Focus on standard compliance and safety
Mechanical engineering and automation technology are among the biggest sectors in German industry. In addition to traditional control and feedback control, technologies from the IT and telecommunications industries are also increasingly being used. In particular, safety-critical machinery and systems are subject to strict legal requirements worldwide.
The increased use of communication technologies leads to additional requirements for the testing and certification of automated systems. To ensure competitiveness and exportability, it is crucial to be aware of international requirements at an early stage and to take them into account during the product development process. In this way, necessary approvals can be achieved on time and cost-efficiently – with the aim of optimizing industrial processes while protecting people, equipment, and the environment.
Our services
Cybersecurity
With the increasing interconnection of industrial plants, the risk of targeted cyberattacks is also growing. We support you in securing your systems – making them compliant with standards, practical, and future-proof.
Further information on the range of services by the SGS Group in this area can be found on the website of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH or SGS Germany.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Depending on the type and application area, different EMC standards apply in automation technology – either in the form of individual product standards or as a combination of several standards. In the absence of product-specific requirements, the generic standards EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 61000-6-4 (emission) are usually applied.
For safety-critical or complex systems, especially in the context of functional safety with regard to EMC, EN 61000-6-7 is also relevant, often in combination with higher test levels and, if necessary, special operating conditions. Other relevant standards are:
- EN 61326-1 / EN 61326-3-1: Laboratory and control systems
- EN 61131-2: Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- EN 61496-1: Safety requirements for machinery and electro-sensitive protective equipment
- EN 61800-3: Adjustable speed electrical drive systems
- EN 61850-3: Communication networks and systems for power utility automation
This variety shows that the EMC standards landscape is complex and requires early, standards-compliant planning right from the development phase – particularly in harsh industrial environments. Higher interference levels must also be considered in the design at an early stage.
A risk-based test plan with all relevant parameters should be drawn up in good time before qualification and agreed with the testing laboratory. The more complex the system to be tested and the applicable standards, the more important it is to select a suitable testing laboratory – especially if international certification is also being sought. This avoids additional tests that are more time-consuming and costly.
Safety of machinery
The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC lays down binding requirements across Europe for safety and health protection, thereby creating the basis for the free movement of machinery within the EU internal market. It is addressed to manufacturers, operators, and all parties who place machinery on the market, and serves as the benchmark for legally compliant assessment and testing.
The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will replace the Machinery Directive as of January 20, 2027. From that date onward, only the new regulation will apply – without any transitional period.
In machinery and automation technology, various standards and guidelines apply, including:
- DIN EN 60204-1 (VDE 0113-1): General requirements for the electrical equipment of machines
- Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: Legal framework for safety and health protection
- ISO 12100: Fundamentals of risk assessment and risk reduction
- EN 61439: Requirements for low-voltage switchgear, particularly in control cabinets
- UL 1740: Safety requirements for industrial robots and robotic equipment
A selection of our services at a glance
- Electrical safety analysis: Early assessment of electrical risks during the development process and analysis of hazards during ongoing operation
- Testing and measurement: Performance of standards-compliant protective conductor, insulation, and protective measures tests – precisely documented
- Control cabinet and wiring inspection: Verification of professional wiring, installation, and functionality of electrical components
- Documentation and certification: Preparation of reliable test reports and conformity documents, as well as support for national and international certification processes
The consistent implementation of electrical safety requirements ensures trouble-free operation, minimizes liability risks, and ensures compliance with legal requirements – for maximum safety and reliability throughout the entire system.
Functional safety
Safe control functions are essential in automated machine processes. We support you in implementing functional safety according to ISO 13849 and IEC 62061 – from risk assessment to validation.
Further information on the service portfolio of the SGS Group in this area can be found on the website of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH.
Your benefit
With our many years of expertise, we provide you with competent support in the automation of your machines and systems. In doing so, we naturally also take company-specific requirements into account. As a result, you receive confirmation of the compliance of your processes to ensure that legal requirements are met.
Contact
Armin Hudetz
t: +49 89 787 475-133
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Customer Service Team
t: +49 89 787 475-222
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