01-08-2025
What is Type Testing for Electrical Equipment?
Type Test is a series of tests conducted on a representative sample of electrical equipment to verify that the product meets specified technical standards (such as IEC, ANSI, UL, TCVN, etc.).
Type Testing is not performed on every mass-produced product but only on selected samples. If the tested sample meets the required standards, other products of the same type are considered compliant without the need for retesting from scratch.
Purpose of Type Testing
- Verification of compliance with technical standards: Ensuring that the equipment meets electrical, mechanical, thermal, and environmental requirements as per relevant standards.
- Product design evaluation: Assessing the device’s performance, durability, and safety before mass production.
- Quality certification: After passing the tests, the product may receive certification from independent testing organizations (e.g., KEMA, UL, VDE, TÜV, etc.).
Quality certifications are often published on the testing laboratory’s website or on the IECEE certification portal (https://certificates.iecee.org/#/home), which is the IEC system for conformity assessment of electrical and electronic components and equipment. Users can verify the authenticity of these certifications.
Tests Conducted in Type Testing
Depending on the type of electrical equipment, different standards apply, and each standard defines specific Type Test requirements to ensure product quality and safety.
For example, Type Tests for Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB) include:
- Indelibility of markings
- Reliability of screws, current-carrying parts, and connections
- Reliability of terminals for external conductors
- Protection against electric shock
- Dielectric properties and insulation resistance
- Temperature rise test
- 28-day test
- Breaking capacity test
- Mechanical and electrical endurance
- Short-circuit performance
- Resistance to mechanical shock and impact
- Resistance to abnormal heat and fire
- Corrosion resistance
Comparison of Type Test and Routine Test
| Criteria | Type Test | Routine Test |
| Purpose | Design verification, compliance confirmation | Quality check for each manufactured unit |
| Number of samples tested | A few representative samples | Every manufactured |
| Testing frequency | When a new design is introduced or standards are updated | Regularly during production |
| Destructive testing | Possible (e.g., short-circuit, overload tests) | Not applicable (only functional checks) |
| Certification | Certification may be issued | No certification, only internal assurance |
Type Testing is a crucial step to ensure that electrical equipment meets international technical standards and operates safely and efficiently in real-world conditions. These tests are typically conducted in professional laboratories under strict control.
