Navigating the complexities of product certification, particularly when it comes to electrical safety, is crucial. It's not something you can afford to ignore. But the process can be overwhelming. How do you determine which products require certification? And where do you turn to get them certified? Is it necessary to obtain certification in every country you operate?
Andrea Peratello, our Head of Engineering, is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing process and certification of all Midstream products. So, we’ve asked him to guide us through the world of CEs, ENECs, ULs, and CBs
ANDREA, WHY DO WE HAVE PRODUCT CERTIFICATION?
Product certification is essential for almost every product to demonstrate compliance with market standards.
When it comes to electrical products, certification is not just a 'nice to have,' but a mandatory requirement to ensure customer safety. For instance, imagine purchasing a new electronic walking and talking doll for your child during Christmas. Would you feel comfortable buying a product without any certification marks? Probably not. Certification guarantees product quality and gives customers peace of mind.
Moreover, for manufacturers, certification can provide a competitive edge and demonstrate their commitment to product testing and customer safety. In case of a serious fault, proof of certification can also shield them from legal troubles.
WHAT IS THE CE MARK?
The CE mark, or Conformité Européene, is a mandatory standard mark that guarantees a product's compliance with any relevant European Directives. It must be displayed on all products marketed in the EU, regardless of where they are made.
While some industries can base their guarantee and use of the mark on internal tests, these tests must prove compliance with the relevant directives. It's crucial to keep all test documents and results to avoid facing consequences for failing to do so.
However, third-party testing and verification are necessary in certain industries, such as medical equipment manufacturing.
WHAT ABOUT THE ENEC (European Norms Electrical Certification) MARK? IF I’VE GOT MY CE MARK DO I NEED THIS TOO?
ENEC certification is a quality mark specifically for electrical products, including lighting, within the EU. This mark does not replace or take priority over CE certification, which is mandatory. However, obtaining the ENEC mark provides additional proof for customers that your product is safe and can help you stand out from competitors who do not have it. To use the ENEC mark, your products must undergo independent testing by laboratories like BSI, and they must be retested every two years to maintain the certification.
THE USA HAS ITS OWN UL MARKING. IS IT DIFFERENT FROM EUROPEAN MARKINGS?
Founded in 1894, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a third-party certification company in the USA that not only tests products but also sets industry standards for products being marketed in the country. UL can authorize manufacturers to test and certify their products using UL standards, which cover a broad variety of goods beyond electrical products. The UL mark is not mandatory, but it is a highly respected seal of approval, with around 14 billion UL-certified products entering the global marketplace each year.
WHAT ABOUT THE CB (CERTIFICATION BODY) SCHEME? WHAT DOES THAT DO?
The CB scheme is your ticket to saving time, effort, and money when it comes to getting your product certified for multiple markets. This scheme operates based on a multilateral agreement that recognizes the use of internationally recognized electrical and electronic product safety standards. CB laboratories worldwide test products to confirm that they meet these standards. The results are submitted to national certification bodies, which can then allow access to their markets for CB tested products. It's important to note that this does not mean only one mark is needed to cover all markets. However, obtaining the UL mark, for example, becomes easier if you already have your ENEC mark.
HOW IS CERTIFICATION CHECKED?
Once you've gone through the effort of getting your products certified, don't make the mistake of thinking that's the end of it. In reality, you must continue to ensure that your product maintains its standards. Third-party monitors strictly scrutinize the manufacturing process and can even conduct factory inspections to ensure compliance with ENEC and UL standards. If your standards slip, you could lose the right to use their marks.
You can easily check certified product databases to see if a particular product has achieved an ENEC or UL mark. These databases are available for anyone to consult, so you can be confident in the safety and quality of your purchases.