BE REWARDED FOR PLAYING BY THE RULES
14 Nov

NSW Fair Trading provides advice notice on Electrical Safety Certification for products with detachable plug portions.

NSW Fair Trading has provided a reminder notice to the Recognised External Accreditation Scheme (REAS) Certification Bodies, which includes CBA. The notice is to remind certifiers that there are some complexities with electrical articles with integral supply pins that are also supplied with detachable plug portions.

Allowed type: The above electrical article (power supply part) does not have any integral supply pins, and therefore does not trigger AS/NZS 3112 appendix J. However, once the Australian Plug Face is attached to the power supply, then AS/NZS 3112 appendix J is required.

Not allowed type: The above electrical article (power supply part) has integral supply pins that need to comply with AS/NZS 3112 appendix J. It does not comply with appendix J, regardless of any other detachable plug portions or travel adaptors also included with the electrical article at the time of sale.

What can I do to get assistance?

CBA can assist you with meeting your regulatory obligations and provide accredited safety certification.

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on 61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

Share this
29 Sep

Private wireless networks and Australian equipment requirements – even if the network is a private network, the equipment used on the network may need to comply with mandatory standards before the equipment can be supplied or used in Australia.

The ACMA recently published a market study on Private Wireless networks using 4G or 5G. The paper identifies developments in private wireless networks in Australia and some of the issues that need to be considered.

The paper also discusses the factors relevant to deploying 5G private wireless networks and includes 5 case studies of private networks in Australia that are outside of the mining and resources sector.

It is important to note that even if the network is a private network, the equipment used on the network may need to comply with mandatory standards before the equipment can be supplied or used in Australia.

What are the requirements?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the Australian Government regulator for telecommunications and radiocommunications. The ACMA has a range of equipment regulations that may apply.

The ACMA’s labelling notices and equipment rules place obligations on the importer (in Australia) of the equipment into Australia, or the manufacturer (in Australia) of the equipment that must be met before the equipment is able to be supplied in Australia.

The obligations in the labelling notices include the requirement to ensure the equipment complies with applicable standards, keeping records that demonstrate compliance, to register on the national database as a supplier and to label the equipment to show it complies.

There are two labelling notices and a set of general equipment rules by the ACMA which specify obligations for suppliers of equipment. It is possible that both labelling notices and the general equipment rules could apply to the supplier of the same piece of equipment.

The ACMA labelling notices and equipment rules will specify which standards your equipment must comply with.

What can I do to get assistance?

CBA can assist you with meeting your regulatory obligations, as well as providing accredited safety and telecommunication certification.

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on +61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

Share this
25 Sep

Electrical safety certification for power supplies and battery chargers – EESS updated Information Bulletin V2.0 related to the certification requirements and correct standards.

The EESS regulator has finally released their updated Information Bulletin V2.0 related to the certification requirements and correct standards needed for AC Adaptors, power supplies and battery chargers supplied to the Australian market.

The latest Information Bulletin lists general certification requirements that cover all types of power supplies and battery chargers as well as additional specific requirements and standards that apply to either power supplies or battery chargers. The full text of the Information Bulletin is available here.

What remains unchanged is that AC Adaptors, power supplies and battery chargers supplied for household or personal use are classified as Risk Level 3 that require mandatory safety certification and Level 3 equipment registration on the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database. They also need to be marked with the approval number, for example ABC-XXXXXX-EA as required in NSW in addition to the RCM marking.

Requirements for EMC compliance under Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) regulations and energy efficiency testing and registration under the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) rules also apply.

What can I do to get assistance?

CBA can assist you with meeting your regulatory obligations and provide accredited safety certification.

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on 61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

Share this
28 Aug

Why do lithium-ion batteries catch fire? Lithium battery fires are caused by a chemical reaction inside the battery that produces an intense flame that is hard to extinguish and produces toxic gases.

Firefighters say they fear being ‘“overwhelmed” by increasing numbers of battery fires. There is a growing concern about the rate of lithium battery fires.

Lithium battery fires are caused by a chemical reaction inside the battery that produces an intense flame that is hard to extinguish and produces toxic gases.

Lithium-ion batteries, although great for our lifestyle, pose a fire risk if damaged, are used incorrectly or are not maintained.

