Unsafe electrical equipment poses a range of hazards such as interruption of supply, explosions, fire and personal injury. Failure always affects safety, profitability and your corporate image. Low-voltage panels are often assembled by local panel builders to meet their customers' requirements and safety standards. But do they have the right procedures in place to ensure that their core competence – panel assembly – results in an acceptable safety level for their end-products?

At present, testing and certification usually do not extend to local panel manufacturing. To fill this gap, KEMA’s Panel Manufacturing Assessment focuses on the process quality of local panel manufacturers – from raw materials through to delivery and communication with clients. This helps ensure that all requirements are met.

Getting it Right
The assessment program is based on European (CENELEC) procedures. Whereas ISO 9001 covers general management procedures, this program monitors specific knowledge, experience and procedures related to low-voltage panels. A KEMA Audit Report is issued and annual follow-up assessments can be part of the program. The assessments cover: inspection of incoming goods, handling and storage, training and the qualifications of personnel, availability of adequate facilities and infrastructure, calibration of test equipment, separation of critical activities, routine testing, and documentation for each project and panel.

If we identify major or minor nonconformities we report them to the manufacturer and can agree on a timeframe for putting things right. There is particular value in this kind of third-party verification, because our assessments help manufacturers to shift their focus from day-to-day business concerns to a broader awareness of quality in their operations.

Easy to specify, easy to execute
KEMA’s Panel Manufacturing Assessment is achievable and realistic in terms of planning, organization and finance. The service can be planned at short notice and carried out efficiently and effectively by one of our experts in just a few days.

Why KEMA?
KEMA is market leader worldwide in type testing and certifying electrical components. We cover the whole range, from high and medium-voltage components, low-voltage switchgear and panels to domestic components such as electrical plugs and sockets. As a result, our expertise covers both the technical aspects of your products and the quality processes needed to manufacture them. This is the major difference between KEMA and general auditors who undertake assessments in a wide range of industries.

For more information, please contact us.