Requirements for Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Summary of Relevant Standards for CFLs

Test procedures and regulatory standards for these lamps are published by Standards Australia. The following parts are relevant:

AS/NZS 4847.1 Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting services - Test methods - Energy performance
AS/NZS 4847.2 Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting services - MEPS requirements
AS/NZS 4782.3 Double-capped fluorescent lamps - Performance specifications, Part 3: Procedure for quantitative analysis of mercury present in fluorescent lamps (note this also applies to CFLs)

These standards can be purchased from SAI Global under licence from Standards Australia.

AS/NZS 4847.1 Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting services - Test methods - Energy performance.

This standard specifies a holistic test method for the performance of electronic self-ballasted CFLs. The IEC are currently working on updating IEC 60969 (the new draft of which is based on AS/NZS 4847.1) and, when complete, it is expected that the IEC standard will replace AS/NZS 4847.1.

Scope: This standard specifies the test methods and conditions for self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and other gas-discharge lamps with integrated means for controlling starting and stable operation that are intended for domestic and similar general lighting purposes. It applies to self-ballasted lamps of all voltages and wattages irrespective of the type of lamp cap. The tests described in the standard are as follows:

Starting time
Run-up time
Luminous flux, power, efficacy and lumen maintenance
Low temperature starting
Switching withstand
Lamp life
Light distribution

AS/NZS 4847.2 Self-ballasted lamps for general lighting services - MEPS requirements

Scope: this standard specifies MEPS requirements and related attributes for self-ballasted CFLs with integrated means for controlling starting and stable operation that are intended for domestic and similar general lighting purposes. It applies to self-ballasted lamps of all voltages and wattages irrespective of the type of lamp cap, but does not apply to cold-cathode CFLs or self-ballasted mixed mercury vapour lamps. Detailed requirements are set out on the MEPS page.

AS/NZS 4782.3 Procedure for quantitative analysis of mercury present in fluorescent lamps

This standard sets out the test method for determination of mercury content in fluorescent lamps (including compact fluorescent lamps). The IEC are developing a test method for mercury determination, and it is expected that the IEC standard will replace this test method at a future date.

Scope: This part of the Standard outlines a procedure for quantitative analysis of mercury present in fluorescent lamps that are used in general lighting service and which are covered within the scope of AS/NZS 4782.1 and AS/NZS 60901 (as well as AS/NZS 4847). The testing method specifies the procedures that can be used to determine accurately the mercury content in a fluorescent lamp in which mercury is introduced as the medium for discharge between the electrodes.

The method involves the chemical digestion of the mercury contained within a lamp and the determination of that mercury content on a per unit basis. This is achieved using a method of solubilization of the entire mercury content contained within the tube using acidic digestion methods and the accurate determination of that mercury content using standard mercury solutions. This will allow comparisons between lamps in batches and comparisons with other internationally accepted standards for mercury content in fluorescent lamps. This standard covers methods of determination of mercury by wet chemical analysis.

This page last modified 02 February 2009