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SGS Awarded IECEE Test Laboratory Qualification to the Test and Certify Electronic Furniture

November 09, 2020
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SGS is pleased to announce it has become the one of first organizations to gain the IECEE Test Laboratory Qualification within the Certification Body (CB) scheme, enabling the testing and certification of electronic furniture against IEC 60335-2-116:2019 standards.

Increasing volumes of furniture with electrically motorized parts are entering global markets and raising the risk to consumers of mechanical injuries, electrical shock and fire. In response, the IECEE published IEC 60335-2-116 in November 2019.

SGS, from its global network of certified test laboratories, can now provide a one stop testing and certification service to designers and manufacturers looking to demonstrate that their products meet the standard's requirements. This also provides them with market access permits to enable products to enter global markets.

John Ciliege, Global Head of NRTL, SGS said: "We are delighted to be one of the first organizations to gain the IECEE Test Laboratory Qualification. With an increase in demand for domestic EE furniture anticipated, manufacturers, retailers and buyers can now access specialist testing and certification services that can address the additional complexities of electronic furniture and provide assurance that products are well-designed, functional, durable and safe to enter global markets."

The standard covers furniture with electrically motorized parts intended for household and similar purposes, their rated voltage being not more than 250 V. Furniture incorporating electrically motorized parts not intended for normal household use, but which may still pose a danger to the public, is also included within the scope of the standard i.e. furniture used by the public in shops, offices, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, hospitals, schools, in light industry and on farms.

Examples of furniture incorporating electrically motorized parts, are:

  • Electrically operated/height adjustable tables and desks
  • Electrically operated/adjustable stands and wall attachment for e.g. TV sets and monitors
  • Electrically operated/adjustable seating
  • Beds with incorporated ventilators and filters
  • Electrically operated/adjustable beds
  • Electrically operated/adjustable storage units including kitchen units
  • Electrically operated/adjustable furniture intended to be secured to the wall or ceiling
  • Electrically operated extension elements (drawers and doors)
  • Electric check-out furniture in hotels and shops
  • Furniture delivered in parts (ready to assemble or knock-down furniture)

Operated by the IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE), the IECEE CB Scheme is an international system for mutual acceptance of test reports and certificates dealing with the safety of electrical and electronic components, equipment and products.

Manufacturers can use a CB Test Report and CB Test Certificate to apply for National Certification in the member countries, removing the need for duplicate testing and so saving both time and money. The CB Scheme also provides a means to access countries that do not participate in the CB Scheme, but who nevertheless recognize the CB Certificate as evidence of compliance.

SGS FURNITURE TESTING SERVICES

Furniture services from SGS cover all aspects of furnishings from every room in the house and out into the garden. Experts provide a tailored program of testing to ensure products meet applicable furniture standards. Accredited to UKAS, HOKLAS, CNAS and VINAS, SGS is a member of BIFMA (Business and International Furniture Manufacturer's Association), KCMC (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association) and BNBA (Bureau de Normalisation du Bois et de l'Ameublement).

When developing or sourcing a new product, employing SGS's expertise to test it prior to launch can save financial costs, ease logistical difficulty and reduce the risk of reputational damage from recalls. In the event of problems of liability after manufacture, testing products according to recognized standards can help organizations demonstrate that they took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the furniture.

For further information, please contact:

John Ciliege
Global Head of NRTL
SGS
t: + 1 770 570 1800

ABOUT SGS

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

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