USA SAFETY TESTING

1. INTRODUCTION

Testing and certification of mains operated equipment is a mandatory requirement within the USA.

Certification is controlled by OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration). Test laboratories performing testing to USA standards must be accredited by OHSA. There are numerous accredited laboratories located worldwide including the USA and Canada. The most widely recognized of the laboratories is Underwriters Laboratories and Canadian Standards Association.

2. CERTIFICATION

Certification tells you that a product or system has been evaluated under a formal process that includes examination, testing, and follow-up inspection-and that the product or system complies with applicable standards.

3. CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE

There are two (2) methods of obtaining certification for Products:

Have your product tested as part of the CB Scheme and submit the CB Certificate and test report for certification
Submit your product directly to an accredited laboratory for testing and certification.

3.1 Competent Body (CB) Scheme

If using this scheme you can have your products tested in Australia to the applicable standard including USA national deviations and obtain a CB Certificate and test report.

Submit the CB Certificate and test report including all supporting documentation to an accredited laboratory for a Certificate. Depending on the type of product, the certifying laboratory may or may not request a product sample for additional testing.

3.2 Direct Submission

If submitting directly to an accredited laboratory for testing and certification, contact the laboratory you intend to start the application process as soon as possible. The laboratory will normally request the following:

A publicity leaflet or data sheet describing the product (what it is, what it does, and what it looks like)
A photograph of the product
A list of all components or materials used in the product, including the manufacturers' names, model or catalogue designations, electrical ratings (if applicable), and UL file numbers (if applicable)
Any alternate materials or components that might be used in manufacturing
Schematic or wiring diagrams, if this is an electrical or electronic product
The model or catalogue numbers to be covered by this certification, and the similarities between models
The full name and address of all facilities where the product will be assembled, and a contact person for each facility.

3.3 Proven time-savers and cost-clippers

Assign one person in your company to be your liaison for certification matters.

This isn't a requirement, but it makes good business sense. Your company contact person will gain valuable knowledge about standards and certification, and will promote continuity and a will provide a constant connection between your organization and the test laboratory.

Get to know the standards.

Determine the standards that apply to your product in your target markets, and then get to know the specific requirements.

Pre-test your products.

Early testing can help you identify problems that might delay product certification. There's an added benefit to doing your pre-testing through an accredited laboratory: those early test results might be used later in the certification process, provided that the requirements haven't changed in the meantime.

Provide supporting material.

When submitting your test samples, include detailed data sheets, marketing and sales materials, photographs, and instructions for use. You can submit your supporting material in hardcopy or electronic format.

Use certified components.

Take full advantage of the proven track record of your components: be sure to identify all components that are already certified by UL and/or CSA.

3.4 International Recognition

The certification mark that is applied to the product is recognized throughout the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Canada, by all jurisdictions with formal accreditation systems. This applies to all products covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) program.

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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