Limit Switches

Limit Switches 0607
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Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

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Automation Controls Business Unit Head Office: 1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka 571-8686, Japan Telephone: +81-6-6908-1050 Facsimile: +81-6-6908-5781 http://www.nais-e.com/
All Rights Reserved 2006 COPYRIGHT Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
ARCT1B272E 200609-1YT Specifications are subject to change without notice. Printed in Japan.
CTi Automation - Phone: 800.894.0412 - Fax: 208.368.0415 - Web: www.ctiautomation.net - Email: info@ctiautomation.net
SUBMINIATURE SIZE LIMIT SWITCHES
SL (AZ3) Micro Limit Switches
6. Long life By combining the excellent reliability and solvent proofing of the FS-T microswitch with the L shape spring, we have achieved a unit with both long life and high reliability (electrical life: 105 mechanical life: 107 7. Built-in safety features and excellent environment proofing The case uses 66 nylon glass fiber the doubly protect the switch. Also, the body and cap have been ultrasonically welded, creating a flush construction except for the terminals. Moreover, by adding a dedicated socket, the construction is drip-proof, dust-proof, and dirt-proof, creating a flush construction for the unit as a whole including the terminals. Rubber cover type: Equivalent to IP60 Socket with cord type: Equivalent to IP64
Quickly upgraded to limit switches with lamps by mounting an LED lamp socket.
2. A lamp can be easily added for operations checks An exposed terminal type model combined with a socket with cord for the built-in LED lamp (sold separately) easily become a limit switch with lamp. Convenient for maintenance checks such as operations checks.

LED lamp

SL exposed terminal type
Socket with LED lamp SL limit with lamp
Rubber cover type (roller lever)
RoHS Directive compatibility information http://www.nais-e.com/

FEATURES

1. Subminiature limit switch Managed to miniaturize the comparative bulk with high density mountings in the equipments detector to approximately 1/3 of our own ML limit switches, or approximately 1/1.6 of the Z model microswitch.

Approx. 1/3

3. Operates with a light force Comes in two types: O.F. is a maximum of 1.18N {120gf} (light force model) and light force commensurate to the microswitch. 4. Terminal uses both solder and tab (#110) 5. Achieves stroke tolerance (O.T./T.T.) of 0.67 Plenty of scope for position fixing with long life. Because of the optimum design of the built-in limit switch and the original Lmodel spring for use in O.T. absorption, the total travel range has been enlarged, and both position fixing and the units lifespan have been improved a level. Stroke range: 3 times more than the ML limit

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Dust proofing and oil resistance requirement.

PRODUCT TYPE

1. Switch body
Actuator Hinge lever Operating Force (O.F.) 1.18N {120gf} 1.96N {200gf} 1.18N {120gf} 1.96N {200gf} 1.96N {200gf} 2.94N {300gf} 2.94N {300gf} 2.94N {300gf} Exposed terminal type AZ3012 AZ3022 AZ3013 AZ3023 AZ3024 AZ3025 AZ3026 AZ3027 Rubber cover type AZ3512 AZ3522 AZ3513 AZ3523 AZ3524 AZ3525 AZ3526 AZ3527 Socket with cord type* AZ3712 AZ3722 AZ3713 AZ3723 AZ3724 AZ3725 AZ3726 AZ3727
Roller lever One-way roller lever Hinge short lever Short roller lever One-way short roller lever
Notes) 1. Socket with cord type is combination of; Exposed terminal type + Socket with cord (cord length: 1m 3.281ft.) 2. UL reconized, CSA certified type available. (See page 14.)

2. Socket

Applicable limit switches Specifications L socket Socket with cord (1 m 3.281ft.) Exposed terminal types Socket with cord (2 m 6.562ft.) Socket with cord (3 m 9.843ft.) Socket with cord (5 m 16.404ft.) Part No. AZ3806 AZ3807 AZ3827 AZ3837 AZ3857

SL (AZ3)

