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11/14/2002
A CSA and UL Testing Model That Works
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Why these calls? Because each year redundant testing and redundant follow-up inspections cost your industry millions of unnecessary dollars. Dollars that could be better spent in programs that industry freely chooses. And not in compulsory redundant testing that increases the time and costs to get safe products to the marketplace.
What is CSA’s solution? The same proven solutions that we instituted in 1994. A proven solution that works for the electrical industry. A solution that has not compromised safety. And, a solution that supports the integrity of competing certification marks.
We’re not talking about unproven concepts.
We’re talking about a real-life, real-world component certification model that CSA and UL have both practiced for many years.
Working together with the Information Technology (IT) sector in 1994, CSA developed a certification model that enables the usage of CSA certified components within end-use products UL is certifying, and similarly the usage of UL certified components within CSA certified end-use products - - without redundant testing and without redundant follow-up inspections. This prototype for efficient product testing positions IT industry companies to get new products to market without unnecessary delays or redundant costs.
And for a specified range of electrical products, CSA and UL agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding in 1996 enabling manufacturers to use test data generated by one certification agency to receive the other agency’s mark, without the time and expense of retesting.
What does this real-world model mean for other customers?
No duplicate testing. Faster market access. No redundant certification costs.
Most importantly to all of us, efficiency and success without any compromise on safety. On this final point, we will not compromise nor have we in our proud 80+ years of making standards work for people and business.
CSA’s question remains.
Why not extend this proven testing model to all components? The safety record is not in doubt. In more than a decade of usage there is no evidence this model has compromised safety. The integrity of both certification marks remains highly respected by our customers and consumers across North America.
The component issue needs to be addressed in this challenging economic environment. Buoyed by your positive response these past days, we’ll continue to work for your benefit and seek an end to redundant testing and follow-up inspections.
We’ll continue to work with absolute integrity for the benefit of customers, retailers, and consumers. From the unsolicited support that you’ve provided over the past days, we know that you agree.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Randall W. Luecke
Vice President
Certification
CSA International
randy.luecke@csa-international.org
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RELATED LINKS:
-CSA asks Manufacturers: Think About Limited Time, Discounted Certification Programs!