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| Thread ID: 132227 | 2013-05-11 05:30:00 | New energy efficiency regulations on computers effecting all techys. | Iantech (16386) | PC World Chat |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 1340672 | 2013-05-11 05:30:00 | The Govt is now wanting to take control of the computer industry (whole 3% of power consumption) it seems. This is a bit long winded, but shows what is in store for system sellers and builders after Oct 1st. From 1 October 2013 all computers must, by law, meet minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) to be sold in New Zealand. If you import or manufacture computers, notebooks, or small scale servers, this page outlines what the requirements are and how to meet them. Why have MEPS for computers? Computer ownership in New Zealand continues to grow and, as a result, their energy consumption is becoming more important to the economy. Efficient technology is widely available globally but less so in our market, so there is significant potential for energy performance improvements in this product category. In 2010, home computers and office ICT accounted for around 3% of New Zealand's total electricity use - more than the energy use of a city the size of Hamilton. Improved efficiency would give consumers a more efficient range of products to choose from, saving on running costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the products. What computers are affected? All computers that are imported or manufactured in New Zealand for sale or hire, including: desktop computers notebooks small scale servers Frequently asked questions What computers are specifically excluded from the requirements? __________________________________________________ _________________ The following computers do not need to comply with MEPS: Personal digital assistants (PDAs). Palmtop computers and smartphones. Games consoles. Blade, slate or thin client computers. Workstations. Computers that are not connected to mains voltage or by external power supply. Are there alternative requirements? __________________________________________________ _________________ Deemed to comply computers must be registered on the energy rating website, but they have alternative requirements. For a single computer model, with an annual manufacturing quantity of 200 units or less, it will be exempt from typical energy consumption (TEC) requirements, if it uses a high efficiency power supply. The Internal power supply must meet the standard AS/NZS 5814 (e.g. 80Plus Silver internal power supply), or the external power supply must meet the requirements of energy performance mark V. AS/NZS 5814 sets out Method of Measurement for internal power supplies. AS/NZS 4665.1 sets out the test method and energy performance mark for external power supplies. There is no requirement to register the internal power supply, however it must meet or exceed: 85 per cent efficiency when tested at 20 per cent of rated power; 88 per cent efficiency when tested at 50 per cent of rated power; 85 per cent efficiency when tested at 100 per cent of rated power; and power factor of 0.9 when tested at 100 per cent of rated power. What are the test standards? __________________________________________________ _________________ The test method for computers is set out in AS/NZS 5813.1. Standards can be purchased from www.standards.co.nz or www.saiglobal.com. What are the minimum energy efficiency levels? __________________________________________________ _________________ The minimum energy efficiency levels that must be met are specified in AS/NZS 5813.2. The Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are assessed against a typical energy consumption (TEC) figure, expressed in kWh, calculated using measured power for each operational mode scaled by an annual duty cycle. Small scale server MEPS are assessed against maximum power limits. All computers must be shipped with power management enabled, so that the default time to sleep after user inactivity is set at 30 minutes or less. Standards can be purchased from www.standards.co.nz or www.saiglobal.com. How do I register a computer on the Energy Rating website? __________________________________________________ _________________ Download our quick start guide to take you through the process step by step. www.eeca.govt.nz/resource/online-product-registration-guide If you haven’t used the energyrating.gov.au website before, the steps to take are: Step 1. Go to the Energy Rating website registration page. reg.energyrating.gov.au Step 2. Create an account and then log in. Step 3. Create an Applicant and add contact people, brands, laboratories and manufacturers as required. Step 4. Create a new product registration (you may need a test report). Step 5. Select Computer. Step 6. Follow the steps outlined in the left hand column until all fields are complete. Step 7. Once submitted you will be emailed a Registration ID. Record this in your system; you will need it to provide sales data each year. What information do I need to provide to EECA each year and how do I do it? __________________________________________________ _________________ Importers into New Zealand, and New Zealand manufacturers of products covered by the energy efficiency regulations are legally required to provide statistical information on sales, import and export data annually to EECA. Data needs to be submitted each year by 1 August, for the period 1 October to 31 March. For example, data from 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2012 must be received by 1 August 2012. The information is submitted through the EECA website. To access this section of the EECA website you need to: Step 1. Set up a user account at www.eeca.govt.nz/user/register/supplier Step 2. Once your account has been approved, you can log in at