Australian Safety Testing, A Tick testing and Approval, C Tick Testing and Approval, ACMA Testing and Approval

The ACMA's regulatory regime for Telecommunications devices does place greater emphasis on the supplier for compliance, that is true. However, as you will see from Schedule 1 of the ACMA's Telecommunications Labelling instrument, most equipment falls under compliance level 3, thereby requiring compliance testing to the applicable standards by a recognised testing authority (RTA).

RTA is the new name for Austel listed/ ACMA accredited test houses.

Following testing by an RTA to the mandatory Section 376 standards, and after seeking permission to use the "A-Tick" (if you haven't already sought permission to use the C-Tick), you may label & sell your equipment (don't forget you must also comply with the EMC Framework).

There is no requirement to submit test reports or statements of compliance direct to the ACMA. Statements of compliance from test houses have no weight under the new system, it's test reports that matter! The ACMA do not issue individual permit numbers for products, nor assess your variations to them (until an audit). So the process is greatly streamlined as you don't have to wait 30+ days for a permit number. You may however be audited, and test reports together with other compliance folder requirements will be inspected.

Schedule 1 of the labelling instrument outlines equipment and their applicable compliance levels.

In summary, to comply with the various compliance levels you must have for:

Compliance level 1:

a) A description of the item; and
b) A declaration of conformity.

Example: Equipment designed to connect to telex.

Compliance Level 2:

a) A test report or reports that shows that the item meets the requirements of each applicable standard; or
b) A written statement by a certification body (such as ourselves), certifying that the item complies with each applicable standard; or
c) If section 17 of the labelling instrument applies, ie only if it is impracticable to test the item because of it's size, location or nature, - a written statement by a competent body certifying that reasonable efforts have been made to avoid a contravention of each applicable standard.

Example: AS/ACIF S003 as it relates to Digital CAS interface for data only.

Compliance Level 3:

a) A test report or reports from a recognised testing authority (new name for ACMA accredited test house) that shows that the item meets the requirements of each applicable standard; or
b) A written statement by a certification body certifying that the item complies with each applicable standard; or
c) If section 17 applies - a written statement by a competent body certifying that reasonable efforts have been made to avoid a contravention of each applicable standard.

The majority of equipment is compliance level 3. PSTN connected data & voice equipment, ISDN BRI & PRI, leased line equipment, all fall under compliance level 3, so 95% of products tested by accredited test labs under the old Austel regime, continue to require testing. That is not to say the standards will remain the same, and there has been some relaxation of compliance criteria within the mandatory standards. A key point is that items that fail to comply with the standards cannot be given a compliant report, and therefore suppliers cannot attest compliance with the appropriate section 376 standard. It is also worth noting, that advices to industry, previously issued by Austel, have no place under the new regime, although the Comms Alliance www.commsalliance.com.au (previously Australian Communications Industry Forum) produce guidelines.

The labeling instrument lists the following items that need to be contained within a compliance folder. These are separate to the EMC Framework requirements, although 1 folder may contain information to satisfy both EMC & telecomms. Product Description. This may include the following:

Photographs of the item and / or brochure

A reference to the version of any software that is incorporated in the item Further sufficient information, such as a block/interconnection diagram, for a person (including ACMA auditor) to determine whether the item labeled is the same as the item for which the Declaration of Conformity, test report or statement by a competent or certification body has been made.

Original or certified copies of test reports relating to the equipment, indicating compliance with all relevant section 376 standards (if compliance level 2 or 3)

Signed Declaration of Conformity (stating the item complies with s.376 standards). Copies of the declaration of conformity are available to Austest clients. Note ACMA supplier codes are only issued to Australian entities, so if you are a non Australian manufacturer, you may wish to take advantage of our compliance folder service where we allow the use of our ACMA supplier code on your products. Ask us more about this service by emailing or by completing our customer feedback form on the contact page.

Assuming the product is "new", ie tested to ACMA standards after 1 July 1997, and fails to comply with said standards, the product cannot be marked with the "A-Tick". The following mark must be placed on non compliant equipment. The label must be durable and at least 5 mm high.

The following statement must also be provided on packaging and incorporated in documentation supplied with the non compliant item, and must be in the same font size as other text in the documentation:

Do not connect this customer equipment or customer cabling to a carrier or carriage service provider's network or facility unless:

(a) you have the consent of the network manager; or
(b) the connection is in accordance with a connection permit or connection rules.

Connection of this customer equipment or customer cabling may cause a hazard or damage to the network or facility, or persons, with consequential liability for substantial compensation.

The item can be re-examined to all current applicable ACMA standards, or you can approach a certification body, such as AB Certification Services, who may provide you with, following assessment of previous test reports in comparison to existing ACMA standards, a statement of compliance. This statement of compliance can then form part of your compliance folder attesting compliance to the new ACMA compliance regime. The item must then be labelled as per the new ACMA regime, ie with the A-Tick, C-Tick and one of several options including supplier code #.

