A field evaluation, as the name implies, is an inspection that occurs on equipment already installed in the field. Instead of a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) listing, which is an ongoing and factory-level certification, a field evaluation is a one-time, installation-level approval.
Generally speaking, a field evaluation is necessary when a product does not bear the listing mark of an NRTL, such as UL, CSA, TUV, and more. But how do you know when a field evaluation is right for your product and situation?
Here are four reasons that a field evaluation
may be necessary to ensure the compliance of active equipment:
The equipment has been
red-tagged.
Especially for large, complex, and/or custom equipment, the cost of listing one specific piece of machinery or industrial equipment may be very high. Therefore, a building inspector may “red tag” the equipment when it is placed in a new facility, despite the equipment being brand-new.
In this case, or in other types of inspections, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may request “third-party approval,” which refers to a field label, awarded through a successful field evaluation.
In this case, it’s crucial that the AHJ
recognizes the Field Evaluation Body (FEB) performing the evaluation as a
qualified evaluator. Being recognized by an evaluative body like International
Accreditation Services (IAS) gives the FEB more credibility, which
increases the likelihood of being recognized by the AHJ.
The product was listed, but it
has been modified since then.
When electrical equipment or machinery is
installed at a manufacturing or commercial facility, it must be tested and UL
listed beforehand. If the equipment is modified later on, the listing for its
original configuration will be invalidated. For example, if switchgear is UL
Listed for use in the U.S., and then bus taps are made in order to add new
switchgear sections or connect to solar power, the original listing is no
longer valid. A field evaluation conducted by an authorized FEB demonstrates
compliance with electrical, fire, and safety standards and prevents further
red-tagging or disruption.
The product was manufactured
according to one set of standards, but used elsewhere.
If the equipment was manufactured in one
place, according to a certain set of safety standards, and then used in another
region, the product must be tested according to the destination country’s
standards. In this case, a field evaluation should be done at the original
manufacturing facility or at the onsite location where the product is being
used.
The product’s purchase agreement
dictates a field evaluation must be performed.
When manufacturing or industrial equipment is
sold to another business, the customer may require a field evaluation to ensure
the equipment operates at a minimum level of safety. This may be included
within the purchase agreement itself.
Contact G&M Compliance for a field evaluation
G&M Compliance is a Field Evaluation Body,
recognized by the International Accreditation Service. Whether
your equipment has been modified, red-tagged, or needs an evaluation for other
reasons, our expert evaluators can help.
Contact
G&M Compliance to learn more about the field evaluation process
for your product.