July 16, 2018
By: Stuart Foster / UL Engineer
Australian and New Zealand electrical safety regulations reference AS/NZS 3820 “Essential safety requirements for electrical equipment” to describe minimum compliance requirements in conjunction with product specific standards where these exist. While the specific details and terminology vary between the different jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand there is a common requirement for specific categories of electrical equipment to be certified prior to being offered for sale.
Starting from 30th Jun 2018 (cutoff date), self-ballasted LED lamps with operating voltage higher than 50V for general lighting services will be re-classified from EESS “in-scope” level 1 to level 3 in EESS participating jurisdictions. In New South Wales these will be classified as “declared articles” after 1 July 2020.
| Product | Prior to 30th Jun 2018 | After 30th Jun 2018 |
| In-Scope Level 1 | In-Scope Level 3 | |
| Self-ballasted LED lamps > 50V | 1. The product type and brand must be linked to the registered responsible supplier in the EESS national database; and
2. be marked with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). |
1. The product must have a valid electrical safety certificate (Certificate of Conformity) showing the product complies with the relevant Australian Standard AS/NZS 62560:2017; and
2. The brand and model/s must be registered to the registered responsible supplier in the EESS national database; and 3. be marked with the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM). |
The regulatory compliance standard AS/NZS 4417.2 defines light emitting semiconductor lamp (self-ballasted) under section B.2.65 as:
Light emitting semiconductor lamp (self-ballasted) is an appliance that:
(a) incorporates a light emitting semiconductor light source; and
(b) has any additional elements necessary for stable operation of the light source incorporated within the lamp body and permanently connected to the light source; and
(c) has a rated voltage greater than 50 V and up to and including 250 V; and
(d) is intended for connection to supply via means of lamp cap for insertion into a lamp holder.
but does not include—
(e) a double capped light emitting semiconductor lamp.
The electrical safety standard AS/NZS 62560:2017 is an adoption of IEC 62560:2011/AMD1:2015 (edition 1.1) with national modifications. These national differences include:
- An implied 240 V rating for the purposes of testing even if not specifically marked with this rated voltage,
- temperature limits for accessible surfaces (73oC for metal and 90oC for non-metallic)
- Australian specific resistance to flame and ignition tests.
LED lamp manufacturers who intend to apply for an electrical safety certificate on the basis of an IECEE CB certificate and associated report will need to ensure that AU/NZ national differences are included in their documentation. With the exception of NSW (where the electrical safety regulatory requirements are applicable at point of sale) existing stock already in the market prior to 30th Jun 2018 (still under EESS level 1) may be cleared without electrical safety certification. Stock imported after 30th Jun 2018 must be covered by an electrical safety certificate to AS/NZS 62560:2017 and the certificate along with the specific brand and models must be linked to the responsible supplier (in-country representative) in the EESS national database.
In addition to safety, LED lamps are also regulated under ACMA EMC labelling notices that require the product to demonstrate compliance to CISPR 15. MEPS and energy rating labeling is yet to be implemented for LED lamps, but is under consideration.
How UL can help
UL provides a one stop solution for customers accessing the Australian / New Zealand markets by using IECEE CB Scheme test reports and certificates according to IEC 62560 including applicable AU/NZ national deviations and issuance of CoC since UL is also recognized by the regional regulatory authorities to issue electrical safety certificates. Customers may choose to test their LED lamp product at any UL test lab within UL’s global network, including EMC testing based on CISPR 15.