CE for soft starters

[jraef]

As a US manufacturer, we have ony watched the developement of CE requirements for soft starters as a curiosity. Now we have heard that a standard has been fianlized, and we see new products being released by our european competitors with CE labels. So far we have had little request for CE certification, and since we don't have it we take a pass on projects that require it. As our new products come out of engineering however, I would like to make sure we go for CE on them. Any ideas as to how we find that specification that applies to soft starters?

[marke]

Hi jraef

 

The European standard is IEC60947-4-2 and it hs been around for a number of years now.

 

I expect that if you have already got UL and CSA accreditation, the major hurdle that you will have is the EMC requirements.

Unfortunately, there is no harmonization yet between UL and IEC, but that is on it's way. I believe that the goal is towards total harmonization of the UL and IEC standards and that will make things much easier for us all.

 

There is a slightly different emphasis between the UL/CSA standards and the IEC standards. The UL standards are more towards safety (preventing and insurance claim) and the IEC tend to be more towards equipment performance and reliability. For example, the short circuit tests under UL are to ensure no fire or severe damage occur, whereas IEC require the equipment to work after the test.

 

It is several years since I was directly involved in IEC testing of soft starters, so some things are a little grey!

 

Have a good day,

best regards,

[jraef]

Thanks Mark.

[schow]

Please can anyone tell me what are the requirements (sub-clauses) of IEC60947-4-2? How many items are they?

 

Cheers!;p;

[marke]

Hello schow

 

IEC60947-4-2 covers a wide range o requirements including ratings, configurations, fault current withstand, EMC radiation and immunities, EFT etc. The subclauses are to many to detail here. You need to get a copy of the standard document. As with all standards, there is a lot of cross referencing to other standards as well.

 

Best regards,

[schow]

Hi Marke,

 

Thanks for the info. Can anyone tell me is there any web-site, where we can check for the details of IEC/EN regulation?

 

Marke, do you know any test lab, who can test IEC60947-4-2 (beside TUV)?

 

Cheers! ;d;

[marke]

Hello schow

 

I do not know of a detailed website with this information. - recommend you buy the standard.

 

We use a laboratory in New Zealand called Parkside Laboratories. I am sure there are others closer to home for you.

 

Best regards,