Briefs about the U.S. aftermarket conversion industry regulations
Installation.
Conversion systems in United States must be done in accordance with the National Fire Protection Associtiion's (NFPA) Vehicular Fuel System Code (NFPA 52) . see http://www.nfpa.org
Emissions and Environment
Conversions in the United States require U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval and a licensed propane conversion technician.
In the United States, converted vehicles must be certified according to Memorandum 1A which was originally issued in 1974 and then revised in 1997 and 1998. Download Memorandum 1A, Download revision to addendum to memo 1A (1998)
The original purpose of Memo 1A was to impose anti-tampering rules about combustion and emissions to the aftermarket industry. Further revisions outlined procedures for converting vehicles to operate on alternative fuels, complying with the Clean Air Act's tampering prohibitions and ensuring that emissions maintain authorized levels.
EPA issues Certificates of Conformity that cover specific vehicle or engine models for certain model years, converted to operate on an alternative fuel.
Certificates of Conformity signed by EPA, certify that the appropriate sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Parts 85 through 88) have been met.
California has similar emissions rules established by state's Air Resoruces Board (CARB).
All conversions must be onboard diagnostic system (OBD II) compliant when operating on the alternative fuels.
No false OBD codes or false malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination should occur.
For dual-fuel vehicles, the OBD II system must not be affected by the conversion when operating the vehicle on gasoline. Testing for compliance should be conducted by inducing failures to the emission system.
The EPA refers to a vehicle converter as a small volume manufacturer. The vehicle converter holds the Certificate of Conformity.
The EPA defines a "Small Volume Manufacturer" an individual or company who installs a fuel conversion system to a vehicle or engine which has been sold to the ultimate purchaser and placed in service allowing the vehicle or engine to operate on a fuel other than the fuel which the vehicle or engine was originally certified to use.
The definition of small volume manufacturer is equivalent to the definition of "Aftermarket Conversion Installer" as per EPA 40 CFR 85.502.
To obtain EPA certifiication, the interested party must submit a converted vehicle to EPA for testing along with technical documentation. EPA certification apply to a specific engine for a specific model year, e.g. 2008 GM 6.0L engine family, which cover several GM's vehicles with the 6.0L engine, but not all. The certification is valid for installation during a defined period of time which can be renewed by filing documentation and paying a fee.
The conversion work must be performed by a licensed technician.
It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to ensure the equipment is properly installed and that it is safe, durable, and meets the emission standards of the original model year of the vehicle.
Few small volume manufacturers have opted for certifications of their systems after EPA and CARB. You may find information published at the EPA and CARB website.
| A selection of common questions and answers about certified alternative fuel conversions in U.S.A. |
| The following question are formulated and answered in the EPA document CISD-06-02 (LD-AFC) published as a public domain on February 3, 2006. You may click on each numbered question which will open the original PDF original questions and answers document direct from the EPA site. |
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1. Can you outline the Certification process for an aftermarket conversion to an alternative fuel?
3. How can I assure that an aftermarket conversion does not constitute tampering?
5. What model year standards apply to converted vehicles?
8. What are the record keeping requirements for a fuels converter?
11. What laboratories conduct the EPA tests?
12. Where are test procedures and small volume manufacturer regulations described?
15. How much do emission tests cost?
25. What is the emissions warranty period for aftermarket conversions?
26. Who is liable for the emissions warranty when a part or system fails on a converted vehicle?
27. Are there any in-use test responsibilities for alternative fuels converters?
30. What are the OBD requirements for alternative fuels converters?
33. Are there State emission requirements in addition to Federal standards?
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| Technician Training for Alternative Fuels in U.S.A. |
| The following organizations offer technician training for alternative fuel vehicles. |
Clean Vehicle Education Foundation (CVEF)
National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC)
National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF)
Natural Gas Vehicle Institute (NGVI)
Community College-Based Training
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| Installers with a 2008 EPA Certificate of Conformity (09-12-08) |
The EPA makes public information about certificates of conformity.
