ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
for Traffic Signals
ENERGY STAR
Eligibility Criteria
Below is the product specification (Version 1.1) for ENERGY STAR qualified traffic signals. A product
must meet all of the identified criteria if it is to be qualified as ENERGY STAR by its manufacturer.
This traffic signal specification is based on a low energy requirement and conformance to the Institute for
Transportation Engineers (ITE) "Interim LED Purchase Specification, Vehicle Traffic Control Signal Heads,
Part 2: Light Emitting Diode (LED) Vehicle Traffic Signal Modules" (VTCSH Part 2). At this time, only the
LED technology meets such requirements and therefore the specification includes terms specific to LED
traffic signals. However, EPA is open to any other (non-LED) technology that meets both the EPA
specification and ITE's VTCSH Part 1 or Part 2 requirements, or a future relevant ITE specification.
Manufacturers are encouraged to contact EPA with such technology only if they are able to meet such
requirements.
1)	Definitions: Below is a brief description of an LED traffic signal and related terms as relevant to
ENERGY STAR.
A.	Vehicular Traffic Signal: A power-operated illuminated traffic control device, other than a barricade
warning light or a steady illuminated lamp, by which traffic is warned or directed to take some specific
action.
B.	Modules: Standard 8-inch (200 mm) or 12-inch (300 mm) round traffic signal indications (balls).
They consist of the light source and the lens (usually a sealed unit) that communicate movement
messages (stop, caution or prepare to stop, and go) to drivers through red, yellow, and green colors.
Arrow modules in the same colors are used to indicate turning movements. Pedestrian modules are
used to convey movement information to pedestrians.
C.	Traffic Signal Head: The combination of the traffic signal housing, with the modules (red, yellow,
and green) installed in it. The head typically contains three modules and the necessary wiring,
although it may also include arrow modules.
D.	LED Lamps or LEDs: The individual light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which can be set on a circuit
board in any arrangement.
E.	LED Traffic Signal: The generic term used to describe the combination of signal heads or modules
that use LEDs as the source of light. The combination also incorporates the housing unit at an
intersection along with any internal components and support structures.
2)	Qualifying Products: For the purposes of ENERGY STAR, LED traffic signal modules include the
following:
A.	LED Vehicular Traffic Signal Modules, including Arrow Modules
B.	LED Pedestrian Signal Modules
Other (non-LED) technology products may be considered if they meet ITE's VTCSH Part 1 or 2 (or
other relevant future ITE specification), as well as the requirements of this specification.
3) Energy-Efficiency Specifications for Qualifying Products: Products listed in Section 2 that meet the
criteria outlined in Table 1 below and that meet the minimum performance requirements of the
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Traffic Signals
1

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appropriate ITE specification (either current or future) may qualify as ENERGY STAR. The wattage
requirements in the table below are to be met by the individual module, not the traffic signal heads as
defined in Section 1 (C). These levels include power demand from the LED power circuit.
Table 1: Energy-Efficiency Criteria for ENERGY STAR Qualified Traffic Signal Modules
Module Type
Maximum
Wattage
(at 74°C)
Nominal
Wattage
(at 25°C)
12" Red Ball
17
11
8" Red Ball
13
8
12" Red Arrow
12
9



12" Green Ball
15
15
8" Green Ball
12
12
12" Green Arrow
11
11



Combination Walking Man/Hand
16
13
Walking Man
12
9
Orange Hand
16
13
4)	Test Criteria: The products must meet the minimum performance requirements of the relevant ITE
specification, and be tested under the conditions presented in Section 6.4.2 of the VTCSH Part 2.
5)	Effective Date: The date that manufacturers may begin to qualify products as ENERGY STAR will be
defined as the effective date of the agreement. The ENERGY STAR Traffic Signal specification is
effective immediately.
6)	Future Specification Revisions: ENERGY STAR reserves the right to change the specification should
technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or the environment.
In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification will be arrived at through industry
discussions. Specifically with regard to traffic signals, EPA expects that revisions to this specification
will be discussed once the ITE specification is final for arrows and pedestrian heads. In addition,
discussion will be necessary once ITE compliant amber balls and arrows are developed and marketed
by manufacturers.
ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Traffic Signals

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