Aces Meeting Minutes · Web viewMeeting Minutes American Cou ncil For Electrical Safety (ACES) NEMA Headquarters 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752 Arlington, VA Vice-Chairman Meeker

Aces Meeting Minutes

Meeting Minutes

American Council For Electrical Safety (ACES)

NEMA Headquarters

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752

Arlington, VA

Vice-Chairman Meeker called the meeting to order at 9:30am and thanked NEMA for hosting the meeting.

Participants introduced themselves. An attendance list is embedded at the end of the meeting minutes.

The agenda was approved with an additional agenda item regarding smart meters.

Chairman Meeker stated that ACES is again a council within ACIL and will fund and handle secretariat duties.

Customs and Border Protection – Martin Canner

Mr. Martin Canner gave a presentation on counterfeiting and fraudulent issues and application and protection of NRTL marks. Mr. Canner’s presentation appears at the end of these minutes.

The e-recordation protection of intellectual property rights appears below:

https://apps.cbp.gov/e-recordations/

OSHA

Mr. David Johnson, OSHA’s new Director of Technical Support addressed ACES.

He stated that the GAO findings in their investigation of OSHA matched what he has found since his arrival at OSHA.

The biggest activity underway now is the updating of the guidance document. Because the guidance is weak, applications can go back and forth for years.

Mr. Johnson asked the ACES members for input on what are the most important pieces of the guidance.

Staffing issues have dominated the process in the past, but Mr. Johnson is planning to double the size of the staff in the next year, align processes with staff and free up engineers to do their jobs.

Mr. Johnson also stated that OSHA needs to improve their outreach to stakeholders and asked ACES members to share best practices.

The leadership at OSHA is behind us and we have already briefed GAO.

On-line web access on status of an application was suggested and Mr. Johnson felt like that was a good idea.

Mr. Bush asked who in the solicitor’s office is handling NRTL issues and Mrl. Johnson stated that he would send that information along shortly.

Mr. Gillerman stated that NIST has a lot to offer OSHA in redesign of their program. He noted that the EnergyStar and TCB program were two models to emulate.

Following Mr. Johnson’s presentation and a question and answer period, a working group was established to provide input to OSHA on improving the NRTL program. Working group members include Paulsen, Martell, Quinlin, Morrison, Furman, Kamer and Frier. Mr Johnson suggested that the group formulate their suggestions in a form from ACES and submit them for consideration. He felt an ACES suggestion would have significant consideration at OSHA.

Smart Meters

Mr. John Wagner, Deputy Chief State Fire Marshal, Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office, reported on the installation of smart meters in the state. He noted that it appears that the source of fires is the meter socket. His report is embedded at the end of the minutes. Mr. Paulsen will provide an update at the next meeting.

NIST

Mr. Gordon Gillerman reported on NIST activities.

He stated that a NIST staffer recently won a Nobel Prize for observation of quantum particles without destroying them.

He updated ACES on healthcare information technology software certification of patient records. The program relies on ISO/IEC 17011, 17025 and Guide 65. All conformity assessment work is being done in the private sector with the exception of NVLAP, who is providing the accreditation.

He also stated that GSA has launched FedRamp. Initial conformity assessment bodies will be ISO/IEC 17020 compliant. Any cloud service provider must meet the required standards in order to do business with the federal government.

Mr. Gillerman also reported on the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP). Mr. Bush reported that ACIL has been extremely active in Smart Grid activities and that ACIL will be a founding member of the SGIP.

Mr. Gillerman concluded his remarks by talking about the incorporation by reference issue.

IAEI

Mr. Baldwin reported on recent ACES PPT presentations at the Northwest and Eastern section meetings of the IAEI.

There was redundancy in the presentation so it has been shortened. In a straw poll of the inspectors following the meeting many thought that if you were an NRTL you were capable of performing a field inspection.

Dave Clemons, President, IAEI, wants to know if ACES would consider doing a webinar on 790 and 791.

It was noted that the City of Fremont is now accrediting FEBs to 790 and 791. Concern was expressed that if all 40,000 jurisdictions offered their own accreditations, it would be nearly impossible for FEBs to meet every city’s requirements.

It was suggested that consideration be given to working with accreditation bodies that offer accreditation under ISO/IEC 17020.

