If you import, manufacture, or sell electrical devices in Australia, you’ve likely encountered:
- EESS (Electrical Equipment Safety System)
- ACMA (Australian Communication and Media Authority) requirements
- Electricity Safety (Equipment Safety Scheme) Regulations
Navigating these requirements can be challenging, especially with recent regulatory changes. Many organizations struggle with:
- Properly classifying their equipment
- Understanding applicable standards
- Meeting EMC compliance
- Additional complexities for devices with wireless capabilities (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.)
Understanding ERAC and EESS Requirements
The EESS applies to “in-scope” electrical equipment defined as:
- Greater than 50V AC RMS or 120V ripple-free DC (Extra-low voltage)
- Less than 1000V AC RMS or 1500V ripple-free DC (High voltage)
Key standard: AS/NZS 4417 defines:
- In-scope electrical equipment
- Use of the RCM (c-tick) mark
- Prescribed requirements based on equipment risk levels
Equipment must be designed/marketed for household, personal, or similar use.
Equipment Risk Levels
AS/NZS 4417.2 defines risk levels which determine:
- Required testing
- Notification requirements
- Documentation needed for compliance
Common Compliance Pitfalls
- New technologies are harder to classify correctly
- Misclassifying risk levels creates serious business risks
- Commercial equipment requirements have changed (now harmonized)
- CE marking doesn’t guarantee Australian compliance
- Devices registered on national databases still require compliance work
Other Compliance Considerations
Beyond AS/NZS 4417.2, your devices may need to meet:
- Minimum safety requirements (additional Australian Standards)
- ACMA requirements for:
- EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- EMI/RFI Susceptibility
- Energy transmission
We’ll cover ACMA requirements in more detail in a future article.
Need Compliance Assistance?
We can help you navigate these complex requirements:
Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about your specific needs.