3. Socket with LED (cord length: 1m 3.281ft.)
Applicable limit switches Lamp Connection Normally open (N.O.) connection Expoced terminal types Normally closed (N.C.) connection Notes) 1. Types with 24 to 48V DC lamp rating are recommended for PC input use. 2. The following cord lengths are also available and lot-produced upon request. Cord length 2m 3m 5m Part No. AZ76 AZ76 AZ76 The 5th digit (boxed) of part number denotes the length of cord. Numerals come in the asterisked () digits, which show the lamp specifications. The 7th digit: 1: N.O. connection, 3: N.C. connection The 9th: None: 24 to 48V DC, 1: 12V DC, 2: 6V DC Lamp rating 6V DC 12V DC 24 to 48V DC 6V DC 12V DC 24 to 48V DC Part No. AZ3807162 AZ3807161 AZ380716 AZ3807362 AZ3807361 AZ380736

FOREIGN STANDARDS

Standards UL recognized product Applicable product File No.: E122222 Ratings: 105 rating 4A, 250V AC Product type: All products File No.: LR55880 Ratings: 105 rating 4A, 250V AC Product type: All products excluding types with socket and cord. Part No.
Add 9 to the end of the part No.

CSA certified product

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Rating

Rated control voltage Resistive load (cos ]1) Inductive load (cos ]0.4) 125V AC 4A 2.5A 250V AC 4A 2.5A 30V DC 4A 2.5A 125V DC 0.1A 0.1A

2. Characteristics

Contact arrangement Initial contact resistance, max. Contact material Initial insulation resistance (At 500V DC) Initial breakdown voltage Between non-consective terminals Between dead metal parts and each terminal Between ground and each terminal Mechanical Electrical 1 From C 60 m (By voltage drop 5 to 6V DC 1A) AgNi contact Min. 100M 1000 Vrms for 1 min 1500 Vrms for 1 min 1500 Vrms for 1 min 107 (at 60 cpm) 105 (at 20 cpm, 4A 250V AC resistive) 20 to +60C -4 to +140F Max. 95% R.H. 120 cpm
Expected life (min. operations) Ambient temperature Ambient humidity Max. operating speed
3. Mechanical characteristics
Actuator Hinge lever Roller lever 1.96N {200gf} 196m/s2 {20G} 294m/s2 {30G} 10 to 55Hz 1.5mm.059inch One-way roller lever 1.96N {200gf} 147m/s2 {15G} 294m/s2 {30G} 10 to 45Hz 1.0mm.039inch Hinge short lever 2.94N {300gf} 294m/s2 {30G} 294m/s2 {30G} 10 to 55Hz 1.5mm.059inch Short roller lever 2.94N {300gf} 196m/s2 {20G} 294m/s2 {30G} 10 to 55Hz 1.5mm.059inch One-way short roller lever 2.94N {300gf} 147m/s2 {15G} 294m/s2 {30G} 10 to 55Hz 1.5mm.059inch
Operating Force (O.F.) 1.18N {120gf} 1.96N {200gf} 1.18N {120gf} 98m/s2 {10G} 294m/s2 {30G} 98m/s2 {10G} Shock resis- In the free position tance, min. In the full operating position 294m/s2 {30G} 294m/s2 {30G} 294m/s2 {30G} Vibration rate 10 to 55Hz 10 to 45Hz Vibration resistance Double amplitude 1.5mm.059inch 1.0mm.039inch
4. Operating characteristics
Characteristics Actuator Hinge lever Roller lever One-way roller lever Hinge short lever Short roller lever One-way short roller lever O.F.(N{gf}) max. 1.18 {120} 1.96 {200} 1.18 {120} 1.96 {200} 1.96 {200} 2.94 {300} 2.94 {300} 2.94 {300} R.F. (N{gf}) min. 0.24 {25} 0.49 {50} 0.24 {25} 0.49 {50} 0.49 {50} 0.59 {60} 0.59 {60} 0.59 {60} Movement Overtravel Pretravel (P.T.), (O.T.), Differential (M.D.), max. mm inch max. mm inch min. mm inch 3.0.118 1.5.059 6.0.236 3.0.118 1.5.059 6.0.236 3.0.118 1.5.059 6.0.236 2.0.079 1.0.039 3.5.138 2.0.079 1.0.039 3.5.138 2.0.079 1.0.039 3.5.138 Operating Position (O.P.) mm inch 16.71.5.657.059 30.71.5 1.209.059 40.51.5 1.594.059 13.71.5.539.059 27.71.5 1.091.059 36.71.5 1.445.059

