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For New Technologies – Like 3D Printers – What Product Safety Standard Applies?

Product safety compliance for equipment that falls into an established product category is straightforward.  But what about new technologies – how are these products evaluated?  As a case example, let’s look at 3D printers.  3D printers aren’t new, but they are just now entering the mainstream, with many more manufacturers developing new small desktop versions... Read More

GR-3160-CORE is NEBS Lite for Data Center Equipment

GR-3160-CORE, NEBS Requirements for Telecommunications Data Center Equipment and Spaces, is sometimes described as ‘NEBS Lite.’  It includes important reliability and safety requirements, without the full set of hurdles found in the NEBS telecom standards, like GR-1089-CORE and GR-63-CORE. But what exactly are the differences for equipment evaluation?  Following is a basic overview. The test... Read More

AHJs Use NFPA 790 & 791 to Qualify Labs for Electrical Equipment Field Evaluations

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) in the United States have typically used the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, as the basis for approving electrical equipment installations in the United Sates. Much of the Code relies on having products manufactured and certified by a recognized testing laboratory to consensus-based U.S. product safety standards. In Canada, the AHJs... Read More

MIL-STD-461 for Military EMC & GR-1089-CORE for NEBS Telecom EMC Share Some Requirements

The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for telecom and military equipment are considered among the most difficult to meet for any industry.  Not many electronics manufacturers conduct testing for both requirements, but it happens occasionally.  For those who do, it’s an advantage to pursue both at the same time, as there is some overlap.  Following is... Read More

For Product Safety Approvals, Uncertified and Improperly-Rated Components Require Surveillance

Electrical/electronic equipment manufacturers often ask if it is acceptable to use uncertified or improperly rated components in their products.  The following Frequently Asked Questions address the implications of using these components for North America product safety approvals.  What is an uncertified component? Any safety critical component that is not certified by a suitably accredited agency... Read More