CE marking to provide greater choice for fire safety systems11 November 2011
As manufacturers continue to grapple with their obligations under Construction Products Directive (CPD), the Directive itself is being revised and simplified to become the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The transitional period between the CPD and the CPR ends on 1st July 2013. Quick linksThe CPR aims to simplify the EU compliance process of CE Marking for construction products, levelling what can be seen as a costly testing and certification playing field of different national requirements for fire related products. It offers companies of all sizes equal freedom of movement in the EU through the application of CE marking to their products. As outlined in the regulation, 35 types of building, security and fire products fall under the jurisdiction of the CPR - including, fixed fire fighting equipment (specifically fire alarm/detection equipment, fire and smoke control and explosion suppression products) and fire stopping, fire sealing, fire protective and fire retardant products. Where previously national regulations have meant goods without a local certification mark haven’t been able to gain market access, the CPR ensures that they cannot be declined entry into that country if they carry appropriate CE marking.  Download: How we can help you with the CPD This will ultimately give purchasers, vendors, distributors and installers greater choice of what products they offer their clients, with the peace of mind that they all meet a minimum criteria, as shown by CE marking supported with test reports and documentation from a Notified Body. Manufacturers will benefit too from expanded potential markets, which offer new opportunities for revenue, where previously they may have been excluded in particular countries. A real alternativeSome legacy test service suppliers are by nature of their long tenure, the ‘devil you know’. As the years go by companies accept what they see as delays, foibles and bad service from their suppliers because they've 'always worked with them', they can’t easily see an alternative vendor with a suitable track record, or it simply seems like a hassle to find another vendor. Intertek is that alternative vendor. And yet, most people working in the fire sector have probably never heard of us. Established over 100 years ago by Thomas Edison, Intertek is one of the largest electrical testing and certification bodies in the world. We are not restricted by being based only in one or two countries (we’re actually in 110) and we don’t just work with one or two industry sectors, though we have the same accreditations as the niche suppliers. This diversity enables us to apply other relevant experience to fire technology products. For example, our experience working with the radio and telecommunications industry gives us a leading position in testing wireless technology, and our experience working with makers of equipment for potentially explosive environments gives us extensive knowledge and facilities for conducting environmental and performance testing on equipment critical in the protection of life and property. Our services include testing to:
Download one of our whitepapers by clicking on the cover here: Time means moneyWe are an EU Notified Body under the Construction Products Directive (and many other Directives besides) that can provide safety, EMC, performance, environmental and energy testing in support of a manufacturer's CE marking activities. We are also members of the IEC CB scheme, a US Nationally Recognised Test Laboratory (NRTL) offering product listing, and holders of national accreditations in dozens of countries for testing hundreds of different types of products, from protective clothing to fire doors, from emergency lighting to speakers used in evacuations. So why move to working with Intertek? You'll have access to a global network of laboratories available for your project – meaning shorter leads times. Shorter lead times means you can get to market faster and more selling days means a better bottom line. It’s that simple. We look forward to hearing from you to discuss how we might help you. Call us today on +44 (0)1372 370900, or email morten.pedersen@intertek.com. £1 million expansion
As a European Notified Body under the Construction Products Directive for over 20 standards, mostly within the EN 54 series, Intertek have been actively working within in the Life Safety & Security industry since 2009 - specifically with fire detection products such as panels and smoke alarms, heat detectors, power supplies, VACIE, speakers, sounders and wireless systems. Already benefitting from industry leading pick up and turnaround times for EN 54 projects, because of this investment manufacturers of Life Safety & Security products will now also be able take advantage of smoke tunnels and nine environmental chambers and an acoustic room as well as five existing EMC chambers, four screened rooms and extensive functional test facilities. Click here to download 'Life Safety & Security Products: Alarms & Detectors' Click here to download 'Life Safety & Security Products: The ETL Listed Mark for North America' Despite the economic downturn where many laboratories aren't investing in state of the art equipment and new facilities, Intertek is gearing up to ensure manufacturers seeking to export abroad to Europe, North America or further afield have test facilities in the UK to meet their needs - whatever countries they are targeting. Intertek’s goal is to add value to the products and processes of our customers and facilitate their success in the global marketplace by offering technical excellence and fast turnaround times that enable manufacturers to get their products to market fast, maximizing their bottom line. Our investment in this facility is part of this wider ongoing commitment across our organisation to giving manufacturers a local choice for internationally recognised and accepted product testing and assessment. For further information, please contact: Daniel Griffin, Business Stream Manager - Life Safety & Security Products, Intertek, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1372 370900    |
The incoming Construction Product Regulations will mean greater choice for vendors, installers and specifiers and more markets for manufactures.
Click to download: Global Market Access Program. Your Global Partner in Safety and Quality
Intertek’s £1million investment in expanded test facilities for fire detection and warning technology is nearly complete, with our extended facility in Leatherhead, Surrey opening in November 2011. Believed to be the largest capital expenditure project of its kind in Europe, it provides a new centre of excellence for product testing and certification.
