Preface from AS/NZS4474: Performance of household electrical appliances-Refrigerating appliances Part 2: Energy labelling and minimum energy performance standard requirements (2001)

The following text has been provided courtesy of Standards Australia.

This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee EL-015, Quality and Performance of Household Electrical Appliances to supersede AS/NZS 4474.2:2000 on publication. This Standard was revised in 2001 to allow for the introduction of MEPS 2005 and includes requirements for both MEPS 1999 and MEPS 2005.

Where requirements differ to assess compliance with either existing or new MEPS levels, these are described in this Standard and in AS/NZS 4474.1 as 'MEPS 1999' and 'MEPS 2005' requirements respectively. For products to comply with the MEPS 2005 requirements of this Standard they shall be tested to the MEPS 2005 requirements of AS/NZS 4474.1 (see Clause 1.2 for exception). Similarly, for products to comply with the MEPS 1999 requirements of this Standard they shall be tested to the MEPS 1999 requirements of AS/NZS 4471.1.

The new MEPS 2005 levels were developed and agreed by industry and governments during 2000 and are to be introduced on 1 January 2005. Until 31 December 2004 it is anticipated that regulatory authorities will accept testing of appliances to either MEPS 1999 requirements, or MEPS 2005 requirements. On 1 January 2005, all registrations to MEPS 1999 that do not comply with MEPS 2005 requirements will be cancelled. However, a dispensation for the sale of such products manufactured in Australia or imported into Australia before 1 January 2005 will apply until 1 January 2006. All appliances manufactured or imported for sale in Australia or New Zealand on or after 1 January 2005 shall meet the MEPS 2005 requirements. Administrative arrangements during the transition period may vary so registration holders should contact their regulator to obtain detailed requirements with respect to labelling and registration requirements (see also Section 4 of this Standard).

The AS/NZS 4474 series is comprised of two Parts, as follows:
AS/NZS4474 Performance of household electrical appliances-Refrigerating appliances

4474.1 Part 1: Energy consumption and performance
4474.2 Part 2: Energy labelling and minimum energy performance standard requirements (this Standard)

The overall objective of this series of Standards is to promote high levels of quality, performance and energy efficiency in refrigerating appliances. The Parts of AS/NZS 4474 are summarized as follows:

Part 1: includes performance test procedures and minimum performance criteria for refrigerating appliances.
Part 2: includes algorithms for the calculation of the energy efficiency star rating and projected energy usage, performance requirements, details of the energy label and requirements for the valid application thereof. It has been structured to be suitable for reference in regulatory legislation and to be used in conjunction with Part 1.

The energy label design and energy labelling algorithms that were introduced in this Standard in 2000 remain unchanged for the time being but it is expected that these may be revised close to the time that the new MEPS levels come into force in 2005. AS/NZS 4474.1 has been amended to reflect changes in the definitions of groups, a change in the test voltage and the definition and application of adaptive defrost controls.

This Standard is published with the approval of the combined state regulatory authorities and is structured to be suitable for reference in energy labelling regulatory legislation. It refers to Part 1 for test procedures. Check testing, where applicable, will be undertaken to the version of the test Standard or the appropriate MEPS levels which have been used to support the current energy label for that model.

The terms 'normative' and 'informative' have been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendix to which they apply. A 'normative' appendix is an integral part of a Standard, whereas an 'informative' appendix is only for information and guidance. Statements expressed in mandatory terms in notes to tables and figures are deemed to be requirements of this Standard.

A copy of the standard can be obtained from SAI Global under licence from Standards Australia.

This page last modified 14 July 2008