SGS, the worlds 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)
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 Manufacturers Association), KCMC (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association) and BNBA (Bureau de Normalisation du Bois et de lAmeublement).
When developing or sourcing a new product, employing SGSs 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 worlds 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.