Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and CSA International (CSA) recently expanded the scope of a 1996 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allowing the free exchange and acceptance of data between the two product-testing organizations. UL and CSA also implemented the second phase of its three-phase, 18-month pilot agreement allowing the mutual acceptance of certain components used in low-voltage distribution and industrial control equipment. According to the organizations, both parties agreed that a total of four follow-up inspections of manufacturers' facilities are necessary before components are accepted under this agreement. According to the UL/CSA announcement, the agreements were promulgated with support by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and the Electro-Federation Canada (EFC). It was NEMA’s counsel said the organizations, that led them to include transfer-type switches in the MoU. “The communication fostered during negotiations over the MoU has been of great benefit to the industry,” said NEMA president Malcolm O’Hagan. “The expansion of the categories of equipment covered by the MoU is a logical extension of the initial agreement. Resolution of the inspection frequency issue for components in this phase will lead to significant benefits for industry and the public."A complete listing of components and end products covered by the expanded MOU and the component acceptance agreement is available on the UL Web site: www.ul.com/components or the CSA Web site: www.csainternational.org/components.
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