Electrical Safety Fact Sheet

The Spectrum Laboratories Compliance Engineers have identified many common minor non-compliance issues when testing products. This fact sheet identifies some of those minor non-compliance issues to help alleviate delays with testing.

Common reasons for non-compliance:

• Exposed metal parts are not adequately / reliably earthed (including painted surfaces under earth connections)
• Double insulation is not provided where required
• Inadequate creepage distance / clearances exist between live and accessible parts
• Cord anchorages are insufficient to withstand the pull test
• Cord guards inadequately prevent the supply cord from excessive flexing at the point of enclosure entry
• Supply Earth / Neutral terminals are not marked
• The rating label does not include all information required or cannot withstand the required durability test
• Instruction sheets do not contain all required safety warnings
• Solder applied to internal wire ends where subjected to contact pressure in the terminals
• Components selected for critical function which do not have adequate evidence of approval (ie unapproved thermal cutout / switches etc)
• Internal electrical connections inadequately supported or insulated

Marking to include (a) Manufacturer or agent. (Responsible person) (b) Rated voltage usually “230 V” for NZ and “240 V” for Australia or “230-240V” for both. (c) Frequency usually “50 Hz” (d) Rated input in Watts “xx W” or Current “xx A” (e) Unique identification (make or model) (f) Symbol if Class II (double insulated, double square).

Please supply the following where relevant:

• Purchase order
• Test samples (Required amount)
• A full copy of any previous Test report or Approval certificates on the product and its components
• Cord and plug certificates are required
• Bill of materials
• Circuit diagrams.
• Drawings
• Component ratings and approvals
• Details of electrical isolation components and switches
• Instruction manual/Installation/Operating instructions
• A completed Customer application/Acceptance form
• Endorsed valid test report is required for top up testing (Needs to be a current report)
• A description of the appliance suitable to use as a draft description for the report so that the item is accurately described as to its function(s) and unique identification.