SAFETY - TECHNICAL FILES

1. INTRODUCTION

The manufacturer must draw up a technical file (technical documentation) for compliance to Australian EMC requirements and to show conformance to both EMC Directive and Low Voltage Directive for the EU. It is also advisable to include in the Technical File the results of all testing.

The technical documentation is intended to provide information on the design, manufacture and operation of the product.

Both the Australian EMC Regulations and European New Approach directives oblige the manufacturer to draw up technical documentation containing information to demonstrate the conformity of the product to the applicable requirements.

This obligation begins when the product is placed on the market. The technical documentation must be kept for at least 10 years from the last date of manufacture of the product.

Drawing up of the technical documentation is the responsibility of the manufacturer (for Australia EMC compliance) and either the manufacturer or the authorized representative established within the Community in the case of Europe.

Technical documentation is most critical especially in the case of conforming to the Low Voltage Directive within Europe.

2. SAMPLE TECHNICAL FILE

A pro-forma Technical File is included on the accompanying CD.

3. CONTENTS OF THE TECHNICAL FILE

The Technical File must include details of the design, manufacture and operation of the electrical equipment in so far as these details are needed to assess the conformity of the equipment with the requirements of the regulations.

Accordingly, it contains:

A general description of the electrical equipment,
Design and manufacture drawings plus diagrams of components, sub-assemblies,
Circuits, etc.,
Descriptions and explanations needed to understand the above mentioned
Drawings and diagrams plus the operation of the electrical equipment,
A list of the standards used, in full or in part, and a description of the solutions employed to meet the safety aspects of this directive when standards have not been applied,
The results of design calculations and of checks carried out, etc.,
Test reports (in fact, the test reports which may be available, either Established by the manufacturer or a third party).

The more information that can be included in the Technical File, especially relating to compliance with the Low Voltage Directive, the better.

The technical documentation may be kept on electronic support, provided that it is easily accessible for inspection.

If it's really URGENT

Call any time on: +61 418 566 466

EMC Technologies - Victoria (Head Office)

176 Harrick Road Keilor Park Victoria 3042 Australia
Ph: +61 3 9365 1000 Fax: +61 3 9331 7455

EMC Technologies - New Zealand

47 MacKelvie Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland New Zealand Ph: + 64 93600 862 Fax: + 64 93600 861

EMC Technologies - New South Wales

Unit 3, 87 Station Road, Seven Hills NSW 2147 Australia Ph: + 612 9624 2777 Fax: + 612 9838 4050

EMC Technologies - Queensland

Unit 1 / 15 Success Street, Acacia Ridge 4110 Qld Australia Ph: + 617 3875 2455 Fax: + 617 3875 2466