Overview

Commencing 1 November 2009, certain general purpose incandescent lamps (tungsten filament and tungsten halogen) will be required to comply with Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) that are set out in AS 4934.2-2010 in Australia. Test procedures for Incandescent Lamps are set out in AS 4934.1-2010. Note: MEPS Requirements for Incandescent Lamps do not apply in New Zealand.

From 1 February 2009 there has been an import restriction for general lighting service (GLS) incandescent lamps implemented through Commonwealth Regulation. Further information is available on the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website

The intended timeline for certain lamps being subject to MEPS is as follows:

Lamp Types	Sales Restriction From
Tungsten incandescent GLS lamps ELV halogen non reflector	1 November 2009
>40W Candle, fancy round and decorative lamps ELV halogen reflector *	October 2010
Mains voltage halogen non-reflector **	1 January 2011
Mains voltage reflector lamps including halogen (PAR, ER, R, etc) >25 W Candle fancy round and decorative lamps	October 2012
Pilot lamps 25W and below	To be determined dependent on availability of efficient replacement product

* For ELV halogen reflector lamps, the average measured wattage shall be no more than 37W. This requirement takes effect from 14 April 2012.

** Refer to Regulatory Ruling #30

The definitions of Lamp Types in the above table can be found in the summary of Part 2 of the Australian Standard. These include tungsten filament and tungsten halogen lamps with varying voltages, wattages, shapes and lamp caps, used for general purpose lighting. MEPs will also be applied to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs).

MEPS improves end-use energy efficiency by eliminating lower efficiency lamps from the market.

MEPS for incandescent lamps are set out as minimum Efficacy (in lumens per Watt). The required minimum initial lamp efficacy (in lm/W) is given by the formula:

2.8 x (In(L) – 4.0

Where In(L) is the natural logarithm of the measured initial luminous flux (in lumens)

The curve resulting from this formula is depicted in the figure below.

Until 30 September 2012, when tested in accordance with AS 4934.1, mains voltage halogen non-reflector lamps may comply with an alterantive initial efficacy requirement, as follows:

• Initial efficacy: Average test value shall be > 0.95

There are also requirements for Lumen Maintenance (minimum of 80% measured at 75% of rated lamp life) and Minimum Lamp Life (median lamp life of at least 2000 hours). The methods for measurement of efficacy, lumen maintenance and lamp life are set out in AS 4934.1.

Find out how to make an application for MEPS.

More details from the relevant standards can be found here.