Blog
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technical regulation “On Safety of Machinery Equipment” (Russian government order N 753 of September 15, 2009) were withdrawn.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
Proposed Changes to R&TTE Directive for Radio Equipment Include New Name & Requirements
The Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Compliance Association (R&TTE CA) met in December in Malaga, Spain to discuss proposed revisions to the R&TTE Directive, which is being renamed the Radio Equipment (RE) Directive. At the meeting, MET Laboratories was approved as a R&TTE Compliance Association member. (This is unrelated to R&TTE Notified Body status –... Read More
EMC Testing Requirement for IT Equipment Varies by Country
In Compliance Magazine recently published a good primer on compliance requirements for IT equipment around the world. Following is a summary of the electromagnetic compatibility regulations. A set of common standards serve as the basis for global EMC regulations: Conducted and radiated emissions are based on CISPR 22 & FCC Part 15 Immunity is based on... Read More
Top 10 Compliance Today Blog Posts for Electrical Compliance Engineers in 2012
The Compliance Today blog for electrical product manufacturer compliance engineers saw a significant jump in readers and subscribers in 2012. Following were the most popular 2012 posts, by pageviews. RTCA/DO-160G is Latest Version for Testing of Airborne Equipment, But Not the Only Choice UL1604 to Be Replaced by ANSI/ISA 12.12.01-2000 for Hazardous Locations Certification 2011... Read More
