Maybe it’s the power of the C-Tick RCM logo, maybe the ACMA have been incredibly good at market awareness for their EMC and radcomms regimes.  Whatever the reason, manufacturers and importers seem to be aware of the C-Tick, even though some may not know what standards apply, how to label their product or obtain the correct test reports for inclusion on the required self-declaration of conformity.

Many however, appear clueless as to their obligations for placing electrical items onto the market that are electrically safe and comply with Australian requirements.  There’s no doubt the electrical regulators could reduce their field compliance issues by an awareness campagne aimed at distributors and importers.

All mains powered items sold or used in Australia & New Zealand must be safe and comply with AS/NZS 3820 (Essential safety requirements for Australia & New Zealand).  This standard in itself is not a test standard and references/relies on compliance to relevant product specific safety standards.

In other words, you comply with AS/NZS 3820 when you comply with the relevant Australian product safety standard applicable to the specific product being placed on the market.  This requirement applies if the item falls into the declared items category or not.

Failure to comply with Australian Safety Requirements may result in fines, product recalls or both.

Examples of just some of the relevant product standards are as follows:

  • Information Technology Equipment AS/NZS60950
  • Lighting Products AS/NZS 60598 Series
  • Battery Chargers AS/NZS 60335.2.29
  • Audio Visual Equipment AS/NZS 60065
  • Mains Plugs and Sockets AS/NZS 3112
  • Mains Cables AS/NZS3191
  • Grid Connect Inverters AS/NZS3100
  • Medical Devices AS/NZS 60601.1
  • Industrial Scientific and Lab Equipment AS/NZS 61010
  • Vending and Dispensing Machines AS/NZS 60335.2.75
  • Refrigerators and Ice Makers AS/NZS 60335.2.24
  • Room Heaters AS/NZS 60335.2.30
  • Amusement Machines AS/NZS 60335.2.82
  • Drives for Roller Shutters, Awnings and Blinds AS/NZS 60335.2.97
  • Ranges, Ovens and Hobs AS/NZS 60335.2.6
  • Range Hoods AS/NZS60335.2.31
  • Surface Cleaning Appliances AS/NZS 60335.2.10

Once compliance is determined via the above standards, an importer or distributor must determine if the device falls into the declared items category or not.  Declared items are harmonised between States and Territories with some minor exceptions.  Once and product is approved in one State, it’s OK for sale in all others.

In New South Wales, electrical safety issues are administered by the NSW Dept of Fair Trading.  There are 56 items classified as declared articles, the declared articles list can be found here.

The New Zealand Regulations are similar to those of Australia, while New Zealand accept Australian safety approvals.  Details of the New Zealand Regulator Requirements are here.

If a product does not fall into the declared articles category, voluntary formal approval may be sought, known as a Certificate of Suitability.  The application process is similar to that of a declared article.  Certificates of Suitability are often used by a supplier to prove compliance and for marketing advantages, while many larger retailers require approval certifcates as part of their purchasing/procurement process.

Austest covers all aspects of the electrical compliance process, from testing to certification.  For a quote, include a product brochure or technical specification with a picture to Austest Laboratories