Product Approval vs Type Testing

Not all cable testing is equal

Throughout the cable industry- amongst product testing and compliance testing.
manufacturers, distributors, specifiers and So, what is the difference?
end users alike – there is
Type testing
misunderstanding over the difference
between product approvals and type Type testing is one-off testing that checks
testing. In this article we cut through the that the sample of cable supplied meets
confusion, explaining the difference
between the two and the benefits of each. the requirements of the standard. The
manufacturer supplies samples to an
The confusion often starts with the fact independent third party, such as BASEC,
that both product approvals and type for testing. Type testing provides the
testing each go by several different names specifier or end user with the knowledge
which are often interchanged. that the sample supplied is compliant with
the required standard.
Product approvals is also known as
product certification and product Type testing is useful if a manufacturer is
conformity. Type testing is also known as supplying a batch of cable to a specifier
one-off testing, conformance testing, for a project. It gives the specifier the
conformity assessment, accredited peace of mind that the cable being
supplied meets the regulatory
requirements for a particular sector such the business. This compares to just a
as rail, marine or oil, gas & petroleum. The single factory audit by some other certified
end ‘product’ of type testing is a test report bodies.
which a manufacturer can provide as
Regular factory audits ensure that the
evidence to their customer. However, it is
correct quality and manufacturing
only a snap shot in time and the cable processes and procedures are being
cannot be marked with the certified body’s followed, which reduces the risk of faulty
mark (e.g. the BASEC name). cable entering the supply chain. In
addition to planned audits, BASEC also
Product approval
carries out an unannounced audit each
Product approval is an ongoing year. This is to ensure that correct
programme of testing and surveillance and procedures are being followed at all times
is a more robust system than type testing and not just when the auditors are
alone. Product approval includes initial expected.
type testing of the cables to the required
During a BASEC audit, samples are
standard, but also incorporates factory
selected independently by the auditor from
audits and the ongoing testing of samples.
the factory and are sent to the BASEC
This means that the ongoing conformity of laboratory for testing.
the cables is checked and as a result any
This ongoing testing highlights any
issues will be identified more quickly than
deviations from the relevant standards and
with type testing alone.
gives the manufacturer regular
opportunities to confirm the conformity of
their cables. BASEC routinely selects
more samples than other certified bodies
(up to 150 a year) to ensure that all cables
are re-tested regularly.
When product approval is granted, a
certificate is issued that specifies the type
and size of cable that has been approved
and the range of that approval. The
validity of certificates can be checked on
the BASEC website -
Product approval is provided by accredited www.basec.org.uk/search giving specifiers
bodies such as BASEC, but it is important and installer independent proof of
to remember that not all schemes are conformity
equally robust.
Once a manufacturer receives product
BASEC’s scheme is recognised as one of approval for a cable they can mark it with
the most demanding in the industry. the certified body’s mark e.g. the BASEC
Manufacturers of BASEC approved cables name. When placed on the market this
are subject to regular factory audits – then gives purchasers confidence in the
between two and four times a year ongoing quality and conformity of the
depending on the size and complexity of product.
Whilst type testing and product approvals To find out more about BASEC product
both have their place in the market, approvals and type testing, contact:
gaining product approval and certification
Richard Colwell
is usually considered preferable. This is
Commercial Director
because, by subjecting the cable and its
[email protected]
manufacturing process to ongoing checks
+44 (0)1908 2673000
and surveillance, specifiers, contractors
and installers can have the confidence in
its quality, safety and ongoing conformity.