Similar to testing or certification, field assessments are a conformity assessment activity that verifies a product's compliance with the relevant code and product standard requirements. Unlike testing and certification, field evaluations are done where products are installed and operated. Field assessments are commonly required for unlabeled products that are not covered by any product certification.
Field evaluations are done for site-specific installations of non-certified equipment, which are often unique, unique products produced in limited quantities. It is also made for products that do not allow for testing in a traditional laboratory environment or have dimensions that would not be practical. Product certificates or product listings are often sought by manufacturers for mass production, ready-made equipment.
Site assessments consist of construction inspections and various on-site tests (eg continuity, insulation, temperature) that verify compliance with relevant product safety standards and verify that the installation meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code. After a field assessment is completed, a report is issued by a Field Assessment Body (FEB) to its client and by the local Competent Authority (AHJ) and a Field Assessment label is affixed to the equipment.
Field evaluations are requested by AHJs or Jurisdictions. Generally, electrical inspectors responsible for code enforcement will detect unlabeled equipment during the permit process and determine that a site assessment is required. FEBs then get involved and start the evaluation process.
Site assessments are site specific because the conformity assessment only qualifies equipment not labeled in that installation. Unlike a certified or listed product, the Field Rating label applies only to the equipment in question at that location. If equipment is moved to another facility, another site assessment will be required.
Applicable standards are determined after preliminary examination of product and site details and are typically determined by product category. The requirements of NFPA 70 (NEC) are also taken into account. Different requirements will apply for assessments such as CEC and SPE-1000 performed in Canada.
AHJs make the final determination of the recognition and acceptability of Field Assessment Bodies. Many AHJs recognize organizations that have OSHA approved Nationally Recognized Test Laboratories. The National Electrical Code specifically refers to the "FEBs" and their qualification and operational requirements as defined in the NFPA 790 - Standard for the Competence of 3rd Party Field Evaluation Bodies and the NFPA 791 - Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Electrical Equipment Assessment. NFPA 790 and 791 were both published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 2013 and are increasingly recognized as standard criteria for Field Evaluation Activities.
EUROLAB field inspection services are fully compliant with NFPA 790, Standard of Qualification for Third-Party Field Evaluation Organizations, and NFPA 791, Recommended Practices and Procedures for Evaluation of Label-Free Electrical Equipment. In addition, EUROLAB It is accredited by the Canadian Standards Council to act as an inspection body for product safety field inspections in Canada and to evaluate electrical equipment according to model code SPE-1000-13 - Model code for field equipment evaluation.
The length of each evaluation depends on the complexity of the product and the number of units involved. Once a Site Application is received, EUROLAB will work with the authority having jurisdiction to determine the most appropriate program for the clients and situation.
EUROLABIt can serve many different equipment, including electrical installations, solar panel installations, wind turbine installations, electrical high and low voltage substations, industrial power plants, consumer products, electrical installations in hospitals, alarm systems, hazardous location equipment, machinery equipment. , power plants, robotics, automotive lifts, electrical signs, laboratory equipment, refrigeration equipment and more.
EUROLAB, charges for Field Assessments based on a daily rate that may vary depending on projected product duration and volume. Once a site application is submitted to us, we can usually quote the same or next day.
EUROLAB, with its highly expert team and internationally accredited laboratories, Field Inspection Frequently Asked Questions It performs all test, analysis, measurement, evaluation and report generation services completely and reliably.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
