What is the Australian RCM mark?

The RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) is a regulatory mark for electrical products in Australia and New Zealand. The RCM mark covers requirements related to safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and radio communications. Displaying the RCM mark indicates that the product complies with Australian and New Zealand regulatory standards and can be legally sold and used in these markets.

The RCM mark is jointly managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and New Zealand's Ministry of Economic Development (MED). Before obtaining the RCM mark, manufacturers or importers must test and evaluate their products to ensure they meet relevant technical regulations and standards.

In Australia and New Zealand, the RCM mark applies to various electrical and electronic products. The specific range of products includes, but is not limited to, the following categories:

- IT and AV products: such as computer equipment, monitors, audio equipment, etc.

- Lighting products: such as T8 LED tubes (fluorescent tubes require evaluation in Australia due to the higher safety risk as users can directly replace them).

- Electrical heating equipment: such as electric heaters, ovens, etc.

- Refrigeration equipment: like refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.

- Power tools.

- Components.

- AC power supplies/power transformers.

- Electric motor-driven and heating appliances.

- Power tools and similar products.

- Electric lamps and similar devices.

- Television receivers and audio equipment.

- Information technology products.

- Industrial, scientific, and medical instruments.

- Ignition engines and arc welding equipment.

Australia classifies electrical products into three risk levels:

- Level 1 (Low Risk): Generally refers to DC-powered products; an EMC report is sufficient to apply for the RCM mark (formerly known as the C-Tick).

- Level 2 (Medium Risk): Typically refers to AC-powered products; an EMC report plus a safety report is required to apply for the RCM mark (formerly known as the C-Tick).

- Level 3 (High Risk): A list of 56 products (some sources state 61) that require an EMC report, a safety report, and an SAA certificate to apply for the RCM mark.

It is important to note that electrical products must comply with Australian electrical safety laws if their voltage ranges between 50V to 1000V AC or 120V to 1500V DC.