Note) For the operating characteristics, refer to the TECHNICAL INFORMATION.
5. Protective characteristics
Protective construction IEC IP60 IP62 IP63 IP64 Rubber cover type Types with socket and cord

6. LED rating

Rated operating voltage 6V DC 12V DC 24 to 48V DC Operating voltage range 5 to 15V DC 9 to 28V DC 20 to 55V DC Internal resistance 2.4K 4.7K 15K

1. Life curve

1,000 Resistive load 250V AC No. of operations ()401

WIRING DIAGRAMS

2.Actual load life curve

No. of operations ()401

0.NK HC

50 HP HG FC-10 VC 20

FC-35 FC-100

Various relay loads (VA)

Load current (A)
Note: The FC magnetic contactor series is 200V AC. The NK is 2 Form C 24V DC type.

DIMENSIONS

1. Rubber cover Hinge lever
(PT) 3 max.2.402 19.7 27.776 1.063 4.30.1 dia. OP 16.71.5.169.mounting.657.059 hole.315 15.591 280.2 1.102.1.457 5.197 24.5.965 8.315 16.630 7.276

mm inch

Roller lever

AZ3513 AZ3523

(PT) 3 max.118 33.7 1.327 OP 4.30.1 dia. 30.71.5.169.004 1.209.mounting.315 hole

15.591

4.157 24.1.949 140.2.551.008 4.50.1 dia.177.004 mounting hole

12.4.488

57 2.244
12.5 8dia.492 513.dia. glass fiber reinforced nylon 66 roller
4.157 24.1.949 140.2.551.008 NO(3) M3 fastening screw 3-tab (#110) terminals (t=0.5) 4.50.1 dia.177.004 mounting hole

27 1.063

AZ3512 AZ3522
NC(2) When rubber cover is removed, teminal details are shown. COM(1)
15.591 280.2 1.102.1.457 5.197 24.5.965 8.315 16.630
General tolerance: 0.4.016

One-way roller lever

Hinge short lever
57 2.244 flection cket de90 Bra angle 25.984

(PT) 3 max.118

15.4.606 12.4.488
12.5 8dia.492 513.dia. glass fiber reinforced nylon 66 roller 4.157 24.1.949 140.2.551.008 4.50.1 dia.177.004 mounting hole

40 1.575

4.157 24.1.949

AZ3524

140.2.551.008 4.50.1 dia.177.004 mounting hole
43.5 1.713 OP 40.51.5 4.30.1 dia. 1.594.059.169.mounting hole.315 15.591

AZ3525

16.630

280.2 1.102.1.457

5.197 24.5.965
27 1.063 280.2 1.102.1.457
2 max. (P.T.).079 F.P. (15.7) 4.30.1 dia. O.P. (.618).169.mounting hole.315 13.71.5.539.059 8.315 15.591 5.197 24.5.965

Conductor Wire strand
2 Vinyl cabtire 0.75mm cord (VCTF) 0.75mm2
Applicable wire Finished outside diameter 2-wire 6.6mm.260inch dia. 3-wire 7.0mm.276inch dia.

CAUTIONS

1. Ambient conditions 1) The use of these switches under the following conditions should be avoided. If the following conditions should become necessary, we recommend consulting us first. Use where there will be direct con tact with organic solvents, strong acids or alkalis, or direct exposure to their vapors. Use where inflammable or corrosive gases exist. Because these switches are not of water resistant or immersion-proof construction, their use in water or oil should be avoided. Also, locations where water or oil can normally impringe upon the switch or where there is an excessive accumulation of dust should be avoided. 2) To improve reliability during actual use, it is recommended that the operation be checked under installation conditions. 3) If OT is too big, the life of limit switch will be shortened switching friction. Use it with enough margin of OT. 70% of OT standard value will be good for use. 4) Do not use the switch in a silicon atmosphere. Case should be taken where organic silicon rubber, adhesive, sealing material, oil, grease or lead wire generates silicon. 5) Avoid use in excessively dusty environments where actuator operation would be hindered. 6) When used outdoors (in places where there is exposure to direct sunlight or rain such as in multistory car parks) or in environments where ozone is generated, the influence of these environments may cause deterioration of the rubber material. Please consult us if you intend to use a switch in environments such as these. 2. Mounting and wiring 1) Although SL limit switches have large over-travel (O.T.), excessive O.T. will occur wear and change in its characteristics. Specifically, where there is a need for long life, it is recommended that the proper O.T. as given below should be used. Specifically, where there is a need for long life, it is recommended that the proper O.T. as given below should be used. Within 1 to 3mm.039 to.118inch 2) When the operating object is in the free condition, force should not be applied directly to the actuator. 3) Use their own accessories when mounting and wiring SL limit switches so as to maintain their own characteristics. When the SL rubber cover type is used, there should absolutely be no tension applied to the cord. If there is the fear that tension may be applied, the L socket or socket with cord attached should be used. The maximum permissible tension with the above socket use is 98N{10kgF}. 4) The tightening torque when installing this limit switch should be 1.18 to 1.47 Nm (12 to 15 kgcm).

