AS/NZS 60335.2.11:2017 – Particular requirements for tumble dryers.

AS/NZS 60335.2.90:2017 – Particular requirements for commercial microwave ovens.

For further information go to: http://www.saiglobal.com/online/

On 29 January 2016, Amendment 2 of AS/NZS 4417.2 was published with a 12 month implementation date from the date of publication. Amendment 2 changed the risk classification and certification requirements of specific types of equipment. On 16 February 2017 Amendment 3 to AS/NZS 4417.2 delayed Level 2 equipment implementation to 1 June 2018.

A summary of the changes, include:

• Air Conditioners Incorporating Flammable Refrigerant have been increased to level 3.
• Air Conditioners Incorporating Non-Flammable or Low Flammable Refrigerant remain level 1 until 1 June 2018, after which date they become level 2.
• Building Wiring Cables have been increased to level 3.
• Double Capped Light Emitting Semiconductor Lamps (LED Tubes) have been increased to level 3.
• Luminaire – Portable Type definition remains unchanged until 1 June 2018. Any portable luminaire within this definition will remains Level 3 until that date.
• Simple Portable Luminaire is a new definition and on 1 June 2018 equipment within that definition will be classified as Level 2. Until 1 June 2018 the previous definition of Luminaire portable type applies to any simple portable luminaire that fits within that existing definition.

New Acoustic Safety requirements in Australia starting from 01 March 2017

The Australian standard AS/CA S042.1: 2015 requires telecommunication devices to comply with acoustic safety requirement as specified in clause 5.5.1. The Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measured at the Ear Reference Point (ERP) shall be less or equal to 120 dBA.

It is a mandatory requirement and the test procedure for this test is described in clause 6.3 of AS/CA S042.1: 2015 (standard attached).

This test method is very similar to the test method of SPL measurement described in the standard AS/CA S004: 2013 for devices connected to the PSTN/ISDN Network.

Under older version of the Telecommunication Labelling Notice TLN 2001 (Schedule 1 Note 27), a compliance level 1 applies to the maximum sound pressure level requirement of S042.1. This means that a manufacturer’s declaration that the device is in compliance with acoustic safety requirement of AS/CA S042.1: 2015 and has SPL level less than 120 dBA was acceptable.

However, in the new TLN 2015, the note 27 was removed and AS/CA S042.1: 2015 was defined as a high risk standard, which means that only accredited test labs or Australian ACMA certification bodies can issue a AS/CA S042.1: 2015 test report.

The existing version of TLN 2001 will expire at the end of February 2017 (2 years grandfathering period). From 01 March 2017, for demonstrating compliance with SPL requirement we will require a report and test data prepared under test procedure as describe in AS/CA S042.1: 2015. Previously provided reports to EN 50332-1 & 2 will not be sufficient for approval of mobile phones.

Currently, as there is no accredited lab to AS/CA S042.1: 2015 we will not require acoustic safety reports from accredited lab and will accept any test reports provided under test procedure described in clause 6.3 of AS/CA S042.1: 2015 supplied together with a manufacturer’s declaration statement.

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, are battery-powered devices with liquid-filled cartridges that, when heated, create an inhalable mist. The liquid is flavoured to taste like tobacco, menthol or other more exotic flavours – such as various fruits, mint or chocolate – and may or may not contain nicotine.

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In accordance with AS/NZS 4417.2 Amendment 2 some new products will require certification from 29 January 2017.  For a complete list of these products refer to ERAC.

Air-conditioners incorporating flammable refrigerant are now Level 3.

Air-conditioners incorporating non-flammable or low flammable are Level 2.

Risk Levels for Electrical Products, refer the table below:-

Xylem Water Solutions Australia – training in compliance for Industrial Pumps.  Xylem Water Solutions Australia

DNA Connect – training in compliance for RF and Telecom devices. DNA Connect

More than 20,000 shoppers complained to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission about consumer guarantees in 2016, with more than a quarter reporting problems returning electronics and whitegoods to retailers.

As the Christmas period ends and Boxing Day sales wind down, the ACCC is reminding shoppers they have automatic guarantee rights that a product will work for a reasonable period of time under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

“We are concerned that businesses continue to misrepresent the rights of consumers when they try to return a faulty product,” ACCC Acting Chair Dr Michael Schaper said.

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Christmas Tree Lights

• check old Christmas lights before re-using them
• test lights before installation
• make sure the power is off when installing Christmas lights or changing bulbs
• do not piggybank double adaptors on powerboards
• always turn off decorative lighting before going to bed or leaving the house
• keep Christmas lights out of reach of children

Outdoor Lighting

• when installing outdoor lights use only those designed for external use (generally these types will have a transformer)
• always turn off outdoor lights during rain or storms
• ensure that your outdoor connections are weatherproofed
• do not piggybank double adaptors on powerboards
• follow the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer
• do not run electrical leads over doorways or through windows, over walkways or driveways where they may be damaged

Check before you shop:–

• No products on your shopping list have been recalled – Product Safety Australia
• Any warning labels or safety information
• Toys are age appropriate and that button batteries are secured. The battery compartment should be secured with a captive screw, bolt or other mechanism that requires a tool to gain access to the batteries or the compartment requires two or more independent AND simultaneous actions to remove its cover.
• Check after Christmas – Product Safety Australia

Over the past year several types of detachable wall plugs have been recalled as they have come apart exposing live wires and presenting a risk of electrical shock. The wall plugs should not come apart easily and the plug portion should not separate when removed from the power socket.

For more information please check the Recalls on the Product Safety Australia website.