Compliance Insights November 2023

Regulatory changes

ACMA

Consultation for review of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulatory arrangements is now opened, and will be closing on Dec. 20, 2023. Link: https://www.acma.gov.au/consultations/2023-11/review-electromagnetic-compatibility-emc-regulatory-arrangements#consultation-documents

The paper identifies several potential areas of reform, including:

• Expanding the current list of industry standards that may be used to demonstrate compliance.
• Assessing whether the current arrangements effectively mitigate the potential risks associated with advances in vehicles, including the proliferation of electric vehicles and their associated equipment.
• Amending the current categorisation of low-, medium- and high-risk devices to ensure that regulation accurately reflects the degree of potential harm associated with a particular device, e.g., wireless chargers.

Closing date for comments: Dec. 20, 2023

New standard/amendment publications

AS/NZS 3100:2022, Amendment 1 (Corr)

Approval and Test Specification – General Requirements for Electrical Equipment
Amendment 1 published on Dec. 1, 2023
Correction that removes dated references to AS/NZS 62368.1:2017, thereby allowing any current version of AS/NZS 62368.1 to be used

Applicable upon publication

AS 5347:2022

Button/Coin Batteries and Consumer Goods That Use Button/Coin Batteries
New edition published on Nov. 10, 2023

• Consolidated requirements outlined in the ACCC Mandatory Standards for Button Batteries into a single standard with additional clarifications
• Example of test report format provided in Annex D

Note: Existing ACCC mandatory standards must be updated to reference this standard.

AS/NZS 8124.4:2023

Safety of Toys, Part 4: Experimental Sets for Chemistry and Related Activities (ISO 8124-10:2023, MOD)
New edition published on Nov. 11, 2023

AS 60947.3:2023

Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear – Part 3: Switches, Disconnectors, Switch Disconnectors and Fuse-Combination Units (IEC 60947-3:2020 (ED. 4.0) MOD)
New edition published on Nov. 3, 2023

AS/NZS 60335.2.3:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.3: Particular Requirements for Electric Irons
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.3:2012
Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-3:2022, Ed. 7.0

• Alignment with AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 (IEC 60335-1:2020, Ed. 6.0).
• Scope includes battery-operated appliances.
• Clarification that this standard does not apply to ironing boards.
• Modified some requirements relating to appliances for animal grooming (6.1, 25.7).
• Added warning statement that iron must not be stored until it has cooled (7.12).
• Added external accessible surface temperature limits (3.6.103, 11.3, 11.8).
• Clarification regarding most unfavourable condition for operation and stability (11, 20.1).
• Added assessment for surfaces likely to be contacted when gripping a handle (22.13).
• Clarification that hand-held appliance and electric iron cannot be excluded from 750 glow wire test (30.2, 30.2.2).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 60335.2.8:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.8: Particular Requirements for Shavers, Hair Clippers and Similar Appliances
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.8:2013
Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-8:2022, Ed. 7.0

• Alignment with AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 (IEC 60335-1:2020, Ed. 6.0).
• Scope includes battery-operated appliances.
• Clarification that this standard does not apply to beauty care appliances with lasers (IEC 60335-2-113) and skin beauty care appliances (IEC 60335-2-115).
• Added clarification on battery-operated appliance requirements (Annex B).
• Clarification that other means of appliance holder used should be of negligible effect on normal operation (3.1.9).
• Replaced “transformers with pins” with “detachable power supply parts” and required to meet IPX4 (6.2).
• Added requirements for detachable power supply parts (6.2, 21.102, 21.103, 24.2).
• Instructions relating to hot blades on animal shearers and commercial animal clippers can be waived if handles held for a short period do not exceed temperature rise limit in Cl. 11 normal operation (7.12).
• Clarification that Test Probe 18 (baby finger) is not applicable to animal shearers and commercial-use hair clippers and animal clippers (8.1.1, 20.2).
• Additional enclosure crushing and dropping assessment for detachable power supply part (21.102, 21.103).
• Clarification on and consolidation of hand-held part insulation class requirements (22.26, 22.36).
• Allowance of detachable power supply part in a flexible cord (24.2).
• Clarification that Class III interconnection cords are not required to comply with supply cord requirements except 25.7 cord length requirement (25.23).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 60335.2.16:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.16: Particular Requirements for Food Waste Disposers
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.16:2012
Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-16:2022, Ed. 6.0

