CSA SPE-1000 "field inspection"

[Marc Nicholas-2]

Hi all,

So, I find myself having designed an electrical device that I want to market
on a limited basis. Let's say I just want to start with the Canadian market
but if I can get approval in the US it would be all the better.

I got a quote for UL[c-us] approval and, as you would expect, nearly fell
off my chair. ($9000).

The product has a relatively low value/price (~$200) and a very low initial
production run (25 units).

On further research, I've found CSA SPE-1000 bridges the gap between
breaking the law (no CSA approval) and breaking the bank (full CSA or UL
approval).

Has anyone on the list undertaken this? Or if you have any other
constructive advice considering the above parameters, I'm all ears :)

I understand you can do something similar for the US market, but that it's
somewhat more convoluted?

TIA,

-marc
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[Jeff Latta]

I 'm in the process of building a single machine that will be subject to
field evaluation per SPE-1000.
The electrician that I use often has items field approved.  It doesn't
seem to be a big deal.
The inspector charges by the hour so you'll want to get it right the
first time.
The SPE-1000 Model Code is 50 pages long and outlines the guidelines for
the inspection.
The Standards Council of Canada has a list of accredited inspection
organizations for the Model Code.
http://www.scc.ca/en/programs/inspec_bodies/accredited_clients.shtml

If you're going to manufacture, install, sell, or offer for sale any
equipment related to electrical systems the equipment must be certified
or inspected (paraphrase from Alberta's Electrical Code Regulation).

In Canada I believe all the provinces have adopted the CSA SPE-1000
Model Code as an alternative to certification.
I don't know what the situation is in the US.

Jeff



Marc Nicholas wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> So, I find myself having designed an electrical device that I want to market
> on a limited basis. Let's say I just want to start with the Canadian market
> but if I can get approval in the US it would be all the better.
>
> I got a quote for UL[c-us] approval and, as you would expect, nearly fell
> off my chair. ($9000).
>
> The product has a relatively low value/price (~$200) and a very low initial
> production run (25 units).
>
> On further research, I've found CSA SPE-1000 bridges the gap between
> breaking the law (no CSA approval) and breaking the bank (full CSA or UL
> approval).
>
> Has anyone on the list undertaken this? Or if you have any other
> constructive advice considering the above parameters, I'm all ears :)
>
> I understand you can do something similar for the US market, but that it's
> somewhat more convoluted?
>
> TIA,
>
> -marc
>  

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[Marc Nicholas-2]

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your comment.

I've also found out that each and every product (in my case, the entire
production run of 25 units) must be present and individually inspected and
stickered! But still much cheaper than full CSA or UL[c-us].

If anyone else on the list is interest, I'll post a summary when I get
through to the final inspection.

-marc

On Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 12:52 AM, Jeff Latta <jlatta@...> wrote:

> I 'm in the process of building a single machine that will be subject to
> field evaluation per SPE-1000.
> The electrician that I use often has items field approved.  It doesn't
> seem to be a big deal.
> The inspector charges by the hour so you'll want to get it right the
> first time.
> The SPE-1000 Model Code is 50 pages long and outlines the guidelines for
> the inspection.
> The Standards Council of Canada has a list of accredited inspection
> organizations for the Model Code.
> http://www.scc.ca/en/programs/inspec_bodies/accredited_clients.shtml
>
> If you're going to manufacture, install, sell, or offer for sale any
> equipment related to electrical systems the equipment must be certified
> or inspected (paraphrase from Alberta's Electrical Code Regulation).
>
> In Canada I believe all the provinces have adopted the CSA SPE-1000
> Model Code as an alternative to certification.
> I don't know what the situation is in the US.
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
> Marc Nicholas wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > So, I find myself having designed an electrical device that I want to
> market
> > on a limited basis. Let's say I just want to start with the Canadian
> market
> > but if I can get approval in the US it would be all the better.
> >
> > I got a quote for UL[c-us] approval and, as you would expect, nearly fell
> > off my chair. ($9000).
> >
> > The product has a relatively low value/price (~$200) and a very low
> initial
> > production run (25 units).
> >
> > On further research, I've found CSA SPE-1000 bridges the gap between
> > breaking the law (no CSA approval) and breaking the bank (full CSA or UL
> > approval).
> >
> > Has anyone on the list undertaken this? Or if you have any other
> > constructive advice considering the above parameters, I'm all ears :)
> >
> > I understand you can do something similar for the US market, but that
> it's
> > somewhat more convoluted?
> >
> > TIA,
> >
> > -marc
> >
>
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> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
> View/change your membership options at
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
>

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