On August 19, 2024, the National Technical Committee on Energy Fundamentals and Management of Standardization Administration of China convened a meeting in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, to discuss the mandatory national standard GB 20943, “Limited Values and Energy Efficiency Grades for AC-DC and AC-AC Power Supplies.” The meeting brought together nearly 50 representatives and experts from switching power supply manufacturers, power chip and semiconductor device producers, as well as upstream and downstream end-user companies. Professor Chen Haihong from the China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS), the lead drafting organization, presented an overview of the standard’s background, revision process, international context, key technical updates, rationale behind critical indicators, and anticipated socioeconomic benefits.
Standard discussion meeting
Huntkey, as one of the principal drafting organizations of the standard, submitted energy efficiency data for more than 100 power supply products prior to the meeting, providing a robust empirical foundation for establishing energy efficiency classifications and key technical indicators. During the discussion session, Zhao Ru, Head of the Huntkey Testing Center, offered further clarification on the rationale behind the energy efficiency grading criteria for low-power products. The draft standard also incorporated adjustments to the slope of the average efficiency limits for Level 1 and Level 2 adapter power supplies under 49W, while the average efficiency limit for power supplies ranging from 49W to 250W was slightly reduced by 0.5%. Additionally, the mandatory energy efficiency requirement for PC power supplies at Level 3 was updated from bronze to white grade.
Zhao Ru made explanations on the revision of the standard
Upon its release and implementation, this mandatory standard is set to drive significant upgrades across the power supply industry. Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 70% of power adapters below 36W currently on the market will require technical improvements to comply with the Level 3 energy efficiency requirements of the new standard. This creates an important opportunity for Huntkey—an established power supply manufacturer with strong technical expertise—to leverage its competitive advantages in R&D capability, cost control, and industrial scale. The standard is also expected to help reduce vicious competition within the industry and promote high-quality development in the switching power supply sector.
Adapter energy efficiency data statistics and limit curve
The standard clearly defines its product scope, encompassing power adapters, PD fast chargers, USB power strips, PC power supplies, and server power supplies. It establishes a three-tier energy efficiency evaluation system, with Level 3 serving as the mandatory minimum requirement and Level 1 representing the highest efficiency grade. Furthermore, a two-year transition period between publication and enforcement has been set, allowing sufficient time for manufacturers to upgrade their products to meet the new energy efficiency requirements.