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Is agency approval requred for all equipt

Just wondering as I have seen/owned many items which are not stamped w/ agency approvals (UL / CE etc.). This includes electronics (amps / preamps / digital) and cables (power in particular). Seems like some of the "boutique" companies do not always have agency markings. And if the equipment is not agency reveiwed / approved, is this risky for the consumer. I also wonder what liability (if any) the manufacturer holds if a fire or problem would occur. Just wondering...
jeffga
hifihvn
943 posts
 
Sfstereo, still, networking and audio gear would have different guidelines. I don't quite see how you could compare them (networking and home audio) rules. The FCC is always changing its rules also, for all areas of the industry.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
I guess one reason for mentioning this, an Emotiva product(CD player) has a CE mark/classification on it, but still says it must accept all RF interference that can cause undesired operation. I don't see any advantage there.
hifihvn
943 posts
 
Emotiva says they meet worldwide safety regulations, but have no UL listing. Also no grounds. Sort of contradicts UL, and other guidelines in some areas of the USA. It does have CE on it though. [http://www.emotiva.com/ampfaqs.shtm]
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magfan
1,583 posts
 
I'll bet it costs a bundle to get a UL cert....or the equivalent from Canada or Europe.
That alone should preclude some small production / boutique brands from getting such.

I DO think it should be illegal to not serialize equipment thru a unique number.
The build sheet for a particular piece or batch will list sources of parts and such so if a defect is found ( HEY, those caps I sold you? no good!) gear can be tracked down and either fixed or replaced.
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