MEPS Requirements for Fluorescent Lamps

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 Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for linear fluorescent lamps in AS/NZS 4782.2-2004 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 test methods for measurement luminous efficacy are set out in AS/NZS 4782.1.

These standards can be purchased from http://www.standards.com.au

Find out how to make an application for MEPS.

You can also download the MEPS 2004 Fluorescent Lamps Registration Fact Sheet for more information on making an application. (factsheet-fluoros.pdf 30kB)

Exclusions: MEPS in AS/NZS 4782.2-2004 does not apply to lamps that are clearly not intended for general illumination, specifically -

lamps with a dominant colour or with an output that is predominantly outside the visible spectrum;
lamps for colour matching and that have a colour rendering index greater than 90 and a colour appearance approximating to a point on the black body locus;
lamps that are specifically for use in an industrial or agricultural process;
lamps for medical applications; or
lamps that have been given written exemption by the relevant regulatory authority on the grounds that they are for a specific purpose other than general illumination and are clearly distinguishable from lamps for general illumination.

AS/NZS 4782.2-2004 does not specify electrical safety requirements.

MEPS Levels

When measured in accordance with AS/NZS 4782.1 the initial efficacy (at 100 hours) and the maintained efficacy (at 5000 hours) shall exceed the values specified in the table below. Lamps shall also have a Colour Rendering Index which exceeds the value in the table below.

MEPS: MINIMUM LAMP EFFICACY AND COLOUR RENDERING REQUIREMENTS

Lamp nominal length L (mm) mandatory	550 < L < 700	700 < L < 1150	1150 < L < 1350	1350 < L < 1500
Lamp typical power (watts) (informative)	16 - 24	17 - 40	28 - 50	35 - 80
Initial efficacy Maintained efficacy	F ₁₀₀ > 66.0 and F_M > 57.5	F ₁₀₀ > 74.0 and F_M > 61.0	F ₁₀₀ > 80.0 and F_M > 70.0	F ₁₀₀ > 85.0 and F_M > 70.0
Minimum CRI	69	69	69	69

For further information email SAI Global under licence from Standards Australia.

This page last modified 09 May 2007