Regulations for Low Voltage Applications?

[Michael]

If I wanted to build a battery-powered device (eg. an LED torch) and sell it
in Australia, are there any regulations/standards I would need to follow?

 

[Phil Allison]

If I wanted to build a battery-powered device (eg. an LED torch) and sell
it
in Australia, are there any regulations/standards I would need to follow?

** How are you going to underprice the Chinese ones ?

Or is this a PITA hypothetical ?



............ Phil

 

[Phil]

** How are you going to underprice the Chinese ones ?

Or is this a PITA hypothetical ?



........... Phil

I have often wondered this as well. I think you need to at least put a
sticker on it with your company ABN so that the authorities can find you if
some little kid chokes on the little plastic parts. Though having a look
around my room, my headphones do not even have a brand name stamped on them,
let alone an address or number.

If it is something low voltage powered via a plug pack, and the plug pack is
already C tick approved, then I think all you need is RFI testing to ensure
you are not broadcasting interference. You probably wouldn't even need to do
that if it was a simple torch circuit.

Have a look at www.aca.gov.au for C tick and A tick info.

-Phil

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil"

"Phil Allison"


I have often wondered this as well. I think you need to at least put a
sticker on it with your company ABN so that the authorities can find you
if
some little kid chokes on the little plastic parts.

** Huh ? What is that for ??

So you can extract the item from their little throats ??

Though having a look
around my room, my headphones do not even have a brand name stamped on
them,
let alone an address or number.

** You have hit on one of my pet peeves - Phil.

Importers are NOT legally required to put their company names on the
products they sell - with the exception of food AFAIK. Every day I see
audio electronic equipment which has only the foreign maker's brand name and
no clue as to which company imported it into Australia. Even knowing the
retailer that sold it is no help if they have closed or are under new
management.

The same foreign brand can have numerous local importers over a period of
time and disputes can arise as to who imported which units and when. There
IS a legal obligation on importers to make spare parts available for the
reasonable life of the things they sell and this obligation does not vanish
when the product goes to a new importer. The new importer naturally has no
obligation to support any items THEY did not sell.

And you are right - all legal liability for product safety rests with the
original importer as well.




.............. Phil

 

[Phil]

"Phil"


** Huh ? What is that for ??

So you can extract the item from their little throats ??




** You have hit on one of my pet peeves - Phil.

Importers are NOT legally required to put their company names on the
products they sell - with the exception of food AFAIK. Every day I see
audio electronic equipment which has only the foreign maker's brand name and
no clue as to which company imported it into Australia. Even knowing the
retailer that sold it is no help if they have closed or are under new
management.

The same foreign brand can have numerous local importers over a period of
time and disputes can arise as to who imported which units and when. There
IS a legal obligation on importers to make spare parts available for the
reasonable life of the things they sell and this obligation does not vanish
when the product goes to a new importer. The new importer naturally has no
obligation to support any items THEY did not sell.

And you are right - all legal liability for product safety rests with the
original importer as well.




.............. Phil

If it is a device that plugs into the power point, it has to display the C
tick logo together with a number that allows the authorities to find who
imported it. I am quite sure that this is the case whether a plugpack
transformer is used or not.

Importers have the choice to have a nice 3 or 5 digit number after the C
tick logo or the option to list their ACN or ABN or their name and details.
Some 240V devices have mandatory tests that must be completed. Others fall
under the non-specified list. There are no mandatory tests under this list,
but of course, if it blows up, or causes interference, the importer is
responsible, so any "applicable" tests must be conducted.

There are of course other rules such as double insulation etc. And I'm not
sure how that relates to say for example USB computer peripherals. I would
say that all USB peripherals should be C tick certified as well to ensure
that they are not emitting RF. I notice that my optical mouse does have a C
tick, as does my web cam, and keyboard, but my USB video capture dongle does
not, nor do my mains powered PC speakers !!!??

Tho getting back to the original post, I dont think the OP has to worry
about anything but RF interference when manufacturing a battery operated
product. And it seems that there is no testing required to sell it in
Australia. Of course in Europe, they have the CE mark. That's a whole
other story.

