Electrical Safety –
IEC 62368 Certification

What is Electrical Safety Testing?

Electrical safety testing is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical products and systems. These tests are designed to identify potential hazards, verify compliance with regulatory standards, and mitigate the risks associated with electrical devices and installations. The primary goals of electrical safety testing are to prevent electrical shock, fire hazards, and other dangers that may arise from faulty electrical equipment.

CE LVD Certification

What is CE LVD Certification? CE LVD Certification, governed by the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, is a critical quality assurance process for manufacturers seeking to market their electrical products in the European Union (EU). The acronym "LVD" refers to the Low Voltage Directive, initially adopted in 1973 and subsequently amended to set stringent rules for the quality testing of electronic tools. The primary objective of CE LVD Certification is to ensure the safety of electrical equipment sold within the EU. It is a mandatory requirement for all manufacturers, importers, and distributors, covering a broad spectrum of products from AC adapters to household appliances. The certification process involves adherence to specific technical standards issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and includes comprehensive documentation, design specifications, and conformity testing. The CE LVD Certification is represented by the CE mark, which indicates compliance with safety regulations and allows market access in the EU. Which Products Need LVD CE Certification? Compliance testing under the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU is mandatory for electrical items falling within the voltage limits of 50 – 1,000 volts for AC gadgets and 75 – 1,500 volts for DC gadgets. Obtaining the CE certification for the Low Voltage Directive is crucial to ensure compliance with EU regulations for product safety. This certification is particularly relevant for products that fall within the scope of electrical equipment operating within specific voltage limits. Here is a list of products that commonly require LVD CE certification: Consumer Electronics: Devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Power Supplies: Devices providing electrical power, including power adapters and chargers. Household Appliances: From kitchen appliances like blenders and toasters to larger devices like washing machines and refrigerators. Lighting Products: Whether it's traditional light bulbs or modern LED fixtures. Power Tools: Electric drills, saws, and other power tools. Industrial Machinery: Electrical machinery used in industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants. Audio and Video Equipment: Products like amplifiers, speakers, and televisions. IT Equipment: Servers, networking equipment, and other information technology products. Electrical Toys: Children's toys that include electrical components or operate on electricity. Automotive Electronics: Certain electrical components and systems that are present in vehicles, such as navigation systems and entertainment units.   Which products are not covered by the LVD? There are some exceptions and specific types of equipment that fall outside the scope of the LVD. Here are examples of products generally not covered by the LVD: Equipment for Special Purposes: Electrical equipment designed for certain specific applications, such as explosive atmospheres, medical devices, and military equipment. Aircraft and Aerospace Equipment: Electrical equipment intended for use in aircraft and aerospace applications. Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment: Equipment covered by the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) falls outside the scope of the LVD. Plugs and Socket-Outlets for Domestic Use: These are excluded from the LVD and may be subject to other standards or regulations. Custom-Built Evaluation Kits for Professionals: Products designed for professionals for research and development purposes, provided they are not intended for end-user markets.   How to Pass the LVD Certification: To obtain LVD certification, companies must submit comprehensive technical documentation outlining the device, its design, manufacturing process, and operational principles. Products are subject to conformity tests, including: humidification, ball pressure, insulation resistance, glow wire, power measurement, needle flame, air conditioning, warming, mechanical, leakage current. Companies can ensure a smoother certification process by seeking expert advice to navigate complexities and ensure adherence to safety regulations. Why Is a CE Low Voltage Mark Important? The CE Low Voltage Mark is a visual indication that your electrical equipment complies with the essential safety requirements of the Low Voltage Directive. This mark is a testament to the quality and safety of your products, instilling confidence in both consumers and regulatory authorities. It opens doors to international markets by demonstrating that your products meet the stringent safety standards set by the European Union. At 360Compliance, we understand the importance of CE LVD Certification for your business. Let us be your partner in achieving compliance, and ensuring the safety and success of your electrical products in the global market. Explore our services today and embark on a journey to certification excellence. Contact us to achieve CE LVD Certification.

