Lamothe Approvals Inc.
formerly M.A. Lamothe & Associates Inc.

Worldwide Safety Approvals & Consulting Since 1979

Product Information Required to Start Approval Process

Moe Lamothe, P.Eng, Lamothe Approvals Inc.

Please use this checklist to ensure that all necessary information has been compiled and sent to our office.  Not sending the requested information will result in delays and the possibility of additional charges. Remember, you are paying the agency to test, not be installers or equipment operators!

 

1.  Samples: We will require the following items for testing:

1.      Samples of the equipment to be approved.

2.      Power supplies: one additional power supply should be provided.

3.      Transformers: extra samples for abnormal tests (short and overload outputs).

-      If current protection is on either the primary or secondary sides of the transformer (or both), we require 2 samples of the transformer and at least 5 samples of each protector.

-      If thermally protected by a self-resettable switch, we require 2 samples of the transformer.

-      If thermally protected by a ‘single-shot’ switch, we will require at least 5 samples of the transformer.

Note: the above numbers are for single output transformers.  If your transformer has multiple outputs, please contact us for the number of transformers required for testing.

4.      Modems: additional sample for fire overvoltage testing.

5.      Components likely to fail (fuses, lamps, etc).

 

2.  A bit of information regarding your equipment (also complete the attached product information sheet):

This could be a descriptive sales brochure, or a manual.  All agencies require a brief description of the product that they are approving, so tell us about your equipment!

-     What it does.

-     Identify it’s inputs and outputs (with ratings).

-     Tell us if the equipment will run at full-load conditions on it’s own, or if we need to add additional loading.  How much loading is required, and on which outputs?

 

3.  Manuals:  We require manuals (i.e. installation and operating manuals).  Keep in mind the following:

-     Wall mounted equipment: mounting instructions and mounting parts in order to test the procedure.

-     IEC 61010-1 equipment (measurement, control or laboratory equipment): there are requirements for the manual, so make sure you comply with clause 5.4 in IEC 61010-1!

-     Installation instructions for permanently connected equipment.

-     Special instructions, warnings or replacement part info.

 

4.  Equipment markings: All markings must be supplied.  This includes both labels and silk-screening used on the equipment:

-     Marking label (including model number, serial number, ratings, etc.).

-     Fuse label (if not part of marking label).  Be sure to use the fuse symbol!

-     Output identification markings (identification of ports).

-     Warning statements.

We will require a sample of the markings for testing, and in electronic format for the report.  We can read a variety of formats including .jpg, .tif and .bmp.

 

5.  Schematics are generally sent to the agency as part of the report.  We require these schematics in an electronic format and are able to read a variety of formats including AutoCAD, PDF and picture formats (.jpg, .tif, etc).  Printing the schematic to a post-script printer (select file) will also work.  We will require schematics for the following:

-     Primary electrical schematic or block diagram.

-     Low voltage (less than 30Vac and 60Vdc) input schematic.

-     Telecommunication interface schematics.

-     Battery schematics (for ALL types of batteries…including lithium batteries).

-     Secondary schematics showing any current protection (i.e. on output ports).

 

6.  Critical Component List: This list must include all the components that are relied upon for safety (required information includes manufacturer, model number, ratings and approvals (CSA, UL, VDE, TUV, etc.):

-     Primary electrical components (input modules, line filters, fuses, fuse holders, power supplies, transformers, switches, wires, power cords, etc.).  Remember to include all components providing isolation (transformers, power supplies, relays, optocouplers, etc.) or protection (fuses, polyswitches, MOV’s, etc).

-     Low-voltage input equipment: all input components (DC/DC converters, terminal block, etc.).

-     Telecommunication components (fuses, varistors, transformers, capacitors, etc.).

-     ALL high voltage parts (parts greater than 30Vac and 60Vdc).

-     Any components used that provide protection (secondary fuses, relays, MOV’s, etc.).

-     Any plastics used that will form part of the enclosure that supports or is close to electrical components (include flame rating).

-     All fans and fan filters.  Include CFM rating for fans and flame rating for filters.

-     Any component that is approved by an agency (motors, modems, etc).

-     Any larger component (electrolytic capacitors, solenoids, batteries, lamps, etc.).

Assemble the information in a table with the following headings.  The following is an example:

 

Object/ Part No.

Manufacturer/

Trademark

Type/ Model (exact)

Technical Data and Ratings (include rating given by certification agency only if different from manufacturer rating)

Standard

Mark(s) of Conformity (include file number if available)

PS1/Power supply

ABC Co.

AAA-15

Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 1.2A; Output: 15Vdc, 5A; 50oC

EN 60950, UL 1950, CSA C22.2 No. 950

TUV, UL, CSA

F1/Fuse

CBA Ltd.

FF-1.5

Fast blow, 250V, 1.5A

IEC 60127-2,

UL 248

VDE, UL

Alternate

CCA Ltd.

BA-1.5

Fast blow, 250V, 1.5A

IEC 60127-2,

UL 248

VDE, UL, CSA

 

7.  Certified/Listed/Recognized Components.  License copies are required for:

-     All components providing isolation (such as power supplies, optocouplers, transformers, DC/DC converters, relays and modems).

-     All primary components (such as line filters, AC fans and switches). 

-     Note: For UL recognized power supplies and dc/dc converters: obtain a copy of UL’s conditions of acceptability for these components.

 

8.  Uncertified/Unlisted/Non-Recognized Components: These components will have to be examined separately to ensure compliance as part of your equipment.  If the component is critical and is only marked, a copy of the CE report (80+ pages) may be adequate, but it is at the agency's discretion if they will accept it.  Additional testing and investigation may be required.  

