We have ITE products of similar configuration, i.e. external AC adaptor "brick" driving SELV Class III "box". The brick must meet all safety stuff (EN60950 for EU). Its stand-alone EMC means very little, so CE mark is primarily for LVD.
The functioning product is Class III. We usually get at least one domestic safety agency mark to ensure on-going safety construction audits by UL or CSA etc. We also self-declare conformity to EU Directives. This is primarily the EMC preformance. By definition in IEC 950, the Class III unit will not present a shock hazard, but it must meet other aspects of IEC 950. It must have appropriate fire enclosures unless driven by a "limited power source" (section 2.11). It must not present mechanical hazards, e.g. gears, sharp edges, etc in operator accessible areas. And so on..... These requirements do not represent significant "testing" requirements. Either use limited power source or 94V-1 fire enclosure (if under 18kg). Mechanical hazards can be visually and manually ascertained. Hope this helps. George Alspaugh Product Safety Lexmark International Please respond to jblalock%[email protected] I need advice concerning the product safety testing required before the CE mark can be applied to a product. It is my understanding that, prior to 1 Jan 1997, only compliance to the applicable EMC standards was required to be able to self declare and put the CE mark on products shipped to the European Community. Effective 1 Jan 1997, I know we must also demonstrate compliance with the Low Voltage Directive and put together a Technical Construction File to continue to self declare conformance to the EC directives and put the CE mark on our products. As I read the Low Voltage Directive, it applies to products designed for use with voltages between 50VAC and 1000VAC or 75VDC and 1500VDC. We are developing an ITE product that will use a separately housed switching power supply "brick" which we will purchase from a power supply manufacturer. The "brick" has all the appropriate ratings, approvals, and is CE marked. It will attach to 85 to 265VAC and a cable from it will supply our box with +5VDC (3A) and +12VDC (1.5A). Our box, therefore, is designed to work with voltages well below the lower limits of the LVD. Assuming that the box meets the EC's EMC and marking requirements, can't I self declare compliance to the EC directives and CE-mark the product without further safety or LVD-required testing? If I need to "product safety" test our box, to what standard must I test? And what is the applicable EC directive? Thanks for your assistance, -jb John Blalock Senior Hardware Development Engineer Microtest Inc. 4747 North 22nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85016-4708 (602) 952-6681 FAX: (602) 952-6530 email: [email protected]
