External power supplies
External power supplies, or power adaptors, must meet minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) to be sold in New Zealand. If you import, manufacture, or sell external power supplies, this page outlines what the requirements are and how to meet them.
You can also download a factsheet on requirements for external power supplies.
What is an external power supply?
External power supplies are also known as power adaptors, a.c. adaptors, or power-packs. They are used to power or re-charge low voltage electronic products, like laptop computers, mobile telephones, modems, printers and many other low voltage products, both fixed or portable.
An external power supply is often sold packaged with the product it will be used with - for example, a laptop computer normally comes with a power adaptor.
Which ones are affected?
The Standard AS/NZS 4665.1 describes which products are affected. Any external power supply matching the following description is likely to be included in the scope of the Standard.
- It was manufactured or imported for sale in New Zealand on or after 9 June 2011.
- It converts mains A.C. electricity input into lower voltage A.C. or D.C. output.
- It has a maximum output of 250W or 250VA.
- It has only one low-voltage output.
- It is designed to power or re-charge a separate product.
- If it charges a battery, it doesn't physically attach to the batteries/battery pack used in the product.
- If it charges a battery, it's designed to charge just one type and size of battery.
- It is not a transformer or converter for an extra low voltage lamp.
- It is not electronic controlgear for an LED module.
What are the requirements?
General requirements are set out in energy efficiency regulations, and specific details - like MEPS levels - are described in product standards. Below is a summary of these.
Steps for retailers
As a retailer, you must check that any external power supplies you sell (individually or packaged with another product) are registered.
>> Check if an external power supply is registered on the energy rating website.
Steps for importers and manufacturers
As an importer or manufacturer of external power supplies, you are required to:
- Have your products tested in line with the method described in the Standard AS/NZS 4665.1, to prove their energy performance;
- Ensure your products meet energy performance requirements (see below);
- Register your products through the energy rating website;
- Provide data each year to EECA.
>> Find out more about the steps for importers and manufacturers.
>> Skip straight to product registration on the energy rating website.
Energy performance requirements
An international system categorises the energy efficiency of external power supplies using roman numerals as a performance mark.
An external power supply must achieve a performance mark of least III to be able to be sold in New Zealand (products with a performance mark of I and II cannot be sold here).
To achieve a performance mark of at least III, an external power supply must meet the following criteria when tested at 230Va.c. 50 Hz.
| Minimum efficiency for performance mark III | ||
| Nameplate power output (Pno) Watts | Average efficiency | |
| 0 to 1 | ≥ 0.49 x Pno | |
| > 1 to 49 | ≥ 0.09Ln(Pno)+0.49 to a maximum of 0.840 | |
| > 49 to 250 | ≥ 0.84 | |
|
Pno is the nameplate output power of the unit under test. Ln refers to the natural logarithm (base e). The algebraic order |
||
| Maximum no-power load for performance mark III | ||
| Nameplate power output (Pno) Watts | AC - DC Watts | AC-AC |
| 0 to <10 | ≤ 0.5 | N/A |
| 10 to 250 | ≤ 0.75 | N/A |
For more information on the energy performance requirements, and performance marking for high efficiency products (IV and V), see the Standard AS/NZS 4665.2.
Where can I get the standards and regulations?
External power supplies are included in the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002.
The regulations reference the following standards for external power supplies, which are available from Standards New Zealand.
- AS/NZS 4665.1 includes the scope and test method.
- AS/NZS 4665.2 covers MEPS requirements.
>> View the energy efficiency regulations on the New Zealand Legislation website.
>> Purchase copies of the standards from Standards New Zealand.
Why have standards for external power supplies?
The MEPS, which has been effective from 9 June 2011, encourages improvement in the efficiency of external power supplies and prevents poorly performing products from entering our market.
Consumers benefit as they get better products that save them on energy and running costs in the long term. As external power supplies are typically not sold separately, consumers are also protected from unknowingly purchasing very inefficient products.
It is expected that, through this MEPS, New Zealand will benefit from $108 million in energy savings and 1,070 kt in CO2 emissions reductions by 2025.
The MEPS for external power supplies follows a consultation process, and takes into consideration public comment.
