CE, UL, FCC, CCC: Understanding Power Adapter Compliance
What is the different between UL, CE, EMC, FCC and CSA Certification Listing Marks ?
This document gives details on the meaning of several certification listing marks: UL, CE, EMC, FCC and CSA.
The UL Listing Mark
This is one of the most common UL Marks. If a product carries this Mark, Underwriters Laboratories found that samples of this product met UL's safety requirements. These requirements are primarily based on UL's own published Standards for Safety. This type of Mark is seen commonly on appliances and computer equipment, furnaces and heaters, fuses, electrical panelboards, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, personal flotation devices like life jackets and life preservers, bullet resistant glass, and thousands of other products.Product testing can be verified through UL directories online at http://www.ul.com
The CE Mark
The European Commission describes the CE mark as a "passport" that allows manufacturers to circulate industrial products freely within the internal market of the EU. The CE mark certifies that the products have met EU health, safety and environmental requirements that ensure consumer and workplace safety. All manufacturers in the EU and abroad must affix the CE mark to those products covered by the "New Approach" directives in order to market their products in Europe. Once a product receives the CE mark, it can be marketed throughout the EU without undergoing further product modification.Most products covered by New Approach Directives can be self-certified by the manufacturer and do not require the intervention of an EU-authorized independent testing/certifying company (notified body). To self-certify, the manufacturer must assess the conformity of the products to the applicable directives and standards. While the use of EU harmonized standards is voluntary in theory, in practice the use of European standards is the best way to meet the requirements of the CE mark directives. This is because the standards offer specific guidelines and tests to meet safety requirements, while the directives, general in nature, do not.
The manufacturer may affix the CE mark to their product following the preparation of a declaration of conformity, the certificate which shows the product conforms to the applicable requirements. They must maintain a technical file to prove conformity. The manufacturer or their authorized representative must be able to provide this certificate together with the technical file at any time, if requested by the appropriate member state authorities.
There is no specific form for the declaration of conformity, but specific information is required. The declaration must include the following:
(1) The manufacturer's name and address.
(2) The product.
(3) The CE mark directives that apply to the product, e.g. the machine directive 93/37/EC or the low voltage directive 73/23/EEC.
(4) The European standards used, e.g. EN -2: for the EMC directive or EN : for the low voltage requirement for information technology.
(5) The declaration must show the signature of a company official for purposes of the company assuming liability for the safety of its product in the European market. This European standards organization has set up the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. According to CE, The Directive basically states that products must not emit unwanted electromagnetic pollution (interference). Because there is a certain amount of electromagnetic pollution in the environment, the Directive also states that products must be immune to a reasonable amount of interference. The Directive itself gives no guidelines on the required level of emissions or immunity that is left to the standards that are used to demonstrate compliance with the Directive.
The EMC-directive (89/336/EEC) Electromagnetic Compatibility
Like all other directives, this is a new-approach directive, which means that only the main requirements (essential requirements) are required. The EMC-directive mentions two ways of showing compliance to the main requirements:
- Manufacturers declaration (route acc. art. 10.1)
- Type testing using the TCF (route acc. to art. 10.2)
The LVD-directive (73/26/EEC) Safety
Like all CE-related directives, this is a new-approach directive, which means that only the main requirements (essential requirements) are required. The LVD-directive describes how to show compliance to the main requirements.
The FCC Mark
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency that is directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.All devices that operate at a clock rate of 9 kHz are required to test their product to the appropriate FCC Code.
The CSA Mark
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is a nonprofit association serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace. Among many other activities, CSA develops standards that enhance public safety.
A Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, CSA is very familiar with U.S. requirements. According to OSHA regulations, the CSA-US Mark qualifies as an alternative to the UL Mark.
Here are some areas where CSA standards are applied:
Power supplies are the backbone of every electronic device, and it is essential to have a deep understanding of the various power supply certifications around the world. These certifications not only ensure that the power supplies are safe, reliable, and energy-efficient, but they also help manufacturers meet legal and regulatory requirements. Now let’s explore some of the most common certifications in major markets.
CE certification
CE certification is a mandatory mark for the European market, indicating that the product meets EU requirements for safety, health, environmental protection, and consumer protection. For power supply products, CE certification includes the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). Power supplies with CE certification can circulate freely in the EU market.
UL certification
UL certification is a safety certification provided by Underwriters Laboratories in the United States. It primarily targets the North American market and is a crucial pass for power supply products entering the U.S. and Canadian markets. UL tests items include electrical safety, fire protection, and electromagnetic interference. Passing UL certification means the product meets North American safety standards.
CCC certification
CCC stands for China Compulsory Certification, it is China’s national mandatory certification system, applicable to various product categories including power supplies. CCC certification aims to ensure product safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and environmental protection. CCC certified power supply products can be sold in the Chinese market.
FCC certification
FCC certification is the Federal Communications Commission’s standard for controlling electromagnetic interference (EMI). For power supply products, FCC certification ensures they do not cause harmful electromagnetic interference to other electronic devices during use. Obtaining FCC certification is a necessary condition for power supplies entering the U.S. market.
PSE certification
PSE certification is a mandatory certification under Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law, applicable to power supply devices in the Japanese market. PSE certification is divided into two marks: diamond PSE mark and circular PSE mark, which are applicable to different product categories. Power supplies with PSE certification can be sold in the Japanese market.
The safety and reliability of power supplies are crucial for both consumers and manufacturers. Through the above certifications, power supply products not only can be legally sold in major markets but also ensure their safety, reliability, environmental protection, and efficiency. These certifications are not only symbols of quality but also protections for consumer rights. Therefore, power supply manufacturers must strictly follow various certification standards in product design and production, ensuring product safety and reliability, and smoothly entering the global market to win more consumer trust.
About us
GTG Group’s power supply division has been providing testing and certification services for power supplies for over a decade. Our laboratories are accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS L), China Inspection Body and Laboratory Mandatory Approval CMA (), A2LA, and are CB testing laboratories (CBTLs) and UL authorized laboratory. We’re your professional andreliable testing and certification partners for power supplies globally!