In most cases, for less than $1000 we can audit your company's compliance folders ON-SITE, and provide feedback regarding missing or insufficient documents and compliance evidence. We systematically examine your compliance folders to highlight insufficient or missing documentation. This audit report can then become part of your compliance documentation, and give peace of mind prior to being audited by the ACMA.

There's a lot of confusion regarding the use of the C-Tick mark, compliance folders and the mutual acceptance criteria between the ACMA (Australia) and Radio Spectrum Management (New Zealand).

Where radio products fall within levels of conformity A1, A2 and A3 (note 802.11x and Bluetooth are A1) and they have been labelled with an Australian Supplier Code Number and the C-Tick compliance mark for supply to the Australian market and these products are then supplied to the New Zealand market, the NZ RSM does not require the supplier to remove the Australian Supplier Code Number and the C-Tick compliance mark.

The supplier or their agent must, however, apply a New Zealand Supplier Code Number label to the product and hold a compliance folder for the product New Zealand. For Australian or International companies that do not a local NZ entity, we offer our local agent services for only a few hundred $$. We hold compliance folders on-line, in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and other countries.

When performed correctly, pre-compliance testing before submitting a product for final test gives confidence that the product will either pass 1st go, or require only minimal changes. Our pre-conformance open area site is available for checking emissions during prototype stage, measuring the effect different components have on your overall system. Alternatively our main site is available for such measurements at a fee competitive to hiring EMC equipment and performing your own tests. TIP: Do pre-compliance testing early and often. To incorporate sound EMC techniques, the problem areas must be isolated (test early), and the design must not alter previously devised protection techniques (test often).

TIP: When modifying a mains powered product or telephone interface to suppress emissions, take care to ensure the change has not altered electrical safety requirements. Use a consultant or test house that has intimate knowledge of both electrical safety and EMC standards, or be faced with unnecessary retesting.

TIP: Use the slowest logic clocking possible. Fast transitions and higher clock speeds contain more unwanted energy (and harmonics). Energy distribution is affected by rise & fall times, duty cycle, the shape of the clock waveform & PCB layouts.

TIP: The response of an EMI receiver has a typical bandwidth of 120KHz for radiated & 9KHz for conducted emissions. If several harmonics from 2 or more clocks fall within the bandwidth of the receiver, the measured field strength will be higher than either of the individual harmonics, with an increase of up to 6dB. Where you can, select your clock frequencies to avoid such clashes. If designing a product, the program "Clock Architect" from TKC may be helpful. Click Here to go to the TKC Web page to obtain a trial version of this handy program.

TIP:The ground connection on your printed circuit board is not a waste outlet where all unwanted emissions flow. PCB groundplanes and surfaces of enclosures are not 'infinite current sinks'. Although good grounding is part of the solution to unwanted emissions, it should not be the only technique.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has ruled that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices with up to 4 Watt of power may now be used in Australia in the 920-926 MHz band. A new version of the ACMA's Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000 has been published which increases the output power level for RFID's in the 920MHz to 926MHz band. There are several caveats...the device must be a Gen2 RFID and power levels greater than 1W can only be used if necessary for system performance. These devices can be tested in either our Central Coast NSW or Adelaide facilities.

Wireless Low Interference Potential devices such as Wireless Lan, Wireless Remotes and Remote Controls (non Infra Red) are referenced by the ACMA's LIPD Class Licence and the majority of these devices fall under AS/NZS4268. This standard has recently been revised to include abnormal tests performed at -10 degC & +50C deg while a variation of supply voltage is also required, so ensure testing is performed to the latest version. This testing can be performed at either our Central Coast NSW or Adelaide facilities.

TIP:When sourcing a product for the Australian or NZ Telecom markets, make sure it complies with similar safety and EMC requirements in other countries. A modem that passes German or UK requirements will require less modification than a product designed for the domestic North American market.

TIP:If your principal focus is Australia, although NZ or other counties may be next on your list, design your product (or have it tested) with these countries in mind. One product may be suitable for several markets.

Most products fail electrical safety due to inadequate isolation between differing voltages within a product. For example, a mains powered fax machine needs to have re-inforced isolation between mains (240Vrms) and secondary low voltage circuits. It also needs supplementary isolation between internal telephone connected circuitry (TNV) and low voltage circuits. This isolation across barriers varies widely dependent upon circuit potentials and how they are used. Once again, consultation at the preliminary design stage of a product can save many hours of board and component rework, not to mention expense and delay. TIP: Use an electrical safety test house at the design stage of a product. A preliminary look at a product for safety may cost as little as $100 and save thousands in avoiding retrofitted boards and components.

Austest Laboratories has signed an agreement with TUV Rheinland Japan Ltd to be a Certification Body Testing Laboratory (CBTL) for the issuance of safety certification under the globally recognized CB Scheme.

Following the change, TUV Rheinland has processed more than half a dozen CB Certificates on behalf of Austest resulting in lower costs and a faster turn around for Austest clients.

