In the electrical sector, tests and certifications are not just formalities—they tell us about a product’s safety. Energy products like wires and cables are tested against strict standards to reduce the risk of harm, which is a serious concern when power is involved. Whether in the home or the workplace, it’s vital to ensure that your electrical installations can be counted on, and one way to do this is to check their certifications.
What are third-party certifications?
When browsing cables, we take a number of factors into consideration, such as price, material, specifications, and for the discerning shopper, certifications. A certification mark on a product means it underwent independent testing by an external regulatory body. Think of it as a fair judge’s unbiased verdict on a specific product, and this verdict is given after the product has passed exhaustive, high-standard testing. Reading about a product will reveal whether it has been “certified,” “verified,” or “listed” by the testing agency.
Examples of cable certifications
BPS Licensing and Certification
Serving as the national standards body of the Philippines, the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is responsible for the development, promulgation, and implementation of safety and quality standards for all products distributed within the country — whether locally manufactured or imported. These standards aim to protect consumers, as well as assure them of product consistency within the local market.
As the Philippines’ leading wire and cable manufacturer, Phelps Dodge products are guaranteed to be compliant with national standards. Applicable product categories subject to mandatory certification by the BPS include thermoplastic insulated electric wires and cables, PVC insulated flexible cords, and PVC electrical tapes.
UL Certification
In 1986, Phelps Dodge’s building wires became the first and only UL-approved building wires in the country. Issued by Underwriters Laboratories, an esteemed global safety testing company headquartered in the US, UL certification provides a sought-after mark of safety and quality that is widely and highly regarded by both professionals and consumers. UL testing and approval are considered crucial for cables to be trusted for use according to industry standards.
KEMA Certification
The Keuring van Elektrotechnische Materialen te Arnhem (KEMA), or the Foundation for the Inspection of Electrical Equipment, is a prominent Dutch global energy consultancy company. The KEMA stamp of electrical safety and quality is a significant third-party accreditation for electrical cables, particularly those used in low-voltage installations. KEMA certification is not limited to the Netherlands but is also globally recognized.
TUV Certification
The Technischer Überwachungs-Verein (TUV), or the Technical Inspection Association, is another globally recognized provider of testing and certification services based in Germany. It is a respected name in the renewable energy sector, with notably strict standards on solar cables. TUV certification verifies that an electrical product is environmentally safe, free from hazardous materials, and manufactured to deliver efficiency and durability.
ISO Certification
Rather than testing and certifying products, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent body of experts responsible for developing international standards for companies and organizations to abide by. These standards help to uphold the values of quality, safety, and efficiency, not just in product manufacturing but also in the provision of services and the processes behind all such operations.
Conclusion
Energy products like wires and cables require thorough and intensive testing to reduce the risk of failure and, along with this, the risk of electrical dangers like shocks and fires. Comprehensive safety testing by trustworthy organizations that operate independently from manufacturers helps instill confidence in both professionals and ordinary consumers.
Phelps Dodge is the Philippines’ foremost manufacturer of innovative cable and wire, with numerous certifications and licenses granted by reputable testing bodies from all over the world! Visit our website and browse our wide range of world-renowned electrical solutions that meet international standards.
