Q: What standard is used for testing audio or audio visual apparatus?
A: For Europe the standard is EN60065:2002, the USA requires UL60065 7th Edition, Canada, CAN/CSA60065-03 and the rest of the world IEC60065:2001.

Q. Can I have my product tested to all of those standards at the same time?
A: It can be tested to any of the standards either individually or at the same time. It saves money if the product is tested simultaneously to more than one standard because some of the tests are common and the administration costs are lower.

Q: What documentation do I need to send with my apparatus for safety testing to IEC or EN standards?
A: Circuit diagrams, component placement drawings, approvals certificates for all safety-critical components, transformer data sheets, and safety instructions.

Q: Why do you need the certificates, surely an approval mark on the component is good enough?
A: An approval mark doesn’t tell the engineer what standard or part of a standard has been used to evaluate the component. Often the standard that is being used to test the apparatus calls up specific component standards.

Q: Supposing the component is CE marked, or the supplier will provide a certificate of conformity, will that do?
A: No, CE marking or a C of C is a self-declaration from the manufacturer or distributor. For the purpose of product certification component approvals must be via an independent third-party testing organisation.

Q: I’m having a product tested to IEC60065, the engineer doing the testing says I have to buy a V-0 classified switch. Why is this?
A: IEC/EN60065 is different from other standards, in that a mains switch must not only be approved to the switch standard IEC/EN61058 but must additionally be rated V-0 for fire resistance. Most switch manufacturers will supply V-0 rated switches on request.

Q: The switch I intend to use has ENEC marking, does this mean that it is rated V-0?
A: No, the ENEC mark means that a component has been tested to the relevant European standards, but the requirement for V-0 flammability rating is not required for ENEC marking of switches.

Q: Can I incorporate a pre-approved power supply in my audio product?
A: Yes, if the power supply is approved to a current edition of IEC60065, or IEC60950 if you can supply the full test report that relates to its CB certification.

Q: I have a CD/DVD player for testing, do I have to supply any additional documentation for the laser pickup?
A: Yes, for IEC/EN certification you will need to supply approvals to IEC60825-1, for N. America CFR21 Part 1040 is required.

Q: What colour wires should I use for internal wiring?
A: You can use any colour or colours except the combination green/yellow, which is reserved for protective earthing conductors.

Q: Why can’t I have 4mm banana-plug sockets on my audio product?
A: These sockets are the same size as the mains plug used in many parts of Europe, and pose a danger because of this. They are allowed in N. America.