AS/NZS Certification Guide for LED Emergency Lights

Compliance Standards & Application Process for Australia & New Zealand Markets

1. AS/NZS Certification & Emergency Lighting Market Background

Australia and New Zealand enforce strict mandatory regulations for building emergency lighting systems, governed by the National Construction Code (NCC) and the AS/NZS 2293 series standards. As critical safety facilities for evacuation in public venues, commercial buildings, factories and residential properties, LED emergency lights must meet specified requirements on electrical safety, optical performance and emergency duration to gain market access.

Ordinary luminaires only need to comply with the general safety standard AS/NZS 60598, while emergency lights are additionally subject to specialized tests per AS/NZS 2293.1-2018 and must bear the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) for sale. The core rule requires emergency lights to operate for a minimum of 90 minutes after mains power failure.

2. Core Applicable Standards

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3. Key Test Requirements for Emergency Lights

3.1 Emergency Duration & Illuminance Test

This is the core test differentiating emergency lights from conventional luminaires in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.1-2018:

• Fully charged luminaires shall keep operating for no less than 90 minutes once mains power is cut off.
• The illuminance along the central line of access routes shall be at least 1 lux; the ratio of minimum illuminance to average illuminance shall not exceed 1:40.
• The average illuminance for high-risk areas shall reach no less than 10 lux.
• Self-test emergency lights shall pass verification of automatic detection logic for functional and duration tests.

3.2 Electrical Safety Test

Based on AS/NZS 60598.1 and AS/NZS 60598.2.22:

• Insulation resistance: ≥ 2 MΩ
• Dielectric strength test: 1500V AC for 60 seconds
• Earthing continuity: ≤ 0.1 Ω
• Overcharge protection, deep discharge protection and short circuit protection for charging circuits
• Temperature rise test

3.3 EMC Test

Products shall comply with emission limits of AS/NZS CISPR 15 (0.15–30 MHz conducted emission, 30–300 MHz radiated emission) and pass immunity tests including electrostatic discharge, electrical fast transient and surge per AS/NZS 61547.

4. RCM Compliance Mark Application Process

1. Confirm product category: LED emergency lights are classified as regulated electrical equipment under Australian compliance rules and shall complete RCM procedures.
2. Conduct testing at ILAC-recognized laboratories: Select labs with ILAC/MRA mutual recognition and accredited scope covering AS/NZS 60598 and AS/NZS 2293 series.
3. Compile Technical File: Gather test reports, circuit diagrams, BOM, label samples, product specifications and conformity documents.
4. Sign Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC): Authorized representatives issue SDoC to declare full compliance with applicable AS/NZS standards.
5. Regulatory registration (state-specific requirement): Register product information in the ERAC database as required by certain Australian states.
6. Affix RCM mark and launch products: Print RCM mark on products and outer packaging. Retain all technical documents for at least 5 years for official inspection.

5. Product Labeling Requirements

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6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Differences between AS/NZS certification for emergency lights and regular SAA certification? A1: General SAA certification follows AS/NZS 60598 for common luminaires. Emergency lights need additional compliance with AS/NZS 2293 series, which sets special rules for minimum 90-minute emergency duration and illuminance distribution.

Q2: What is the mandatory emergency duration specified in AS/NZS 2293.1? A2: AS/NZS 2293.1-2018 requires emergency lighting systems to provide illumination for at least 90 minutes after mains failure. Longer duration may be required for special sites subject to the National Construction Code.

Q3: What is the RCM mark? Is it mandatory? A3: RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) is the unified compliance mark for Australia and New Zealand, covering electrical safety and EMC requirements. Regulated LED emergency lights must carry the RCM mark and complete ERAC registration for legal sales.

Q4: Are test reports issued in China accepted by Australian authorities? A4: Australia recognizes test reports from ILAC/MRA accredited laboratories. Reports issued by CNAS-accredited Chinese labs that join the ILAC mutual recognition arrangement are acceptable. Verify the laboratory’s accredited scope in advance.

Disclaimer This article is AI-assisted for reference only and does not constitute certification commitment or legal advice. All operations shall follow the latest official standards and regulations.