Learn more

Safety (UL-STD) Certification

What is UL Certification? UL Certification, provided by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), is a globally recognized mark of safety, quality, and compliance for various products. Underwriters Laboratories is an independent testing and certification organization that has been setting safety standards for over a century. The UL Mark indicates that a product has undergone rigorous testing and meets specific safety and performance criteria set by UL. What is a UL standard? UL Standards serve as the bedrock for ensuring the safety, performance, and reliability of a diverse array of products across industries. Developed and maintained by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), these standards provide manufacturers, regulators, and consumers with a clear framework for evaluating and achieving product safety. In this exploration, we delve into the significance of UL Certification Standards, their development process, and their role in shaping a safer, more reliable marketplace. The UL Certification Process: The process of obtaining Certification involves several key steps: Product Submission: Manufacturers submit their products to UL for evaluation. This involves providing detailed information about the product, including design specifications and materials used. UL Testing: UL conducts comprehensive testing on the submitted product to assess its safety, performance, and compliance with applicable standards. This may include electrical, mechanical, environmental, and other specific tests depending on the nature of the product. Factory Inspection: UL may conduct inspections at the manufacturing facility to ensure consistent production of test design. This step helps maintain the integrity of the certification. Certification Decision: Based on the testing and inspection results, UL makes a certification decision. If the product meets the required standards, it is granted UL Certification, and the manufacturer is authorized to use the UL Certification Mark on their product. Follow-Up Services: After certification, UL may continue to monitor the product through follow-up services, which may include periodic testing and inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.   What Products Need UL Certification? A wide array of products across various industries benefit from UL Testing. Some common categories include: Electrical and Electronic Devices: This includes power supplies, lighting products, wiring devices, and electronic components. Appliances: Household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. Industrial Equipment: Machinery and equipment used in industrial settings, where safety is critical. Fire and Security Devices: Products like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and security systems undergo testing to ensure they meet safety standards. Building Materials: Certain construction materials, such as wiring and insulation.   Benefits of UL Certificate Safety Assurance: Certification assures consumers and users that the product has been independently tested for safety and meets specific standards, providing confidence in its quality. Market Access: Many markets and industries require UL Certificate as a prerequisite for entry. It opens doors to new opportunities and enhances the marketability of products. Risk Mitigation: Certification helps manufacturers mitigate risks associated with product recalls, liability claims, and damage to brand reputation by ensuring that products meet safety standards. Global Recognition: The UL Mark is globally recognized, facilitating international trade and market access. Competitive Advantage: Having the UL Certification Mark sets products apart from competitors, signaling a commitment to quality and safety.   Why Choose 360Compliance for UL Certification 360Compliance provides end-to-end UL Certification testing services, ensuring your electrical equipment meets every safety standard. Here's why choosing us is your key to global success: Navigate UL-STD with ease: We handle the complexities, from testing to certification, so you can focus on your business. Peace of mind with guaranteed success: Fixed prices, dedicated project management, and expert support ensure your certification goes smoothly. Open doors to the world: Gain access to 195+ countries with a UL-STD certified product and expand your market reach. Meet deadlines with confidence: Our proven track record keeps your project on track, ensuring timely market entry. Expert guidance every step of the way: Our team of UL-STD specialists is here to answer your questions and provide technical assistance. Contact us to achieve UL - STD Certificate!  

Learn more

Key Aspects of Electrical Safety Testing

Regulatory Standards:

Electrical safety testing is guided by various national and international standards established by organizations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards provide a framework for manufacturers to design and produce safe electrical products.

Types of Tests:

• Dielectric Strength Test: This test evaluates the insulation integrity of electrical components by applying a high voltage to them. It checks for potential breakdowns or arcing that could compromise safety.
• Ground Continuity Test: Ensures that the grounding system of a device is effective in providing a low-resistance path for fault currents, preventing electric shock hazards.
• Insulation Resistance Test: Measures the resistance between conductive parts and insulation to assess the overall insulation quality. Low insulation resistance may indicate potential safety risks.
• Leakage Current Test: Evaluates the current flowing between conductive parts and the ground, helping to identify potential shock hazards.

Equipment and Instruments:

Electrical safety testing requires the use of specialized testing equipment and instruments. These may include high-voltage testers, insulation resistance meters, ground bond testers, and leakage current analyzers. Regular calibration of these instruments is essential to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Why Do You Need Electrical Safety Testing?

Most electronic and electrical products must comply with national and international Electrical Safety Standards, including the European LVD Directive, IEC 62368 certification, UL certification, and OSHA product safety regulations. Our company provides turnkey approval for product safety to cover global market access.

UL standards & certification and Electrical Safety Certification refer to Electrical and Mechanical hazardous products may contain. Those hazards need to be evaluated already in the design phase and they include a selection of listed critical components as part of the BOM (e.g. PCB, Enclosure, Flame parts, Fuses, and more).

Electrical product safety is required in the USA (UL standards & certification), Europe (CE – LVD Directive), Japan (PSE Japan), China (CCC Certification), S. Korea (KCC certification), Batteries scheme (IEC 62133) and other countries. For ITE products the common standard is IEC 62368 standard.

Product safety hasn’t been taken crucial by most manufacturers all over the globe. As we all know, different products are somewhat hazardous both to the environment and human health as well.

So, nowadays, most of the technology products are IEC 62368 certified to show that they adhere to the regulations and standards of IEC 62368.

What is IEC 62368?

IEC 62368 essentially deals with the safety of products. Therefore, it doesn’t cater to existing products but covers the older IEC 60950 and standards IEC 60065 which is to be replaced soon. In addition, this certification supports both new and old tech products. It is also grounded on research, sound engineering, and field data.

What Products Need IEC 62368 Certification?

IEC 62368 applies to a great variety of technological products, namely:

• Computing and networking tools, for example, PCs, laptops, tablets, servers, routers, and their power supplies;
• Consumer electronics;
• Displays and monitors, different types of projectors;
• Telecommunication tools, including equipment for network building, all types of phones, and other communication devices;
• Office electronics, such as copiers or paper shredders;
• Other types of equipment for communication and visualization purposes.

360Compliance – Electrical Safety Testing from Start to Completion

If you need to understand the basics of Electrical Safety Testing, professionals from the 360Compliance team are ready to answer all your questions and help you with testing and IEC 62368 certification. Experts of 360Compliance work with companies in various countries and can help you meet the requirements of this standard and launch your products to the global market.