|
|
|
Update:
Our Latest Forum Schedule
|
FREE
Email
Newsletter
Monthly
Magazine
Member Of
Download
Our
Issues
|
ELECTRICAL DEBATE
New CSA Forum Sparks Debate on Current Electrical Practices
From CSA International
CSA International initiated and hosted the first North American Electrical Component Forum in early December in Washington D.C.
The purpose of the forum was to provide a platform for manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to discuss the certification and testing industry's current practices regarding accepting electrical components already certified by other agencies.
Presentations included best practices of component acceptance from European markets, the information technology industry and certification agencies.
"As one of the world's leading certification and testing agencies, we initiated this inaugural forum with manufacturers and other certification agencies," said Grant Carter, vice-president of marketing and communications at CSA and forum Chairman. "We understand that redundant testing and inspections of electrical components costs manufacturers millions of dollars each year and leads to delays in getting products to market."
Over 50 global manufacturers, certification and testing agencies and industry associations were present.
Attendees included: Information Technology Industry, Intertek Testing Services, Underwriters Laboratories, National Electric Manufacturers Association, Electro-Federation Canada, Om-ron, IBM, Invensys, Rockwell Industries and Schneider Electric.
"We believe that mutual component acceptance is critical to an increasingly global trading environment and CSA is committed to maintaining the competitive marketplace, respecting the commitment to consumer safety and responding to manufacturers concerns," says Randall Luecke, vice-president of certification at CSA International. "We will continue to pursue this issue and aim to resolve the current practices."
Many of the attendees at the forum were impressed by what they heard since CSA seemed to touch on key issues that are important to the manufacturing industry.
"We are very excited by the December meeting, and we appreciate CSA International's opening up discussion on this issue," says Mike Motz of the Liebert Corporation. "Manufacturing is a cornerstone of any economy. It is important that we have an environment that serves to provide the best opportunity for our success, for delivering products that meet the needs of consumers and offers the highest degree of safety. The current environment offers unnecessary and costly obstacles. We are very hopeful that we can remove these barriers by working together."
CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products.
"The clear message from the customers who participated in the forum was a need for a simpler process for acceptance of certified components, ensuring the efficient delivery of better products to consumers and business without compromising on safety," said Carter. "To achieve a breakthrough on the current practices we need the dominant agency to accept the CSA practice on certified components."
Recognized around the world, CSA's marks appear on millions of products annually. ET
|
|
|
|
|
LATEST ISSUE
