-efficiency regulation, aimed at energy savings in external power supplies, goes into force on February 10, 2016, and will impact all OEM's selling into the U.S. market. The Eu image: https://www.silextechnology.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DoE-300x75.jpg --- [![Silex Technology](https://www.silextechnology.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/silex/images/logo.svg "Silex Technology")](https://www.silextechnology.com/) - [Connectivity Solutions](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions) - [Services](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions/software-services) - [Integration Services](https://www.silextechnology.com/de/software-service/integration-services) - [Customization Services](https://www.silextechnology.com/de/software-service/customization-services) - [Certification Services](https://www.silextechnology.com/software-service/global-certification-compliance) - [Applications](https://www.silextechnology.com/application-expertise) - [Medical ](https://www.silextechnology.com/medical) - [Transportation & Logistics](https://www.silextechnology.com/application-expertise/transportation-and-logistics) - [Factory Automation](https://www.silextechnology.com/application-expertise/factory-automation) - [Resources](https://www.silextechnology.com/resources) - [Resource Center](https://www.silextechnology.com/resources) - [Unwired Blog](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired) - [Support Center](https://www.silextechnology.com/support) - [Security Center](https://www.silextechnology.com/security-center) - [Company](https://www.silextechnology.com/company) - [About Silex](https://www.silextechnology.com/company) - [Why Silex](https://www.silextechnology.com/why-silex) - [Technology Partnerships](https://www.silextechnology.com/why-silex/partner) - [News](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/news) - [Careers](https://www.silextechnology.com/company/careers) [ Where to buy ](https://www.silextechnology.com/where-to-purchase) [ Contact sales ](https://www.silextechnology.com/contact-us) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ![Embedded](https://www.silextechnology.com/hubfs/silex/image/Embedded.svg) [ Embedded Wireless Modules ](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=embedded-wireless-modules) - [Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=embedded-wireless-modules&categories=wi-fi-7-80211be) - [Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=embedded-wireless-modules&categories=wi-fi-6e-80211ax) - [Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=embedded-wireless-modules&categories=wi-fi-6-80211ax) - [Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=embedded-wireless-modules&categories=wi-fi-5-80211ac) ![Copy of Product icons home (40 x 40 px) (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Product%20icons%20home%20(40%20x%2040%20px)%20(2).svg) [ Platform & SOMs ](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=platform--soms) - [EP-200Q](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions/platform-and-soms/ep-200q) - [EP-200N](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions-platform-and-som-ep-200n) ![Network System Solutions](https://www.silextechnology.com/hubfs/silex/image/Network%20System.svg) [ Network System Solutions ](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions) - [Ethernet to Wi-Fi Bridge](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions&type=ethernet-to-wi-fi-bridge) - [USB/Serial Connectivity](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions&type=usb-serial-connectivity) - [Wi-Fi HaLow Connectivity](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions&type=wi-fi-halow-connectivity) - [Wi-Fi Access Points](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions&type=wi-fi-access-points) - [Industrial Connectivity](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions&type=industrial-connectivity) - [Wireless Monitoring](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions&type=wireless-monitoring) #### NEW: EP-200N AMC Edge SoM. Powered by NXP® i.MX 95, delivering secure, safe and reliable connectivity for industrial and medical applications. ![EP-200N-01](https://www.silextechnology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EP-200N-01.png?width=100&height=100&name=EP-200N-01.png) [ Learn more ](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions-platform-and-som-ep-200n) # Silex Unwired Posted by Ron Tozaki, September 17, 2015 # Are you prepared for the Level VI Energy-Efficiency Regulation? ![DoE](https://www.silextechnology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DoE-300x75.jpg?width=420&height=105&name=DoE-300x75.jpg) The U.S. Level VI energy-efficiency regulation, aimed at energy savings in external power supplies, goes into force on ***February 10, 2016***, and will impact all OEM's selling into the U.S. market. The European Union (EU) also is expected to harmonize with the new efficiency standard. **What does level VI encompass?** Power supply manufactures are already preparing for the coming transition in February 2016 to the more stringent Level VI standards. Along with tightened regulations for existing adapters, the new standard expands the range of products that fall under the standard to now include:   - Multiple-voltage external power supplies - Products with power levels >250 watts **![PowerSupply](https://www.silextechnology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PowerSupply.png?width=205&height=209&name=PowerSupply.png)** **Direct Vs Indirect Operation** The new standard also defines power supplies as direct or indirect operation products. A direct operation product functions without the assistance of a battery. An indirect operation supply is not a battery charger but cannot operate the end product without the assistance of a battery. The new standard only applies to direct operation external power supplies. **Exemptions** The Level VI mandate includes the following exemptions:![exempt](https://www.silextechnology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/exempt.png?width=167&height=91&name=exempt.png) - A device that requires Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) listing and approval as a medical device. - A direct operation, AC-DC supply with output voltage less than 3 volts and output current ≥1,000 milliamps that charges the battery of a product that is fully or primarily motor-operated. **How does level VI affect the efficiency of the power supplies?** The regulation addresses active mode when the adapter is powered up and supplying power to the end product. Under the regulation, efficiency is increased by roughly five percent. But the big change is at no load when the adapter is plugged into the wall – like a cell phone charger – and nothing is connected to it. For example when compared with level V, the no load power drops from 0.30W to 0.10W. It is a significant impact when you consider the millions of adapters that are in the market today.![levelVI](https://www.silextechnology.