• Alignment with AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 (IEC 60335-1:2020, Ed. 6.0).
• Scope includes battery-operated appliances.
• Food waste disposers shall be at least IPX1 (6.1).
• Added temperature rise limits for accessible surface (Cl 11).
• Clarification regarding spillage solution during spillage test (15.2).
• Protective device shall not be self-resetting and shall be trip-free (22.10).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 60335.2.17:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.17: Particular Requirements for Blankets, Pads, Clothing and Similar Flexible Heating Appliances
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.17:2012
Modified adoption of IEC 60335-2-17:2022, Ed. 4.0

• Alignment with AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 (IEC 60335-1:2020, Ed. 6.0).
• Scope includes battery-operated appliances.
• Excluded heated carpet (IEC 60335-2-106).
• Clarification on control unit definition (3.6.105).
• Clarification on power adjustment for appliance (other than controlled appliances) when operation at rated power input times a factor is specified (5.12).
• During abnormal folding operation, blankets that cannot be folded with five thicknesses shall be assessed to Cl 19.108 instead of tested as a mattress (19.101).
• Added compliance criteria during mechanical strength test that the flexible part shall not show breakage of electrodes (21.1).
• Added rigidity index test for mattresses (Annex DD); different pulley diameter is used for PTC characteristic heating element integrated in flexible part of mattresses having rigidity index ≥ 25 Nm (21.111.1).
• Added winding method for heating elements with a noncircular construction during insulation mandrel heating test (21.111.3).
• Added requirement to protect user from overheating in the event of an interruption in the mains supply (22.111).
• Included pressure test method details instead of making reference to Cl 24.1.3 of IEC 60320-1:2001 (30.1).
• Compliance criteria for flexible part ignition resistance test changed from average time of 12 ignition recordings on six samples reaching the inner edge of mask as > 80 seconds to > 120 seconds on all three samples (30.101.1).
• Change of positioning and placement of heating element insulation or electro-conductive textiles and internal wiring during needle flame test, to be repeated on two additional samples (30.102).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 60335.2.21:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.21: Particular Requirements for Storage Water Heaters
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.21:2013
Modified adoption of IEC 60335-2-21:2022, Ed. 7.0

• Alignment with AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 (IEC 60335-1:2020, Ed. 6.0).
• Scope includes battery-operated appliances.
• Clarification that holes that do not meet the drainage size requirement are considered blocked during hose rupture or seal leak tests (22.6).
• Added requirement that appliances with capacity > 5 L or rated current > 16 A shall not incorporate appliance inlets (25.1).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 60335.2.30:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.30: Particular Requirements for Room Heaters
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.30:2015
AS/NZS variation only

• Clarification that ceiling-mounted heat lamps are not considered ceiling-recessed radiant heaters (3.106).
• Confirmation that room heaters with connections via a means of pins for direct insertion into socket outlets are prohibited (25.1 — aligned with EESS guidance).

Applicable upon publication

AS/NZS 60335.2.54:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.54: Particular Requirements for Surface-Cleaning Appliances for Household Use Employing Liquids or Steam
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.54:2010
Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-54:2022, Ed. 5.0.

• Alignment with AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 (IEC 60335-1:2020, Ed. 6.0).
• Scope includes battery-operated appliances.
• Added temperature rise limit and warning requirement for external accessible surface (3.6.102, 3.6.103, 7.1, 11.3, 11.8).
• Clarification that hand-held appliances, e.g., steam mops, supported by the floor are excluded from stability tests unless they have an integral rest charging stand (20.1).
• Clarification that holes that do not meet the drainage size requirement are considered blocked during hose rupture or seal leak tests (22.6).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 60335.2.80:2016, Amendment 3

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.80: Particular Requirements for Fans
Amendment 1 published on Dec. 1, 2023
AS/NZS variation only
Clause 20.101: Fans mounting at high level (except ceiling fans) are now required to be guarded from the risk of assessing fan blades.

