The ACMA is cracking down on LED lights causing TV interference. EMC compliance is mandatory in Australia and New Zealand is mandatory. Many readers of this post will be very aware of the variation in the product range of LED lighting currently hitting the marketplace. Almost all LED lights need EMC testing. Australia has also implemented energy efficiency targets. Which include incentives to upgrade older technology lighting systems in the home and workplace to more modern ones. With improved energy-efficient lighting with the same or better lighting capability. Some of this testing energy-efficient includes lamp Circuit Power testing. This is more commonly known as LCP testing. EMC Bayswater can provide accredited LCP testing. This is usually required under both the Victorian and New South Wales energy saving schemes.
Why perform EMC LED light testing in Australia
With this increased of these emerging products, it has seen an increase in Electromagnetic Interference or EMI. This has been noted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and us. We are an accredited laboratory specializing in EMC testing. EMC Bayswater caters for both the lighting product testing and also technical reviews of overseas EMC test reports. Overseas EMC test reports if valid may be used to prove compliance with the Australian mandated requirements. There has been a significant increase in non-compliant products. Either product that fails to comply with the EMC standards when tested or EMC test reports that are not satisfactory.
As a supplier of LED lighting products in Australia, it is paramount that you understand the responsibilities. The ACMA has just released a great straightforward article to assist with this and provide guidance and lots of great free advice.
A supplier of LED lighting products in Australia it is paramount that you understand the responsibilities! The ACMA released a great straightforward article to assist with this and provide guidance and lots of great free advice. Within this article, the ACMA explain many aspects of LED lighting. And the associated issues that face the Australian market, suppliers and consumers. Many of the LED lighting products that emerge on the Australian market are imported from manufacturers overseas. Subsequently, the article has been taken off the ACMA website and replaced with some more general advice for EMI interference and TV reception.
Importing LED lights to Australia
In some instances from regions where either the importance of EMC testing and standards is not a main focal point. Possibly due to financial constraints, engineering difficulties or profit margins. This is evident from at least 50% of all overseas test reports reviewed by us that are not satisfactory. Due to their technical merit or validity against the ACMA mandated requirements. We have seen issues with reports ranging from, forged, tampered, the photo edited or just created from a template. In an attempt to try to satisfy unsuspecting importers or suppliers.
It is the importers or distributors who need to conform to the requirements of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) for Australia. In addition to this blatant misuse and forgeries, we also have seen non-valid test reports from other laboratories. Were the methodologies or results have not appeared as they should. Or other issues that have raised serious doubts about the competency, traceability and ability of the laboratory. It has also been noted that over the life cycle of a previously EMC compliant product that the EMC performance has declined. In some instances components been substituted, changed or removed from circuits. Rendering the final revised/evolved product to no longer comply with the Australian requirements.
Thinking of selling into the USA market, then please refer to the OET notice “FCC – Radio Frequency LED Lighting EMC Testing Notice“.
Why perform EMC LED light testing in Australia with EMC Bayswater?
As an independent Australian owned NATA accredited EMC testing laboratory. EMC Bayswater recommends using a NATA accredited EMC testing facility for testing. We also highly recommend using pre-compliance EMC testing to spot check and audit a product through its lifecycle. This can help to ensure your product range remains a compliant high-quality product that you should expect. Thus avoiding the possibility of product recalls, re-testing. Also causing detrimental damage to your companies reputation for supplying quality products. Don’t forget we offer NATA accredited EMC LED light testing in Australia. We also review and assess overseas test report reviews. And perform EMC pre-compliance at our fully accredited CISPR 15 EMC Testing facility and much more, so don’t wait to get in touch with us today!