Two actions were taken. First, Chairman Meeker will e-mail out a soft copy of the amended PPT presentation. Second, a conference call will be held with NFPA and interested accreditation bodies to get the standards adopted in a uniform way across the United States. Participants in the conference call will be Mssrs. Baldwin, Gillerman, Meeker, Frier, Paulsen and Morrison. It was requested that NFPA be invited to the next meeting so these issues can be discussed.

Outreach to Other Organizations

There was a general discussion about what other organizations should be involved in ACES.

It was suggested that a prospective membership list be developed prior to the next meeting. Mssrs. Bush, Gillerman and Meeker conference on the subject.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held in November at a date and time to be determined.

There being no further business of discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 2:10 pm.

Milton Bush

Meeting Secretary

By

Marty Canner

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

October 24, 2012

ACES Members Meeting:

Counterfeiting and Fraudulent Issues and

Application and Protection of NRTL Marks

Presenter’s Name June 17, 2003

Seizures of Counterfeits

IPR Seizures Annual Report

Environments


Drug in picture: Plavix – clot preventer to help prevent heart attack and stroke

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Interim Final Rule

Sharing Unredacted Samples



Centers of Excellence and Expertise (CEE)

Uniformity of CBP Practices Across Ports of Entry

Electronics CEE in Long Beach, CA



Trade Transformation Initiative

Improve Cargo Security

Increase U.S. Trade Competitiveness



Trade Transformation Initiative: Trade Intelligence

Hosted by the CEEs

Dialogue with Industry



Authentication Technologies:CBP Acquisitions for Use at Ports

Blacklights (UV Lights)

D-Tech Machines

DinoLites



Authentication Technologies:Future Acquisitions

Working with Industry and CBP at the Ports



IPR Enforcement: Recordations with CBP

Registration versus Recordation

Benefits to Rights Holders



IPR Enforcement: Product Identification Guides

Assists CBP with Product Authentications at Ports

No Cost to Recorded Rights Holders



www.cbp.gov/ipr

Marty Canner

International Trade Specialist

Office of International Trade

IPR Policy and Programs Division

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

[email protected]

O: 202-863-6612


Smart_Meters_Repor

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Maryland Smart Meter Preliminary Review - OSFM

September 25, 2012

Smart Meter Definition

A smart meter is an Internet-capable device that measures energy, water or natural gas consumption of a building or home.

Whereas traditional meters only measure total consumption, smart meters record when and how much of a resource is consumed. Power companies are deploying smart meters to monitor consumer usage and adjust prices according to the time of day and season.

The smart meter acts as the network termination point, an ingress router between the utility’s network and the building it is monitoring. When connected to a building automation system, a smart meter will allow the building administrator to control heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) based on real-time energy costs.

A smart meter is one component of a smart grid, an approach to managing energy distribution and consumption that uses Internet technologies to create bi-directional communication, coordination and control.

Review

Within the State of Maryland, smart meters are currently being installed by Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). Although First Energy, formerly Allegheny Power, has service within the State, their installation of smart meters has not yet progressed into Maryland. It is the intent of these electric utility providers to have a complete “smart grid” which will require the eventual transition to smart meters replacing all analog meters. Many of the smart meter models are the same digital meters which have been installed since 2001 with the addition of a communication module. There have been no significant issues related to the installation of the digital electric meters.

BGE along with Pepco has been installing various models of General Electric and Landis and Gyr meters. SMECO however has been installing Sensus Icon A and Elster A-3 meters. As required by COMAR, all smart meters must be approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission prior to installation within the State. Moreover in order to be approved by the Public Safety Commission, the meters must be tested to conform to the ANSI C12-1 Code for Electric Meters and ANSI C12-20 National Standard for Electricity Meters – Accuracy and Performance. Although these standards relate largely to meter accuracy, the test procedures do include provisions to test for safety including power surges, mechanical shock, and temperature increase associated with increased current. This testing is performed by an independent third party testing laboratory, which is an approved testing laboratory by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

All smart meters currently installed within the State are provided with thermocouples which monitor the meter’s internal temperature. At a preset temperature, 95°C, or 200°F, the meter alerts the Electric Utility to an abnormal condition. Currently, with a total of approximately 382,000 meters currently installed in the State, there have been a total of 53 high temperature alarms reported, all of which were mitigated by the respective utility companies through adjustment, repair or replacement prior to any fire event. See chart below.