www.eeca.govt.nz/user/register/supplier/login Step 3. Once logged in, you will find links and instructions for the EECA sales data return tool. Step 4. Each year, EECA will email you on the 31 March to let you know the website is available to enter your products’ sales, import and export data. Step 5. Enter your product data. You will need the Registration ID or Registration number as outlined above in Step 7. The following information is required for each registered model: Sales in New Zealand between 1 October to 31 March. Imports into New Zealand between 1 October to 31 March. Exports from New Zealand between 1 October to 31 March. Who do I contact for more information? __________________________________________________ _________________ You can find more about regulated products and how to meet your legal obligations at www.eeca.govt.nz/product-standards. There is also more information on the energy rating website at www.energyrating.gov.au. If you have any questions, please email us at compliance@eeca.govt.nz, or phone EECA on 0800 358 676. |
Iantech (16386) | ||
| 1340673 | 2013-05-11 07:55:00 | Who is going to come around and measure the output on my home build desktops and server? I'll make sure I'm out when they do | gary67 (56) | ||
| 1340674 | 2013-05-11 07:56:00 | Thank the powers that be there are people like this protecting us from evil. The worrying thing is, what are the circuses going to be like now the Government has taken all the clowns? Perhaps the Government could re-designate their drongo MPs as clowns? |
R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 1340675 | 2013-05-11 08:37:00 | Gary, from what I have manged to get my head around so far, you will be allowed to build one for yourself, but you wont be allowed to sell it unless it (the computer) complies with the EECA standards. For this the computer needs to be registered with the EECA and has efficiencies that meet or exceed the minimum energy performance levels specified in AS/NZS 5813.2 (obtains an Energy Star Rating like on your fridge) which has been tested by a registered testing laboratory (tested to the AS/NZS 5813.1 standard). If you want to know what those standards actually consist of, it costs about $250 to get a copy of them!! It also wouldnt surprise me if there is a registration fee for each computer you register, and there will also be a cost to get it tested by a "testing laboratory". Your computer will also need to be AC Certified by a registered electrician to say it is safe (this law is already in place). As mentioned some of the requirements are 1. All computers must be shipped with power management enabled, so that the default time to sleep after user inactivity is set at 30 minutes or less. 2. The Internal power supply must meet the standard AS/NZS 5814 (e.g. 80Plus Silver internal power supply). I fear thats the easy bits. I really dont understand what all this is about and why its required. I can understand having it AC Certified (good idea), but cant figure out why computers need to be govt regulated or be EECA rated. A lot of red tape and expense that in the end is going to cost the end user. |
Iantech (16386) | ||
| 1340676 | 2013-05-11 09:25:00 | A few questions and observations. :D Why are game consoles excluded? They probably use a lot more power than most peoples computers or laptops as they are usually running a big TV as well. What constitutes a workstation? Can I just sell all my computers as "workstations" It looks like if you make less than 200 of a particular model per year then it is exempt, you just need to have an 80plus Silver PSU. Am I reading that right? If so then every computer I build will just be a different model, and they usually are anyway as each one will be in a different case or have a different CPU, RAM, mainboard or HDD than the one built before. |
CYaBro (73) | ||
| 1340677 | 2013-05-11 09:36:00 | but you wont be allowed to sell it unless it (the computer) complies with the EECA standards. Does this cover 2nd hand sales? |
icow (15313) | ||
| 1340678 | 2013-05-11 09:47:00 | The law is a ass, and at the South end of that ass is the government, administered and staffed by those chosen by the people as the most eminently qualified to be there | R2x1 (4628) | ||
| 1340679 | 2013-05-11 09:54:00 | Who will police it? And will they also target those selling on TradeMe or will they only go after legitimate businesses that actually pay tax and gst etc. | CYaBro (73) | ||
| 1340680 | 2013-05-11 09:56:00 | A few questions and observations. :D Am I reading that right?Dont know yet, i find it all a bit confusing just yet. The EECA is holding a meeting in Chch later in the month that I intend to attend to try and get a better understanding of it. I would be very happy if that was the case but I dont think so from this: As an importer or manufacturer of computers, you are required to: Step 1. Ensure each computer model has been tested to the AS/NZS 5813.1 Step 2. Ensure each computer model has efficiencies that meet or exceed the minimum energy performance levels specified in AS/NZS 5813.2. Step 3. Register each computer model through the energy rating website. Step 4. Provide product sales, import and export data each year to EECA. “Manufacturer” includes anyone who assembles and sells PC’s regardless of volume It doesnt look good for anyone who assembles a computer. |
Iantech (16386) | ||
| 1340681 | 2013-05-11 10:03:00 | Who will police it? And will they also target those selling on TradeMe or will they only go after legitimate businesses that actually pay tax and gst etc. Policed by the EECA at a guess. Im going to say second hand computer sales are the same as selling a second hand fridge or other electrical appliance. New computers sold on trademe will have to comply though. | Iantech (16386) | ||
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