Ballasts for fluorescent lamps – scope and exclusions

Ballasts for fluorescent lamps must comply with minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) set out in AS/NZS 4783.2-2002. This page describes which specific products are affected, and what the MEPS levels are.

Products included the MEPS

MEPS for fluorescent lamp ballasts have been in effect since 2002.

Products included in MEPS are ferromagnetic and electronic ballasts that are:

  • used with fluorescent lamps from 15W to 70W, and
  • rated for 50 Hz and 230/240/250V supply (or a range that includes these), and
  • intended for use with ILCOS lamp types FD, FSD, or FSS compact 4 tube flat (type T, type TC-L or type TC-F lamps) listed in Table 3 of AS/NZS 4783.2:2002, or that may be used with those lamps, and
  • supplied either as separate components or as part of a luminaire.

Note: See relevant extract of Table 3 AS/NZS 4783.2:2002 of specific ILCOS lamp types.

Products excluded from the MEPS

MEPS do not apply to the following types of ballast for fluorescent lamps.

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

MEPS levels

To meet the New Zealand MEPS levels, fluorescent lamp ballasts must comply with the requirements for EEI classification B1 in the table below.

Extract from the Standard AS/NZS 4783.2-2002

         TABLE 3: BALLASTS FOR FLUORESCENT LAMPS - EEI CLASSIFICATION
 Lamp type
 and arrangement
  Nominal
 lamp
 power*
 Watts
 		   ILCOS code        Maximum corrected total input power, Watts 
       Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) classification
 A1#  A2  A3  B1 B2  C   D

 Linear

 T   

  18  FD-15-E-G13-26/450  ≤18  ≤16  ≤18  ≤21   ≤23.5  ≤25  >25
 18  FD-18-E-G13-26/600  ≤21  ≤19  ≤21  ≤24  ≤26  ≤28  >28
 30  FD-30-E-G13-26/895  ≤33  ≤31  ≤32  ≤36  ≤38  ≤40  >40
 36  FD-36-E-G13-26/1200  ≤38  ≤36  ≤38  ≤41  ≤43  ≤45  >45
 38  FD-38-E-G13-26/1047  ≤40  ≤38  ≤40  ≤43  ≤45  ≤47  >47
 58  FD-58-E-G13-26/1500  ≤59  ≤55  ≤59  ≤64  ≤67  ≤70  >70
 70  FD-70-E-G13-26/1800  ≤72  ≤68  ≤72  ≤77  ≤80  ≤83  >83

 Compact 2 tube

 TC-L   

  18  FSD-18-E-2G11  ≤21  ≤19  ≤21  ≤24  ≤26  ≤28  >28
 24  FSD-24-E-2G11  ≤27  ≤25  ≤27  ≤30  ≤32  ≤34  >34
 36  FSD-36-E-2G11  ≤38  ≤36  ≤38  ≤41  ≤43  ≤45  >45
 40  FSDH-40-L/P-2G11  ≤46  ≤44  ≤46  -  -  -  -
 55  FSDH-55-L/P-2G11  ≤63  ≤59  ≤63  -  -   -   - 

 Compact 4 tube flat

 TC-F   

  18  FSS-18-E-2G10  ≤21  ≤19  ≤21  ≤24  ≤26  ≤28  >28
 24  FSS-24-E-2G10  ≤27  ≤25  ≤27  ≤30  ≤32  ≤34  >34
 36  FSS-36-E-2G10  ≤38  ≤36  ≤38  ≤41  ≤43  ≤45  >45
 26  FSS-16-I-GR8
 FSS-16-E-GR10q
 FSS-16-L/P/H-GR10q
  ≤19  ≤19  ≤19  ≤21  ≤23  ≤25  >25
 21  FSS-21-E-GR10q
 FSS-21-L/P/H-GR10q
  ≤24  ≤22  ≤24  ≤27  ≤29  ≤31  >31
 28  FSS-28-I-GR8
 FSS-28-E-GR10q
 FSS-28-L/P/H-GR10q
  ≤31  ≤29  ≤31  ≤34  ≤36  ≤38  >38
 55  FSS-55-E-GRY10q = 3
 FSS-55-L/P/H-GRY10q = 3
  ≤63  ≤59  ≤63  - -   - - 

© Copyright Standards New Zealand 2011. Content from AS/NZS 4583.2:2002 has been reproduced with permission from Standards New Zealand under Copyright Licence 882.


Disclaimer: This extract from AS/NZS 4783.2:2002 is reproduced with permission from Standards New Zealand under copyright licence 000882. The content of this extract is solely for information and provides an overview of the requirements in force in New Zealand at the time of writing. Regulatory changes and differing interpretations of the regulations mean that the information given here cannot necessarily be relied upon. The current version of the relevant Standard must be referred to for definitive information. To obtain a complete copy of this Standard, visit the Standards New Zealand website.

 

 

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