 

[Phil]

If it is a device that plugs into the power point, it has to display the C
tick logo together with a number that allows the authorities to find who
imported it. I am quite sure that this is the case whether a plugpack
transformer is used or not.

Importers have the choice to have a nice 3 or 5 digit number after the C
tick logo or the option to list their ACN or ABN or their name and details.
Some 240V devices have mandatory tests that must be completed. Others fall
under the non-specified list. There are no mandatory tests under this list,
but of course, if it blows up, or causes interference, the importer is
responsible, so any "applicable" tests must be conducted.

There are of course other rules such as double insulation etc. And I'm not
sure how that relates to say for example USB computer peripherals. I would
say that all USB peripherals should be C tick certified as well to ensure
that they are not emitting RF. I notice that my optical mouse does have a C
tick, as does my web cam, and keyboard, but my USB video capture dongle does
not, nor do my mains powered PC speakers !!!??

Tho getting back to the original post, I dont think the OP has to worry
about anything but RF interference when manufacturing a battery operated
product. And it seems that there is no testing required to sell it in
Australia. Of course in Europe, they have the CE mark. That's a whole
other story.

****OK should be studying for exams, but I thought I'd take a walk around
the house to see what is and what isn't C ticked.

5 port hub -C ticked (powered through plugpack which is c ticked as well)
cordless phone -C tick and A tick (A tick for communications gear)
microsoft mouse - c tick
logitech mouse - c tick
iron - c tick
Roland keyboard - c tick
roland detachable foot pedal - No C tick
desk lamp - no c tick (but its an old one)
MP3 player - no c tick (hmmm....)

-Phil

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil"

If it is a device that plugs into the power point, it has to display the C
tick logo together with a number that allows the authorities to find who
imported it. I am quite sure that this is the case whether a plugpack
transformer is used or not.

** My impression ( from the ACA site and others) is that this is not
rue - only importers of electronic devices in certain specified classes
must do as you say. Audio gear seems not to be one of them.

However if an importer HAS a registered tick number (most do) then they may
apply it to all their products that comply - possibly giving a false
impression that it is obligatory.





.............. Phil

 

[Phil]

"Phil"



** My impression ( from the ACA site and others) is that this is not
rue - only importers of electronic devices in certain specified classes
must do as you say. Audio gear seems not to be one of them.

However if an importer HAS a registered tick number (most do) then they may
apply it to all their products that comply - possibly giving a false
impression that it is obligatory.





............. Phil

Lots of good info here:

http://www.aca.gov.au/stds_compliance/electromagnetic_compatibility/emcbook/
part-6-labelling-reqmnts.htm

So if it is not a compliance level 1 product, it MUST have a C tick mark.
Compliance level 1 products are only the very basic of appliances. To follow
is a description of a level 1 product.:

Level 1 applies to products whose interfering emissions would have a low
impact on devices using the radiofrequency spectrum. This level covers
products that only contain:

a.. manually operated switches or simple relays;

b.. brushless squirrel cage induction motors;

c.. conventional AC/AC transformers; or

d.. resistive elements.

For example, an electronic transformer, a lighting ballast or electronic
lighting ballast are not low risk devices.



So audio devices are not class 1, so therefore they must have a C tick on
them. My PC speakers should be C ticked.
It seems that there is no distinction in the EMC definitions between devices
powered by a plug pack and devices that are powered by direct mains
connection. So I take that as stating that all products, including USB
peripherals, and including low voltage hubs, etc, as long as they are not
simple class 1 devices, must have a C tick. Only a very select few devices
such as torches, cables, and relay operated devices are exempt.

