Energy efficient regulations for external power supplies

The Australian Government now regulates the energy efficiency performance of external power supplies, AC charger and AC adaptors.

A standard AS/NZS 4665.1: 2005 has been released to provide a test method for assessing the energy efficiency of these devices.

Test equipment must meet specific measurement uncertainties with the total harmonic distortion of the supply voltage less than 2%. Measurements are conducted at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% load and no-load conditions.

The averaged efficiency measured at various load conditions is then calculated and will determine the energy performance level and mark.

The standard also includes information on the energy performance mark. The mark will be optional with most power supplies falling into efficiency level III or IV (high efficiency).

Part 2 of the standard, AS/NZS 4665.2: 2005 has requirements for minimum energy performance standard (MEPS). Registration with regulators is voluntary now and will become mandatory after 01 October 2007. TCA can make applications for registration on your behalf.

This regulation means that external power supplies:

• must be tested as described in AS/NZS 4665.1: 2005 and must comply with MEPS requirements of AS/NZS 4665.2: 2005;
• must be registered with the regulator in either NSW, VIC, QLD or SA.