SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification
company, is one of the first organizations to gain the IECEE Test Laboratory Qualification to test and certify electronic
furniture against IEC 60335-2-116:2019 standards
within the Certification Body (CB) scheme.
A rise in the volume of furniture with electrically motorized parts
reaching global markets has increased the safety risk to consumers from
mechanical injuries, electrical shock and fire. In response, the IECEE
published IEC 60335-2-116 in November 2019.
From its global network of certified test laboratories, SGS can now
provide a one stop testing and certification service to enable designers and
manufacturers to ensure that their products meet the requirements of the
standard. This in turn provides them with market access permits to enable safe
products to enter global markets smoothly.
John Ciliege, Global Head of NRTL, SGS said:
“We are
delighted to be one of the first organizations to gain the IECEE Test Laboratory Qualification. With an increase in demand for domestic
EE furniture anticipated, manufacturers, retailers and buyers can now access specialist
testing and certification services that can address the additional complexities
of electronic furniture and provide assurance that products are well-designed,
functional, durable and safe to enter global markets.”
The standard covers furniture with electrically motorized parts intended
for household and similar purposes, with rated voltage of no more than 250 V.
In addition, furniture incorporating electrically motorized parts not intended
for normal household use, but which may still pose a danger to the public, are
within the scope of the standard. This includes furniture used by the public in
shops, offices, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, hospitals, schools, in light industry
and on farms.
Examples of furniture incorporating electrically motorized parts, are:
- Electrically
operated/height adjustable tables and desks - Electrically
operated/adjustable stands and wall attachment for e.g. TV sets and monitors - Electrically operated/adjustable
seating - Beds with
incorporated ventilators and filters - Electrically
operated/adjustable beds - Electrically
operated/adjustable storage units including kitchen units - Electrically
operated/adjustable furniture intended to be secured to the wall or ceiling - Electrically operated
extension elements (drawers and doors) - Electric check-out
furniture in hotels and shops - Furniture delivered
in parts (ready to assemble or knock-down furniture)
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The IECEE CB Scheme,
operated by the IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical
Equipment and Components (IECEE), is a multilateral agreement and
certification system that uses a combination of international standards and
mutual recognition agreements between Certification Bodies to provide
cost-effective and simplified access to more than 50 countries, such as EU
member states, the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Korea, China, and many more.
Manufacturers can use a CB Test Report and CB Test
Certificate to apply for National Certification in the member countries,
removing the need for duplicate testing and so saving both time and money.
The CB Scheme also provides a means to access countries that do not participate
in the CB Scheme, but who nevertheless recognize the CB Certificate as evidence
of compliance.
SGS
Furniture Testing Services
Furniture
services from SGS cover all aspects of furnishings from every room in the house
and out into the garden. Experts
provide a tailored program of testing to ensure products meet applicable
furniture standards. Accredited to UKAS, HOKLAS, CNAS and VINAS, SGS is a
member of BIFMA (Business and International Furniture Manufacturer’s
Association), KCMC (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s Association) and BNBA
(Bureau de Normalisation du Bois et de l’Ameublement).
When
developing or sourcing a new product, employing SGS’s expertise to test it
prior to launch can save financial costs, ease logistical difficulty and reduce
the risk of reputational damage from recalls. In the
event of problems of liability after manufacture, testing products according to
recognized standards can help organizations demonstrate that they took all
necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the furniture. www.sgs.com/furniture
For further information on electronic furniture testing, please contact:
John Ciliege
SGS Global Head of NRTL
Email:
crs.media@sgs.com
Website:
www.sgs.com/ee
LinkedIn:
sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and
certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality
and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over
2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.