Requirements for proof of conformity
Depending on the type of certificate, the manufacturer's proof of conformity must meet the following requirements.
Proof of conformity of the type tests
For tests of the main circuits, test certificates of the following laboratories are accepted:
- STL member laboratories and accredited according to ISO/IEC1705, or
- European non-manufacturing laboratories not belonging to the STL and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025, or
- European manufacturing laboratories accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025, with observation of an inspector. The inspector´s organization must be a STL member and must not belong to the corporate group of the product manufacturer or the testing la-boratory.
For type tests that do not affect the main circuit, testing in an STL laboratory or in a European test laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 is sufficient. These tests include, for example:
- tests on auxiliary circuits,
- pressure tests,
- burst tests (if applicable),
- degree of protection tests,
- EMC tests,
- vibration and earthquake tests.
PEHLA ZERT decides on the recognition of such tests, as well as other type test certificates from non-European testing laboratories accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 (e.g. state testing institutes).
The type test certificates must:
- fully document the type test requirements of the reference standards and, where available, comply with the provisions of the STL Guides,
- apply to a uniform identity of the type-tested objects,
- confirm the standard-compliant design values specified in the certificate.
Type tests which, according to the standard, are only to be performed by agreement between the manufacturer and the end customer, are considered as mandatory if the corresponding design values are specified in the certificate.
For the transfer of type tests in case of:
- changes to standards,
- changes in product status (e.g. design changes, new suppliers of main assemblies, etc.),
- different rated values,
- different/multiple/derived designs,
ZP 209 (Transfer of type tests) shall apply, if applicable.
Proof of conformity of the routine tests
The routine tests carried out at the manufacturer’s must meet the following requirements:
- They must be complete and in conformity with the standards,
- The equipment and measuring instruments used shall be suitable for routine testing,
- The measuring instruments used must be calibrated in a valid fashion in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and traceable to national or international calibration standards,
- The routine test report must document the routine tests in accordance with standards and in a comprehensible manner and must be complete.
If required, the suitability can be checked by the technical expert on a random basis, if necessary on site.
Proof of conformity of the design
The conformity of the product with its specific design characteristics shall meet the requirements of the product standards in relation to "Design and Manufacturing". This must be documented by a detailed and comprehensible manufacturer's declaration.
The manufacturer must have a valid quality management system certified according to ISO 9001 for the quality assurance of their development (design) at the development site concerned.
If required, the suitability can be checked by the technical expert on a random basis, if necessary on site.
Proof of conformity of the manufacturing (production site)
The manufacturer must have a valid quality management system certified according to ISO 9001 for the quality assurance of their development (manufacture) at the production site concerned.
If required, the suitability can be checked by the technical expert on a random basis, if necessary on site.