[Standard type] 5A250V AC 5A125V AC 0.4A125V DC
[Standard type] 10A125V AC 6A250V AC 2A500V AC 0.8A125V DC
Input voltage 12-24V DC Output current 150mA 107
5A (2A) 125V AC 5A (2A) 250V AC 5A (2A) 30VDC 105 5x10
5A 125V AC 5A 250V AC 5A 30VDC 105 5x104 3.43N {350gf}

5A250V AC

[With lamp type] [Neon lamp type] 5A 240V AC 5A 125V AC [LED lamp type] 3A 24V DC
[With lamp type] [Neon lamp type] 10A 125V AC 6A 240V AC [LED lamp type] 6A 24V DC
107 3x10 6.86N {700gf} (Plunger type) 1.11N {113gf}, 4.41N {450gf} (Arm type)

1.5x10

6.37N {650gf} 4.90N {500gf} 3.29N {400gf}
3x10 0.88N {90gf}, 5.88N {600gf}, 8. 83N {900gf}, 19.16N {2,000gf}
1.39N {142gf} 26.67N {2,720gf}

Free attachment

L socket (Solderand quick connect (#110) terminal) Socket with code Cabtire code 14 28mm.551 1.102inch (M4 screws) UL, CSA P.38
Screw terminal (Conduit connectors: PF: 1/2, PG: 13.5 types) Cabtire code 22 (47mm).866 1.850inch (M4 screws)
Screw terminal Cabtire cord Cap tire cable 21 56mm.827 2.205inch (M4 screws)
Screw terminal Cabtire cable (wiring type) 30.2 58.7mm 1.189 2.311inch (M5 screws) UL P.61
Screw terminal Cabtire cord Cabtire cable 21 56mm 827 2.205inch (M4 screws) P.68
Tab #110 terminal Lead wire Cabtire cord 30mm 1.181inch (M3) UL, C-UL P.72
Cabtire cord 52mm 2.047inch (M4) UL, C-UL, CE P.74
UL, C-UL, TV, CE UL, C-UL, TV, CE P.44 P.52
Notes: 1) Excludes exposed part of terminals, externally mounted components, and magnet catches. 2) Figures in parentheses ( ) indicate rated current of water-resistant type.

Other listed products

Product name PS Hall Sensors
Appearance AN9 Detector distance 2.5mm.098inch Magnetic detector type subminiature sensor Perfect for slide table limiting Economical price with operating display lamp attached. P.76

Feature

ACTUATOR SELECTION
Type Classification Pretravel (P.T.) Overtravel Operating Accuracy (O.T.) force (O.F.) Vibration shock Characteristics Push plunger type Small Medium Large Excellent Excellent High-level accuracy gives firm detection for position fixing, etc., by using perpendicular movement.

Roller plunger type (includes cross roller plunger)

Medium

Excellent
Operating range can be widened by mounting accessory actuators like cams, dogs, cylinders, etc. High-level detection for position fixing.

Roller arm type

Small to large

Good to excellent

The stroke in the direction of revolution is large at between 45 and 90 and the lever angle can be set at will to within 360 for easy use. Wide angle type (large O.T.) available. Can be used for wide-range position fixing.
Adjustable roller arm type
Lever length can be altered to allow rough operation detection using the roller lever characteristics.

