Different certifications required for different configurations?

[nik christensen]

Just wanted to be clear on something...
If a manufacturer is NRTL certified to produce a certain product, do they need to be certified for multiple configurations of the same product? Specifically, I am curious about a lighting fixture and as an example, let's say a chandelier design is listed with 7 hanging lights. Can that certification extend to different configurations, like if the maker keeps all else the same but has 5 lights instead of 7, or changes the diameter or color of the hanging pendants, or makes the sized the canopy an inch larger, etc. My guess is that (they want their money, right?) any modifications to the design no matter how superficial would require new listing, but am I right in this? What leeway does a manufacturer have?
Thanks very much for your replies.

 

[bphgravity]

Generally speaking, YES. Re-certtification is required for any modifcations of original design or model. Superficial differernces are usually exempt, such as color or product finish.

I would suggest you contact your listing provider / agent and get clarification from them. I am not sure, but some manufacturer's / product types may have umbrella or scoping type listings that allow for minor or style and design configurations of the same product, assuming all the components meet the requirements of the listing standard.

 

[renosteinke]

Your question is more of an administrative nature than a technical one. Let's look at a couple approaches:

Just for clarity, I'll use a door as the example.

A guy makes doors. He goes out and has several 'standard' doors tested and listed. Now the orders come in- and, along with them, requests for various changes.

Perhaps someone wants a door of a different size, or the window relocated. One approach is, as you speculated, to have a full evaluation done on that one door. Not very practical, and of questionable value; the factors that affect a door's listing are pretty well understood.

So, it's possible that the listing firm will look at the design, and issue a 'letter of certification' for that door, rather than the usual lable.

Another route is for the manufacture to have his entire shop 'listed,' where his manufacturing and engineering operations are inspacted and subject to record keeping. Product of the shop will be eligible for the listing mark. The listing firm periodically reviews the products.

A fourth route is the 'field evaluation' method. That's where the listing firm has its' guy come out, examine the individual item, and make a report.

It would be wrong to assume that every listing firm operates the same way, or that all methods are applicable to all products. Only the specific firm can answer these questions. Back in the 'old days,' when the field was pretty much limited to UL and FM, it was these administrative matters where the two differed the most.