Fire Rescue Victoria implore people to use reputable brands in line with manufacturer specifications.

As of July 2023, firefighters in Western Australia had responded to 32 battery lithium fires and in the ACT eight fires were attributed to e-scooter batteries in Canberra.

People should take precautions about how and when they charge lithium batteries, including avoiding overcharging them, avoiding flammable locations like a bed and using reputable brands.

Non-rechargeable or disposable lithium batteries, or lithium metal batteries should also be treated with caution as they can expel molten flammable metal and emit toxic gasses during a fire. Small fires involving single use, disposable lithium batteries should be treated as a Lithium-ion battery fire.

 

NSW Fire and Rescue has published detailed information on its website outlining precautions that can be taken.

 

Share this
10 Aug

Electrical safety certification for power tools and battery chargers – before supplying power tools in Australia, importers & distributors need to be aware that there are laws & regulations they must comply with such as electrical safety certification.

Electrical safety certification for power tools and battery chargers

The Australian marketplace offers access to a wide variety of power tools available for use by laypeople in a domestic or DIY setting. Australian law protects consumers against injury and property damage caused by electrical devices. Before supplying power tools in Australia, importers and distributors need to be aware that there are laws and regulations they must comply with such as electrical safety certification.

Many power tools, for example portable or handheld consumer tools used for machining, drilling, sawing, or surface preparation require mandatory safety certification and equipment Level 3 registration on the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database. This also applies to any supplied battery chargers for the consumer or DIY market. Such Level 3 power tools and battery chargers need to be marked with the approval number, for example ABC-XXXXXX-EA as required in NSW in addition to the RCM marking.

Failure to have power tools or accessories properly safety tested and certified can lead to costly market recalls and result in failures such as property damage or risk of electric shock which can cause serious injury or death. ACCC’s Product Safety Australia webpage contains useful safety advice related to the safety of power tools, Li-ion batteries and many other products and also includes information about market recalls. Some recent recalls examples are: battery charger, workshop wall fan, mitre saw.

In addition to safety certification, tools that include button or coin batteries are also subject to safety and information standards mandated by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) since June 2022.

What can I do to get assistance?

CBA can assist you with meeting your regulatory obligations and provide accredited safety certification.

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on 61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

Share this
24 Jul

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY DEVICES OR BATTERIES FROM CATCHING FIRE?

There are things that you can do to prevent an incident involving lithium-ion batteries:

  • Only purchase and use devices and equipment from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Only use chargers that are supplied with the equipment or device, or certified third-party charging equipment that is compatible with the battery specifications. Using chargers with incorrect power delivery (voltage and current) can cause damage to the battery including overheating that can lead to fires.
  • Check that chargers bear the Regulatory Compliance Mark, to show that it has met the relevant Australian Standards under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).
  • Avoid leaving batteries or devices unattended while being charged or charging overnight. Once the indicator shows that a device or battery has been fully charged, disconnect it from the charger.
  • Don’t charge batteries or devices on combustible and insulating surfaces such as beds, sofas or carpet, and keep them away from highly flammable materials such as blankets, clothing, and paper.
  • Never use and charge devices such as phones, tablets and e-cigarettes or vaping devices in bed, where they can overheat if you fall asleep.
  • Larger batteries and equipment such as power tools and electric scooters should be charged in the garage, shed or carport away from living spaces.
  • FRNSW recommends ensuring that a smoke alarm or a heat alarm (where a smoke alarm cannot be installed) is installed in areas where devices are often charged. We recommend having a licenced electrician install and interconnect mains-powered smoke alarms where possible. Check with the manufacturer or distributor to ensure device models are compatible for interconnection.
  • Never store or leave batteries and devices in areas where they can be exposed to heat or moisture. Do not leave devices such as phones, computers or charging devices in direct sunlight or in parked vehicles where they can quickly heat up.
  • Don’t use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating, or signs of mechanical damage (cracked, dented, punctured, or crushed).

For more information visit Fire Safe NSW.

