The world of Product Standards is changing. As technology advances, new methods of inspection and testing have to be devised and written. Also, as global commerce advances, our methods of evaluating products and equipment need to be recognizable in any country. In the US, this means, for example, that the UL Standards are becoming Harmonized with the International (IEC/EN) Standards:

• UL 544 (Medical and Dental Equipment) and UL 187 (X-Ray Equipment) and UL 2601 have been replaced with UL 60601. This was formerly IEC 601
• UL 3111 (Test and Measurement Equipment) is now part of UL 61010 (Laboratory Equipment), formerly IEC 1010.

Also, US (Only) Standards are being updated based on changes in technology and other regulations. For example,

• NFPA 79 (Electrical Safety for Industrial Equipment) has been updated to be compatible with EN 60204 (Safety of Equipment-Europe).
• UL 508A programs will require Short Circuit Testing and Ratings in 2006.

New European Regulations

Are you ready for RoHS? RoHS is the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. Meeting RoHS requirements can be complex, especially for certain manufacturers. For example, an HVAC manufacturer needs to evaluate all components to meet the new RoHS requirements, and if one component is not compliant, this could jeopardize sales in the EU, (Just like with CE Self-declaration). RoHS requirements deadlines are quickly approaching. Call CertifiGroup, or check back for more updates soon. Also, see our “CE Directives” page.

Natural Disasters & Safety Testing

What happens to electrical and mechanical equipment after a flood or a violent storm. What is the process to get your equipment back up and running after flood or water damage? See our Flood Damage Testing page.

Specialty Testing

Experts in testing regularly develop new testing programs based on the needs of product manufacturers and designers. The CertifiGroup Laboratory team is ready to meet any testing and certification challenge. Years of testing products in hundreds of categories gives us the experience to design a test program that meets the required level of safety, without wasting time and capital on unnecessary steps.

Resources and Links
The International Association of Electrical Inspectors:
http://www.iaei.org
The Independent Electrical Contractors Association
http://www.ieci.org/

CertifiGroup Newsletter
....Coming in March 2008....