Key Certifications for Emergency Lighting

A combination of standards and regulations make sure emergency lighting is safe and effective. Getting a third-party certification is a good way to confirm its quality, reliability, and compliance.

CE Certification (European Conformity)

CE certification is mandatory for any product sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). It ensures that the product complies with essential health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

• Testing Areas:
  • EMC: Electromagnetic Compatibility
  • LVD: Low Voltage Directive
• Validity:
  CE certification is valid for three years. Renewals should be completed three months before expiry.

To obtain the CE mark, manufacturers must submit LVD/EMC test reports and ensure products meet EU guidelines.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive)

RoHS certification is another critical requirement for electronic products in the EU. This directive limits the use of certain hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury, in electrical and electronic equipment.

• Objective:
  Prevent the use of toxic substances in electronics to ensure safer disposal and environmental sustainability.

CB Certification (International Safety Standard)

The CB scheme is a globally recognized certification that ensures products conform to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. It simplifies access to multiple global markets by testing once for various countries.

• Testing Focus:
  • LVD: Low Voltage Directive
• Acceptance:
  Member countries include Saudi Arabia, Russia, and many others. CB certification helps eliminate the need for duplicate testing when entering new markets.

SAA Certification (Australia and New Zealand)

The Standards Association of Australia (SAA) issues certifications for electrical products in Australia and New Zealand, confirming compliance with safety and performance standards.

• Key Points:
  SAA approval is granted after ensuring the product meets stringent regional requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

UL/cUL Certification (United States & Canada)

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a well-known North American certification. cUL marks products that meet Canadian standards. These certifications guarantee the safety and reliability of electrical products.

• Categories:
  • UL Listed: Products certified as complete units.
  • UL Recognized: Components that meet specific safety requirements.
  • UL Classified: Products tested for performance under limited conditions.

Each UL Listed product must undergo annual inspections and require comprehensive testing to meet safety codes.

ETL Certification (North America)

Similar to UL, ETL is another safety certification mark widely recognized in the U.S. and Canada. ETL ensures that products meet established standards and are safe for use in residential and commercial environments.

• Key Advantage:
  ETL certification is generally quicker and more cost-effective than UL certification.