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We are a manufacturer of computers used in OEM and specialty applications. Most of the systems we build are not certified (UL, FCC, etc.) but we do build several medical devices, which are certified, so we are quite familiar with third party testing.
We have clients that are going to be selling their products (non-medical) in Europe and will clearly require a CE mark.
Every 3rd party testing house we have spoken with has stated that we need to have at least two tests done on the systems; EMC and safety (low voltage directive). Then we will have the necessary documents to put in our technical file, which we will still have to create. The cost for this testing is always right around $15,000.
We came across an alternative plan in the form of Barclay-Phelps. We contacted them and paid a small fee to have them review our application. Their response was that our systems would NOT require 3rd party testing and that for a very reasonable cost they could put the necessary paper work in order for us and we would be all set. (We build these systems from motherboards, drives and the like, not descrete components. These parts have FCC, CE and other certifications.)
We have been unable to validate that this is a legitimate way to go. Barclay won't explain further how their methodology works and contacts at 3rd part testing houses continue to say Barclay-Phelps' method is bunk.
The testing guys all have a stake in this game - $15,000 or more in testing. I don't trust their answers. The Barclay approach (cemarking.com is another in the same vein) seems incomplete. What is the right, and cost effective path?
We have clients that are going to be selling their products (non-medical) in Europe and will clearly require a CE mark.
Every 3rd party testing house we have spoken with has stated that we need to have at least two tests done on the systems; EMC and safety (low voltage directive). Then we will have the necessary documents to put in our technical file, which we will still have to create. The cost for this testing is always right around $15,000.
We came across an alternative plan in the form of Barclay-Phelps. We contacted them and paid a small fee to have them review our application. Their response was that our systems would NOT require 3rd party testing and that for a very reasonable cost they could put the necessary paper work in order for us and we would be all set. (We build these systems from motherboards, drives and the like, not descrete components. These parts have FCC, CE and other certifications.)
We have been unable to validate that this is a legitimate way to go. Barclay won't explain further how their methodology works and contacts at 3rd part testing houses continue to say Barclay-Phelps' method is bunk.
The testing guys all have a stake in this game - $15,000 or more in testing. I don't trust their answers. The Barclay approach (cemarking.com is another in the same vein) seems incomplete. What is the right, and cost effective path?
