Blog
Hazardous Location Product Safety Testing Explained for UL/CSA, ATEX & IECEx
Safety testing and certifying products for hazardous locations is complicated, especially when a manufacturer is exporting to multiple markets. Following is a basic primer. For more detailed information or questions, contact MET Labs. Standards In countries with formal certification and a 3-zone system, the IEC60079 series of standards is commonly used, adopted as National Standards... Read More
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Program Made Permanent for 2013
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made the “Most Efficient” Program permanent for 2013. This ENERGY STAR program identifying the most efficient products has been in pilot mode since being introduced in 2011. In 2012, more than 1,400 qualifying models from over 50 manufacturers in 8 product categories were recognized as ENERGY STAR Most... Read More
FAA and EASA Accept RTCA/DO-160 Test Reports from Accredited and Non-Accredited Labs
Despite some reports to the contrary, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will accept RTCA/DO-160 commercial aircraft equipment test reports from accredited and non-accredited labs. Accreditation is a 3rd party assessment of a laboratory’s quality systems, processes, and documentation. Accreditation assures a minimum level of competence, but it does... Read More
NFPA 790 and NFPA 791 Now a Criterion for Field Evaluation Bodies
In the U.S. workplace, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that all electrical equipment be safety certified. Many state, county and local jurisdictions also have similar requirements. However, equipment is sometimes installed that has not been certified or has been modified after installation. Then, a field evaluation may be necessary, as determined by... Read More
Alternative Site Validation Method in CISPR 16-1-4 Saves Test Labs Time and Money
Calibration and test labs both stand to save time and money when calibrating/verifying chambers, due to an update to CISPR 16-1-4. CISPR 16-1-4 Amd.1 Ed. 3.1 (2012) has replaced Ed. 2.0 (2007) for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus – antennas and test sites for radiated disturbance measurements. The publish date was July 11, 2012.... Read More
For IT Equipment in Canada, ICES-003 Issue 5 Required by August 2013
For manufacturers of IT Equipment (ITE) selling in Canada, ICES-003 Issue 5 Information Technology Equipment (ITE) – Limits and Methods of Measurement was published last month by Industry Canada. Until August 31, 2013, both Issue 4 and Issue 5 will be accepted. After that date, only Issue 5 will be accepted. Existing models in compliance... Read More
ENERGY STAR Certification to Combine CFLs and LEDs into Lamp Specification
As mentioned previously, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is combining the scope of the Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and Integral LED Lamps specifications into one technology-neutral Lamps specification. EPA held a webinar on August 8, 2012 to describe some of the requirements of this Lamps Draft 2 specification. Following is a summary of some of the... Read More
ETSI EN 300 132-2 Telecom DC Power Port Testing to Change in September
On September 30, 2012, the previous version of ETSI EN 300 132-2 will be withdrawn, and ETSI EN 300 132-2 v2.4.6 (2011-12) will take effect. ETSI 300 132-2 covers the testing requirements for the DC power ports of telecommunications equipment. It is not a harmonized standard, but it is often required by EU carriers like... Read More
CTIA Proposes Battery Life Testing for Certification Program
Last month, MET Labs attended a CTIA Battery Certification Program meeting in San Antonio, Texas. The agenda included a review and update of the certification program documents (CRD, PMD, CRSL). There was also a discussion to expand the program to include battery life testing. In attendance were all the system vendors, CTIA-Approved Test Labs (CATLs)... Read More
FCC Reviewing SAR Rules for Cell Phone Radiation Exposure
In June, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it would review its rules on radiation exposure from cell phones. The FCC’s current Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits were set fifteen years ago, in 1996. Any day now, the FCC is expected to publish a Notice of Inquiry, which will be open to public comment for... Read More