"As our latest approved lab for CB testing and report TUV Rheinland welcomes Austest as a valuable test and certification partner within our region" stated David Wood, Manager - Products of TUV Rheinland Australia.

Austest's scope of CB testing includes a wide range of IEC 60335 standards for household electrical items, IEC 60598 Series for Lighting, IEC 60950 for IT and Telecommunications Equipment, IEC 61558 for power supplies and IEC 60065 for audio and video equipment.

Contact Martin on +61 2 9882 6500 or for more info on CB Testing and Certification.

Austest has secured an agreement with our preferred electrical safety certification body to issue certificates in 4 days (subject to compliance and required documentation). This is a huge advance on other safety approval providers who can take anything up to 6-8 weeks to process an approval. The 4 day turn around comes at NO ADDITIONAL COST. Coupled with our existing New Zealand Telecom advance approval numbers issued in 24 hours, this shows proof of our commitment to provide the fastest testing and approval service possible.

Adding to Austest's existing capabilities for testing of power supplies to the MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standard) AS/NZS 4665, we have expanded to provide testing and listing of audio video and related equipment inc digital set top boxes to AS/NZS 62087:2008.

Apart from testing to energy efficiency standards, Austest provides a total compliance package covering electrical safety testing, approval including the RCM Mark, Certificate of Suitability or Prescribed Item Listing, and compilation of ACMA compliance folders and A-Tick and C-Tick.  We also provide compliance folder audits to ensure continued compliance with regulatory requirements.

Involve your test house from the design stage of a product. No, we're not just say this to earn more money ! Redesigning printed circuit boards (EMC and safety), and finding compliant isolating components (safety and interworking) is easy at the design stage, expensive and frustrating after the product has been made and ready to sell.
It will save you money !

Austest Laboratories and our Certification Body known as AB Certification now share resources and common management with Harvest Laboratories of Melbourne and Auckland NZ, following Austest's acquisition on Tuesday by Approval Specialists P/L.

The acquisition of Austest, together with the 1 May purchase of Comlabs in Melbourne, forms the largest combined telecommunications, EMC, Safety and approvals company in Aust/NZ. These two labs, added to the substantial resources of Harvest Labs Auckland, provide clients with true 1 stop compliance for local and international markets. Drawing on the resources of the Approval Specialists Group (www.approvalspecialists.com) Austest clients now have true access to global markets thru CB Certification, expanded telecommunications services and dedicated approval consultants in Asia, Europe and Latin-South America.

Contact Martin on +61 2 9882 6500 or for more info on services or for quote requests.

Austest staff are hitting the road in May with exhibitions in Melbourne and Sydney. This is your chance to meet in person and resolve any compliance or test questions you may have.

CeBIT (Darling Harbour 12-14 May) is Australia's leading Business Technology Event and this year promises to be bigger than ever! For international compliance issues, our Stand C30, Hall 3 (near the rear Caf?) will have Ms Chun Kim, director of Approval Specialists Inc, who is happy to provide detailed responses to questions on Asia-Pac and Latin-South American Approvals and in particular, exporters interested in China and South Korea.

In Melbourne, Aus-Tech is Australia's premier advanced manufacturing and machine tool exhibition and is from Tues 12 May till Friday 15 May at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank Vic. Philip Hitchcock from Austest Melbourne will be present in the "manufacturers walk" to help with telecommunications, Safety and EMC related issues including C-Tick compliance folders.

Austest Melbourne has become the 1st telecommunications and safety lab in Australia to achieve A2LA (the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) listing for a range of telecommunications, safety and energy standards. ACMA RTA (Recognised Testing Authority) status has been achieved via accreditation by A2LA and the Mutual Recognition Agreement between NATA and A2LA. The scope of Austest Melbourne has been radically expanded less than 1 year after the purchase of the facility located in East Brunswick, formerly known as Comlabs. The A2LA accredited testing scope includes;

• AS/NZS4665 (Energy Efficiency for Power Supplies)
• AS/NZS 60950.1 (safety of IT & Telecomms equipment)
• AS/ACIF S002 (interworking / PSTN)
• AS/ACIF S003 (Customer Switching Systems)
• AS/ACIF S004 (Voice)
• AS/ACIF S008 (Cables and cabling products)
• AS/ACIF S016 (E1)
• AS/ACIF S031 (ISDN Basic Rate)
• TBR003 (Euro ISDN Basic Rate)
• AS/ACIF S038 (ISDN Primary Rate)
• TBR004 (Euro ISDN Primary Rate)
• AS/ACIF S040 (Disability)
• AS/ACIF S043.1 (DSL range of Standards)
• AS/ACIF S043.2
• AS/ACIF S043.3

Austest staff have recently completed a comprehensive audit including verification of network tests for one of Australia’s most respected alarm manufacturers, to verify compliance with AS/NZS 2201.5 for Alarm transmission systems per ASIAL requirements. We believe this is to date, the most comprehensive system audit performed of a Class 4 system.