Overview of MEPS Requirements for Ballasts for Linear Fluorescent Lamps

From 1 March 2003, ballasts for linear fluoescent lamps manufactured in or imported into Australia must comply with Minimum Energy Performance (MEPS) requirements which are set out in AS/NZS 4783.2-2002. Ballasts within the scope of MEPS must also be marked with their energy efficiency by way of their Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), the details of which are also specified in AS/NZS 4783.2-2002. This standard also allows the voluntary marking of EEI for a range of compact fluorescent lamp types.

MEPS does not apply to the following types of ballasts:

primarily for use on DC supplies or batteries;
primarily for the production of light (radiation) outside the visible spectrum;
to exit signs within the scope of AS/NZS 2293;
to hazardous area lighting equipment within the scope of AS/NZS 2380, AS/NZS 60079 and AS/NZS 61241.

The Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for ballasts requirements are set out as maximum allowable total circuit power when tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4783.1.

Test Standards: Note that regulatory standards for ballasts are published jointly by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.

AS/NZS4783.1: Performance of electrical lighting equipment - Ballasts for fluorescent lamps Part 1: Method of measurement to determine energy consumption and performance of ballast-lamp circuits

AS/NZS4783.2: Performance of electrical lighting equipment - Ballasts for fluorescent lamps Part 2: Energy labelling and minimum energy performance standards requirements

These standards can be purchased from Standards Australia.

Find out how to make an application for MEPS.

This page last modified 02 February 2009