Blog
MSHA Mine Product Approvals Speeded by Independent Test Labs
Electrical products destined for hazardous work locations are required in the U.S. to be product safety certified to NRTL requirements. However, for products destined for use in explosive gas and dust atmospheres of a U.S. underground mine, NRTL safety certification is not sufficient – Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) approval is required. Cue the long... Read More
Early Consideration of EMC & Product Safety Compliance in Product Development Saves Time and Headaches
When developing a new electrical product, early consideration of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety compliance issues will pay major dividends later. If compliance is not engineered in from the start, expect to endure this pain: A major delay as the product is redesigned, jeopardizing time to market and product viability Significant extra costs for... Read More
Despite Difficult NEBS Testing, Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Increasingly Benefit from Compliance to GR-1089-CORE & GR-63-CORE
When the power goes out, more often than not, the landline phone still works. And often the cell phone too. This is no accident. The NEBS (Network Equipment Building System) family of standards is designed to keep the network running no matter what, and they are more comprehensive and more difficult to comply with than... Read More
Module Approvals for US, Canada, Europe & Japan Discussed at TCB Council Workshop
At the recent TCB Council Workshop in Baltimore, TCBs – including MET Labs – were given a refresher on the fundamentals of modular approvals. Here is a summary. In the U.S., wireless module approvals fall into one of three categories: Full modular approval – A radio module to be approved for use in any host... Read More
Russia GOST R Replaced by Customs Union Technical Regulation
On February 15, 2013 the national Russian certification system GOST R and national Russian technical regulation “On Safety of Machinery Equipment” (Russian government order N 753 of September 15, 2009) were withdrawn. Simultaneously, the new Customs Union Technical Regulation (CU TR) for most electrical products was enforced in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Earlier issued GOST... Read More
FCC Proposes Big Changes to Part 15 & 68 Electrical Equipment Approval Process
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed important changes to its equipment testing and authorization program under Part 15 and Part 68 of its rules. The FCC says the changes will streamline the approval process and expedite the introduction of new devices to the market. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued last month,... Read More
ICPHSO Product Safety Meeting Features Record Attendance & Strong CPSC Involvement
The International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) Annual Meeting and Training Symposium is underway in Arlington, Va., and there are a record 800 product safety professionals in attendance. ICPHSO is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. There is a good mix of manufacturers, retailers, industry associations, and independent test labs here. The U.S.... Read More
FAQs Regarding IEC 62368-1, the Replacement for IEC 60950-1 & IEC 60065
What is IEC 62368-1? It is the new safety standard for Information Technology Equipment and Audio/Video Equipment. It is intended to replace IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065. It is a hazard-based, performance-oriented standard. Is IEC 62368-1 a risk-based standard? No! Unlike IEC 60601-1, 3rd Edition, risk analysis is not required. Neither is it a simple... Read More
NRCan Proposes Decoupling ENERGY STAR Specs from its Energy Efficiency Regulations
Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) ENERGY STAR Initiative is considering significant changes in how products manufactured and/or sold in Canada are qualified and listed. NRCan proposes to de-couple Canada’s ENERGY STAR technical specifications from its Energy Efficiency Regulations. NRCan intends to use the ENERGY STAR technical specification published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)... Read More
Proposed EMC Directive Revision Has New Notified Body Requirements
The European Union Association of Notified Bodies (EUANB) met in December in Spain to discuss proposed revisions to the EMC Directive. The final revised Directive is expected to be issued in the next few months. EUANB is the Notified Body Group for the EMC Directive and is composed of members who are a Notified Body... Read More
