Most
countries have regulatory agencies that determine the safety and
performance standards required for products used in that country.
Switches are tested and have been certified by the most widely
recognized of the these agencies including Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) in the United States; Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in
Canada; and Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) in Germany.
UL
RECOGNIZED
UL
Recognition covers components which are incomplete or restricted in
performance capabilities. These components will later be used in
complete end products or systems Listed by UL. These Recognized
components are not intended for separate installation in the field.
They are intended for use as components of complete equipment
submitted for investigation to UL.
CSA
Carling
Technologies switches are also certified through the Canadian
Standards Association, CSA, under Class 6241 10; CSA
Standard C22.2 No 55-M; Switches - Snap - Special Use. This
classification covers component type switches for ampere, horsepower,
tungsten filament, heater, television, and speed control loads,
including micro-action switches. Switches generally have exposed
connections or lead ends, but may be provided with enclosures.
VDE
Verband
Deutscher Elektrotechniker, VDE under Class 4401, Switches for
appliances.
VDE
certification COMES along with many other European agency
certifications, is now covered under European Norms Electrical
Certification or ENEC. Please read below for further information on
European certifications.
ENEC
Over
20 European countries have converged under a single standard for
certification, the European Norms Electrical Certification or ENEC.
ENEC is now the recognized certification issued within these European
countries. The ENEC marking on a switch is comparable and replaces
many European agency markings including: DEMKO, FIMKO, UTE, VDE, TUV,
NEMKO, SEMKO, SEV, and BEAB.
This
International Standard IEC 1058 standard applies to switches
for appliances actuated by hand, by foot or by other human activity
for use in, on or with appliances and other equipment for household
and similar purposes, with a rated voltage not exceeding 440V and a
rated current not exceeding 63A. It also covers the indirect
actuation of the switch when the function of the actuating member is
provided by a part of an appliance or equipment, such as a door.