EAC-marked equipment: is it actually right for your project?
An EAC mark shows a product passed a compliance assessment -- not that it fits your project's requirements. Here's the difference that matters.
Many low-voltage products used in Kazakhstan are assessed under the Eurasian Economic Union's technical regulation TR CU 004/2011 on the Safety of Low-Voltage Equipment.
The regulation requires products within its scope to pass the required conformity process before being placed on the market. Depending on the product type, the compliance document may take the form of a certificate or a declaration of conformity. TR CU 004/2011 regulation
What does the EAC mark tell you?
The EAC mark shows that the product has passed conformity assessment under the Eurasian Economic Union technical regulations applicable to it.
However, this mark alone does not prove that the equipment is the right choice for a specific project.
A product may comply with regulation, and still not suit the project's:
- Voltage and current values
- Short-circuit level
- Protection and selectivity approach
- Ambient temperature
- Dust, humidity or outdoor conditions
- Communication and automation system
- Maintenance and service needs
and may therefore turn out not to be suitable.
Which documents should be checked before purchase?
In equipment assessment, a catalogue or the mark on the product alone should not be considered sufficient. Depending on the project scope, the following documents can be reviewed:
- Conformity certificate or declaration of conformity
- The brand and model information covered by the certificate
- Technical data sheet and product specifications
- Test reports
- Manufacturer and importer information
- Warranty and service conditions
- Use and maintenance documents
Some products within the scope of TR CU 004/2011 are subject to mandatory certification. The product list in the official regulation is one of the primary sources for determining which product groups require certification. List of products subject to mandatory certification
Project suitability is a separate check
The compliance document relates to whether the product can be placed on the market. Project suitability, on the other hand, assesses whether the product meets the requirements of the specific system, load, environment and operating conditions.
Carrying out both checks together helps reduce the risk of incorrect equipment selection, delays in material approval, and incompatibilities that may arise during implementation.
Let's review the technical documents together before you decide on equipment or an equivalent product.