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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 and Mercury Content. The methods for measurement of energy consumption are set out in AS/NZS 4782.1 and AS/NZS 4782.3.
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.
Test Standards: Regulatory standards and test procedures for fluorescent lamps are published by Standards Australia. The following parts are relevant:
These standards can be purchased from SAI Global under licence from Standards Australia.
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:
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.
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:
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.
This Standard was prepared by the members of the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Technical Committee EL-041-08, Lighting-Energy Performance. This Standard incorporates Amendment No. 1 (May 2006) and Amendment No. 2 (July 2006). The changes required by the Amendment are indicated in the text by a marginal bar and amendment number against the clause, note, table, figure or part thereof affected. The objective of this part of the Standard AS/NZS 4782.2 is threefold:
AS/NZS
4782 Double-capped fluorescent lamps-Performance specifications
4782.1 Part 1: General
4782.2 Part 2: Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) (this Standard)
4782.3 Part 3: Procedure for quantitative analysis of mercury present in fluorescent lamps
NOTE: AS/NZS 4782.3 is an interim Standard that will be reviewed 2 years from publication.
This Standard was prepared in response to the publication of a plan for the regulation of lamps by the National Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee (NAEEEC) 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 and AS/NZS 4782.3 for test procedures. The requirements of mercury content is intended to eventually harmonize with the EU directive 2002/95/EC, on 'Restrictions of the use of Hazardous Substances (ROHS)' in electrical and electronic equipment.
Amendment 1 will come into effect on the date of publication.
Amendment 2 will come into force no earlier than 1 May 2008.
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.
This standard sets out the test method for determination of mercury content in fluorescent lamps (including compact fluorescent lamps). The IEC are developing a test method for mercury determination, and it is expected that the IEC standard will replace this test method at a future date.
Scope: This part of the Standard outlines a procedure for quantitative analysis of mercury present in fluorescent lamps that are used in general lighting service and which are covered within the scope of AS/NZS 4782.1 and AS/NZS 60901. The testing method specifies the procedures that can be used to determine accurately the mercury content in a fluorescent lamp in which mercury is introduced as the medium for discharge between the electrodes.
The method involves the chemical digestion of the mercury contained within a lamp and the determination of that mercury content on a per unit basis. This is achieved using a method of solubilization of the entire mercury content contained within the tube using acidic digestion methods and the accurate determination of that mercury content using standard mercury solutions. This will allow comparisons between lamps in batches and comparisons with other internationally accepted standards for mercury content in fluorescent lamps. This Interim Standard covers methods of determination of mercury by wet chemical analysis.
This page last modified 02 February 2009
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