Requirements for Fluorescent Lamps

Overview of MEPS

From 1 October 2004, linear fluorescent lamps manufactured in or imported into Australia must comply with Minimum Energy Performance (MEPS) requirements which are set out in AS/NZS 4782.2-2004. The scope of linear fluorescent lamps MEPS covers FD and FDH lamps ranging from 550mm to 1500mm in length (inclusive) and having a nominal lamp power of 16 Watts or more. The intention of MEPS is to improve end-use energy efficiency by eliminating lower efficiency fluorescent lamps from the market and to encourage the sale and purchase of higher efficiency fluorescent lamps.

The standard also sets out the requirements for voluntary energy labelling which is the same as the European Energy labelling scheme. The label can be used on product packaging and in promotional or advertising materials. This labelling scheme extends to all lamp type including linear fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, quartz halogen lamps and incandescent lamps.

The Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for linear fluorescent lamps are set out as minimum luminous efficacy in lumens per Watt for various lamp sizes. There are also requirements for minimum Colour Rendering Index. The methods for measurement of energy consumption are set out in AS/NZS 4782.1.

Find out how to make an application for MEPS.

The MEPS 2004 Fluorescent Lamps Registration Fact Sheet provides more information on making an application. (factsheet-fluoros.pdf 30kB)

More details on the context of these standards are set out in the preface below.

Summary of Test Procedures for Fluorescent Lamps

Test Standards: Regulatory standards and test procedures for fluorescent lamps are published by Standards Australia. The following parts are relevant:

AS/NZS 4782.1 Part 1: Double-capped fluorescent lamps - Performance specifications, Part 1: General
AS/NZS 4782.2 Part 2: Double-capped fluorescent lamps - Performance specifications, Part 2: Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS)

These standards can be purchased from SAI Global under licence from Standards Australia.

AS/NZS 4782 - Part 1: Double-capped fluorescent lamps - Performance specifications

The test methods used to determine energy consumption, lamp light output and lamp efficiency are based on and are identical to International Standard IEC 60081:2000 including Amendment 1 (2000) and Amendment 2 (2003). Some standard references in the Australian version have been changed to Australian Standards, but otherwise the standard is identical. The standard specifies lamp design characteristics such as cap types, dimensions, starting characteristics, electrical and cathode characteristics, photometric characteristics, lumen maintenance and marking requirements and test methods for these parameters. The standard also contains detailed data sheets for about 70 lamp sizes.

Scope: This International Standard specifies the performance requirements for double-capped fluorescent lamps for general lighting service. The requirements of this standard relate only to type testing. Conditions of compliance, including methods of statistical assessment, are under consideration. The following lamp types and modes of operation are included:

lamps having preheated cathodes, designed for operation on a.c. mains frequencies with the use of a starter, and additionally operating on high frequency;
lamps having preheated high-resistance cathodes, designed for operation on a.c. mains frequencies without the use of a starter (starterless), and additionally operating on high frequency;
lamps having preheated low-resistance cathodes, designed for operation on a.c. mains frequencies without the use of a starter (starterless), and additionally operating on high frequency;
lamps having preheated cathodes, designed for operation on high frequency;
lamps having non-preheated cathodes, designed for operation on a.c. mains frequencies;
lamps having non-preheated cathodes, designed for operation on high frequency.

For some of the requirements given in this standard, reference is made to "the relevant lamp data sheet". For some lamps these data sheets are contained in this standard. For other lamps, falling under the scope of this standard, the relevant data are supplied by the lamp manufacturer or responsible vendor.

AS/NZS 4782.2 Part 2: Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS)

This standard sets out detailed MEPS requirements and also sets out the voluntary labelling scheme for all lamp types.

Scope: This Standard specifies Minimum Energy Performance standard (MEPS) requirements for double-capped (FD and FDH) tubular fluorescent lamps with a nominal length of 550 mm to 1500 mm and having nominal lamp wattage of 16 watts or more, that are within the scope of AS/NZS 4782.1. This Standard further specifies the following:

Efficacy determination.
Minimum energy performance standard requirements.
Colour rendering index requirements.
Test report format.

This Standard covers lamps for general illumination purposes, for use in luminaires and with lamp ballasts connected to a 230 V 50 Hz single phase or similar mains supply. Lamps that are intended for use only with high frequency (electronic) ballasts are also covered.

PREFACE - AS/NZS 4782.2:2004

This Standard was prepared by the members of the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Technical Committee EL-041-08, Lighting - Energy Performance.

The objective of this part of the Standard AS/NZS 4782.2 is twofold:

To specify Minimum Energy Performance requirements for certain double-capped fluorescent lamps that are sold in Australia and New Zealand. The MEPS levels stated in this Standard cover general purpose tubular fluorescent lamps of certain length and wattage, operating in single-phase, 50 Hz supply.
To specify a labelling scheme for household lamps offered in Australia and New Zealand. The labelling scheme is presently voluntary and is based on the European 'A-G' label established in 1998 by Commission directive 98/11/EC. The requirements for labelling are covered in Appendix C of this Standard.

The Standard consists of the following parts:
AS/NZS 4782 Double-capped fluorescent lamps - Performance specifications
AS/NZS 4782.1 Part 1: General
AS/NZS 4782.2 Part 2: Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) (this Standard)

This Standard was prepared in response to the publication of a plan for the regulation of lamps by the Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee (E₃ Committee) in 2002. The plan called for the introduction of Minimum Energy Performance regulations for linear fluorescent lamps at a level which is broadly consistent with the Canadian, USA and NZ MEPS, although there are some variations due to the differences in products used in individual countries.

This Standard is published with the approval of the combined state and territory regulatory authorities and is structured to be suitable for reference in legislation calling up Minimum Energy Performance Standards and also for reference in energy labelling regulatory legislation. It refers to AS/NZS 4782.1 for test procedures. This Standard will come into force no earlier than 1 October 2004.

The Australian government encourages the use of the labelling scheme proposed in this Standard and may consider a mandatory approach, if there is no substantial increase in the use of this labelling scheme.

The regulations arising from this Standard are intended to eliminate halophosphate lamps from the Australian market, thereby ensuring that savings are maintained.

In New Zealand, the requirements specified in NZHB 4782.2, published in December 2001 are broadly equivalent to this Standard. This Standard is structured to allow common requirements in Australia and New Zealand.

The terms 'normative' and 'informative' are used in this Standard to define the application of the Appendix to which they apply. A normative appendix is an integral part of a Standard, whereas an informative appendix is for information and guidance.

Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to figures, are deemed to be requirements of this Standard. 'Shall' indicates a requirement is mandatory, while 'should' indicates a recommendation and good practice.

This page last modified 09 May 2007