-Phil

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil"
Phil Allison

may apply it to all their products that comply - possibly giving a
false

Lots of good info here:

http://www.aca.gov.au/stds_compliance/electromagnetic_compatibility/emcbook/
part-6-labelling-reqmnts.htm

So if it is not a compliance level 1 product, it MUST have a C tick mark.
Compliance level 1 products are only the very basic of appliances. To
follow
is a description of a level 1 product.:

** Hi-fi amps, PA amps, guitar amps and all similar devices are **very
clearly** in the Level 1 group.

a.. manually operated switches or simple relays;

** Yep.

b.. brushless squirrel cage induction motors;


** Yep - any fans are brushless.

c.. conventional AC/AC transformers; or

** Yep - only a tiny few have SMPS.

So audio devices are not class 1,

** Not at all !!

so therefore they must have a C tick on
them. My PC speakers should be C ticked.

** No way compulsory.

It seems that there is no distinction in the EMC definitions between
devices
powered by a plug pack and devices that are powered by direct mains
connection.

** Well, having no SMPS makes them prize candidates for Level 1.

What *you* need to realise is that normal ( ie old fashioned) analogue
circuitry as used for audio signals has almost ZERO chance of emitting RF
energy.

A radio receiver, TV set , VCR, CD player, DVD player or uP based PC
accessory etc are in quite another league since any of them can ( if poorly
designed) emit significant RF energy.




............... Phil

 

[Phil]

"Phil"
Phil Allison



** Hi-fi amps, PA amps, guitar amps and all similar devices are **very
clearly** in the Level 1 group.




** Yep.

b.. brushless squirrel cage induction motors;


** Yep - any fans are brushless.




** Yep - only a tiny few have SMPS.



** Not at all !!




** No way compulsory.




** Well, having no SMPS makes them prize candidates for Level 1.

What *you* need to realise is that normal ( ie old fashioned) analogue
circuitry as used for audio signals has almost ZERO chance of emitting RF
energy.

A radio receiver, TV set , VCR, CD player, DVD player or uP based PC
accessory etc are in quite another league since any of them can ( if poorly
designed) emit significant RF energy.




.............. Phil

I take your point but most audio amplifiers do have a microprocessor these
days to manage the IR receiver, inputs, outputs, graphic displays, etc. It
would be hard to find somehting at JB HI-Fi that would classify as a level 1
appliance these days.

Cheers, Phil

 

[Phil]

Just to steer the thread back to the topic, I have a pen with a flashing LED
inside it. It is battery operated of course, but it also must have an
oscillator and a uP that alters the speed of the flash. By all indications,
it should be C tick approved, but alas, it is not.

-Phil

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil"

I take your point but most audio amplifiers do have a microprocessor these
days to manage the IR receiver, inputs, outputs, graphic displays, etc.

** Not true for typical hi-fi power amps, hi-fi preamps, PA system power
amps, guitar amps, mixing desks, graphic EQs, analogue processors etc.





........... Phil

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil"

Just to steer the thread back to the topic, I have a pen with a flashing
LED
inside it. It is battery operated of course, but it also must have an
oscillator and a uP that alters the speed of the flash.

** Why " ... must have an oscillator and a uP that alters the speed of
the flash. "

Flashing leds are a single component.

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4185efdc0f1613bc273fc0a87f9c074f/Product/View/Z4036





............. Phil

 

[Phil]

"Phil"


** Not true for typical hi-fi power amps, hi-fi preamps, PA system power
amps, guitar amps, mixing desks, graphic EQs, analogue processors etc.





.......... Phil

You know what I mean.

-Phil

 

[Phil]

"Phil"



** Why " ... must have an oscillator and a uP that alters the speed of
the flash. "

Flashing leds are a single component.

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/4185efdc0f1613bc273fc0a87f9c074
f/Product/View/Z4036





............ Phil

This pen has a button that when pressed alters the flash of the LED. Press
it once, it flashes fast, press again, it flashes slower, press again,
slower still, press again it stays on constant, press again it turns off.

I reckon it has a uP to do that. If so, whether it is a built in uP or not,
it should still be C ticked, (that is from what I can gather anyway)

If the OP wants to create something like this and market it, then I think he
should do some more homework on the topic.


-Phil

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil"
Phil Allison

This pen has a button that when pressed alters the flash of the LED. Press
it once, it flashes fast, press again, it flashes slower, press again,
slower still, press again it stays on constant, press again it turns off.