Adjustable rod type

Wide range of operations, and convenient for uneven mountings. Lightest operation among the revolving operation type of limit switches. Rod length is adjustable, and bending is also easy.
If operated up to 55 position, revolves automatically to retain 90 position. Two dog operation enables recovery operation through single dog, or for anything that has caused the roller position to slip. Excluding the thread direction, direction can be adjusted up to 360. Operating power is the lowest of the limit switches, and is effective in detecting when direction and conditions are uneven. In order to absorb the movements after operation in the actuator part, work slippage tolerances are also large. Using a low speed, low torque cam, the lever can assume various shapes suited to the operation. The lever is very sturdy.
Spring wire and flexible rod

Possible

Hinge lever type

Roller lever type

Suited to high speed cams through the attachment of a hinge roller lever.
One way roller lever type
Operation is possible with both hinge lever type and one way operation, but the roller will break if operated in the opposite direction, rendering the unit inoperable. Can be used to prevent opposite direction movement.
The roller position can be changed.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Standard glossary CONSTRUCTION

Fixed rating values

The values that guarantee the standards for the limit switch characteristics and functions. For example, the rated current and rated voltage, which are preset conditions (load type, current, voltage, frequency, etc.) Operating object The mechanism and mountings that operate the limit switch actuator. Used for mechanical operators such as cams and dogs. Detective object The unit other than mechanical mountings that operate the limit switch. Products, parts, jigs, etc. Reaction spring (movable spring) The mechanical part that switches the limit switch contact is called either the reaction spring or the moveable spring. Contact When the counter-spring revolves, power is switched on and off through the contact between metal parts Contact gap The effective clearance between the fixed contact and the moveable contact. Also called breaking distance. Contact arrangement The construction of the electrical input/output circuit depending on use. For example, the following two applications:

Actuator

This part directly detects movement of the dog, cam, and so forth in the operating unit, and transmits external force to the changeover mechanism, thereby engaging the moveable contact and operating the switch. Headblock An independent part of the actuator mechanism of the Limit Switch. Wiring vent (cord vent) The seal on the wiring at the mouth of the wiring vent. Also called the conduit vent for the screw hole used in the wiring. Terminals The part of the wiring work in the wiring that forms the circuit for electrical input and output.
OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS

Operating Force (O.F.)

Roller Head block Actuator Arm Cam Roller Plunger Reset spring Pushbutton

Front view Cam Cord vent

Roller Reset spring Pushbutton

N.O. COM

[1 Form C(Single Pole Double Throw)]

VL limit switch

The force required to cause contact snap-action. It is expressed in terms of force applied to the actuator. Release Force (R.F.) The force to be applied to the actuator, at the moment contact snaps back from the operated position to unoperated position. Pretravel (P.T.) Distance of the actuator movement from free position to operating position. Overtravel (O.T.) The distance which the actuator is permitted to travel after actuation without any damage to the switching mechanism. Total Travel (T.T.) The distance which the actuator is permitted to travel from free position without any damage to the switching mechanism. Movement Differential (M.D.) The distance from operating to release position of the actuator. Operating Position (O.P.) The position of the actuator when the traveling contact snaps to the fixed contact. Release Position (R.P.) The position of the actuator when the traveling contact snaps back from the operating position to its original position. Free Position (F.P.) Position of the actuator when no force is applied to it.

Free position

O. P. Operating position

P.T. P.T.

[1 Form Z(Double Break Double Make)]

N.O. N.O.

O.T. M.D. R.P.

Contact type

Used in opposition to a semiconductor switch that has switching characteristics. Fulfills switch functions through a mechanical ON/OFF contact. Terminal mold After wiring, the connecting part is molding by epoxy resin for waterproof, oil-resistant and dust-proof capabilities.
R.F. O.F. P.T. F.P. R.T. M.D. O.T.T.F. O.P. R.P. Standard position T.T.
Note: F.P., O.P., and R.P. are expressed as distances from the standard position.
Glossary relating to the EN60947-5-1

EN60947-5-1

EN standard same as IEC947-5-1 Utilization categories The following examples express the classification of switches by category of use.
Category Contents Controls electromagnetic loads in excess of 72VA (Volt Amperes.) Controls resistance loads and semiconductor loads.
Rated impulse withstand voltage

