OT: CE Mark Update

[envisionelec]

A week ago, I pointed out that the Parts Express subwoofer amplifiers bore only a CE mark, which at the time I claimed that the mark meant essentially nothing about its safety.

I was right.

In speaking with our in-house regulations standards director I learned that the CE mark is self-applied by the manufacturer, and that it only has meaningful value to those in the EU.

From EDN Magazine 01/97

"The purpose of the CE marking is to allow manufacturers to place products on the market and ensure the free movement of goods. The CE marking is primarily for market control by customs inspectors and enforcement authorities."

"The CE marking simply indicates that the product conforms to the relevant directives' safety and EMC requirements and that the manufacturer has performed all the necessary evaluation procedures. The "CE" symbol is not a registered trademark and is, in principle, the manufacturer's responsibility. Except for some high-risk products, most manufacturers can perform a self-assessment of their products to meet the essential requirements of the directives. In doing so, the manufacturer has a choice of meeting the minimum legal requirements or meeting the market expectations as well. In Europe, expectations vary considerably among countries."

So, are the PE plate amps considered dangerous or risky because they do not hold any safety certifications? I would think not. They appear to be made well enough to pass muster, and I know they've sold several thousand of them without one incident. My purpose of the post is to inform and promote discussion.

[Paul K.]

Yes, the CE mark is self-applied by a manufacturer, but doing so states that manufacturer has assured its product(s) meets both electrical safety and EMC requirements as dictated by the EU standards by virture of design, manufacturing and testing. Unless said manufacturer is intentionally crooked, applying the CE mark to its products is NOT simply "rubber stamping". I know because for the last 25 years of my working career I was Manager or Director of Regulatory Affairs with primary responsibility of assuring our products complied with ALL regulatory requirements across the world (where we sold), including the CE Mark. I would hope that any product offered by PE that bears the CE Mark was produced for PE by a reputable manufacturer who takes electrical safety in general, and CE compliance in specific, seriously. Of course, just because a particular product sold by PE doesn't happen to carry the CE Mark, shouldn't be construed as meaning that product is unsafe, but if it did carry the CE Mark, it should indicate the product is safe.
Paul K.

> A week ago, I pointed out that the Parts
> Express subwoofer amplifiers bore only a CE
> mark, which at the time I claimed that the
> mark meant essentially nothing about its
> safety.

> I was right.

> In speaking with our in-house regulations
> standards director I learned that the CE
> mark is self-applied by the manufacturer,
> and that it only has meaningful value to
> those in the EU.

> From EDN Magazine 01/97

> "The purpose of the CE marking is to
> allow manufacturers to place products on the
> market and ensure the free movement of
> goods. The CE marking is primarily for
> market control by customs inspectors and
> enforcement authorities."

> "The CE marking simply indicates that
> the product conforms to the relevant
> directives' safety and EMC requirements and
> that the manufacturer has performed all the
> necessary evaluation procedures. The
> "CE" symbol is not a registered
> trademark and is, in principle, the
> manufacturer's responsibility. Except for
> some high-risk products, most manufacturers
> can perform a self-assessment of their
> products to meet the essential requirements
> of the directives. In doing so, the
> manufacturer has a choice of meeting the
> minimum legal requirements or meeting the
> market expectations as well. In Europe,
> expectations vary considerably among
> countries."

> So, are the PE plate amps considered
> dangerous or risky because they do not hold
> any safety certifications? I would think
> not. They appear to be made well enough to
> pass muster, and I know they've sold several
> thousand of them without one incident. My
> purpose of the post is to inform and promote
> discussion.

[envisionelec]

> Yes, the CE mark is self-applied by a
> manufacturer, but doing so states that
> manufacturer has assured its product(s)
> meets both electrical safety and EMC
> requirements as dictated by the EU standards
> by virture of design, manufacturing and
> testing. Unless said manufacturer is
> intentionally crooked, applying the CE mark
> to its products is NOT simply "rubber
> stamping". I know because for the last
> 25 years of my working career I was Manager
> or Director of Regulatory Affairs with
> primary responsibility of assuring our
> products complied with ALL regulatory
> requirements across the world (where we
> sold), including the CE Mark. I would hope
> that any product offered by PE that bears
> the CE Mark was produced for PE by a
> reputable manufacturer who takes electrical
> safety in general, and CE compliance in
> specific, seriously. Of course, just because
> a particular product sold by PE doesn't
> happen to carry the CE Mark, shouldn't be
> construed as meaning that product is unsafe,
> but if it did carry the CE Mark, it should
> indicate the product is safe.
> Paul K.

Agreed. I simplified the post in response to some that had posted below. I agree that there should be regulatory paperwork to back up the claimant's declaration. However, it is not a safety regulatory logo like a UL or CSA. It means more to an importer in Europe than it should to anyone in the US.
I don't think the amps PE sells are unsafe because of their CE logo, but was using them to make a point. Incidentally, the new MCM amps have NO markings, whatsoever.

[nick29498141]

. Incidentally, the new MCM
> amps have NO markings, whatsoever.

i hope you're not suprised by that.

NK

[envisionelec]

> . Incidentally, the new MCM

> i hope you're not suprised by that.

> NK

Not a bit. I don't buy anything but semiconductors from them. Even then I have to be vigilant as they offer a number of counterfeit parts.