I reckon it has a uP to do that.

** I reckon it has a simple, dedicated IC led driver.

If so, whether it is a built in uP or not,
it should still be C ticked, (that is from what I can gather anyway)

** Not if there is inherently no RF emission.

If the OP wants to create something like this and market it, then I think
he
should do some more homework on the topic.

** The OP was a troll.

His question has no answer since he supplied no details.



................ Phil

 

[Phil]

"Phil"
Phil Allison


** I reckon it has a simple, dedicated IC led driver.

Whether its a uP or IC led driver, it still oscillates. In the strictest
sense of the word, it seems it needs a C tick.

** Not if there is inherently no RF emission.

Wrong. The onus is on the importer to prove there is no RF emission. It is
presumptuous to assume there is no RF emission. See
http://www.aca.gov.au/stds_compliance/electromagnetic_compatibility/emcbook/
part-3-compl-arngmnts.htm

Quote:
Level 2 applies to products whose interfering emissions would have a higher
impact on devices using the radiofrequency spectrum. Examples of these
products are:

a.. a microprocessor or other clocked digital device

Note the words "other clocked digital device" is probably specifically
purposefuly sufficiently broad to cover any sort of loose variations of a
clock pulse.

Of course I won't be losing any sleep over it.

 

[Phil Allison]

"Phil"

"Phil Allison"
Press it once, it flashes fast, press again, it flashes slower, press
again,

Whether its a uP or IC led driver, it still oscillates. In the strictest
sense of the word, it seems it needs a C tick.

** Why ???

It switches low current at a few Hz !!

The EMC regulations do not even apply in Australia below 150 kHz !!

Wrong.

** No - YOU are wrong.

The onus is on the importer to prove there is no RF emission.

** Or declare it has a negligibly low potential by design - so a level 1
device.

Level 2 applies to products whose interfering emissions would have a
higher
impact on devices using the radiofrequency spectrum. Examples of these
products are:

a.. a microprocessor or other clocked digital device

Note the words "other clocked digital device" is probably specifically
purposefuly sufficiently broad to cover any sort of loose variations of a
clock pulse.

** Hey dickhead - the wording of that example is * NOT * the law.

Fast digital circuitry is notorious for generating RFI you can see on a
TV screen.

Wanna bet if a flashing LED can do the same ??




............. Phil

 

[David]

"Phil"
** Why ???

It switches low current at a few Hz !!

The EMC regulations do not even apply in Australia below 150 kHz !!

No, the EMC regulations in Australia measure the RF emissions starting at
150KHz. If you have a square wave or SMPS operating well below 150KHz, the
harmonics can still cause failure when testing. This is why most serial
drivers etc today are slew rate limited to prevent the harmonics of the
square waves from exceeding the EMC limits.

A common trick for SMPS in Aus is to make them oscillate just below 50kHz,
so the third harmonic does not get picked up in the EMC test.

David

 

[The Real Andy]

"Phil"
Phil Allison



** Hi-fi amps, PA amps, guitar amps and all similar devices are **very
clearly** in the Level 1 group.




** Yep.

b.. brushless squirrel cage induction motors;


** Yep - any fans are brushless.




** Yep - only a tiny few have SMPS.



** Not at all !!




** No way compulsory.




** Well, having no SMPS makes them prize candidates for Level 1.

What *you* need to realise is that normal ( ie old fashioned) analogue
circuitry as used for audio signals has almost ZERO chance of emitting RF
energy.

A radio receiver, TV set , VCR, CD player, DVD player or uP based PC
accessory etc are in quite another league since any of them can ( if poorly
designed) emit significant RF energy.

I read Reply to Phil say that C tick is electrical compliance, It is
EMC copmliance. Most products sold in AU are supposed to have C tick
complience. Testing for EMC compliance cost shitloads of money, so
lotsa people just ignore it. However if a complaint is bought against
you it may cost you some serious dollars to rectify it. It doesn't
looked seriously policed in AU so I really cant understand why ACA
even implemented it.