The Month in Review
December, 1998

December was an active month at RETLIF TESTING LABORATORIES with the continued expansion of testing services and accreditations.


Expansion of NY EMC Facilities

Considerable modifications are being made to the main EMC test chamber at the NY test facility. A new six foot by eight foot shield double door has been installed to address the increasing larger samples being tested. The anechoic treatment of the room is also being expanded from its current MIL-STD-461D and DO-160 compliance to a full room treatment. It is expected that this treatment and its associated calibration will be completed by mid-January.


NIST to Submit RETLIF for CB Status

The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has notified RETLIF that through the provision of the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) recently signed with the European Union, RETLIF will be recommend for designation as an EMC Conformity Assessment Body. Through this designation, RETLIF will be able to operate as a Competent Body here in the United States in support of activities related to the EU's EMC Directive. Since negotiations are still under way it is unclear as to exactly when the designation will go in full force, however it will either be within 60 days of the signing of the MRA, (Feb, 1, 1999) or at the end of a 2 year transition period.


Environmental Services Expansion Continues

RETLIF's Environmental Simulation Laboratory continues to grow with the addition of enhanced  shock testing capabilities. Newly installed this month was a Barry Control, Model VP-35, Drop Shock machine. This "gravity" type shock machine is capable of levels of up to 100 g forces.


NY and NH Facilities Reassessed By ITI

Both the New York and New Hampshire facilities were successfully reassessed this month by Interference Technology International. The assessments were in support of RETLIF's providing test data to ITI in support of Competent Body activities related to the EU's EMC Directive. The assessment is in accordance with ISO Guide 25, EN45000 and the relevant parts of ISO 9000.


RETLIF Featured in December/January Issue of "Test"

The December/January issue of "Test Engineering and Management" featured and article by Richard Reitz, Laboratory Manager of RETLIF, NY. The article titled "Applying the SAE J1455 Test Standard" discussed the proper application of test methods and sequences for automotive dash mounted electronic components.