Utility

Total Meters Installed

Number of High Temp Events

BGE

300,000+

47

PEPCO

80,000+

6

SMECO

1,900+

0

The 53 high temperature alarms represent less than two hundredths of a percent, or %.014 of the units installed in Maryland. The State of Maryland has not experienced any fires related to smart meters or their installation.

Based upon testimony from industry experts, as well as an internal review of several fires involving smart meters in states other than Maryland, the preliminary results have revealed that in most cases it appears the meter socket is the area of origin. It is possible that the socket jaws, which complete the electrical circuit from the power provider, through the electric meter and into the home have fatigued throughout the socket’s life. This fatigue may be caused by mechanical strain, from loading applied to the wires either on the utility, or private side of the meter, or from environmental conditions. This fatigue may result in loose electrical connections which may cause arcing or excessive heat within the contacts.

As a result of these observations, all electric utilities that were questioned have instituted training programs with all of their installers and contractors regarding the proper and safe installation of the meters. In some cases the utility may repair deficient meter sockets, and in other cases, they will not replace the meter until a licensed electrician performs appropriate repairs to the meter socket to allow for a safe and proper installation.

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NRTLs, FEBs and the NEC

What every electrical inspector needs to know about NRTLs, FEBs, listing, labeling and the NEC.

Presented by ACES - 2011

American Council for Electrical Safety (ACES)

What we will cover today

What is a NRTL? What is an FEB?What are Field Evaluations?NEC requirements for listing/labeling.What listing and labeling marks look like?How do AHJs relate to NRTLs and FEBs?Common issues for inspectors.

What is a NRTL? What is an FEB?

A NRTL is a Nationally Recoginzed Testing Laboratory.A FEB is a Field Evaluation Body.

A NRTL may offer FEB services. FEBs do not have to be a NRTL. OSHA does not certify any FEBs or NRTLs as FEBs)

Listings and Evaluations Basis

The listings performed by NRTLs and evaluations performed by FEBs are based on specific product safety standards developed by US based standards-developing organizations and often issued under the accreditation of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

CFR 1910.399

Acceptable. An installation or equipment is acceptable to the Assistant Secretary of Labor, and approved within the meaning of this Subpart S:

(1) If it is accepted, or certified, or listed, or labeled, or otherwise determined to be safe by a nationally recognized testing laboratory recognized pursuant to § 1910.7;

(NRTLs can perform this service)

*

This slide shows the CFR (Code of Federal Regulation) that identifies the need for NRTL’s.

CFR 1910.399

(2) With respect to an installation or equipment of a kind that no nationally recognized testing laboratory accepts, certifies, lists, labels, or determines to be safe, if it is inspected or tested by another Federal agency, or by a State, municipal, or other local authority responsible for enforcing occupational safety provisions of the National Electrical Code, and found in compliance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code as applied in this subpart; or

CFR 1910.399

(3) With respect to custom-made equipment or related installations that are designed, fabricated for, and intended for use by a particular customer, if it is determined to be safe for its intended use by its manufacturer on the basis of test data which the employer keeps and makes available for inspection to the Assistant Secretary and his authorized representatives.

(FEBs can provide such test data)

*

This slide shows the CFR (Code of Federal Regulation) that identifies the need for NRTL’s.

CFR 1910.7(b)

NRTL requirements. The term nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) means an organization which is recognized by OSHA and which tests for safety, and lists or labels or accepts, equipment or materials and which meets all of the following criteria:

*

This slide and the next one define and show the basic requirement for the labs to show they are knowledgeable and can provide suitable listings.

CFR 1910.7(b) (continued)

For each specified item of equipment or material to be listed, labeled or accepted, the NRTL has the capability (including proper testing equipment and facilities, trained staff, written testing procedures, and calibration and quality control programs) to perform: Testing and examining of equipment and materials for workplace safety purposes to determine conformance with appropriate test standards.

*

Behind the scenes, describe the process of getting a NRTL.

Listing Process

NRTLs evaluate products for safety.This evaluation includes:Determination of the proper standard(s) to use to evaluate the product. Review samples and information provided by the manufacturer or customer.