Share this
18 Jul

NEWSLETTER JULY 2023 – Room Heaters, Fatal Incident Data 2022, Recalls Button/Cell Batteries, Safety Certificates Australia vs NZ

Room Heaters – Pins for Direct Insertion 

AS/NZS 60335.2.30 Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2.30: Particular requirements for room heaters is progressing though the process for amendment to room heater requirements to preclude connection via means of pins for direct insertion into socket outlets, aimed to prevent an unsafe construction.

For further information please refer to eess.gov.au.

Electrical Fatal Incident Data Australia & New Zealand 2021 – 2022

The above data can be found on the ERAC website Electrical Fatality Data

Recalls Button/Cell batteries

Many products containing button/cell batteries have been recalled over the past few months for the following reasons:

  • The button/cell batteries are not secured in the battery compartment and are not child resistant according to the mandatory standards
  • The labelling requirements for packaging and product have not been met.

For further information visit ACCC.

Safety Certificates – Australia vs New Zealand

New Zealand recently published regulatory notices on the requirements for supplying high risk and medium risk electrical and electronic equipment in New Zealand.

Some differences compared to Australia are:

  • the equipment will need to be marked at 230V, or a range that includes 230V
  • the test reports need to have testing performed at 230V
  • Certified (or approved) electrical equipment needs to be marked with the authorised marking as the RCM is not recognised in New Zealand for electrical safety.
  • All compliance documentation must explicitly identify that all certification and testing comply with the New Zealand safety requirements.

For further information, please refer to our news item on the New Zealand notices.

If you require more information on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on 61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

Share this
13 Jul

New rules regarding the supply of electrical and electronic equipment in New Zealand

In August 2022, WorkSafe NZ published new regulatory (gazette) notices that apply to high risk and medium risk electrical and electronic equipment supplied in New Zealand. These commenced on 1 January 2023.

Some of the key requirements in the regulatory notices are:

  • All single-phase appliances must be marked with either 230V, or with a voltage range that includes 230V. All three-phase appliances must be marked with either 400V, or with a voltage range that includes 400V.
  • All certified appliances must have a unique certification marking, issued as part of the certification process. The RCM is not recognised in NZ for electrical safety certification.
  • Testing and certification must be carried out to confirm the safety and compliance of the equipment at 230V (or 400V if three-phase equipment).
  • Where the applicable testing standard requires testing at the most unfavourable voltage of a range, the determination of most unfavourable voltage must be made independently for each testing clause and documented in the test report.
  • A test report may not be used for electrical safety compliance if it is older than 5 years.

 

More detailed information on the regulatory notices can be found on the WorkSafe New Zealand website at https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/electricity/appliances-and-fittings/new-rules-regarding-the-supply-of-declared-articles-in-new-zealand/.

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact us on 61 2 9099-1557 or email Gunther at gtheisz@certificationbody.com.au or Colin at cpayne@certificationbody.com.au.

 

Share this
11 Jul

Transition period for LTE/5G Telecoms mobile device standards ending in December 2023

In December 2022, the ACMA made changes to the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2015 to give regulatory effect to the Telecommunications (Mobile Equipment Air Interface) Technical Standard 2022.

The Mobile Equipment Air Interface Standard 2022 updated the industry standards to AS/CA S042.1:2022 (general requirements), AS/CA S042.4:2022 (LTE requirements) and AS/CA S042.5:2022 (5G requirements). The Mobile Equipment Air Interface Standard 2022 provided a 12-month transition period, during which devices can comply with the existing industry standards, or the newly mandated 2022 industry standards.

This transition period will end in December 2023. From then on, only the 2022 industry standards can be used for compliance with the Mobile Air Interface Standard.

Applicable Industry Standards

During transition period From December 2023
General Requirements (all mobile devices)

AS/CA S042.1:2020 or AS/CA S042.1:2022

General Requirements (all mobile devices)

AS/CA S042.1:2022

LTE (3G/4G) capable devices

AS/CA S042.4:2018 or AS/CA S042.4:2022

LTE (3G/4G) capable devices

AS/CA S042.4:2022

5G capable devices

Carrier permission to connect a 5G device or AS/CA S042.5:2022

5G capable devices

AS/CA S042.5:2022

If you would like to know more on how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact Colin Payne (cpayne@certificationbody.com.au) or use our general enquiries email: contact@certificationbody.com.au.

