Frequently Asked Questions about test lab quality systems

A: Some regulatory requirements call for the test facility to be accredited, also, using a test facility that has an approved quality system helps to provide an extra level of assurance that the work performed by the facility is accurate and repeatable. The basic requirements for accreditation are that the facility has procedures in place for the testing and calibrations performed, calibration traceability, site correlation, knowledgeable staff and appropriate equipment to perform the testing per the facility's scope, and other checks and balances to ensure the quality of the work performed.

Q: What type of quality system should I look for in a test facility?

A: ISO/IEC 17025 (Formerly ISO Guide 25), General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, is the standard for EMC/EMI test and calibration facilities. This standard is similar to ISO 9002 with the emphases on testing and calibration activities.

Q: Does the United States require that I test my product at an accredited facility?

A: Depending on the type of testing required. There are three basic categories for FCC regulatory requirements; Verification, Certification, and Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Only Declaration of Conformity requirements call for the test facility to be accredited. DoC requirements mainly cover Personal Computers / peripherals and RF receivers.

Q: Does the European Union require that I test my product at an accredited facility?

A: For the EMC directive, no. But we have the European emissions and immunity requirements on our scope, as well as being appointed by NIST as a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for the EU EMC directive 89/336/EEC.

Q:What approvals are required for testing for other countries?

A: Many of the other country's requirements are centered around CE or FCC requirements with there own modifications. Please check with our experts to find the regulatory requirements you're interested in.

Q: What can be done if Compatible Electronics does not have the approvals that I currently need?

A: Contact us, we're adding to our scope all the time.

QUALITY - GENERAL

Q: What happened to ISO/IEC Guide 25?

A: ISO/IEC Guide 25 has now become ISO/IEC 17025.

Q: What is ISO/IEC 17025?

A: The general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, this is typically the required standard for quality systems of EMC testing laboratories.

Q: What is ISO/IEC Guide 65?

A: The General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems. This is the standard that the quality system of TCB is based upon.

Q: How do I check Compatible Electronics' status as an accredited facility?

A: For testing activities, please check the NVLAP listing for Compatible Electronics, Inc..For product certification activities, please visit the ANSI web site for our listing.

TERMINOLOGY

CAB - Conformity Assessment Body
A CAB is a body outside Europe with a status equivalent to that of a Competent Body in Europe for a specific Directive. Also, for some Directives, a CAB may be equivalent to a Notified Body in the functions performed.

TCB - Telecommunications Certification Body
When the FCC restructured the certification system under the OET, the TCB was created. The TCB operates primarily in the same fashion as the FCC with respect to the certification of intentional radiators, telecom equipment and other devices requiring certification. The TCBs do operate with certain limitations however, such as not being able to certify products when no rules exist, among others.

MRA - Mutual Recognition Agreement (Arrangement)

DoC - Declaration of Conformity

SDoC - Suppliers Declaration of Conformity