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/levelVI.png?width=169&height=172&name=levelVI.png) **Are any power supplies grandfathered? ** The Department of Energy (DoE) Level VI requirement date is February 10, 2016, but note that compliance with the new standard will be regulated from the date of manufacture, so products can still be shipped as long as the manufacture date is prior to the transition date. *References:* *[http://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/efficiency-standards-for-external-power-supplies.pdf](http://www.cui.com/catalog/resource/efficiency-standards-for-external-power-supplies.pdf)* *[http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/eye-on-efficiency/4428659/U-S--DOE-Sets-Tougher-External-Power-Supply-Efficiency-Requirements-](http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/eye-on-efficiency/4428659/U-S--DOE-Sets-Tougher-External-Power-Supply-Efficiency-Requirements-)* Share Topics - [Regulatory Compliance](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/regulatory-compliance) ### Related Posts [ Posted by Yutaka Kobayashi, September 01, 2025 Divide and Conquer - Wi-Fi and Medical Regulations Dear hospital network managers, ](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/divide-and-conquer-wi-fi-and-medical-regulations) [Posted by Babar Hashim, May 29, 2025 What the EU’s New Cybersecurity Rules Mean for Wireless Devices—and How Silex Technology Is Leading the Way In an era where everything from printers to medical devices connects to the internet, keeping digital products secure is no longer optional—it's the l...Keep Reading ](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/what-the-eus-new-cybersecurity-rules-mean-for-wireless-devices-and-how-silex-technology-is-leading-the-way) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Posts by Topic - [News (112)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/news) - [Embedded Wireless (101)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/embedded-wireless) - [Device Connectivity (59)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/device-connectivity) - [Internet of Things (43)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/internet-of-things) - [Regulatory Compliance (35)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/regulatory-compliance) - [Wireless Infrastructure (35)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/wireless-infrastructure) - [Cyber Security (19)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/cyber-security) - [802.11ah Wi-Fi HaLow (18)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/802-11ah-wi-fi-halow) - [Display Connectivity (14)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/display-connectivity) - [802.11ax (11)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/802-11ax) - [Wi-Fi6E (10)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/wi-fi6e) - [EP-200Q (9)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/ep-200q) - [Difference Makers (6)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/difference-makers) - [medical (6)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/medical) - [NXP (4)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/nxp) - [edge AI (4)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/edge-ai) - [802.11be (3)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/802-11be) - [Wireless Bridge (3)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/wireless-bridge) - [sx-pceax (3)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/sx-pceax) - [sx-sdmax6e (3)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/sx-sdmax6e) - [Certification (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/certification) - [Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/ethernet-to-wi-fi) - [Qualcomm (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/qualcomm) - [SoM (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/som) - [Wi-Fi Mesh Network (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/wi-fi-mesh-network) - [ce (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/ce) - [ukca (2)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/ukca) - [CAN Bus (1)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/can-bus) - [MDR (1)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/mdr) - [System-on-Module (1)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/system-on-module) - [Wi-Fi 6E (1)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/wi-fi-6e) - [antenna (1)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/antenna) - [permissive change (1)](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/permissive-change) [See All](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/level-vi-energy-efficiency-regulation#) [![Silex Technology](https://www.silextechnology.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/silex/images/logo.svg "Silex Technology")](https://www.silextechnology.com/) ### Subscribe to our blog - [**](https://x.com/silextechnology) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/silex-technology-america/) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/user/SilexTechnology) ##### Solutions - [Embedded Wireless Modules](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=embedded-wireless-modules) - [Platform & SOMs](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=platform--soms) - [Network System Solutions](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions?services=network-systems-solutions) - [Services](https://www.silextechnology.com/connectivity-solutions/software-services) ##### Applications - [Medical Device Connectivity](https://www.silextechnology.com/application-expertise/medical-devices-learn-more) - [Transportation & Logistics](https://www.silextechnology.com/de/application-expertise/transportation-and-logistics) - [Factory Automation](https://www.silextechnology.com/application-expertise/factory-automation) ##### Resources - [Resource Center](https://www.silextechnology.com/resources) - [Unwired Blog](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired) - [Support Center](https://www.silextechnology.com/support) ##### Company - [About Silex](https://www.silextechnology.com/company) - [Why Silex](https://www.silextechnology.com/why-silex) - [Partnerships](https://www.silextechnology.com/why-silex/partner) - [News](https://www.silextechnology.com/unwired/topic/news) - [Careers](https://www.silextechnology.com/company/careers) ##### Contact - [U.S. Sales](mailto:sales@silexamerica.com) - [Europe Sales](mailto:sales@silexeurope.com) - [Customer Support](https://www.silextechnology.com/support/contact-silex-support) © 2026 Silex Technology America, Inc. [Privacy Policy](https://www.silextechnology.com/contact-us/privacy-policy) [Terms of Use](https://www.silextechnology.com/contact-us/terms-of-use) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=8007468&fmt=gif)