Share this
06 Oct

Vehicle telematics and communications systems. These devices and systems may need to comply with mandatory standards before they can be supplied to the Australian market.

Does your vehicle’s systems have wireless sensors or include Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth functions?

Did you know that many vehicle telematics and communications systems use a Public Mobile Telecommunications Service (PMTS) to communicate?

These devices and systems may need to comply with mandatory standards before they can be supplied to the Australian market.

What are the requirements?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the Australian Government regulator for telecommunications and radiocommunications. The ACMA has a range of equipment regulations that may apply.

The ACMA’s labelling notices place obligations on the importer (in Australia) of the equipment into Australia, or the manufacturer (in Australia) of the equipment that must be met before the equipment is able to be supplied in Australia.

The obligations in the labelling notices include the requirement to ensure the equipment complies with applicable standards, keeping records that demonstrate compliance, to register on the national database as a supplier and to label the equipment to show it complies.

There are four labelling notices by the ACMA which specify obligations for suppliers of equipment. It is possible that all four labelling notices could apply to the supplier of the same piece of equipment.

The ACMA labelling notices will specify which standards your equipment must comply with.

What applies to vehicle telematics and communications systems?

The requirements are different depending on regulatory arrangement and labelling notice.

Telecommunications

If the vehicle’s system connects to a PMTS directly (rather than through a separate mobile phone) the supplier will need to ensure the system complies with the relevant standards mandated in the Telecommunications (Labelling Notice for Customer Equipment and Customer Cabling) Instrument 2015.

These standards depend on whether the vehicle’s system is data only or supports voice communications.

Radio standards

The supplier of equipment that uses radiocommunications transmitters will need to ensure the transmitters comply with the standards specified in the Radiocommunications (Compliance Labelling – Devices) Notice 2014 to ensure the transmitters will operate on the correct frequencies and with the correct power levels.

The radiocommunications transmitters include Bluetooth, wi-fi, transmitters to connect to a PMTS and any other type of radio transmitter used for communicating information, even if that communication is just between devices.

Electromagnetic Energy (EME)

The supplier of equipment that uses radiocommunications transmitters will also need to ensure the transmitters comply with the standards specified in the Radiocommunications (Compliance Labelling – Electromagnetic Radiation) Notice 2014 and the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation – Human Exposure) Standard 2014 to ensure the power levels from the transmitters are safe for people.

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

The ACMA has requirements to limit the possibility of interference to radio services from electrical and electronic systems and internal combustion engines. The supplier obligations and equipment requirements are specified in the Radiocommunications Labelling (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Notice 2017 and the standards mandated in the Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Standard 2017.

Australian suppliers of vehicles or machines may be exempt from these EMC related requirements if the Australian supplier is a member of a relevant peak industry body – the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Truck Industry Council (TIC), Construction and Mining Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG), or the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) – and the vehicle or machine complies with the industry body’s code of practice for EMC.

Supplier obligations

The Australian supplier of the final vehicle will need to comply with the requirements of all relevant ACMA labelling notices such as registering on the national database as a responsible supplier, keeping compliance records and signing a Declaration of Conformity for the vehicle.

Under some of the labelling notices the Australian supplier may not be required to apply a label if they are a member of one of the specified industry peak bodies. Please note that the device or system will still need to comply with all the relevant standards.

What can I do to get assistance?

Certification Body Australia can assist you with meeting your obligations.

Certification Body Australia (CBA) is an independent provider of product compliance services to manufacturers and distributors of electrical and electronic devices. Our specialist and highly experienced team will ensure your products conform with all applicable Australian regulatory requirements to not only minimize any risk of liability but assist your rapid time to market.

We are also a JAS-ANZ accredited Certification Body under the ACMA’s Telecommunications Equipment Certification Scheme (TECS). CBA performs assessments for compliance with applicable ACMA requirements and issues Statements of Compliance for telecom devices (3G/4G/5G, mobile phones or modules).

If you would like to discuss how CBA can assist you with your regulatory requirements, please contact Colin Payne (cpayne@certificationbody.com.au) or use our general enquiries email: contact@certificationbody.com.au.

For more information, please see our website – www.certificationbody.com.au.

Share this

© 2015 Certification Body Australia. All rights reserved.