productionsafetytesting
I was recently hit with the thought as to what safety tests a domestic electronic product has to go through before it is sold to consumers more specifically in the EU?
I have been looking through online but there is no clear answer. It mentions CE testing, but are there any other regulations/tests before it is sold to consumers and how do they work?
For example, as I look at a USB Power Supply I see it has the CE mark and other logos as well. I should mention that I was looking into EU laws.
To answer your question vaguely: no, there is no one set of golden rules which the U.S. follows as a whole when it comes to electrical matters.
It's the National Electrical Code which makes mention of 'listed' or 'labelled' devices, which is where the NRTLs come into play (UL, CSA, etc.). OSHA approves the NRTLs. The requirements will vary a bit from state to state depending on which code (if any) has been adopted.
Here's a map of the USA showing which states have adopted which versions of the NEC:
There are a few states which haven't adopted any version of the NEC, but have local jurisdictions (counties or cities) which have either adopted the NEC or some 'equivalent' laws.
That being said, I don't agree with your bashing of safety certifications. I personally will never plug an unlisted device into any outlet in my home. I've disassembled some of these 'cheap' gadgets with only China Export marks (meant to look like the European CE mark) or with counterfeit UL marks, and am stunned by just how unsafe these things can be. No creepage/clearance, insufficient wire gauge, damaged wire insulation, improper/no earthing, unconnected earth wires, inadequate fuses, the list goes on and on.
Many novices seem to want to measure the current output capability of power supplies by setting their meter to read current, then connecting it directly across the power supply terminals. YOU MUST NEVER CONNECT AN AMMETER DIRECTLY ACROSS A POWER SUPPLY Doing so will cause very large currents to flow, and may permanently damage the meter, power supply, or user!
If you keep the meter in voltage mode, and are careful to not short the test leads or power supply wiring, you should be able to measure the supply voltages without any hazard.
Many PC power supplies (and other switch-mode supplies) require a minimum load to operate correctly. Be sure you have a suitable load connected during your tests (or any time the supply is on.)
Best Answer
I think the best aproach is indeed to look into EU law (like you already suggested):
https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/selling-in-eu/selling-goods-services/selling-products-eu/index_en.htm
which (regarding safety) links to
https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/product/product-rules-specifications/index_en.htm
which links eventually to (only) CE marking.
Regarding those other logos: they're likely certifications for other regions (FCC for USA, CSA for Canada etc) or logos for product identification (e.g.Class II lasers) etc.