Dear valued SIQ partners,
SIQ Ljubljana
Product Testing and Certification | Management System Assessment | Metrology | Training | Information Technologies
Schoolchildren are starting their summer vacation, reminding me of my high school days and my first lectures on electrical engineering. These lectures were conducted by a professor with industry experience, making his lectures consistently interesting. He never had any issues with discipline in a class full of teenagers because we all listened intently to his engaging examples and stories about the mistakes he had made during his projects. With his wealth of experience, he was truly able to explain the basics of electrical engineering in an interesting and understandable way.
At SIQ, we also strive to share our experiences with you, our partners, to help you understand the requirements of standards during approval processes. Explaining these requirements can be quite boring, but when supported with past experiences and the latest trends, you can learn about the industry's best practices for product approval procedures, focusing on the most important and critical parts. Through various seminars and tailored training, we aim to share our knowledge with you, which is also a way for us to collaborate.
We also understand that continuous learning is essential, and our colleagues at SIQ are constantly updating their knowledge about new testing methods and regulatory requirements. In this newsletter, you can read about the latest extensions of our scopes, updates from new standard editions, and specific standard requirements.
Enjoy reading our latest newsletter. I wish you a relaxing summer filled with enriching experiences and new adventures.
Sincerely,
Andrej ?kof?
SIQ Ljubljana proudly hosted the 28th meeting of the IECEE Certification Management Committee in Ljubljana on June 26th and 27th. This significant event, coinciding with our 60th anniversary, gathered nearly 100 participants from industry, National Certification Bodies (NCBs), and authorities representing IECEE member countries.
The IECEE Certification Management Committee governs the CB Scheme, an integral part of the IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components. With 53 Member Body countries and 94 national certification bodies (NCBs), alongside 569 associated testing labs (CBTLs + SPTLs) worldwide, and over 2000 authorized manufacturers’ labs (CTFs), the scheme facilitates global acceptance of test reports and certificates for electrical and electronic components, equipment, and products.
?We are proud to announce the opening of our new optical room. Our existing equipment has been relocated to this new facility and upgraded with additional tools for measuring colorimetric parameters. The addition of a new gonio-spectrometer enables us to provide precise measurements of the spectrum and colour characteristics at every 10 degrees of the gamma angle and in any C plane.
This advanced optical room allows us to monitor electrical and environmental conditions thoroughly, ensuring that we meet the highest quality standards and deliver the most reliable results. Through photometric measurements according to EN 13032-4 and EN 13032-1 standards, we provide all the data required for simulations in a variety of tools, such as Dialux and Litestar.
The 8th SIQ SAFETY & EMC International Training Seminar took place on May 28–29 at Brdo Estate, drawing 130 participants from 17 different countries. Experts and professionals discussed the latest trends and standard requirements for safety and electromagnetic compatibility.
Day one featured topics such as international approvals, US and Canadian legal compliance, IoT cybersecurity, product compliance in Europe, and many more. On the second day, the participants were split into focused groups (ITAV-GAME, HOUSE, and MED-MEAS) to explore the latest developments and requirements in their specific industries, with insights from SIQ professionals and guest lecturers. The seminar equipped the participants with the necessary tools to navigate successfully through future complex product compliance procedures.?
?In the first week of May, our Laboratory for Electromagnetics underwent a surveillance audit by the Slovenian Accreditation. During this assessment, we extended our testing scope LP-009 to include the EN 303 645 standard, which establishes baseline requirements for the cybersecurity of consumer Internet of Things (IoT) devices. At SIQ Ljubljana, we have already successfully completed testing several products according to this standard.
Additionally, we have extended our certification scope CP-001 to incorporate the Radio Directive 2014/53/EU. As a Notified Body (NB 1304) for the Radio Directive, we can now perform EU-Type Examination (Module B) for Articles 3.1a, 3.1b, 3.2, and for Articles 3.3d, e, f, and 3.4, which include requirements for cybersecurity and common chargers, and issue EU-Type Examination Certificates.
In the past month, SIQ successfully extended its scope within the CB scheme by incorporating the new standard IEC 61800-5-1. This standard pertains to the safety requirements for adjustable speed electrical power drive systems, including electronic power converters. This is a significant step that enhances our ability to ensure the quality and safety of the products we test and certify.
