Question

Answer

1. Certificates emitted by IECQ were valid for 3 years. In the CB Scheme, there is no validity limit for CB certificates, except that an NCB may challenge a CBTC that is more than 3 years old. May we continue with the 3 year validity?

The challenge is not related to the three years but essentially to the fact that manufacturers tend to change the provider of components and to make their product evolve, therefore the presumtion is that after 3 years the product may not be exactly the same as certified 3 years ago. One way or another I wish to maintain this three year validity period for the PV category as well.

2. Are there any Conformity Assessment Report templates or can we use/develop our own?

See IECEE 03, clause 3.5:

The Conformity Assessment Report (OD CB-FCS 117) is a complete packet of product and factory information developed by the NCB “A” and made available to the NCB “B” by the applicant. It includes the following conformity assessment details to demonstrate that the product/components and the factory quality system have been fully evaluated and meets all applicable requirements:

for the product:

• Information including product description, product test results, observations, National Differences, etc.);
• Any additional information required by NCB “Bs” (if applicable and requested by the applicant)

for the factory:

• Initial or Surveillance Factory Audit Report as applicable.
• Description of the arrangements made by NCB “A” to ensure ongoing compliance of the product with the requirements. (e.g. copy of the license)

3. The frequency of assessments / inspections currently is not defined in IECEE 03. We propose to have a frequency of once peer year. The lenght of these assessments / inspection currently isn't defined either. We propose to maintain the time frames as we would have done under the IECQ so as to avoid confusing the clients.

The IECEE leaves it up to the the individual NCBs to apply their own rules . The length of the assessment isn't really problem as it is a variable that takes into consideration the extent of the manufacturing unit and the scope of products.

4. The blank detail specifications used for certification within IECQ (IEC 61215 FR 0001 and FR 0002) will need to be updated completely for operation within IECEE seeing that there will no longer be a manufacturer agreement. Who will be in charge of updating these specifications?

At the moment, whilst awaiting that ETF 9 defines or develops the so called blank detail specifications, we have decided to let members continue to use blank detail specifications (BDS) as developed by PV GAP which were used by the previous administration. You will find additional information in the relevant area of the IECEE website. At the moment, it is not certain if these BDS will be updated in the future, however, for the time being we will proceed as before.

5. In what format shall issued IECEE PV certificates be reported to the IECEE Secretariat?

All certificats shall be issued through the CBTC on-line system or alternatively by using the word template.

For Safety aspects, the CB Scheme Test Certificate applies, while for Performance the CB Full Certification Scheme (CAC) applies.