Not directly related to Fast_LED but it does impact the materials being used.
I am researching the issues surrounding the importation of electronic components into the US. There are a number of US govt agencies that regulate trade or set standards
DOE - Energy Star, FCC, UL certifications
What certifications do you look for in the LEDs and electronics that you import into the US for sale or installation?
Have you ever had a customer ask about or required certified products?
I haven’t looked for any kind of specific certification when buying LEDs. The problem is that a lot (or all) of these manufacturers fall outside of US control. And while they can certainly put up a picture of some sort of certification on their web site, if you look closely at them, a lot of times it’s a poor scan and someone typed the company name on it, ala ‘Photoshop style’. Now, that’s not to say that ALL of them are like that. There are a few that do follow US regulations. Usually those are the ones that want to sell products in the US and therefore go through whatever they need to do to stay on the government’s good side. Those products also tend to be slightly more expensive too.
Thanks @Ashley_M_Kirchner_No . I’m thinking about ways to turn my hobby into a hobby enterprise that generates little profit but can help pay for itself.
A product liability claim would put a sever dent in my lifestyle.
It seems that using certified components may cost a bit more but the higher cost could be justified.
Has anyone run into issues with certified or non-certified devices?
Has anyone asked or commented on the safety of the LEDs being used?
There are FCC and UL approved facilities all over the world, so it is very possible for a foreign company to obtain certification - its just expensive.
It should be easy to confirm FCC Certification because the device will have an FCC ID and the vendor should be able to supply the ID, test description, test results and the testing facility details. (not just a document scan)
I’m still learning about UL certifications but having a UL certified ID on a device means the device meets the minimum safety standards for the device category. And again the vendor should be able to provide the ID and testing facility details.
Yes, and Foxconn is also supposed to be following proper labor laws, yet they don’t. And Apple follows US labor laws, but couldn’t care less for what happens with manufacturing overseas. US government has zero reach overseas. They can slap Apple with fines, but then again, Apple will simply say, hey that’s not the US, they have their own regulations there.
My point is, while the US government can require UL/FCC/any certification, that does not necessarily mean the factory actually has those testing requirements in place and/or are following the proper methods and/or rules. Again, I’m not just throwing a blanket over the whole deal. There are certainly factories and assembly companies that DO follow US laws and rules. But in Asia those are far and wide.