Kaan, In a previous life I worked for a Midwest manufacturer of audio equipment ( amplifiers, signal processors etc) and we did not CE mark our footswitches. They do not have an "intrinsic" function of their own, so I do not believe that they meet the criteria for CE marking. However, like an add-on in any other system, they cannot compromise the safety of EMC performance of the unit when they are installed (ie: plugged in). In this case, you would want to run your safety and EMC tests with the footswitch "installed". You can probably expect to see a change in the immunity and emissions profile of the unit. There may not be a great risk in CE marking the switch, other than causing confusion. Hope this helps.
Jerry Fix, P.E. Compaq Computer " opinions expressed are personal and not necessarily related to those of my employer" ------------- Original Text From: Kaan Gregersen <[email protected]>, on 10/17/96 1:03 PM: Hello all, I would like your opinions on this one...I have an audio signalprocessor that has been EMC and Safety tested and which bears the CEmarking in accordance with the EMC and Low Voltage Directives. Thisproduct utilizes 1/4 in. audio jacks for audio signal input/outputs. One ofthe options that we provide to the user, as a separate purchasable unit,is a passive foot switch that is comprised of a metal box roughly 2 in. x 4in. x 5 in., a single 1/4 in. jack, and three single pole-single throw on/offswitches (approx. cost is $10.00 US). My questions are; 1. Is this simple foot switch device required to bear the CE marking? Under which directives?2. Does it make sense to CE mark such a passive device, considering itssimplicity and the impact of the increased cost to mark the device?3. Is anyone aware of similar passive products that bear, or don't bear,CE marking?4. What are the potential risks associated with not CE marking thissimple device if CE marking is/is not required? I realize that the potential answers to my first and secondquestions may be contradictory, but I would appreciate your opinionsregarding this matter.Thank you, Kaan L. GregersenCompliance Engineering ManagerDigiTech
