World-wide approval for innovative products: the Schmersal Test Laboratory

After thorough examination, the accreditation body DATech has acknowledged and accredited the Schmersal laboratory in Wuppertal as competent ALPHA test laboratory.
This means that the Schmersal Test Laboratory can, under its own responsibility, test low voltage switchgears according to the international standards and have the corresponding certificates drawn up by ALPHA or LOVAG. 

ALPHA (Association for the Testing and Certification of Low Voltage Switchgears) is the German certification body for industrial low voltage switchgears.  Since ALPHA is affiliated with LOVAG (Low Voltage Agreement Group), which is active at European level, the test certificates issued by the Schmersal Test Laboratory are recognised throughout Europe.

The accreditation applies to many EN standards, establishing amongst others the requirements for safety switchgears, proximity switches, auxiliary switches and safety relay modules, as well as all relevant environmental and EMC tests. Apart from the requirements of the harmonised directives and standards, the test principles of the professional associations are observed as well.

The Schmersal Test Laboratory currently employs eleven staff, including the eight officially certified inspectors.  The test facilities include test bays for electrical and mechanical strength and life testing, equipment for the simulation of ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, water tightness) as well as EMC test units.  Upon request, the laboratory also executes tests regarding IT safety.  Apart from the development tests and the type testing of new safety switchgears, the job responsibilities of the lab also include testing of switchgears prior to and during batch production as well as the testing and optimisation (in close collaboration with the development engineers) of existing series.

The accreditation of the laboratory produces advantages for the Schmersal customers, because new equipment can be tested and certificated more quickly and more cost-effective.  Time-consuming third-party examinations and tests can be avoided; customer-specific test requirements can be observed more easily.  Moreover, the services of the Schmersal Test Laboratory are open to other companies as well.

Accreditation with attachment, pdf (279 KB)

DAT-P-128/02-01

Gesellschaft zur Prüfung und Zertifizierung von Niederspannungsgeräten e.V.

Low Voltage Agreement Group

Underwriters Laboratories

Gesellschaft für Umweltsimulation