External power supplies
EECA plans to introduce minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for external power supplies no earlier than mid 2010.
External power supplies are used with a range of home electronics to supply power to them at a suitable current and voltage - for example, notebook power adaptors and mobile phone chargers.
The MEPS will apply to external power supplies with a nameplate output power rating up to 250 Watts that are manufactured or imported for sale in Australia or New Zealand.
Adopting MEPS for external power supplies is forecast to reduce their energy consumption by 7.5% by 2020, despite the growing number of power supplies in use.
This could save New Zealanders over $150 million in energy costs and reduce energy related greenhouse gas emissions by 1070 kt CO2-e (worth about $24 million at the current price-per-tonne for carbon).
Regulatory requirements
There are steps you must take to meet the requirements of the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002.
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Standards
The Standard below in the Regulations states the MEPS requirements for external power supplies. Standards are available from Standards New Zealand.
The energy performance standards for external power supplies are:
- AS/NZS 4665.1 includes the scope and test method.
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AS/NZS 4665.2 covers MEPS requirements.
Scope of the Standard
Products covered include external power supply units (often known as 'a.c. adaptors', 'plug packs' or 'power-packs') with:
- a nominal 230 V a.c. supply input
- a single output at extra low voltage (ELV), either a.c. or d.c., and
- a maximum output of 250 W or 250 VA.
The units covered are not built into the equipment being powered and hence are 'external' to the device being powered. Designs covered include units with an integral mains plug, 'in-line' units and units with provision for equipment to sit in a cradle whilst being used.
A single output external power supply which is covered by MEPS is defined as a unit which:
- has an input from mains supply (usually 110 V, 60 Hz; 230 V, 50 Hz; 240 V, 50 Hz or a range including some or all of these input conditions); and
- has one ELV output (either a.c. or d.c.) that is either at a fixed voltage or user selectable through a selector switch; and
- is sold with, or intended to be used with, a separate end-use product that constitutes the primary load; and
- is contained in a separate physical enclosure from the end-use product (i.e. the housings of the power supply and its associated product are different, not their retail packaging); and
- is connected to the end use product via a hard-wired or removable male/female electrical connection, cable, cord or other wiring; and
- does not have batteries or battery packs that physically attach directly to the power supply unit (including those that are removable e.g. a battery pack for a portable electric drill); and
- does not have a battery chemistry or type selector switch and an indicator light or state of charge meter.
Pre-registration is now available on the energy rating website. Find out more about MEPS for external power supplies.
