On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? 1. Ceiling fans 2. Electric geysers 3. Tubular fluorescent lamps Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Updated 11 Apr 2026 · From UPSC Prelims GS Paper I 2016, Q78

Contents10
UPSC Prelims GS2016Environment
  1. A1 and 2 only
  2. B3 only
  3. C2 and 3 only
  4. D1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

All three items carry the BEE Star Label.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) runs the Standards and Labelling programme since 2006, covering 21 types of appliances including:

  • ceiling fans
  • electric geysers (storage type)
  • tubular fluorescent lamps (tube lights)

Other covered items include:

  • ACs
  • refrigerators
  • TVs
  • washing machines
  • laptops
  • LPG stoves
  • and more.

The star rating (1 to 5 stars) tells consumers how energy-efficient a product is, with 5 stars being the most efficient.

Why this is tricky: Many students think the star label only covers big appliances like ACs and fridges.

But it covers everyday items like fans and tube lights too.

When in doubt with BEE questions, remember the list is very wide.

Why this was asked

BEE Star Labels cover 21 types of appliances including common household items like ceiling fans, electric geysers, and tube lights, not just major appliances like ACs and refrigerators.

The question tests whether students know BEE labelling extends beyond expensive appliances to everyday electrical items that consume significant household energy.

Students often incorrectly assume star ratings only apply to high-value appliances, missing that BEE covers the full range of energy-consuming devices in Indian homes.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Environment Bureau of Energy Efficiency BEE

Bureau of Energy Efficiency: Mandate & Key Functions

Must know

BEE is a statutory body under Ministry of Power established in 2002

Promotes energy efficiency and conservation across all sectors

Implements Standards & Labelling and Perform, Achieve & Trade (PAT) schemes

Good to know

Develops energy consumption norms and standards for equipment and appliances

BEE was established under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 as India's nodal agency for energy efficiency. It operates under the Ministry of Power and works to reduce energy intensity across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.

Core Functions

Standards & Labelling Programme for appliances and equipment

PAT (Perform, Achieve & Trade) scheme for energy-intensive industries

Energy Conservation Building Codes for commercial buildings

Capacity building programs for energy managers and auditors

Energy audits and development of energy consumption norms

Question Connection

This question tests knowledge of BEE's Standards & Labelling Programme scope. Students often assume only major appliances are covered, missing that BEE labels extend to everyday items like ceiling fans and tube lights.

BEE Star Labelling Programme

Environment Star Label Standards and Labelling

BEE Star Labelling: Coverage & Rating System

Must know

Started in 2006, covers 21+ types of appliances and equipment

5-star rating system: 5 stars = most efficient, 1 star = least efficient

Good to know

Includes both voluntary and mandatory labelling categories

Helps consumers make informed energy-efficient purchasing decisions

The Standards & Labelling Programme provides star ratings from 1 to 5 stars based on energy efficiency. Higher stars mean lower electricity consumption for the same performance level, helping consumers save on energy bills.

Appliances Under BEE Star Labelling

Category

Examples

Label Type

Cooling Appliances

Air Conditioners, Refrigerators

Mandatory

Lighting

Tubular Fluorescent Lamps (TFL), LED bulbs

Voluntary

Home Appliances

Washing Machines, Ceiling Fans, Electric Geysers

Mixed

Office Equipment

Laptops, Printers, Copiers

Voluntary

Others

TVs, LPG Stoves, Agricultural Pumps

Mixed

Complete Coverage List

# BEE Star Label
## Cooling & Heating
- Air Conditioners
- Refrigerators
- Electric Geysers
- Water Coolers
## Lighting
- Tubular Fluorescent Lamps
- LED Bulbs
- CFL Bulbs
## Motor Appliances
- Ceiling Fans
- Washing Machines
- Agricultural Pumps
- Motors
## Electronics
- TVs
- Laptops
- Printers
- Set-top Boxes
Exam traps

Common misconception: Star labels only on big appliances like ACs and fridges — Wrong. Covers everyday items like ceiling fans and tube lights too

Trap: Assuming all appliances have mandatory labelling — some categories like laptops and TFL are voluntary

Star confusion: Higher star number = more efficient (saves more energy), not higher power consumption

Energy Efficient Appliances in India

Environment Ceiling fans Electric geysers Tubular fluorescent lamps

Key Appliances: Energy Consumption & Efficiency Standards

Must know

Ceiling fans consume 50-75W power, BEE rating based on air delivery per watt

Electric geysers (storage type) are major residential energy consumers

Good to know

Tubular fluorescent lamps being replaced by LEDs for better efficiency

These three appliances represent different energy consumption patterns in Indian homes. Ceiling fans run continuously, electric geysers have high instantaneous consumption, and tubular fluorescent lamps provide lighting load across commercial and residential sectors.

Appliance Efficiency Comparison

Appliance

Power Range

BEE Rating Basis

Key Efficiency Factor

Ceiling Fans

50-75W

Air delivery per watt (m³/min/W)

Motor efficiency & blade design

Electric Geysers

1500-3000W

Standing heat loss per 24 hours

Insulation quality & tank design

Tubular Fluorescent

18-40W

Luminous efficacy (lumen/watt)

Ballast type & phosphor coating

India Context

Ceiling fans: India is world's largest ceiling fan market with 40+ million units sold annually

Electric geysers: Seasonal usage peaks in North India during winter months

TFL replacement: Government promoting LED adoption under schemes like UJALA

Rural penetration: BEE labelling helping rural consumers identify efficient appliances

Question Application

All three appliances carry BEE star labels because they represent significant residential energy consumption. The question tests comprehensive knowledge of BEE's labelling scope beyond obvious choices like ACs and refrigerators.