Hi all,
A question about regulation...
I design and assemble fairly basic mobile kit used to trigger SFX, which is part of my work. The devices are fairly straight-forward, typically an 8 way IP enclosure with a 12vdc transformer and a timer relay to respond to signal input from the FX trigger button, and a second relay to switch the mains or 12v power on/off however configured.
The design is extremely basic and well within my understanding. Each design is also examined and tested by a qualified spark initially and then tested each year. We also visually check all kit before use.
So... I have no doubts our equipment is safe. But what I don't know is if we should should be getting these designs CE marked? It's a bit of a nightmare for us as we often have to change components as the demands on the equipment we use can change based on how many FX devices they control, or simply how we wish them in operate in a specific situation. So there is no constant design template as such, and of course, our prices are gonna shoot up if we have to get the whole device re assessed and certified each time we swap one relay for another type. I see the reason for scheme, it's one thing to run off thousands of identical components for the mass market, but when we make just 1 or 2 of each design and pretty much rely on them being modified on site... How can that work?
Obviously the components are themselves all certified, and in a certified enclosure and the wiring checked and tested. But is that enough?
A key thing to add is that sometimes we leave the kit on site, on hire, for operation by the hirer. So I can't claim 'own use only'.
EDIT: I have tried to google this fairly extensively, but whatever search term I used brings up endless regs about pyrotechnic SFX. Not regs for the custom made electrical kit cobbled together to get other SFX types to essentially turn on or off on cue.
A question about regulation...
I design and assemble fairly basic mobile kit used to trigger SFX, which is part of my work. The devices are fairly straight-forward, typically an 8 way IP enclosure with a 12vdc transformer and a timer relay to respond to signal input from the FX trigger button, and a second relay to switch the mains or 12v power on/off however configured.
The design is extremely basic and well within my understanding. Each design is also examined and tested by a qualified spark initially and then tested each year. We also visually check all kit before use.
So... I have no doubts our equipment is safe. But what I don't know is if we should should be getting these designs CE marked? It's a bit of a nightmare for us as we often have to change components as the demands on the equipment we use can change based on how many FX devices they control, or simply how we wish them in operate in a specific situation. So there is no constant design template as such, and of course, our prices are gonna shoot up if we have to get the whole device re assessed and certified each time we swap one relay for another type. I see the reason for scheme, it's one thing to run off thousands of identical components for the mass market, but when we make just 1 or 2 of each design and pretty much rely on them being modified on site... How can that work?
Obviously the components are themselves all certified, and in a certified enclosure and the wiring checked and tested. But is that enough?
A key thing to add is that sometimes we leave the kit on site, on hire, for operation by the hirer. So I can't claim 'own use only'.
EDIT: I have tried to google this fairly extensively, but whatever search term I used brings up endless regs about pyrotechnic SFX. Not regs for the custom made electrical kit cobbled together to get other SFX types to essentially turn on or off on cue.