Proof of hardware certification can be found on almost any electronic device, power supply, or charging brick. You’ll see them printed or etched on the side in a parade of tiny logos, bearing marks like “UL,” “CE” and “FCC.” These marks represent a big investment by the companies manufacturing the devices, as they prove that testing and review has been performed to ensure the devices are safe and reliable for the applications and geographies they are designed for.
Whether you are a hardware manufacturer, a system integrator, or the IT department of a large business, it’s important to understand how hardware certification can impact the deployment of products, especially across international borders. Certification comprises two areas of compliance:
Hardware certification compliance can be tricky. The process is relatively straightforward for domestic applications where computers are assembled of approved components. In the United States, FCC approval for IT may be a matter of sourcing all pre-certified FCC components and adding the correct messaging and labeling. The road gets tougher as you cross international borders. Specs like EN 55032 and EN 55024 require CE technical files, or potentially more formalized testing at approved facilities. And while the European Union offers a unified certification target for its member nations, other countries may impose specific requirements that force additional testing and review (though CB certification can help limit that). In short, it can get expensive.
Here are some common certification marks and their geographic reach.
Flexibility is key in a successful certification effort. Plan ahead, document thoroughly, and seek broadly applicable certifications supported by testing at accredited laboratories. When certifying devices, do so with maximal configurations, so that SKUs with fewer parts or lesser components (such as smaller hard drives) are covered under the tested profile. Also keep in mind that many countries build their requirements based on the same tests required for FCC, CE and CB so entrance to markets like Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Russia is sometimes possible with little more than a paperwork submission and an application fee.
To maximize global reach, a good approach is to pull together certifications for FCC Part 15, EN 55032, EN 55024 and EN/IEC 60950-1 (this last one to be replaced with EN/IEC 62368-1 at the end of 2017, though products reviewed under 60950-1 are to be grandfathered).
Hardware Certification is a high-stakes business that will grind projects to a halt if you don’t stay on top of it. Here are six common pitfalls that companies encounter and ways to avoid them.
Working with an experienced hardware partner who understands how to navigate the complex world of certifications can be invaluable. OnLogic offers services that can help to ensure your computer complies with any required certifications for your application and meet the necessary requirements. Visit our Services section to learn more about we can help with testing and certification, or contact us to talk with with an expert to help you bring your innovation to market.
Note: This blog was originally published on Aug 17, 2017 and updated on July 17, 2020.
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