Terms & Questions
The electrical certification process can seem complex with its technical terms and regulatory requirements. That's why we've added this section covering the important concepts and common questions in equipment inspection and approval. Use this as a reference when working with inspection bodies, electrical authorities, or when determining what type of approval your equipment needs.
Field Evaluation or Special Inspection
A comprehensive on-site inspection and testing process for electrical equipment that lacks proper certification marks. Field evaluations are performed by accredited inspection bodies to verify equipment meets safety standards. Upon passing, equipment receives field evaluation labels allowing legal installation and operation.
SPE-1000
The Special Purpose Electrical (SPE) 1000 program is a certification system for electrical equipment that doesn't fall under standard product categories. This includes custom-built equipment, one-of-a-kind machinery, and modified devices. SPE-1000 certification demonstrates that equipment meets applicable Canadian Electrical Code requirements and can be legally connected to power systems.
Certification
The standard approval process for mass-produced electrical equipment through accredited certification agencies. Manufacturers receive certification for entire product lines, allowing them to apply approval marks to all units produced. This certification method is cost-effective for mass production but requires extensive testing at manufacturing facilities and ongoing compliance audits.
Field Certification
A certification process where accredited certification agencies evaluate equipment samples at locations other than the original manufacturing facility. Field certification allows manufacturers to obtain approval marks for equipment produced at multiple facilities, assembled at installation sites, or completed at alternate locations. Unlike field evaluation which inspects individual units, field certification can cover multiple identical units manufactured under controlled conditions, providing broader approval than single-unit inspection services.
Batch Certification / Limited Production Certification (LPC)
LPC programs offer a streamlined certification process for manufacturers producing electrical equipment in limited quantities. Rather than the extensive testing required for mass production certification, LPC allows inspection bodies to certify small batches through representative sampling and quality verification. This certification method suits specialty equipment manufacturers, custom machinery builders, and companies producing equipment for specific projects requiring multiple identical units with proper approval marks.
AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
The regulatory body responsible for enforcing electrical safety requirements and issuing connection permits. This includes provincial electrical safety authorities (ESA in Ontario, Technical Safety BC, ARA in Alberta) and state/local authorities in the US. The AHJ requires proper certification marks from recognized inspection bodies before approving electrical equipment for installation.
NEC and CEC Compliance
The National Electrical Code (NEC) governs electrical installations in the United States, while the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) applies in Canada. Equipment must meet the applicable code requirements for the jurisdiction where it will be installed and operated. These Codes require electrical equipment to meet specific product safety standards.
Declaration of Conformity
A manufacturer's statement that equipment meets applicable standards. While useful for documentation review, a declaration alone is insufficient for electrical approval in North America. Physical inspection, testing, and certification by a recognized inspection body is necessary to obtain required approval marks for custom-built, modified, or imported electrical equipment.
CE Mark vs North American Approval
The CE mark indicates European compliance but is not accepted for electrical equipment in Canada or the USA. Equipment with only CE marking requires inspection and certification by a recognized inspection body before installation. Canadian & US standards often differ significantly from European requirements.
What If My Equipment Only Has CE Marking?
CE marks indicate European compliance but aren't accepted for electrical equipment in North America. Equipment with only CE marking requires inspection and certification by a recognized inspection body before installation. North American safety standards differ significantly from European requirements, so field evaluation services are necessary to obtain proper approval marks for imported equipment.
Can Modified Equipment Keep Its Original Certification?
No - once certified equipment is modified from its original configuration, the factory certification becomes void. Modified machinery requires field evaluation to obtain new approval marks. This includes adding components, changing electrical ratings, or altering safety systems. The inspection body evaluates modifications against applicable product standards and applies field certification labels specific to the modified equipment.
What Happens If Equipment Fails Inspection?
The inspection body provides a detailed report listing deficiencies that must be corrected before approval marks can be applied. Common issues include inadequate grounding, missing safety devices, or incorrect component ratings. Most problems can be fixed onsite, with reinspection confirming compliance. Equipment cannot be connected to power until it passes inspection and receives proper certification marks from the recognized inspection body.
What Should I Do Prior to the Inspection?
Gather Documentation - Have your electrical schematics, component lists, and manufacturer data sheets ready. Inspectors need to verify component ratings and circuit designs match your documentation. Missing paperwork means extra inspection time identifying components, which increases costs.
Complete All Work - Finish all electrical assembly before scheduling inspection. Equipment must be fully wired, panels closed, and labels installed. Inspectors evaluate completed equipment only - they don't pass work-in-progress. The inspection body needs to see equipment exactly as it will operate.
Prepare the Space - Ensure good lighting and clear access to all equipment sides. Have a table for document review and qualified personnel available to answer questions. If testing requires power, arrange proper electrical connections. Poor conditions may require rescheduling the inspection.