Agency Approvals
Most countries have regulatory agencies that determine the safety and performance standards required for products used in that country. Switches are tested and have been certified by the most widely recognized of the these agencies including Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in the United States; Canadian Standards Association (CSA) in Canada; and Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE) in Germany.
UL RECOGNIZED
UL Recognition covers components which are incomplete or restricted in performance capabilities. These components will later be used in complete end products or systems Listed by UL. These Recognized components are not intended for separate installation in the field. They are intended for use as components of complete equipment submitted for investigation to UL.
CSA
Carling Technologies switches are also certified through the Canadian Standards Association, CSA, under Class 6241 10; CSA Standard C22.2 No 55-M; Switches - Snap - Special Use. This classification covers component type switches for ampere, horsepower, tungsten filament, heater, television, and speed control loads, including micro-action switches. Switches generally have exposed connections or lead ends, but may be provided with enclosures.
VDE
Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker, VDE under Class 4401, Switches for appliances.
VDE certification COMES along with many other European agency certifications, is now covered under European Norms Electrical Certification or ENEC. Please read below for further information on European certifications.
ENEC
Over 20 European countries have converged under a single standard for certification, the European Norms Electrical Certification or ENEC. ENEC is now the recognized certification issued within these European countries. The ENEC marking on a switch is comparable and replaces many European agency markings including: DEMKO, FIMKO, UTE, VDE, TUV, NEMKO, SEMKO, SEV, and BEAB.
This International Standard IEC 1058 standard applies to switches for appliances actuated by hand, by foot or by other human activity for use in, on or with appliances and other equipment for household and similar purposes, with a rated voltage not exceeding 440V and a rated current not exceeding 63A. It also covers the indirect actuation of the switch when the function of the actuating member is provided by a part of an appliance or equipment, such as a door.