Current type AC

Rated operational voltage (Ue)
The maximum rated voltage for switch operation. This must never exceed the maximum ratings insulation voltage (Ui). Rated operational current (Ie) The maximum rated current for switch operation. Rated insulation voltage (Ui) The maximum rated current value which guards the switchs insulation functions, forming the parameters for the resistance values and the mounting distance.
(Uimp) The peak impulse current value which enables the switch to resist without insulation breakdown. Rated enclosed thermal current (Ithe) The current value that enables current to flow without exceeding the specified maximum temperature in the recharging contact switch. If the pins are made of brass, the maximum temperature limit is 65C 149F. Conditional short circuit current The current the switch can resist until the short circuit protection device is activated. Short circuit protection device A device that protects the switch from short circuits through a circuit break (breakers, fuses, etc.) Switching overvoltage The surge momentarily generated when a circuit is closed. Must be lower than the Uimp value.

Pollution degree

Expresses in levels the environment in which the switch is used. The four levels are shown below. Limit switches come under contamination level 3.
Contents No contamination or, even if contamination is present, only non-conducting contamination is generated. Normally, only non-conducting contamination is generated, but there remains the possibility of temporary conducting contamination when the circuit is formed. Conducting contamination is generated, or else dry non-conducting contamination is generated by circuits which can be anticipated. Permanent conducting contamination is generated by dust, rain, snow, and other conductors.

Pollution degree 1

PROTECTIVE CONSTRUCTION

Protective construction

Expresses the degree of protective construction that guards the level of functionability of the switch against ingress of solid objects, water, and oil. The standards are IEC529 (IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission) standards. IEC standards determine the level of protection against both water and solid objects, but not against oil.
Protection against both water and solid objects

Level Protection level

Protection level and test methods

No particular protection

Protection against rain fall 3 Rain-proof No damage incurred when sprayed with water continuously for 10 minutes at angles of up to 60 from the perpendicular. Protection against flying foam 4 Protection against water Protection against spray 5 Spray-proof
3m 9.843ft. Nozzle radius 6.3mm.248inch Water pressure 30kP
Foam-proof No damage incurred when sprayed with water continuously for 10 minutes at angles of up to 180 from the perpendicular across a wide area.
No damage incurred when sprayed with a jet of water for 3 minutes from all directions, as per the diagram on the left.
Nozzle radius 12.5mm.492inch Water pressure 100kP
Protection against waves 6 Water proof

3m 9.843ft.

Water does not invade the interior when sprayed with a jet of water for 3 minutes from all directions, as per the diagram on the left.
Protection against corrosion while immersed in water 7 Corrosionproof

1m 3.281ft.

Water does not invade the interior during immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1m 3.281ft.
Level Protection level Protection against solid objects exceeding 1mm.039inch in size. 4

1.0.039 dia.

A hard wire 1mm dia.039 inch dia. across cannot penetrate the inside. Protection against solid objects 5 The unit is left for 8 hours in an atmosphere in which 2kg of talcum powder per 1m3 is floating. No damage incurred from talcum powder penetrating the inside. Protection againt dust (dust does not penetrate) 6 Dust-proof The unit is left for 8 hours in an atmosphere in which 2kg of talcum powder per 1m3 is floating. The talcum powder does not penetrate the inside. Note: 1. All of the tests cited above were conducted with the cord vent (conduit vent) tightly shut. 2. The above protective constructions are based on IEC standard but major differences may arise due to length of use and operating environment. This should be thoroughly discussed and verified. 3. When the corrosion-proof model is immersed in water for 30 minutes or more, verify that no water has penetrated the inside before use. Protection against dust

Table of Recommended Substitute Products for Discontinued Products
Products to be discontinued AZ1 series Limit switches AZ2 series Limit switches Slitted type Limit switches (AZ6) New slitted type Limit switches (AZ66) Recommended substitute products ML (AZ7) Limit switches ML (AZ7) Limit switches ML (AZ7) Limit switches ML (AZ7) Limit switches Page P.33 P.33 P.33 P.33
Products to be discontinued AZ1
You cannot use this nut for panel installation.
Recommended substitute products AZ7

Installation

Please note that installation method and operation characteristics are different.
FOREIGN STANDARDS OVERVIEW
1. International Standards
IEC standard International Electrotechnical Commission By promoting international cooperation toward all problems and related issues regarding standardization in the electrical and electronic technology elds, the IEC, a non-governmental organization, was started in October, 1908, for the purpose of realizing mutual understanding on an international level. To this end, the IEC standard was enacted for the purpose of promoting international standardization.

