I am in basic agreement with Rich. My company makes two types of low voltage
products. One type is permanently installed and one is movable. We always
use a certified Class 2 or Limited Power Source. Normally we do not obtain
certifications for our moveable devices since they are not normally subject
to inspection by an electrical inspector. However, experience has shown that
the electrical inspectors do ask a lot of questions about the permanetly
installed devices, so to prevent the hassle, we do obtain certs on those.
However, my understanding of the US and Canadian Electrical codes is that
certification is not required for devices powered by a Class 2 source. I
once asked the leading manufacture of home intercom/radio equipment is they
obtain UL Listing and they said they have never obtained Listing for their
Class 2 powered equipment.
----------
From: Rich Nute [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, June 25, 1999 8:03 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Re: NRTL Listing
Hi Joe:
> liability and such. Can anyone share some more info as to their
reasons for
> listing or not listing such a product which is well below
hazardous limits.
There are two schools of thought:
1. Because of its low-voltage supply, the unit is exempt from
most safety certifications throughout the world. Therefore,
there is no need to obtain any safety certifications.
2. Regardless of being exempt, customers expect most electrical
products to bear safety certification marks. Indeed, OSHA
and NEC electrical inspectors (and customs inspectors) cannot
make field judgements as to whether an electrical product is
exempt from safety certification. The presence of the marks
assure acceptance without your intervention.
I suggest that the decision should be based on your customer base,
where the product is used, your company, the product, and the
possible difficulties you might encounter without the marks. Any
difficulties will have a cost in (1) delaying the product to the
customer, and (2) your time to resolve, for the various inspectors,
the fact that the product does not require the safety certification.
For example, low-voltage products going into the home are not
likely to be subject to discrimination due to safety certification
marks.
On the other hand, products going into the workplace, being part
of an electrical installation, or going across borders may very
well be subject to inspection for certification marks.
Have fun!
Rich
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