What certifications should I look for in a DIN rail power supply?
Mar 26, 2022
When selecting a DIN rail power supply, it is crucial to consider the certifications that ensure the unit meets safety, reliability, and performance standards. Certifications not only verify the quality of the product but also ensure that it complies with industry regulations and is suitable for use in specific applications, particularly those that require high standards of electrical safety and environmental performance. Below is a detailed description of the key certifications you should look for:
1. Safety Certifications
1.1. CE Marking (Conformité Européenne)
--- Purpose: The CE marking indicates that the DIN rail power supply meets the essential health, safety, and environmental protection requirements defined by European Union (EU) legislation.
--- How It Works: Products bearing the CE mark comply with relevant EU directives, such as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), which ensures that the power supply operates safely within the specified voltage ranges.
--- Benefit: Necessary for market access in the EU and helps assure customers that the product meets European safety standards.
1.2. UL Listing (Underwriters Laboratories)
--- Purpose: The UL mark signifies that the product has been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety certification body, to meet U.S. safety standards.
--- How It Works: UL certification ensures that the power supply has passed rigorous safety tests related to electrical, fire, and environmental hazards.
--- Benefit: Essential for products intended for use in North America, and it assures that the product complies with National Electrical Code (NEC) and UL 508 for industrial control equipment.
1.3. CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
--- Purpose: Similar to UL, the CSA mark certifies that the product meets safety standards required in Canada.
--- How It Works: CSA testing involves assessing the electrical and fire safety of the power supply in various conditions, ensuring it meets the Canadian CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 standard.
--- Benefit: Necessary for products sold in Canada and for ensuring compliance with local electrical codes.
1.4. TÜV Certification (Technischer Überwachungsverein)
--- Purpose: TÜV is a certification that proves the product meets German and European safety standards, often associated with electrical safety.
--- How It Works: TÜV certification confirms that the power supply has been tested for compliance with various international safety standards, including IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and EN (European Norm) standards.
--- Benefit: Widely recognized in Europe and assures high safety and quality standards for industrial applications.
1.5. RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Compliance
--- Purpose: RoHS compliance ensures that the power supply does not contain certain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, or PBDEs.
--- How It Works: Manufacturers of RoHS-compliant products must ensure that the power supply is free from these substances, particularly in the manufacturing process.
--- Benefit: Essential for environmental sustainability and required in many markets, particularly in the EU, to comply with the RoHS Directive.
2. Performance Certifications
2.1. Energy Efficiency Certifications
--- Purpose: Certifications related to energy efficiency indicate how well the power supply converts electrical power and minimizes energy losses, which is particularly important for reducing operational costs and improving the environmental footprint.
--- Efficiency Level VI (DOE 2019): This is a standard set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for external power supplies. It ensures that the power supply meets the required efficiency levels and has low standby power consumption (less than 0.1W in some cases).
--- Energy Star: A certification program primarily used in the U.S. and Canada, identifying products with superior energy efficiency. Power supplies with the Energy Star label meet stringent energy efficiency criteria, reducing electricity consumption and minimizing environmental impact.
--- Benefit: These certifications ensure that the power supply is energy-efficient, which reduces both operational costs and environmental impact.
2.2. Efficiency Standards:
--- IEC 61000-3-2: This international standard defines limits for harmonics (electrical disturbances) in the power supply input, ensuring that the unit complies with acceptable levels for power quality.
--- Benefit: Ensures the power supply won’t cause power quality issues in sensitive environments, such as industrial facilities or hospitals.
3. Environmental Certifications
3.1. IP Rating (Ingress Protection)
--- Purpose: The IP rating indicates the power supply’s ability to resist the ingress of dust, moisture, and other environmental elements.
--- How It Works: The IP code typically consists of two digits (e.g., IP20, IP65), where the first digit represents protection against solids (dust, debris) and the second against liquids (water, rain). A higher IP rating indicates greater protection.
--- Benefit: Essential for power supplies used in outdoor or harsh environments where dust, water, or chemicals may affect performance. A higher IP rating ensures that the power supply remains functional in challenging environments.
3.2. Environmental Impact Certifications
--- ISO 14001: This certification indicates that the manufacturer follows environmentally responsible practices in the production and disposal of products.
--- Benefit: Demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and waste.
4. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Certifications
4.1. CE Marking for EMC
--- Purpose: The CE mark also covers Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) in the European Union, ensuring that the power supply does not emit excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could interfere with other devices.
--- How It Works: EMC testing is required to ensure that the power supply does not generate unwanted interference and is resistant to external electromagnetic disturbances.
--- Benefit: Necessary for ensuring compliance in regulated markets, particularly in sensitive environments like healthcare or telecommunications.
4.2. FCC Compliance (Federal Communications Commission)
--- Purpose: FCC Part 15 certification ensures that the power supply does not emit harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can disrupt radio and television signals in the U.S..
--- How It Works: The power supply undergoes testing to verify that its emissions are within limits set by the FCC.
--- Benefit: Important for power supplies used in environments with strict EMI requirements, such as medical or communication systems.
5. Hazardous Location Certifications
For use in explosive or hazardous environments (such as chemical plants, refineries, or mining operations), certain power supplies need additional certifications:
5.1. ATEX Certification (Atmosphère Explosible)
--- Purpose: The ATEX certification is a European Union standard for equipment used in explosive atmospheres, ensuring that the power supply does not pose a risk of sparking or ignition in hazardous locations.
--- How It Works: ATEX-certified power supplies are designed to meet strict standards that prevent ignition in explosive environments.
--- Benefit: Essential for applications in industries with flammable gases or dust.
5.2. UL Class I Division 2 and Class II Division 2
--- Purpose: These UL hazardous location ratings ensure that the power supply is suitable for use in areas where explosive materials may be present (e.g., chemicals, gases, or combustible dust).
--- How It Works: Power supplies are designed with features that prevent ignition sources and are tested for safe operation in specific hazardous environments.
--- Benefit: Critical for safety in industrial applications, particularly in areas with flammable substances.
Conclusion
When selecting a DIN rail power supply, it is essential to look for the following key certifications to ensure that the product meets all necessary safety, performance, and environmental standards:
--- Safety Certifications: CE, UL, CSA, TÜV, and RoHS compliance to meet local safety standards and ensure safe operation.
--- Performance Certifications: Efficiency certifications (e.g., Energy Star, DOE Level VI) to verify energy efficiency and low standby consumption.
--- Environmental Certifications: IP rating for environmental protection, ISO 14001 for environmental responsibility, and hazardous location certifications like ATEX for specialized applications.
--- EMC Certifications: CE for EMC compliance and FCC compliance for EMI standards.
These certifications will help you choose a power supply that is not only safe and efficient but also reliable and suited to your specific application, whether in industrial, commercial, or hazardous environments.
LEER MÁS