Listing Process

This evaluation includes (continued):Verification of the information provided by checking references and comparing to the actual product.Review of the standard and comparing the product to the standard, evaluating each part covered by the standard.Conducting testing required per the standard.

Listing Process

The listing process involves rigorous testing of representative samples of a product.Finally, periodic (usually 2-4 times per year) factory follow-up verification and inspection by the NRTL to ensure new production exactly mirrors the tested samples.

*

This is a tool that the inspector can use when the product is not listed.

Listing Process

Once the testing and evaluation is done and product is determined to comply with the standard, the product or equipment is eligible to receive the Certification Mark of the NRTL.

What is an FEB?

FEBs are third-party testing organizations as defined by the NFPA.FEBs have the capability to provide product safety testing and labeling primarily in the field for a wide range of products found in the American workplace.

New NFPA Documents

NFPA recently published two important documents:

NFPA 790, Standard for Competency of Third Party Evaluation Bodies (FEBs).

NFPA 791, Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Equipment Evaluation.

New NFPA Documents

Since these documents provide national requirements for FEB competency and methods used for field evaluations, they can be a useful tool for AHJs.AHJs can now use these standards to determine FEB acceptability and credibilty.

New NFPA Document

Field LabelingNFPA 790 – Standard for Competency of Third Party Field Evaluation Bodies.Used by accreditors to show an FEB is qualified and has the required skills and procedures necessary to do this type of work.These rules could also be used by states and local jurisdictions to determine if a Field Evaluation Body meets minimum requirements.

New NFPA Document

Field LabelingNFPA 791 – Recommended Practice and Procedures for Unlabeled Equipment Evaluation.These are the guidelines that accredited Field Evaluation Bodies will use to evaluate equipment in the field.These guidelines will provide for more consistency in the evaluation process and reporting.

Field Evaluations

Definition:
3.3.7* Field Evaluation. The process used to determine conformance with requirements for one-of-a-kind, limited production, used, or modified products that are not listed or field labeled under a certification program.

Field Evaluations

A construction review is conducted, visually comparing the product to the relevant portions of the standardElectrical testing is done (without damage to the equipment)If the product is in compliance it is eligible to receive the FEB label.Final documentation is prepared

Field Evaluations

The evaluation is conducted at the location where the product is installedThe product must be in working conditionSafeguards, safety features, and measures are verifiedRelocating the product nullifies the acceptance of the product

Interlocks, EOS, light curtains, etc all are verified for proper function and reset

FEB and NRTL differences

NRTLs can issue listings that are accredited by OSHA. FEBs can be accepted by local jurisdictions for showing that equipment is suitable for use FEBs can also be accepted by local jurisdictions, retailers and others for testing and evaluating products.

FEB

NRTL

Why are FEBs and NRTLs Important?

The purpose of NRTLs and FEBs is to evaluate and test electrical equipment to insure that the products comply with the applicable standards.Without NRTLs or FEBs there would be no way for the AHJ to know that a particular product met the required safety requirements.

*

Taking apart products in the field or at home is not a good idea as there always seems to be left over screws when put back together.

Importance of NRTLs and FEBs

By looking for the NRTL listing or FEB report, an inspector will have information about the standards to which the product has been listed or labeled. In addition the inspector can call on the NRTL or FEB for help regarding safety or acceptance questions regarding equipment suitability when something does not look correct!

*

NRTL’s partner with the AHJ to provide safety for buildings and electrical installations. Manufacturers having their products evaluation by NRTL is one leg, the qualifications of the installers as noted by licensing and the inspection by electrical inspectors are all parts of the system to help verify that installations are done safely and in accordance with published standards and codes.

Inspections are typically 2-4 times per year. But can be more often as some manufacturers products are inspected daily.

AHJs, NRTLs and FEBs

When AHJs rely on listed or labeled products, it can make the inspection process easier since the inspector does not need to evaluate all the parts as required by NEC 110.3(A).Use of listed or labeled products provides a minimum level of consistent safety when installed properly. NRTLs, FEBs and inspectors working together.

Inspector Issues

What if a listed or labeled product just does not appear compliant or has obvious violations?Notify the NRTL Might be a counterfeit label on a product.Might be in some manner modified.Might be the manufacturer is incorrectly manufacturing the product.