3. Europe

EN standard European Standards/Norme Europeennee (France)/Europaishe Norm (Germany) Abbreviation for European Standards. A unied standard enacted by CEN/CENELEC (European Standards Committee/European Electrical Standards Committee). EU and EFTA member nations employ the content of the EN standards into their own national standards and are obligated to abolish those national standards that do not agree with the EN standards. (1) Germany VDE (Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker) The VDE laboratory was established mainly by the German Electric Technology Alliance, which was formed in 1893. It carries out safety experiments and passes approval for electrical devices and parts. Although VDE certication is not enforced under German law, punishment is severe should electrical shock or re occur; therefore, it is, in fact, like an enforcement. TV (Technischer berwachungs-Verein) TV is a civilian, non-prot, independent organization that has its roots in the German Boiler Surveillance Association, which was started in 1875 for the purpose of preventing boiler accidents. A major characteristic of TV is that it exists as a combination of 14 independent organizations (TV Rheinland, TV Bayern, etc.) throughout Germany. TV carries out inspection on a wide variety of industrial devices and equipment, and has been entrusted to handle electrical products, as well, by the government. TV inspection and certication is based mainly on the VDE standard. TV certication can be obtained from any of the 14 TVs throughout Germany and has the same effectiveness as obtaining VDE certication.

2. North America

LISTING MARK

Fig. 1

RECOGNITION MARK

Fig. 2

UL (Underwiters Laboratories Inc.) This is a non-prot testing organization formed in 1894 by a coalition of U.S. re insurance rms, which tests and approves industrial products (nished products). When electrical products are marketed in the U.S., UL approval is mandated in many states, by state law and city ordinances. In order to obtain UL approval, the principal parts contained in industrial products must also be ULapproved parts. UL approval is divided into two general types. One is called listing (Fig. 1), and applies to industrial products (nished products). Under this type of approval, products must be approved unconditionally. The other type is called recognition (Fig. 2), and is a conditional approval which applies to parts and materials. CSA (Canadian Standards Association) This was established in 1919 as a non-prot, nongovernmental organization aimed at promoting standards. It sets standards for industrial products, parts, and materials, and has the authority to judge electrical products to determine whether they conform to those standards. The CSA is the ultimate authority in the eyes of both the government and the people in terms of credibility and respect. Almost all states and provinces in Canada require CSA approval by law, in order to sell electrical products. As a result, electrical products exported from Japan to Canada are not approved under Canadian laws unless they have received CSA approval and display the CSA mark. Approval is called certication, and products and parts which have been approved are called certied equipment, and display the mark shown in Fig. 3. The mark shown in Fig. 4 is called the Component Acceptance mark, and indicates conditional approval which is applicable to parts. The C-UL mark shown in Fig. 5 (nished products) and Fig. 6 (parts) indicates that the product has been tested and approved in UL laboratories, based on UL and CSA standards, through mutual approval activities.

Certification

Fig. 3

TV Rheinland

Component Acceptance

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

SAFETY STANDARDS RECOGNITION

CE markings and EC directives
The worlds largest single market, the European Community (EC) was born on 1 January 1993 (changing its name to EU in November 1993. It is now always expressed as EU, apart from EC directives.) EU member country products have always had their quality and safety guaranteed according to the individual standards of each member country. However, the standards of each country being different prevented the free flow of goods within the EU. For this reason, in order to eliminate non-tariff barriers due to these standards, and to maximize the merits of EU unification, the EC directives were issued concomitant to the birth of the EU.
Appropriate EC directives for control equipment products
The main EC directives that are to do with machinery and electrical equipment are the machinery directive, the EMC directive, the low voltage directive, and the telecom directive. Although these directives have already been issued, the date of their enactment is different for each one. The machinery directive was 1 January 1995. The EMC directive was 1 January 1996, and the low voltage directive was enacted from 1 January 1997. The telecom directive was established by the separate CTR (Common Technology references.)