By including the IEC 61800-5-1 standard in our scope, we can now provide more comprehensive services to our clients, facilitating a faster and more efficient certification process. This inclusion is crucial for many industrial applications, making it easier for companies to access international markets by ensuring compliance with this standard.
At the end of 2023, the European standard EN IEC 60335-1:2023 + A11:2023 was issued, based on the 6th edition of IEC 60335-1:2020. This part of the standard is intended to be used in conjunction with Part 2 standards that have been established based on this edition. Each Part 2 indicates which edition of Part 1 is applicable.
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The latest date by which EN IEC 60335-1:2023 + A11:2023 must be implemented at the national level, either by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement (DOP), is November 22, 2024. This European standard supersedes EN 60335-1:2012 and its amendments. However, EN 60335-1:2012 and its amendments remain valid until all the Parts 2 used in conjunction with it have been withdrawn.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are gaining popularity in the renewable energy sector. The increased number of PV installations and falling battery costs have made batteries more efficient and cost-effective. BESS allows excess energy from renewables to be stored and released when needed, contributing to the electricity self-sufficiency of households, and enhancing grid stability, especially during peak consumption periods.
SIQ supports manufacturers with services in the areas of EMC, electric safety, and functional safety. The main standards involved are EN IEC 62619 and EN IEC 63056, along with the requirements of IEC 61508 or ISO 13849-1 for functional safety aspects, which encompass safety hardware and safety software.?
At SIQ, we are approving more and more ITAV (Information Technology and Audio/Video) products intended for outdoor use. Examples of such products include ATMs, ticketing machines, point-to-point telecommunication devices, and more. Many manufacturers are unaware of the specific requirements for outdoor products listed in Annex Y of IEC 62368-1 (3rd and 4th Editions). Since products used outdoors are subjected to more severe environmental conditions, such as pollution, they need to be more resistant to these harsh environments.
Key Specifications of Annex Y
Annex Y specifies several crucial requirements for outdoor products:
In recent years, the conversation about the green transition has become increasingly prominent. But what does this mean in technical terms for equipment manufacturers? If we inevitably connect the green transition with hydrogen, batteries, wood biomass, heat pumps, and similar technologies, then we must also consider explosion protection as part of this transition.
Equipment that operates in contact with flammable or combustible substances must be designed to prevent explosions. This is commonly referred to as Ex-equipment. Ex-equipment is engineered to avoid any of the 13 possible sources of ignition, the most common being electrical sparks, hot surfaces, mechanical sparks, and electrostatics.
In recent years, the European Union has experienced a significant increase in cyber-attacks, threatening the security and stability of the digital space. Since 2022, millions of attacks have targeted various sectors and organizations. Particularly concerning is the rise in cyber-attacks directed at connected devices, now integral to daily life and the economy. While exact statistics on attacks targeting these devices may not be available, it is evident they are a prime target for cyber attackers due to their potential for widespread damage.
The first regulatory step in the EU was the addition of Article 3.3 to the existing Radio Equipment Directive RED 2014/53/EU, which sets standards for radio equipment, including connected devices. Originally focused on technical compatibility and radio spectrum efficiency, the directive increasingly emphasizes security. New requirements under this directive take effect on August 1, 2025, obligating manufacturers of connected equipment to demonstrate cybersecurity compliance.
SIQ had the pleasure of hosting the 34th OSM/IN meeting, which took place in Ljubljana on June 4th and 5th. The OSM/IN, within ETICS (European Testing and Inspection System), is responsible for specialist advice and clarifying test practices and methods in the areas of installation accessories and connection devices (product category INST), capacitors as components (product category CAP), switches for appliances and automatic controls for electrical household appliances (product category CONT), installation protective equipment (product category PROT), and low-voltage, high-power switching equipment (product category POW).
Twenty-five members from European laboratories joined us for a constructive debate, particularly regarding the upcoming requirement that individual laboratories or certification bodies will need to list all relevant decision sheets within OSM that were considered during product evaluation.
Our courses, led by qualified experts with practical experience, are meticulously designed to navigate the complexities of medical device compliance. We have already announced training dates for the first half of 2024, providing you with the opportunity to stay at the forefront of this dynamic field.
Discover our comprehensive training programs, which focus on medical device regulations and related standards. Explore a variety of topics within the realm of medical devices and secure your spot today.
Take advantage of our special registration offer using the coupon code SIQMED24 to receive a 10% discount on the registration fee.