Samsung Electronics Co Ltd of Seoul, South Korea says that its test lab for LED packages and modules has been qualified by global safety science organization UL (Underwriters Laboratories) to operate the UL Total Certification Program (TCP), one of the highest levels of testing and qualification under the UL Data Acceptance Program (DAP).
UL's standards and certification are recognized as indicators of product safety and reliability, says Samsung. To better handle increasing requests for testing and certification, UL has been running DAP, which allows approved manufacturers to test products using their own labs, equipment and engineers, and then submit the test data to UL for review. Samsung's test lab for LED packages and modules is now recognized for the UL TCP. Within UL-specified parameters, Samsung can manage the full TCP process from examining a product's structure, to selecting and conducting appropriate UL testing, and obtaining UL certification.
As a UL-approved TCP lab from May, Samsung is performing tests to measure the safety of its LED components under varying environmental settings including electrical, temperature and humidity variation.
"By fully embracing the UL TCP, we will be able to speed up the UL testing and certification process for our LED products and strengthen the foundation for our LED business around the world," says SungKwan Lim, VP of the LED Quality team, Samsung Electronics.
"UL TCP will support Samsung's LED business with more flexibility for timely UL certifications," comments Todd Denison, VP & general manager of UL's Appliances, HVAC and Lighting division. "UL will continue to work closely with manufacturers to support improvements in the overall safety of LED components."
Samsung says that, by managing its own UL-approved test lab, it can reduce the testing period for its LED components by 50-75%, aiding its ability to rapidly supply UL-certified LED components to customers.
As a part of the criteria for its TCP qualification, Samsung satisfied quality management system requirements, stipulated by ISO 17025. The ISO 17025 standard is used by testing and calibration laboratories for accreditation that allows them to be recognized as technically competent. To maintain its product examination system, Samsung will maintain a close relationship with UL through testing validation processes including regular assessment of the Samsung LED test lab as required by the TCP program.
A few years ago Samsung's LED test lab was also qualified as an international test lab from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS), a governmental accreditation organization that evaluates quality and technical capabilities of testing and inspection laboratories. The Samsung lab has also been recognized by the VDE Institute, the testing and certification branch of VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (one of the largest technical and scientific associations in Europe).