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2025

AS/NZS 60335.2.85:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety –Part 2.85: Particular Requirements for Fabric Steamers
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.85:2018
Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-85:2022, Ed. 3.0

• Alignment with AS/NZS 60335.1:2022 (IEC 60335-1:2020 ed.6.0).
• Scope includes battery-operated appliances.
• Excluded surface-cleaning appliances employing liquids or steam (IEC 60335-2-54).
• Added definition for vented fabric steamer, instantaneous fabric steamer and pressurized fabric steamer.
• Clarification that fabric steamers are tested as heating appliances even if they incorporate a motor (5.101).
• Added warning statement regarding pressure during use and that appliance shall not be used after being dropped (7.12).
• Added operating cycle details for instantaneous fabric steamers (11.7).
• Clarification on temperature rise limit for accessible surface of hose or handle requirements (11.8).
• Added Cl 19.4 abnormal operation with pressure limit control bypassed and Cl 22.7 pressure test with pressure-regulating devices and protective devices rendered inoperative are for pressurized fabric steamers; Cl 22.7 pressure test is also considered instantaneous fabric steam with all vents in nozzle sealed.
• Clarification on the manner of safe release of pressure (22.101).
• Pressurized fabric steamer’s pressure-limiting protective device operated in 19.4 and 22.7 shall have an inlet aperture > 5 mm diameter or 20 mm².
• Each boiler of a pressurized fabric steamer shall have a pressure-limiting protective device (22.105).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 60335.2.107:2020, Amendment 1:

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.107: Particular Requirements for Robotic Battery Powered Electrical Lawnmowers
Amendment 1 published on Dec. 1, 2023
Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-107:2019, Ed. 2, Amendment 2:2021
Removed the maximum kinetic energy upon impact in automatic mode and minor editorial change to obstruction sensor requirement (22.105.2)

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2025

AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.114: Particular Requirements for Personal e-Transporters
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2018
Modified adoption of IEC 60335-2-114:2022, Ed. 2.0

• Change of title of the standard to reflect the expanded scope and personal e-transporter definition; variety of personal e-transporters includes self-balancing transport devices with or without a seat (also known as hover boards), electric scooters without a seat (including scooters with detachable seats), electric mono-wheels with or without a seat and electric skateboards.
• Excludes electric mopeds with a seat, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, devices used by disabled people, e.g., electric wheelchairs, and hybrid powered devices.
• Alignment with IEC 60335-1:2020; some requirements were removed because they were included/replaced in Part 1 — 11.7, 19.13, 19.102, 19.103, 21.105, 22.46, 22.101, 22.102, 24.101.
• Added definition for functional part which is not required to be of Class III construction
• Removed some Li-ion battery instruction statements (7.12).
• Introduced Test Probe 19 of IEC 61032 (baby finger)(8.1.1, 20.2, B.22.3, B.22.4)
• Introduced UV testing for markings on personal e-transporters for shared use in a public space (7.14).
• Added abnormal battery charging operation by increasing the charging voltage in 20% increments until it reaches 120 V (ANZ variation — 19.17).

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

AS/NZS 61000.4.15:2012, Amendment 1:2023

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – Part 4.15: Testing and Measurement Techniques – Flickermeter – Functional and Design Specifications
New edition published on Nov. 3, 2023

AS/NZS 61558.2.16:2022, Amendment 1:2023

Safety of Transformers, Reactors, Power Supply Units and Combinations Thereof – Part 2.16: Particular Requirements and Tests for Switch Mode Power Supply Units and Transformers for Switch Mode Power Supply Units for General Applications
Amendment 1 published on Dec. 1, 2023
Correction replacing “27.2 does not apply” with “27.3 does not apply”
Applicable upon publication

AS/NZS 62841.4.6:2023

Electric Motor-Operated Hand-Held Tools, Transportable Tools and Lawn and Garden Machinery – Safety – Part 4.6: Particular Requirements for Garden Blowers, Garden Vacuums and Garden Blower/Vacuums
New edition published on Dec. 1, 2023
Superseding AS/NZS 60335.2.100:2003
Identical adoption of IEC 62841-4-6, Ed. 1.0

