Security Industry Association Endorses New House Bill Addressing Power Requirements of Security and Life-Safety Systems
Silver Spring, Md. (PRWEB) September 29, 2016 -- The Security Industry Association (SIA), along with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA), jointly commend U.S. Rep. Michael Pompeo, R-Kansas, for introducing a bill (H.R. 6214) last night in the U.S. House of Representatives that would extend a U.S. Department of Energy policy recognizing the unique power requirements of security and life-safety systems.
In 2011, Congress exempted external power supplies for security and life-safety products from emerging federal energy efficiency standards for devices operating in “standby mode,” known as a no-load condition. A SIA-led coalition including both industry and energy groups advocated that since security and life-safety equipment must always be in “active mode” to send and receive signals, imposing a no-load standard for this class of products would make little sense, and lawmakers agreed.
Like many new policies enacted by Congress, the exemption included an expiration date to ensure it would be reevaluated after implementation. Under current law, the exemption applies to security and life-safety external power supplies (as narrowly defined in the statute) manufactured on or before July 1, 2017. According to industry estimates, if the exemption expires and such devices have to be reengineered to allow standby mode operation for testing, it would more than double the cost of the devices without producing any energy savings.
With the expiration of this common-sense exemption approaching, Pompeo, who serves on the U.S. Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power, introduced H.R. 6214 on Sept. 28, 2016. The bill removes the expiration on the exemption for security and life-safety products, making it part of U.S. energy policy going forward unless U.S. Department of Energy determines there should be an alternate standard for these products, a decision that would be required prior to July 1, 2019.
“Allowing the exemption to expire would needlessly increase the cost of security and fire protection systems,” said Pompeo. “This legislation will ensure Washington regulations do not stand in the way of American’s safety at home or in the workplace.”
Millions of Americans depend on security, fire protection and other life-safety systems to link them to first responders in the case of emergency. Extending the security and life-safety EPS exemption will prevent manufacturers, systems integrators, installers and ultimately American consumers from having to expend an enormous amount of financial and material resources unnecessarily.
SIA, NEMA and ESA jointly urge Congressional leaders to consider and pass H.R. 6214 as soon as possible.
About the Security Industry Association
The Security Industry Association (SIA) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with nearly 700 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members' interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, and owner of the Securing New Ground® conference, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. http://www.securityindustry.org
About the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) represents nearly 400 electrical, medical imaging, and radiation therapy manufacturers at the forefront of electrical safety, reliability, resilience, efficiency, and energy security. Our combined industries account for more than 400,000 American jobs and more than 7,000 facilities across the United States. Domestic production exceeds $117 billion per year.
About the Electronic Security Association
ESA is the largest professional trade association in the United States with the purpose of representing, promoting and enhancing the growth and professional development of the electronic life, safety, security, and systems professionals industry. In cooperation with a federation of state associations, ESA member companies, which represent more than 70 percent of the market for intrusion and fire/life safety systems, access control, video surveillance and monitoring, are a vital component of public safety. Together they employ more than 500,000 industry professionals, and service millions of residential and commercial accounts. More than 2,800 electronic life safety, security, and systems businesses in all 50 states and four U.S. territories hold membership in ESA.
Mickey McCarter, Security Industry Association, http://www.securityindustry.org, +1 (301) 804-4704, [email protected]
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