Get to Know the 5 Major International Certification Bodies for Electrical Products

A certified electric product tells a lot about what its capacity is. Electrical product compliance, as well as those from electrical exports, serves as a stamp of approval indicating they meet the highest quality, safety, and performance standards.

Electrical certification bodies and industry associations define those standards, which depend on the market to which they will be sold. Get to know five of the world’s most important electrical product certification agencies in this discussion that will present the following:

– 5 major international certification agencies and core standards

– Factors to consider for choosing certification agencies 

– TOSUNlux for the world

5 Major International Certification Agencies + Their Core Standards

1. Intertek

A Global Fast Certification Service, With Focus on Energy Efficiency and EMC Testing

With a history of over 130 years, Intertek offers innovative solutions that cover every aspect in life, via Assurance, Testing, Inspection, and Certification (ATIC) for their customers worldwide.

However, they also go above and beyond ATIC, but also brands itself a Total Quality Assurance Provider to several industries across the globe.

Securing an Intertek certificate helps showcase and maintain the safety and performance attributes of your products. Intertek’s leadership and expertise in regulatory standards and certifications will allow you to be on top of every challenge, catapulting your electrical products with efficiency, affordability, and quality.

Some of their certification services are: Appliances & Electronic Certification, Aerospace Certification AS9100 Series, Eco-Textile Certification, Hazardous Locations Certification, Lighting Certification, and more.

TSB4-63 Miniatuurstroomonderbreker

Reliable protection for residential and industrial circuits. The TSB4-63 Miniature Circuit Breaker ensures safe and stable power distribution, with fast response to overloads and short circuits.

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2. Bureau Veritas (BV)

A Trusted Authority in the Maritime and Industrial Fields, and Suitable for Complex Supply Chain Audits

Provided by Bureau Veritas, this electrical product compliance service and safety testing helps consumers gain access to their markets across the globe. 

A BV certificate tests your products versus known safety standards that are relevant to criteria, such as excessive temperature, radiation, electric shock, implosion, mechanical hazards, and fire.

With this certification, your manufacturing facility will be regularly inspected to bolster top-notch production quality. BV has around 30 testing labs in China and is present in 10 countries.

HT-verdeelbord IP65

Built for tough environments. The HT Distribution Board IP65 offers waterproof and dustproof protection, ideal for outdoor and industrial electrical distribution needs.

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3. TÜV

Carried by the German Safety Certification (GS Mark), and Covering Smart Home and New Energy Products

TÜV, more fully known as Technischer Überwachungsverein, is a German certification authority that offers several safety certifications for products and services, including electrical products. 

Among the most well-known TÜV safety certifications is the GS Mark, which stands for “Geprüfte Sicherheit,” meaning “Tested Safety.” This indicates that a product has been thoroughly tested and certified to comply with German safety regulations.  

In its truest essence, these certifications provide assurance to consumers and manufacturers on the safety and quality of electrical products and services. TÜV is only the umbrella for the GS mark certification.

DC-scheidingsschakelaar

Ensure safe maintenance and emergency shutdowns. This DC Isolating Switch provides reliable isolation in photovoltaic and other DC systems, with high durability and secure performance.

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4. DEKRA

Automotive Electronics and Automation Equipment Certification Experts

Electronic product testing won’t be complete without this electrical product compliance authority. Founded in Berlin in the 1920s, DEKRA certification for electrical products guarantees they meet safety standards and could be marketed internally.

Like TÜV safety certifications, DEKRA also has the DEKRA Mark, an an ISO Type 5 certification that covers product testing, inspection of processes within production, and regulatory compliance checks.

While popular among automotive electronics, DEKRA also supports lighting, laboratory equipment, inverters, and the like. 

5. VDE

German Localization High Standards, In-Depth Cooperation With IECEE-CB Laboratory

VDE, which means Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik e.V. (Association for Electrical, Electronic, and Information Technologies), is also a globally recognized and trusted certification body headquartered in Germany. 

They specialize in the testing and certification of electrical and electronic products to fulfill the same goals that the other certifications on this list have. This certification, however, is deemed a symbol of excellence and trust in the industry.

This certification guarantees products comply with the most stringent safety standards, minimizing the risk of electrical accidents and hazards. Thus, VDE-certified equipment champion performance and longevity.

LCH8 modulaire contactor

Compact and efficient. The LCH8 Modular Contactor is ideal for remote switching in lighting, HVAC, and automation systems—ensuring stable performance and low power consumption.

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Factors to Consider for Selecting Certification Agencies

While all those certification bodies offer promising services, you cannot have all in one product, unfortunately. So, how do you choose the right certification agency? There are important factors to consider.

1. Target Market Priority

Prefer agencies that are accredited and recognized in your market or industry, of course. This removes the need to spend so much time and resources to ensure compliance with local regulations and administer market entry.

2. Cost and Efficiency Balance

Making sure your electrical products are certified doesn’t come for free. Aside from the multiple steps involved – documentation review, product testing, and ongoing audits – there should be balance between price and thorough, timely processes to avoid delays and excessive expenditures.

3. Product Feature Matching

Thirdly, the agency must be experts in the electrical products they are certifying. This ensures that the products will be safe and perform well, according to their design and applications.

4. Authority 

There are several agencies offering certifications, but not all of them should be trusted. Opt for those accredited by regulatory bodies and have stronger reputations. Credibility is vital.

TOSUNlux: Present in Over 90 Countries Worldwide

Our company, TOSUNlux, is your one-stop solution for electronic products that are all internationally certified. With a remarkable presence in over 90 countries worldwide, they will always ensure your industry gets what they deserve for the best. Learn about the TOSUNlux innovation by coordinating with our team today.