DECT technology has been in operation for some time and is often used in conjunction with a base unit to facilitate voice communications thru the PSTN (Public Switched Telecommunications Network) either via a DECT enabled headset or handset.  While DECT is loosely harmonised, there are different frequency allocations in various countries, resulting in DECT devices used in the USA or Canada, unable to be used in Australia.

There are multiple standards and labelling requirements applicable to a DECT device in order to achieve product approval prior to legal sale in Australia, the following is a brief summary of each requirement;

Radiocommunications (intentional emissions) Requirements (known as C-Tick)

The ACMA’s Radiocommunications (Digital Cordless Communications Devices (DECT) Devices) Standard 2007 adopts and modifies the The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) EN 301 406 (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT)) with 2 specific differences:

(a) The device must only operate on frequencies between 1880 and 1900 MHz; and

(b) With a radiated power of no more than 36 dBm EIRP.

Note as US and Canadian DECT devices operate on 1920–1930 MHz, they cannot be used.

The (EMC) Electromagnetic Interference Requirements (Also known as C-Tick) 

The portion of the device not subject to intentional emission requirements should comply with the normal EMC requirements of an IT device (AS/NZS CISPR22/EN 55022).  This standard applies to the device when it is not transmitting and would cover portions such as the base unit that may be connected to the PSTN or Ethernet/broadband services.

Telecommunications Requirements (known as A-Tick)

The ACMAs’ telecommunications labelling notice (Schedule 1) lists standards applicable to PSTN and VoIP devices and in the case of DECT, would apply to base units connected to the PSTN or a broadband service supporting voice and where the handset or base has a keypad. 

Base units connected directly or to the FXS port of a PBX/Customer Switching System require testing to AS/NZS60950 (safety), AS/ACIF S002 (Interworking/PSTN), AS/ACIF S004 (voice) and AS/ACIF S040 (Disability).  AS/ACIF S004 would apply to a handset and also to the base if there is a handsfree voice or answering machine function.  The disability standard AS/ACIF S040 applies to handsets and keypads used by products in use of a standard telephone service.

External Power Supply of a DECT device (Electrical Safety)

External power supplies (ELV PSUs) are declared items requiring accredited testing and a safety certificate of approval.  If the power supply is designed for use with IT products and is a wall mount design, it should comply with AS/NZS60950 and Appendix J of AS/NZS 3112.  If the supply is an in-line style, it should comply with AS/NZS60950 and the connecting mains cordset should have an existing Australian approval. 

 External Power Supply of a DECT device (MEPS)

All external power supplies with:

  • nominal 230~240Vac mains supply input and
  • single output at Extra Low Voltage (ELV) either ac or dc, and
  • maximum output of 250W or 250VA,

manufactured or imported for sale in Australia or New Zealand arerequired to meet or exceed minimum performance criteria specified in AS/NZS4665. 

Registration must be made in the format prescribed in AS/NZS 4665 with any one of the Regulators in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and New Zealand.  Registration in any one jurisdiction is acceptable by all jurisdictions, although there are some special conditions to be considered for New Zealand registration.

Austest Laboratories provides a turnkey solution to compliance of DECT products, covering:

  • RF testing to the Australian deviations of (ETSI) EN 301 406
  • EMC emissions to AS/NZS CISPR22
  • AS/ACIF S002, S003, S004, S040
  • AS/NZS60950 of DECT devices and power supplies
  • MEPS Testing to AS/NZS4665 inc registration
  • Compliance Folder services for non-resident manufacturers