Date of application: Dec. 1, 2026

Draft standard/amendment publications

DR A1 to AS/NZS 60335.2.7:2020 – DR23019

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.7: Particular Requirements for Washing Machines
Draft amendment date of application: One or two years from date of publication
AU/NZ variation only
Replaces the text of Cl 20.106 (drum child entrapment test) with additional clarification that two separate independent means are required to start or restart the wash cycle after the door is closed

Closing date for comments: Feb. 9, 2024

DR AS/NZS 61558.2.3:2024 – DR23015

Safety of Transformers, Reactors, Power Supply Units and Combinations Thereof – Part 2.3: Particular Requirements and Tests for Ignition Transformers for Gas and Oil Burners
Draft new edition superseding AS/NZS 61558.2.3:2011 three years from date of publication
Identical adoption of IEC 61558-2-3:2023, Ed. 3.0
Primary change is adjustment of structure and references to align with AS/NZS 61558.1:2018

Closing date for comments: Feb. 9, 2024

DR AS/NZS 61558.2.7:2024 – DR23016

Safety of Transformers, Reactors, Power Supply Units and Combinations Thereof – Part 2.7: Particular Requirements and Tests for Transformers and Power Supply Units for Toys
Draft new edition superseding AS/NZS 61558.2.7:2008 three years from date of publication
Identical adoption of IEC 61558-2-7:2023, Ed. 3.0

• Primary change is adjustment of structure and references to align with AS/NZS 61558.1:2018.
• Also adds new marking symbol for power supply with linearly regulated output voltage.

Closing date for comments: Feb. 9, 2024

DR AS/NZS 62841.3.5:2024– DR23017

Electric Motor-Operated Hand-Held Tools, Transportable Tools and Lawn and Garden Machinery – Safety – Part 3.5: Particular Requirements for Transportable Band Saws
Draft new edition
Identical adoption of IEC 62841-3-5:2022, Ed. 1.0

Closing date for comments: Feb. 9, 2024

DR AS/NZS ISO 8124.13:2023

Safety of Toys, Part 13: Microbiological Safety

Closing date for comments: Dec. 28, 2023

Standard/amendment published but pending application

The following standards have an application date within the next six months.

AS/NZS 60320.1:2023 — new

Appliance Couplers for Household and Similar General Purposes – Part 1: General Requirements (IEC 60320-1:2015 (ED. 3.1) MOD)
New edition published on June 30, 2023
Modified adoption of IEC 60320‑1, Ed. 3.1

• Added interconnection coupler, plug connector and appliance outlet, along with different combination setup.
• Added interconnection parts definition.
• Removed some terminal definitions.
• Clarification of requirements for non-standardized appliance couplers and considering end use condition.
• Part of the requirement of couplers complying with standard sheets moved from IEC 60320-1 to IEC 60320-3 (including countersunk requirement).
• Test samples shall be conditioned for more than 168 hours before testing, and more sets of samples are required for testing (Cl 5.3, Annex C).
• Allowed rated currents to be in ranges with maximum limit of 16 A (instead of set value, e.g., 0.2 A, 2.5 A, 6 A, etc.) (Cl 6.2).
• Removed 35°C ambient temperature testing condition (Cl 9.4, 10.1).
• Clarification that external parts of appliance outlet and plug connectors are also required to be of insulating material.
• Some clamping tests for rewireable connectors are removed and relocated to IEC 60999-1 (Cl 12)..
• Nonstandardized, non-reversible couplers’ polarisation shall be verified for contact position (Cl 13.2).
• Added different insulation resistance limit and test voltage for functional, basic, supplementary and reinforced insulation during insulation resistance and electric strength assessment (Cl 15).
• Clarification on total mass calculation during maximum withdrawal force verification (Cl 16.2).
• Included nonstandardised types during maximum and minimum withdrawal force verification (Cl 16.2, 16.3).
• Minor modification to heating test for connectors/plug connectors (not subject to Cl 23.7, and no need to measure temperature rise) (Cl 18.2).
• Considered rated current range for breaking capacity and temperature rise requirement, e.g., > 0.2 A to < 10 A, ≥ 10 A, etc. (Cl 19, 21).
• Added power factor for normal operation test current (Cl 20).
• Updated type of cord reference according to IEC 60245 (Cl 22.1).
• Added table for list of torque and pull force required for different current rating connectors instead of applying 100 N and 0.25 Nm to all (Cl 23.6).
• Referenced impact hammer, ball pressure and tracking test details (Cl 23.4, 24.1, 27.2).
• Removed appliance inlet shroud pressure test (old Cl 23.4, 23.8).
• Removed one-hour 100°C heat resistance and 100°C pressure test (old Cl 24.1.1, 24.1.3).
• Removed nickel plating on pins of appliance inlet in very hot condition requirement (old Cl 25.8).
• Change of clearance, creepage and solid insulation assessment.
• Introduced rated impulse voltage determination and closer to IEC 60335 method (Cl. 26.2, 26.3).
• Added alternative resistance to rusting assessment (Cl 28).
• Added accessible surface check that live parts are not coming through (Annex B.4.1).

