May 2011 Newsletter  
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Ask Pat:

Q: We define a ring wave pulse as a 3kV peak open circuit pulse with a 12 ohm impedance (based on C62.41). However, when we connect it to a power supply we get voltages as high as 4.6kV peak. I imagine this can be due to some type of resonance the test system has with the PSU. But that means the source impedance of the test system isn't just 12 ohms. The standard doesn't mention too much more about this other than the voltage could change. But in theory if it's a pure 12ohm source impedance the voltage should only go down when connected to a highly reactive load like the EMI filter of a PSU.
-Dale, Long Beach, CA

A: It sounds like the decoupling section is damaged. It should be isolating the CDN output from the power line, so no matter what supply is connected to the input of the CDN, it does not affect the impedance seen at the output of the CDN. One way to verify the decoupling section is to connect the high voltage probe at the CDN input and do a surge. If the CDN is good, the amplitude should be highly attenuated. 61000-4-12 says, "The residual surge voltage on the power supply inputs of the decoupling network when the EUT is disconnected shall not exceed 15% of the applied test voltage or twice the rated peak voltage of the coupling/decoupling network, whichever is higher." That is interpreted to mean that one would be looking to make sure that the amount of the surge seen at the input of the CDN is no more than 450V.

Q: I have a potential client who wants verification that our product is listed by MET Laboratories. Does MET provide this type of information on their website?
- Sean, Junction City, Kansas

A: Yes, MET does have a product safety certification database on its website. Go to the Product Safety Testing and Certification webpage, where you will find a link to the database (inside the red box, midway into the page). They can either enter the applicant name or the eListing number assigned to the product, and found as required on the MET certification label.


Q: Can we take a 3 outlet metal Power Strip approved for UL 1363 which has built in metal mounting tabs on each end, and attach the power strip via the mounting tabs to a wooden indoor counter-top store display, install 3 UL approved 7W night lights on the power strip and use this display in retail stores without UL-testing the entire display? Since the power strip was originally approved with mounting tabs on each end, it leads me to think it can be safely mounted to another object like our display without affecting the previous UL approval.
-Blair, Lowell, MA

A: This is the age-old assumption that UL + UL = UL. Not true. The end product is a display case and there is a safety standard for that. But it is not a test lab that requires this. It is up to local electrical authorities and/or OSHA and/or the retail outlet to accept this product without third party certification.

Ask your own question of Pat, MET's compliance expert.

Hearing from our customers is a very important and necessary component to improving our service. Please feel free to pass on your comments, good and bad, by emailing us at info@metlabs.com.

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In this issue:


 
 
NEBS Testing in China with MET and CTI
MET has signed an agreement with Center Testing International (CTI) allowing local NEBS testing to Telcordia standards GR-63 & GR-1089.
CTI is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and possesses over 30 branches in mainland China alone.
This partnership provides important support for Asian telecom manufacturers targeting North American RBOCs and CLECs.

Visit MET China's website.

More about MET's NEBS testing and certification services.

New Accreditations for MET Austin
MET's Product Safety Logo MET Austin is recognized by the EPA to test "Computers" and "Computer Servers" for the ENERGY STAR® Program. In addition, MET Austin has been accredited by the CB Scheme as an ACTL for IEC 60950.
MET can now issue Energy Star and CB certificates through the Austin lab.
More about MET's ENERGY STAR® capabilities.

More about MET's Green Energy Testing Services.


Magnetic Immunity Testing Benefits from Renovation
MET Baltimore's newly constructed EMC Common Area now has an overhead crane for Magnetic Immunity testing per DOD-STS-1399 Section 070, IEC 61000-4-8, and Industry Canada Metering standards.

This new equipment compliments MET's new MIL EMC chamber which was featured in last month's newsletter.
More about MET's MIL-STD testing services.

MET China Certifies Family of Vacuum Cleaners
The MET Mark can be found on a variety of home appliances. Recently, MET China certified a line of vacuum cleaners.

The MET certified vacuum cleaners will be marketed under the Bissell and Oreck brands.


More about MET's nationally-recognized product safety certification of consumer products.

MET Speaks on Smart Grid at China Meter Conference
MET's Jim Reed, Telecom Lab Director and Manager, Meter Accuracy Lab,was a guest panelist for the Smart Grid talk at the 2011 China Metering Conference. Pictured, left to right: Kevin Shi, the manager of Metering China Show, Jim Reed, and Bob Heile, Chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. See more pics of the event.
More about MET's Meter Testing and Certification

MET Joins US DoT "Connected Vehicle" Initiative.
MET Labs is one of the key participants of the US DoT "Connected Vehicle" initiative. The immediate goal of this large and multi-year effort is to create and
test new technology that will substantially improve the safety of vehicles on the road.
MET is participating as part of OmniAir Consortium. MET's role is to develop test methods and certify these devices as part of the OmniAir Certification Services program.

More about MET's RFID Testing and Certification Services.

MET Featured in the News
The expertise found at MET is in demand by trade publications: 
1. INCompliance Magazine features an article by MET EMC Project Manager, Zijun Tong on ETSI EN 300 132-2 Compliance Testing for telecom equipment.
2. Engineering Evaluation Magazine is running an Environmental Testing article in which MET described a HALT testing/ scenario.

Electronic Equipment Reliability & Testing Seminar in Austin- May 24
MET and partner DfR Solutions are presenting at MET Austin. Topics include:
  • Test Plan Development
  • EMC High Frequency Test Requirements for Europe
  • The Synergy Between Reliability and Safety in IT Equipment
  • Quality, Reliability & Durability for Industrial Applications
  • Hands-On EMC Scans in the 10m Chamber, Including Basic Compliance Troubleshooting Tips
Registration deadline is May 20.

Free HazLoc Seminars in Texas
MET Labs and its UK Partner, TRaC Global, will
co-host a series of seminars in Texas. Each half day seminar will detail HAZLOC regulatory requirements for North America and Europe.

Texas locations and dates are:
June 14 - Austin
June 15 - Dallas
June 16 - Houston

More information and registration


MET To Present in Israel This Spring.
MET is excited to announce it will be having an Israel Customer Appreciation Day and Seminar May 24, 2011
in Herzilia. This event is co-sponsored with Hermon Labs.

Learn more about MET's International Network of Partner Labs

Upcoming MIL-STD Seminars

Both are free of charge.

1) Seminar: MIL-STD Testing
June 2, 2011
Baltimore, MD

Get more information and register

2) Seminar: MIL-STD Testing
June 16, 2011
Santa Clara, CA

Get more information and register. 

Learn more about MET's upcoming events.

Meet With Us at These Upcoming Trade Shows

May 19, 2011
Santa Clara EMC MiniSymposium

Biltmore Hotel Santa Clara 

May 21-24, 2011
NRA Show 2011 McCormick Place,
Chicago, IL

If you would like to meet with us at these shows email us in advance to set up a day and time.

MET LABORATORIES:
914 W. Patapsco Ave. , Baltimore, MD 21230
East Coast/Central: 800.638.6057
West Coast: 888.638.9345
Central: 800.638.6057
Korea: +82(0)2 2026 0191 metkorea@metlabs.com
China: + 86 755 8291 1867 metasia@metlabs.com
Taiwan +886 2 8227 8887 mettaiwan@metlabs.com


 

 

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