Industrial computers don't just need to work — they need to be legally and safely deployable in their intended environments. Regulatory certifications ensure that equipment meets safety, electromagnetic, and environmental standards. Deploying uncertified equipment can result in fines, liability, insurance issues, and safety hazards.
Safety Certifications
UL / cUL (United States / Canada)
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification verifies that equipment meets North American electrical safety standards:
- UL 62368-1: Audio/video and IT equipment safety (replaced UL 60950-1)
- UL 61010-1: Measurement and control equipment
- cUL: Canadian recognition (tested to CSA standards)
What UL tests: electric shock hazard, fire risk, mechanical hazards, temperature limits, and abnormal operating conditions.
CE Marking (European Union)
CE marking is legally required to sell electronic equipment in the EU/EEA. It indicates compliance with:
- Low Voltage Directive (LVD): Electrical safety (EN 62368-1)
- EMC Directive: Electromagnetic compatibility (EN 55032/55035)
- RoHS Directive: Restriction of hazardous substances
- WEEE Directive: Waste electrical equipment recycling
CB Scheme (International)
The CB Scheme provides mutual recognition of safety test results across 50+ countries. A CB test report from any member lab is accepted by other member nations, simplifying global market access.
EMC Certifications
FCC (United States)
- Class A: For industrial/commercial environments — allows higher emission limits
- Class B: For residential environments — stricter emission limits
Most industrial computers certify to FCC Class A. If the computer will be used in residential settings, Class B is required.
ISED (Canada)
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada — similar to FCC requirements.
VCCI (Japan)
Voluntary Control Council for Interference — required for sale in Japan.
Industry-Specific Certifications
Marine (EN 60945 / IEC 60945)
For equipment used on ships and offshore platforms:
- Salt spray corrosion resistance
- Compass-safe distance (non-magnetic)
- Vibration per maritime standards
- Temperature and humidity cycling
- Display dimming to near-zero for night bridge operation
Railway (EN 50155)
For rolling stock (trains, trams, metros):
- Operating temperature classes (T1 through T3)
- Voltage variations per supply type
- Shock and vibration per EN 61373
- EMC per EN 50121
Medical (IEC 60601-1)
For equipment used in patient proximity:
- Patient leakage current limits
- Means of Protection (MOP) classification
- Risk management per ISO 14971
- Biocompatibility of patient-contact surfaces
Hazardous Locations
- ATEX (EU): Equipment for explosive atmospheres
- IECEx: International explosive atmosphere certification
- UL Class I/II, Division 1/2: North American hazardous location classification
- NEC 500/505: Installation codes for hazardous locations
Automotive/Vehicle
- E-Mark (ECE R10): European vehicle electromagnetic compatibility
- SAE J1455: Environmental practices for electronic equipment in vehicles
- MIL-STD-810: Military environmental testing (also used commercially for ruggedness claims)
Environmental / Sustainability
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
Limits six hazardous materials in electronic equipment: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, and PBDE.
REACH (EU Chemical Regulation)
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals — broader than RoHS, covering thousands of substances.
WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
Requires manufacturers to finance collection and recycling of electronic waste.
What to Look For
- Verify certifications are current — ask for certificate numbers and check registries
- Match certifications to your deployment — marine, medical, and hazardous location deployments have specific requirements
- Don't assume — a CE mark doesn't mean the device meets ATEX or EN 60945 requirements
- Plan for global deployment — certifications vary by country; CB scheme helps but isn't universal
Acnodes Corporation products carry UL, CE, FCC, and additional certifications as required by application. Contact us for certification details on any product.