The following components are often found under this category:

-     Transformers: a cross-sectional drawing and specifications (windings, turns, core, insulation type, insulation thickness etc.) along with an ‘unpotted’ sample of the transformer must be submitted.

-     Power supplies: specification sheets with ratings, description of inputs and outputs, including transformer construction details and samples (see transformers above).

Unless specifically identified in the quotation, evaluation of non-approved components will be charged in addition to the quoted amount.

 

9.  Creepage Distance and Clearance Measurements: These are easily measured in the equipment in most cases, but gets tricky (impossible) on a multi-layer printed wiring board.  If your equipment contains components and traces that are required to be isolated (such as primary, TNV or high voltage circuits), we will require 1:1 colour coded artwork for that printed circuit board (choose one colour for the primary, TNV or high voltage, one colour for low voltage parts and one colour for ground). 

This is typically done for uncertified/unlisted/non-recognized modem boards, power supply boards, and high voltage boards.

 

Item

Required Product Information

Comments

Applicant:

 

Usually, your company name - this is the name that will appear in the agency records. Use the full legal, no abbreviations please.

File Numbers:

[ ] - CSA  ______________________
[ ] - UL    ______________________
[ ] - TÜV ______________________
[ ] _____ ______________________

Provide the file number of any existing agency approval files for the type of product you are seeking approval for. We do no want to open duplicate files. If you have files for other types products, advise us as well since this may affect agency agreements and credit status.

Manufacturer:

[ ] - same as above
[ ] - list attached

Provide a complete record - name, address, contacts, etc. for each manufacturing location.

Product name:

 

This should be a generally accepted generic name that will indicate the end use of the equipment such as Fibre-OpticTester.

Model/Type Designation:

 

This can include trade names (discouraged) and placeholders as in ‘X’ to designate different functions or configurations. All configurations or other designations must be explained.


Equipment Use: 

[ ] Measurement

[ ] Process Control

[ ] Laboratory
 

 [ ] ITE  

 [ ] Telephone

 [ ] Other (specify):

Indicate the generic type of equipment - this helps us ensure that the correct standards are being used. Equipment must be evaluated by the intended end use, e.g. portable computers might be ITE or measurement equipment. This will mainly depend on how you market the product.

Marked Electrical Rating (including any applicable tolerance or fluctuations): 

Volts
[ ] - 100 - 240
[ ] - 120
[ ] - 230
[ ] - 120/230
[ ] - 48
[ ] - _______

Amps
______
______
______
___/___
______
______

Frequency
50/60
60
50
60/50
DC
________

The actual input must not exceed the marked rating by more than 10% under maximum normal usage. Marked ratings should not exceed the actual usage by more than 20% but there is no specified requirement. This rating is used by the installer so be realistic. If you can not measure this accurately, please advise and a practical rating will be established. The ratings shown are typical and should be used if possible. Do not use 115 or 220 volts in your rating.

Connection to Supply: 

[ ] Permanent
[ ] Cord
[ ] Battery

[ ] External transformer
[ ] Other (specify):

Most equipment is either permanently connected or cord connected. While this is usually obvious, some equipment can be connected in several ways, specify all that are applicable.

Environmental Rating:

[ ] standard (usual category)
[ ] extended

The standard environment is considered to be indoors at an altitude of less then 2000m with no unusual moisture present.

Temperature:


____ °C max.

Indicate the maximum recommended temperature in the room or environment where the equipment will be used.

Humidity:


____ % max.

Indicate the maximum recommended humidity in the room or environment where the equipment will be used.

Altitude:

[ ] 2000 meters maximum
[ ] Up to _______ meters

For higher altitudes greater than 2000m, required clearances in such items as power supplies are higher. If you are using a pre-approved power supply at greater than 2000m, check with the manufacturer.

Installation Overvoltage Category:

[ ] - I
[ ] - II
[ ] - III
[ ] - IV

This will effect the required creepage and clearance distances in your equipment. Ask if you are not sure!

I -      Signal level, parts of equipment
II -     Appliances, portable equipment (most common category)
III -    Distribution level, fixed installation
IV -    Primary supply level

Pollution Degree:

[ ] - 1
[ ] - 2
[ ] - 3
[ ] - 4

This will effect the required creepage and clearance distances in your equipment. Ask if you are not sure!

1 -  Dust and pollution free - very rare
2 -  Normal office or workplace, non-conductive pollution
3 -  Not outdoors but pretty nasty, conductive pollution
4 -  Outdoor environment, wet conductive pollution

Mode of Operation/
Duty Cycle: 

[ ] - Continuous
[ ] - Intermittent - specify duty cycle:  

       _____ ON, _____ OFF

Most equipment is rated for continuous operation but if the equipment is used in short bursts under the control of an operator, it can be intermittent.

Options Available: 

[ ] - None; or

Normally, all options must be tested but consult with us for advice before sending all of the options.

Telecom equipment

Type of circuit(s)

Off Premise?

Max. voltage

List the type of telecom circuit(s) used in the equipment (i.e. E-1, T-1 etc).  Indicate if the circuit connects to the telecommunication network (off-premise), and the maximum voltage that is accessible across tip and ring.

 

[ ] Yes      [ ] No

 

 

[ ] Yes      [ ] No

 

Moe Lamothe is the president of Lamothe Approvals Inc. (Georgetown, ON, Canada). He can be reached at info@lamotheapprovals.com.

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The copyright for all of the text, tables and illustrations remains with Lamothe Approvals Inc. Permission is granted to print or reproduce this document provided that it properly attributed to Lamothe Approvals Inc.

Prepared May 2003