Determine the Option that Applies to You
Field Evaluations
Field Evaluation is an evaluation and approval process which is conducted to determine compliance with the CSA SPE-1000 and any other applicable CSA Codes and Standards. Field evaluation can be considered if the item or equipment you are seeking approval for is not going to be used in a hazardous location. Field evaluations are best in situations with custom-built equipment for special applications; equipment manufactured on a non-repetitive basis; and equipment sold in quantities of less than 500 on a national basis, per model, per inspection body. (Please note: maximum quantity varies by jurisdiction). Field evaluations are appropriate when equipment is not obtainable as “certified” under a regular certification program; for equipment that is already installed or ready for use on-site and awaiting acceptance by the Authority Having Jurisdiction; complete systems of subassemblies that are all available for examination and testing during the evaluation process; and other electrical equipment as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Field evaluation is not permitted by SPE-1000 for wire and cable products; wiring devices; equipment for use in hazardous locations; components that will require further evaluation as part of a complete assembly such as switches, relays, and timers; equipment rated more than 46 kV; and any equipment that is not permitted to be field evaluated as directed by an Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Certification (Hazardous Locations)
Certification is an evaluation and approval process which is conducted to determine compliance with a specific CSA Standard. Certification is the correct option if the item or equipment you are seeking approval for is being used in a location which is classified as hazardous. Hazardous locations typically have the potential for a volatile compound or dust to be present in the air in sufficient concentrations to merit concern of explosion in the case of unintended ignition. Examples of a hazardous location would be areas where piping, instrumentation, or pumps are present to manage the supply, distribution, dispensing, sampling or exhaust of explosive gases (propane, nitrogen, hydrogen, methane, gasoline, etc.). Other examples are where explosive dusts may be present in the air (such as flour, sugar, coal, metal, fabric, etc.).
Certification (non-Hazardous Locations)
When a product is intended for use in a non-hazardous location, Certification is the form of product approval that must be sought if a specific model of product needs to be approved in quantities that exceed the limits permitted under field evaluation (generally more than 500 per year – specific to jurisdiction). eSAFE’s certification mark can be applied to conforming product without limits on quantity. Certification is done to the appropriate CSA product standard.
Equipment Destined for USA
If your equipment is going to be used in the United States, eSAFE can provide you with Field Evaluation services done to UL/ANSI/NFPA Standards. Our association with TUV Rheinland of North America (TUV RNA) allows us to inspect equipment to the appropriate U.S. Standards and apply the TUV mark of approval to compliant equipment. This label is officially recognized through OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor under the NRTL program and hence is accepted nation-wide by most Authorities Having Jurisdiction.