### Question
How is the "activation lock" defined?


### Answer
The term **activation lock** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 6295* as follows -

> a control mechanism (either a physical device directly on the water heater or a control system integrated into the water heater) that is locked by default and contains a physical, software, or digital communication that must be activated with an activation key to enable the product to operate at its designed specifications and capabilities and without which activation the product will provide not greater than 50 percent of the rated first hour delivery of hot water certified by the manufacturer

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 6295*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 77-ENERGY CONSERVATION > SUBCHAPTER III-IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY > Part A-Energy Conservation Program for Consumer Products Other Than Automobiles**