Date of application: June 30, 2024

AS/NZS 60335.2.25:2020

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.25: Particular Requirements for Microwave Ovens, Including Combination Microwave Ovens
New edition published on Dec. 18, 2020
Supersedes AS/NZ 60335.2.25:2011
Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-25, Ed. 7

• Clarification for normal operation that last cycles exclude one-minute rest period.
• Clarification that winding temperature rise is measured during the tests.
• Added alternative measurement method during abnormal operation if microwave leakage exceeds 100 W/m² (Cl 19.101).
• Additional requirement that interlock switch operated by detachable part should not cause accidental operation (Cl 22.120).
• Additional requirement for simultaneous activation of heating elements and motors (Cl 22.121).

Date of application: Dec. 18, 2023

AS/NZS 60335.2.107:2020

Household and Similar Electrical Appliances – Safety – Part 2.107: Particular Requirements for Robotic Battery Powered Electrical Lawnmowers
New edition published on Dec. 18, 2020
Supersedes AS/NZ 60335.2.107:2013

Identical adoption of IEC 60335-2-107, Ed. 2.1

• Added definition for peripherals, automatic mode, cell, battery, fully charged, discharged, general purpose (battery/cell), switched circuit and power switch.
• Added requirement for rating label marking, warnings and instruction manual (Cl 7).
• Clarification that charging stations and perimeter delimiter are to be protected against live parts (Cl 8).
• New protection against electric shock requirement for hazardous battery voltages (Cl 8.101).
• Revised leakage and high voltage assessment to include all mains-powered peripherals.
• Removed motor lock rotor and running overload test (Cl 19.7 and 19.9).
• Clarification on electronic fault testing (Cl 19.11).
• Revised stability and mechanical hazards requirements for manual controller, manual stop, cutting means stopping time, traction drive stopping and restart procedures, as well as a new standing and kneeling child foot probe test (Cl 20).
• Revised construction requirements for disabling devices, working area, perimeter delimiter, sensors and manual controller, as well as new requirements for machine connectors used for charging and contact surfaces used as obstruction-sensing devices (Cl 22).
• Revised switch component requirement to address the loading conditions experienced by the machine (Cl 24).
• Revised creepage and clearance requirements for the machine and non-mains-powered peripherals (Cl 29).
• Additional information for operation of lift sensor, tilt sensor, obstruction sensor and rollover sensor (Annex JJ).
• Revised requirement for battery operation and charging (Annex KK replaces Annex B and Annex S).

Date of application: Dec. 18, 2023

AS/NZS 62841.2.3:2021 — new

Electric Motor-Operated Hand-Held Tools, Transportable Tools and Lawn and Garden Machinery – Safety – Part 2.3: Particular Requirements for Hand-Held Grinders, Disc-Type Polishers and Disc-Type Sanders
New edition published on June 25, 2021
Supersedes AS/NZS 60745.2.3:2011
Identical adoption of IEC 62841-2-3, Ed. 1
New edition replacing AS/NZS 60745.2.3:2011

Date of application: June 25, 2024

AS/NZS 62841.2.6:2021 — new

Electric Motor-Operated Hand-Held Tools, Transportable Tools and Lawn and Garden Machinery – Safety – Part 2.6: Particular Requirements for Hand-Held Hammers
New edition published on June 25, 2021
Supersedes AS/NZS 60745.2.6:2009
Identical adoption of IEC 62841-2-6, Ed. 1
New edition replacing AS/NZS 60745.2.6:2009

Date of application: June 25, 2024