EPA issues certificates of conformity specifically for a model year and "Test Group" (previously known as "Engine Family") You may research the list for previous years at: http://www.epa.gov/dis/
To search the information you have to know the parameters. As an example, here we publish the search result for known alternative fuel conversion business, specifically for certificate of conformity for model year 2008.
This search was done on September 12-2008. |
Description |
Title: Certificate for BAF TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8BAFT05.42NN evaporative family 8BAFRO000001
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to Federal: Tier 2 Bin 6 and CA: SULEV II standards. Fuel type: Dedicated CNG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: E-350 VAN.
Document Date: 02/26/2008
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 52K pdf |
Title: Certificate for BAF TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8BAFV04.61NN evaporative family 8BAFRO000001
Abstract: This test group contains 4.6 Liters engine(s) certified to Federal: Tier 2 Bin 2 and CA: LEV II, SULEV standards. Fuel type: Dedicated CNG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: CROWN VICTORIA; LINCOLN-MERCURY: GRAND MARQUIS TOWN CAR.
Document Date: 02/26/2008
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 54K pdf
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Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XK06.0GD7 evaporative family 8Z9XR0223GD7
Abstract: This test group contains 6.0 Liters engine(s) certified to HDV and CFV: LEV standards. Fuel type: Gasoline or LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: CHEVROLET: C2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, C3500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, C2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, K2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, K3500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, G1500/2500 EXPRESS 2WD, G1500/2500 VAN 2WD, C3500 EXPRESS 2WD, C3500 VAN 2WD, C25 SILVERADO 2WD, C35 SILVERADO 2WD, K25 SILVERADO 4WD, K35 SILVERADO 4WD; GMC: C2500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 2WD, C3500 SIERRA CLASSIC 2WD, K2500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, K3500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, G1500/2500 SAVANA 2WD PASSENGER, G1500/2500 SAVANA 2WD CARGO, G3500 SAVANA 2WD PASSENGER, G3500 SAVANA 2WD CARGO, C25 SIERRA 2WD, C35 SIERRA 2WD, K25 HD SIERRA 4WD, K35 SIERRA 4WD.
Document Date: 06/19/2007
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 68K pdf |
Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XK06.0GD7 evaporative family 8Z9XR0223GD7
Abstract: This test group contains 6.0 Liters engine(s) certified to HDV and CFV: LEV standards. Fuel type: Gasoline or LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: CHEVROLET: C2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, C3500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, C2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, K2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, K3500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, G1500/2500 EXPRESS 2WD, G1500/2500 VAN 2WD, C3500 EXPRESS 2WD, C3500 VAN 2WD, C25 SILVERADO 2WD, C35 SILVERADO 2WD, K25 SILVERADO 4WD, K35 SILVERADO 4WD; GMC: C2500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 2WD, C3500 SIERRA CLASSIC 2WD, K2500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, K3500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, G1500/2500 SAVANA 2WD PASSENGER, G1500/2500 SAVANA 2WD CARGO, G3500 SAVANA 2WD PASSENGER, G3500 SAVANA 2WD CARGO, C25 SIERRA 2WD, C35 SIERRA 2WD, K25 HD SIERRA 4WD, K35 SIERRA 4WD.
Document Date: 06/19/2007
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 53K pdf |
Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XK06.0GF7 evaporative family 8Z9XR0176GF7
Abstract: This test group contains 6.0 Liters engine(s) certified to HDV Gasoline: CFV LEV standards and CNG: CFV ULEV. Fuel type: Gasoline or CNG. List of vehicle divisions and models: CHEVROLET: C1500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, C2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, K1500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, K2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, C25 SILVERADO 2WD, K25 SILVERADO 4WD; GMC: C1500 SIERRA CLASSIC 2WD, K1500 SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, K2500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, C25 SIERRA 2WD, K25 HD SIERRA 4WD.
