What is Electrical Product Safety Testing? 

Kiwa Electrical Compliance (KEC) carries out electrical safety testing to ensure that a product is safe and will not cause harm, as set out in the legislation.  

Why is product safety testing important?

Compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations is required for CE and UKCA marking of mains powered products, including all wireless equipment that has to comply with the safety elements of the RE Directive and Radio Equipment Regulations regardless of voltage sold within the UK and Europe. Evidence of safety or CB testing is often a pre-requisite for accessing international markets. 

How we can help 

Our safety test laboratory is equipped to test a broad range of devices from domestic, commercial and gas appliances to IT and lab equipment. We conduct most generic tests called up by harmonised standards such as IEC/EN 60950 IEC/EN 62368 and IEC/EN 61010 A specialist climactic chamber has been installed to support the testing of very large devices. 

Compliance to the Low Voltage Directive is best considered in the design phase as small oversights can add substantial delays to product launch, so we work with manufacturers in the early stages and use our compliance and electrical design expertise to advise on modifications that may be necessary to meet the required standards. Our expert electrical safety testing team is customer-centred, whether we're conducting a full suite of tests against EN 60335 or a short phone call to discuss component selection.

Our LVD test reports can be used to demonstrate compliance all over the world and our global approvals department can manage the process for you. 

We also keep an eye on standards development to advise designers and manufacturers of impending changes so that futureproofing can be engineered into the product. 

In addition to LVD testing, KEC can assist with: 

  • EMC testing
  • Radio testing
  • Ingress Protection testing
  • Global Market Access

For a fast, friendly and flexible solution for your safety testing compliance needs, please get in touch. 

Our safety testing services include:
  • Type Testing
  • Pre-compliance Testing
  • Consultation services to identify appropriate test requirements
  • Advice on the labelling & paperwork requirements for your product
  • Visual Inspections
  • Perform key tests
  • Advice on NRTL requirements
  • SAR Testing
 
Common tests: 
  • Glow wire
  • Input current/power 
  • Insulation resistance
  • Dielectric strength
  • Touch current and earth leakage
  • Earth bond
  • Plug pin discharge
  • Mechanical strength
  • Fault condition
  • Temperature rise
  • Impact testing
  • Electric strength
  • Creepage and Clearance Distances

The laboratory is also capable of carrying out long term humidity testing of appliances using an on-site 7.5m3 climatic chamber. This is especially useful for gaming machines, vending machines and other very large appliances.

LVD testing is carried out to EN 60335-1, and typically includes assessments of the instructions, construction, circuit boards, insulation, flammability and abnormal fault conditions. Additionally, consideration is given to the IP rating - zone 1 or zone 2. It is also appropriate to the power supply depending on its location within the final installation, although the mains power itself must not be within zones 1 or 2. 

Safety standards 

We are a UKAS accredited testing laboratory (No. 2667) to safety test the following: 

  • EN 60335-2-08: Shavers and hair clippers
  • EN 60335-2-13: Deep fat fryer, electric frying pans and similar appliances
  • EN 60335-2-23: Appliances for skin or hair care
  • EN 60335-2-29: Battery chargers
  • EN 60335-2-30: Room heaters
  • EN 60335-2-40: Heat exchangers and thermoelectric coolers (non-refrigerant type) only
  • EN 60335-2-41: Pumps (NEW)
  • EN 60335-2-52: Oral hygiene appliances
  • EN 60335-2-59: Insect killers
  • EN 60335-2-73: Fixed immersion heaters
  • EN 60335-2-75: Commercial dispensing appliances and vending machines
  • EN 60335-2-80: Fans
  • EN 60335-2-82: Amusement and personal services machines
  • EN 60335-2-85: Fabric steamers
  • EN 60335-2-98: Humidifiers
  • EN 60335-2-102: Gas, oil and solid-fuel burning appliances having electrical connections ideally at the development stage of new electrical products.
  • EN 61010-1: Measurement, control, and laboratory equipment
  • EN 62368-1: Audio/video and information & communication technology equipment
 

The most common safety standards we test to are:

  • EN 61010-1: Laboratory and other professional use equipment
  • EN 60598-1: Lights and lighting equipment
  • EN 60335-1: Household appliances
  • EN 61558-1: Power supply units/transformers
  • Radio products under the scope of the RED directive
  • Recognised under the CB Scheme as a Certification Body Test Laboratory (CBTL)
     

Low Voltage Directive / Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulation 

 
Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU 

The provisions in the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU have an effect not just on manufacturers but also authorised representatives, importers and distributors in the EU.  

Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations  

It's necessary to use UKCA marking and Declarations of Conformity (DoC) to UK Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations. 

Get in touch to find out more.