AC Electrical Safety rules changing June 30

Important changes to the registration system for household air conditioning units are set to take effect on June 30.

Under the Electrical Equipment Safety System, all units must be declared with the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) and documented to AS/NZS 60335.2.40 with registration before selling.

The new rules state that for units that use Class 1 or Class 2L refrigerant per ISO 817 (such as R410A and R32), the importer or manufacturer must keep a compliance folder of evidence to AS/NZS 60335.2.40 and register the equipment with ERAC database before selling.

Previously in January 2017, rules were introduced for units that use Class 2 or Class 3 refrigerant per ISO 817 (such as hydrocarbon), requiring the importer or manufacturer to obtain certification by independent test report to AS/NZS 60335.2.40, register the equipment with ERAC database, and obtain approval before selling.

Compliant equipment is identified by either an approval number or the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), shown above.

Buyers can confirm they are purchasing approved equipment by checking the product marking or searching the ERAC database.

The rules will apply to most parts of Australia. Contact your local regulator to confirm whether the changes apply in your state or territory:

NSW
Queensland
Tasmania
WA
Victoria
SA