Either body has means to determine the appropriate action to be taken

*

Provide a list as a handout of the website addressed for each lab indicating the location of the field investigation form and where to send it for processing.

Inspector Issues

What if a product is not listed, labeled, has been field modified, refurbished or relocated?

OSHA’s Safety and Health Informational Bulletin (SHIB) 02-16-2010 states: “Changes made to a product after NRTL approval will void the NRTL’s approval of the product.”

*

This is a tool that the inspector can use when the product is not listed.

The NEC, NRTLs and FEBs

How does this apply to AHJs and Electrical Inspectors?

*

We have been talking about OSHA rules so far and now switching to how Electrical Inspections are helped by NRTLs


The NEC is the guidance document that AHJs use to look for labels and listing marks!110.2 Approval. The conductors and equipment required or permitted by this Code shall be acceptable only if approved.

*

Approved by whom??? Approved by the AHJ!. How does the AHJ know if the equipment is OK?


In itself, 110.3(B) does not require listing or labeling of equipment. It does, however, require considerable evaluation of equipment.

Section 110.2 requires that equipment be acceptable only if approved.

Before issuing approval, the authority having jurisdiction may require evidence of compliance with 110.3(A).

*

From 2011 NEC Handbook. Third Party approved by the Jurisdiction and NRTLs are typically automatically approved.


Another important Point from the NEC!(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.

*

From 2011 NEC Handbook. The installation instructions are part of the requirements of the NEC for the proper use of the equipment and need to be considered by the AHJ when looking at the installation.

NRTL Listing Marks

The following slides show typical NRTL listing marks and were taken from the OSHA NRTL Website:

www.osha.gov.dts/otpca/nrtl/nrtlmrk.html

(Note: Other forms and older labels are also shown there.)

*

The following is the list of approved NRTLs as of April 15, 2011 and the scopes of the testing accepted in the NRTL program by OSHA varies for each laboratory. The acceptance of each lab by local jurisdictions may also vary based on state and local laws.

NRTL Listing Marks

Canadian Standards Association

Communication Certification Laboratory (CCL)

*


NRTL Listing Marks

Curtis-Strauss LLC (CSL)

FM Global Technologies LLC (FM)

*


NRTL Listing Marks

Intertek

*

Need to get drawings of listing marks and add to slides.

NRTL Listing Marks

MET Laboratories, Inc (MET)

NRTL Listing Marks

NSF International

National Technical Systems Inc NTS

*


NRTL Listing Marks

TUV SUD America, IncTUV SUD Product Services

*


NRTL Listing Marks

TUV Rheinland of No. America

TUV Rheinland PTL, LLC

*


NRTL Listing Marks

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc

QPS Evaluation Services Inc (QPS)

*


FEB Labeling Marks

The following slides show typical FEB labels.

(Note: Since there are many more FEBs than NRTLs, this if far from a comprehensive listing of FEB labels)

*


FEB Labels

MET Laboratories, Inc.

LabTest Certification Inc.

*


FEB Labels

TUV SUD America Inc.

NSS Laboratories, Incorporated

FEB Labels

QPS Evaluation Services, Inc

SGS North America

*


FEB Labels

CSA International

Applied Research Laboratories

*


FEB Labels

Intertek

ASC Engineering Service

*


FEB Labels

Underwriters Laboratories

eti Conformity Services

*


Inspector Issues

The CE Mark

The CE Mark is the manufacturer’s self-declaration of compliance to European standards.

AHJs, NRTLs, FEBs, and NEC

The safety system is a cooperative effort:

The NRTLs and FEBs determine that products meet specific safety standards and are capable of being installed in accordance with the NEC. The AHJ’s determine that the equipment has been installed in accordance with applicable codes.

*

Here we are talking about the perfectly listed product being misused.

Examples: Dry location luminaire being located outdoors

Normal motor being used in a hazardous classified location.

Inspectors need to not allow just because the label is on the product.


US Electrical Safety System

*


Two middle boxes are the labs and inspectors working together!

Conclusion

The use of listed and labeled products are credible evidence that the products you are reviewing are in compliance with US standards and codes.


NRTLs and FEBs are part of the US Electrical Safety System that helps insure safe installations of electrical products and systems.

*


Questions

Electrical Safety at it’s Finest!

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