Blog
ENERGY STAR Certification for Computers Now to Version 6.1
As of September 10th, 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR Version 6.1 requirements took effect. This newer version expands the scope of the computers program to include two new product types and a subtype of Notebook Computers. EPA chose to add Slates/Tablets, and Portable All-In-One computers to their product list and a... Read More
MIL-STD-461 for Military EMC & GR-1089-CORE for NEBS Telecom EMC Share Some Requirements
The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for telecom and military equipment are considered among the most difficult to meet for any industry. Not many electronics manufacturers conduct testing for both requirements, but it happens occasionally. For those who do, it’s an advantage to pursue both at the same time, as there is some overlap. Following is... Read More
For Product Safety Approvals, Uncertified and Improperly-Rated Components Require Surveillance
Electrical/electronic equipment manufacturers often ask if it is acceptable to use uncertified or improperly rated components in their products. The following Frequently Asked Questions address the implications of using these components for North America product safety approvals. What is an uncertified component? Any safety critical component that is not certified by a suitably accredited agency... Read More
MIL-STD-461 EMC Testing FAQs for Military and Marketing Requirements
MIL-STD-461 is the standard that defines the test limits, test levels, and test procedure for various electromagnetic phenomena for electronic equipment used by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force on all platforms (ground, sea, and air). MIL-STD-461F is the latest version. Following are answers to common questions about this often-utilized military EMC standard. Where... Read More
IEC 60601-1 3rd Edition for Medical Electrical Equipment Continues to Gain Adoption in Global Markets
The 3rd edition of IEC 60601, issued in 2005, is in various states of adoption by regulatory bodies around the world. IEC 60601-1 is the harmonized standard for medical electrical equipment recognized by public health authorities in most countries. Unlike 2nd edition, the 3rd edition requires a risk management file and process conforming to ISO... Read More
EMI/EMC Testing Best Practices – Before & During Your Lab Visit
Most electrical/electronic designs today are subject to electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) testing. Preparation before entering the test laboratory is vital. Before Testing The first step is to write a test plan. If you are working in the defense industry, a military test plan is usually a contract requirement. If not, you’ll still want one. If... Read More
OSHA Close to Authorizing NRTL Certification to ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1 for Medical Equipment
After a long wait, medical electrical equipment manufacturers are looking forward to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) expected near-term recognition of one or more labs – including MET Labs – for product safety certifying medical devices to ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012 under the U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Program. In March 2014, OSHA announced... Read More
FCC Part 15 DFS Testing Requirements Change for U-NII Devices
To accommodate changes in the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Docket 13-49, the Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) test procedure document KDB 905462 D02 UNII DFS Compliance Procedures New Rules has been issued. The document describes the compliance measurement procedures for performing DFS tests under FCC Part 15 Subpart E Rules required for U-NII (Unlicensed –National Information... Read More
ENERGY STAR Certification of Set-Top Boxes Now to Version 4.1
As of August 1, 2014, EPA ENERGY STAR Certification Bodies – including MET Labs – are only certifying set-top boxes (STBs) and cable boxes to the new Version 4.1 specification. No new certifications to Version 3.0 are allowable, although existing Version 3.0 certifications will remain valid for the purposes of ENERGY STAR qualification until December... Read More
FCC Issues Guidance on New E-Labeling
On July 11, 2014, the FCC’s Office of Engineering & Technology (OET) released new guidance giving some consumer electronics manufacturers more flexibility in digitally labeling (e-labeling) their products. The guidance advises that all devices with an integral (non-removable) screen can now display that label digitally on that screen, and up to three steps deep into... Read More
