Comtest Laboratories are recognised by the computer industry and regulators as a test facility capable of performing testing to Energy Star Programme. Comtest Laboratories have tested a large number of desktop computers and laptops to the Energy Star requirements for Australia and New Zealand.
The test method and conditions for external power supplies are defined in AS/NZS 4665–2005. This standard is similar to the ‘Test Method for Calculating the Energy Efficiency of Single Voltage External Ac-Dc and Ac-Ac Power Supplies (August 11, 2004)’, issued by the US EPA and is also based upon IEC 62301 ‘Measurement of standby power’, to measure performance at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the nameplate output power rating and tested at 230Vac 50Hz.
Testing: Testing shall be done in accordance with AS/NZS 4665.1 at 230Vac, 50Hz only. Reports utilising equivalent specifications from other jurisdictions or programmes are acceptable if tested at 230Vac, 50Hz. Applicants may require some additional information for registration over and above test data.
Exceptions to international performance testing and reports: Californian regulations and the US Security and Independence Act 2007 specify compliance only at 115Vac, 60Hz and Australia requires testing at 230Vac, 50Hz. In Australia and New Zealand, AC-AC external power supplies are not required to meet the no load power requirements.
Mandatory performance marking: To allow greater time for suppliers to prepare for mandatory marking and to align marking with New Zealand’s MEPS implementation, regulators have determined that mandatory marking shall apply from April 2009, rather than December 2008. Products shall still be subject to MEPS requirements (performance mark III) from December 2008.