When fuses, residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit breakers fail to operate correctly, the consequences can affect the health and safety of the general public and may cause considerable damage to the electrical products or property they are intended to protect.

To protect consumers, all domestic electrical protection devices sold within the UK must be fully tested to ensure conformance to stringent European standards. The devices must also be marked with the appropriate standard to demonstrate they are compliant. This process is intended to ensure that only products of an acceptable quality are sold on the UK market. Unfortunately, the appearance of counterfeit or lower quality goods in the marketplace can undermine the good work of the certification and standards bodies and may put safety at risk.

t Testing a BS1363 plug fitted with a faulty fuse.                         After a faulty BS1362 fuse fails. u

In support of trading standards investigations into counterfeit or substandard products, ERA provides product testing and consultancy expertise to determine whether the components perform in accordance with the relevant standards. ERA has more than 85 years experience of low-voltage electrical testing and with a recently refurbished UKAS accredited laboratory, opened by the Duke of Kent in February 2005, can assess many different types of protection device.

About ERA Technology
ERA Technology works at the leading edge of many advanced technologies. The business was founded in 1920 and today provides specialist, high value-added, technology-based services including design and development, testing, assessment and expert advice.

The company has built an international reputation for technical expertise through constant innovation at the leading edge of technology. ERA's services reduce technical and commercial risk, improve the operational performance of engineering infrastructure assets, and enhance the competitiveness of products and systems.

ERA Technology is a Cobham company.