A field evaluation is a type of inspection performed on equipment that is already installed in the field. This kind of evaluation looks to see if equipment and its performance meets applicable safety standards for its real-world location and application.
Field evaluations are done on equipment that does not have a current certification or applicable report from a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, such as UL, CSA, or TUV. This field evaluation may be requested by a local electrical inspector, utility, or a client looking for specific assurances of equipment safety and performance.
Field evaluations are common for large electrical systems like industrial control panels (ICP), switchboards, panelboards, or termination boxes. These onsite inspections are also helpful for other industrial or large systems, such as heating and cooling systems, commercial cooking equipment, robotic equipment, and automated manufacturing or packaging systems.
There are a few reasons that a field evaluation may be required:
●
The equipment was modified. In order to use
certain types of electrical equipment and machinery at manufacturing or
commercial sites, it must be tested according to applicable standards and UL
Listed. If the equipment is modified later on, the original listing is
invalidated. With a field evaluation, companies can demonstrate the modified
equipment is still in compliance with applicable regulations and minimize the
chance of business disruption.
●
The equipment does not pass inspection. If a
local electrical inspector or building official determines that equipment is
not installed or performing according to relevant standards, such as the
National Electric Code (NEC), they may “red tag” the equipment. At that point,
the equipment cannot be used until it is proven to meet the applicable product
safety standards. In this case, a company may request a field evaluation to get
the equipment back in a compliant, operational state so business can get back
to normal.
●
The equipment was manufactured according to different safety standards.
Industrial equipment manufactured in one place
(according to one set of safety standards) and used in another will need to
demonstrate compliance with the standards that apply to the destination
country. This requires performing a field evaluation at the original
manufacturing facility or onsite where the product is being used—but keep in
mind the latter may require more costly customization and retrofitting.
The goal of a field evaluation is to demonstrate to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that the specifications and usage of the equipment complies with the applicable safety standards for electrical, fire, and mechanical hazards. A successful field evaluation should result in the red tag being removed, if applicable, and the appropriate certification mark being applied (or re-applied) to the equipment.
Contact G&M Compliance to learn more about the field evaluation process for your product.