TESTING
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Rigorous testing ensures that all GPS products, solutions and assemblies are fit for purpose, comply fully with standards, and are of the highest quality. Every assembly conforms to Type Tests and Routine Tests before leaving the factory, and are FAT tested (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT tested (Site Acceptance Testing) before client acceptance. As with other system elements, all testing is performed in-house.
Testing is performed throughout the design and build of the panels, software and installation by GPS, GPS Automation, and GPS Installation.
Type testing by GPS underpins the BSEN60439 (Harmonised EU standard for factory built low voltage assemblies) standard to which each panel must conform, and ensures the assembly conforms to EU standards.
Type testing for the software underpins the EN standards for software.
The CE mark demonstrates compliance with the harmonised EU standard.
Routine testing is specific to each solution, and verifies that each assembly does what it has been specified to do.
Routine Testing for installation is in line with NICEIC standards.
FAT testing at GPS verifies to the client that the product does what it has been specified to do.
SAT testing verifies the product's operation and performance once it has been installed.
ACCREDITATION
BS EN 60439-1
The industry standard for low voltage switchgear, motor control centres and control panels is BS EN 60439-1. This gives the requirements for type tested and partially type tested assemblies with rated voltage not exceeding 1000 V a.c. at frequencies not exceeding 1 kHz, or 1500 V d.c.
Compliance with the standard ensures that motor control centres and control panels are designed, manufactured and tested to be safe in operation no matter what problems arise from the equipment itself or from its environment. Such problems might include contact with live parts, high temperatures, overloading, short circuiting, or mechanical failure.
GPS undertakes comprehensive and detailed testing against BS EN 60439-1 and provides a Certificate of Conformity for all products.
Testing is carried out in the following areas as proof of compliance with the Standard:
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| IEC publication | Date | Title | EN/HD |
| 50 (604) | 1987 | Generation, transmission and distribution of electricity Operation |
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| 73 | 1991 | 1991 Surge arresters – non-linear resistor type gapped surge arresters for a.c. systems | EN 60099-1 |
| 269 | Series | Low-voltage fuses | EN 60269 |
| IEC 227-3 (mod) | 1993 | Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of rated voltages up to and including 450/750V Part 3: Non-sheathed cables for fixed wiring |
HD 21.3 S3 |
| IEC 227-4 | 1992 | Part 4: sheathed cables for fixed wiring | |
| IEC 245-3 | 1994 | Rubber insulated cables Rated voltages up to and including 450/750 V Part 3: Heat resistant silicone insulated cables |
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| IEC 245-4 (mod) | 1994 | Part 4: cords and flexible cables | HD 22.4 S3 |
| 529 | 1989 | Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code) |
EN 60529 |
| 890 | 1987 | A method of temperature-rise assessment by extrapolation for partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA) of low-voltage switchgear and control gear |
HD 528 S1 |
| 947-4-1 | 1990 | Pat 4: Contactors and motor-starters Section One – Electromechanical contactors and motor-starters |
EN 60947-4-1 |
| 1000-4-2 | 1995 | Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 4: Testing and measurement techniques Section 2: Electrostatic discharge immunity test |
EN 61000-4-2 |
| 1000-4-4 | 1995 | Section 3: Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test |
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| 1000-4-5 | 1995 | Section 4: Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test (Basic EMC Publication) |
EN 61000-4-4 |
| 1000-4-5 | 1995 | Section 5: Surge immunity test | EN 61000-4-5 |