Document Date: 01/16/2008
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 56K pdf |
Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XK06.0GF7 evaporative family 8Z9XR0223GF7
Abstract: This test group contains 6.0 Liters engine(s) certified to HDV Gasoline: CFV LEV standards and CNG: CFV ULEV. Fuel type: Gasoline or CNG. List of vehicle divisions and models: CHEVROLET: C2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, C3500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 2WD, K2500 HD SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, K3500 SILVERADO CLASSIC 4WD, G1500/2500 EXPRESS 2WD, G1500/2500 VAN 2WD, C3500 EXPRESS 2WD, C3500 VAN 2WD, C25 SILVERADO 2WD, C35 SILVERADO 2WD, K25 SILVERADO 4WD, K35 SILVERADO 4WD; GMC: C2500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 2WD, C3500 SIERRA CLASSIC 2WD, K2500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, K3500 HD SIERRA CLASSIC 4WD, G1500/2500 SAVANA 2WD PASSENGER, G1500/2500 SAVANA 2WD CARGO, G3500 SAVANA 2WD PASSENGER, G3500 SAVANA 2WD CARGO, C25 SIERRA 2WD, C35 SIERRA 2WD, K25 HD SIERRA 4WD, K35 SIERRA 4WD.
Document Date: 01/16/2008
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 62K pdf |
Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XT05.4FD5 evaporative family 8Z9XR0240FD5
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to Federal: Tier 2 Bin 8 and CVF: ULEV standards. Fuel type: Dedicated LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: F150 PICKUP 2WD/4WD, F150 SUPERCREW PICKUP 2WD/4WD.
Document Date: 06/12/2007
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 65K pdf |
Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XT05.4FD5 evaporative family 8Z9XR0240FD5
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to Federal: Tier 2 Bin 8 and CVF: ULEV standards. Fuel type: Dedicated LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: F150 PICKUP 2WD/4WD, F150 SUPERCREW PICKUP 2WD/4WD.
Document Date: 06/12/2007
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 51K pdf |
Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XT05.4GF3 evaporative family 8Z9XE0155GF3
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to CFV: LEV; LPG: ULEV standards. Fuel type: Dedicated LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: F150 PICKUP 2WD/4WD.
Document Date: 06/12/2007
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 57K pdf |
Title: Certificate for IMPCO TECHNOLOGIES model year test group 8Z9XT05.4GF3 evaporative family 8Z9XE0155GF3
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to CFV: LEV; LPG: ULEV standards. Fuel type: Dedicated LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: F150 PICKUP 2WD/4WD.
Document Date: 06/12/2007
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 788K pdf |
Title: Certificate for ROUSH INDUSTRIES model year test group 8RIIT05.44D7 evaporative family 8RIIR0240LPG
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to Federal: Tier 2 Bin 4. Fuel type: Dedicated LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: F150 P/U 2WD/4WD, F150 CREW P/U 2WD/4WD, F150 SUPERCREW P/U 2WD/4WD.
Document Date: 03/25/2008
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 50K pdf |
Title: Certificate for ROUSH INDUSTRIES model year test group 8RIIT05.44HA evaporative family 8RIIR0240LPG
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to Federal: Interim Non Tier 2 Bin 8. Fuel type: Dedicated LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: F150 P/U 2WD/4WD.
Document Date: 04/10/2008
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 57K pdf |
Title: Certificate for ROUSH INDUSTRIES model year test group 8RIIT05.4LPG evaporative family 8RIIR0240LPG
Abstract: This test group contains 5.4 Liters engine(s) certified to Federal: Tier 2 Bin 4. Fuel type: Dedicated LPG. List of vehicle divisions and models: FORD: F150 P/U 2WD/4WD, F150 CREW P/U 2WD/4WD, F150 SUPERCREW P/U 2WD/4WD.
Document Date: 03/19/2008
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 52K pdf |
Title: Certificate for Roush Industries, Inc. 2008 model year test group 8RIIV04.6VBB evaporative family 8RIIR0125KCK
Abstract: This test group contains 4.6 Liters engine(s) certified to Tier 2 Bin 5, LEV-II ULEV standards. List of vehicle divisions and models: Roush Performance Products: ROUSH STAGE3 MUSTANG
Document Date: 07/19/2007
Compliance Document Type: Certificates of conformity 50K pdf
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| Source: |
U.S. Department of Energy http://www.eere.energy.gov
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/
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