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A defective or faulty gas appliance is a huge safety risk. It is not only dangerous to its immediate surroundings but also to the wider gas distribution network. A defective gas appliance can cause extensive unexpected economical damage and financial loss to individuals, the whole of society and our common environment. For this reason, the European Union Gas Appliance Directive has been laid down to ensure safety.
Testing of Gas Appliances
Testing in a laboratory can best ensure the safety of gas appliances. The most important targets for testing are the construction and operating requirements of the product. During testing, the rated input and operating curves of the product are checked, as well as its operational performance under fault conditions. The appliance should not overheat or cause an explosion hazard, and flue gases must not include substances that exceed the permitted limits or are hazardous to health and the environment.
Furthermore, the individual components affecting safety must be tested and certified. The appliance is tested according to international standards. Electrically operated gas appliances are also tested according to the low-voltage and EMC requirements. SGS Fimko tests the products at its own premises and in a laboratory leased from Oilon Oy. The Finnish Centre has assessed testing competence for Metrology and Accreditation.
The Requirements of the Gas Appliance Directive (GAD) In Brief
The European Union Gas Appliance Directive concerns appliances using gas for the production of heat and hot water. It also applies to safety equipment, monitoring and control equipment, and accessories sold separately. Electrically operated gas appliances must be in conformity with the European Union Gas Appliance Directive (GAD), as well as the Low-Voltage Directive (LVD) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). The GAD requires CE marking and a technical construction file.
Conformity Verification
Testing by a Notified Body
As products are subject to risks, the GAD requires an inspection carried out by an impartial Notified Body (for example SGS Fimko) at both the type testing and quality assurance stages.
The alternatives for conformity verification depend on whether the product is mass-produced, an individual product or a small series.
Mass-Produced Products
Mass-produced products require EU type examination (1) which includes the following:
- The applicant submits the equipment and documents to SGS Fimko.
- SGS Fimko examines the documentation.
- SGS Fimko carries out tests and inspections
- SGS Fimko issues an EU type examination certificate.
- The applicant informs SGS Fimko of any changes in the construction of the appliance.
Besides the EU type examination, the manufacturer can choose one of the following alternatives for the EU declaration of conformity to type:
EU Declaration of Conformity to Type (2):
- The manufacturer verifies that the product is identical to the type-tested product
- The manufacturer affixes the CE marking.
- The manufacturer takes sufficient steps to ensure that the product will remain identical with the type-tested one.
- SGS Fimko carries out supervisory inspections at least once a year
Production Quality Assurance (3):
- The manufacturer has a production quality system in operation that ensures that the products remain identical to the type-tested product.
- The manufacturer affixes the CE marking and issues EU type examination verification.
- SGS Fimko approves the quality system.
- SGS Fimko carries out inspections at least every second year.
Product Quality Assurance (4):
- At the final examination, the manufacturer has a quality system that ensures that the product remains identical with the type-tested product.
- The manufacturer affixes the CE marking and issues EU type examination verification.
- SGS Fimko approves the quality system.
- SGS Fimko carries out inspections at least every second year
EU Examination (5):
- SGS Fimko examines the product and carries out the tests needed to ensure that the product fulfils the essential requirements.
- This is done either by testing every product or by performing a statistical analysis
Individual products or small series
The conformity verification of individual products or small series is carried out in the same way as for mass produced products. Besides these alternatives the manufacturer can choose a product-specific EU examination (6).
Product-specific EU examination (6):
- SGS Fimko examines the gas appliance and carries out the tests needed to ensure that the product fulfils the essential requirements
- The product can also be examined and tested after the gas appliance has been installed.
SGS Fimko's Services for Gas Appliances:
- Clarification of the requirements for the appliance in question
- Clarification of the directives and standards
- Testing and inspection
- Type test certificates
- Assistance in preparing and checking the technical construction file
- Acting as a Notified Body (No. 598) under the GAD and other directives
- Granting of FI and other international certificates and certification marks
SGS Fimko tests the following appliances:
- Gas burners
- Gas boilers
- Gas grills and other cooking appliances
- Gas heaters
- Coolers
- Regulating and monitoring devices
- Other gas and oil appliances
- Gas/oil boilers
- Gas/oil burners
- Gas/oil heating systems
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