Facilities

Calibration Area

To ensure that an instrument is functioning properly, regular checks must be made to assess whether it still meets the specifications. If necessary, the instrument should be calibrated. A measurement cannot be relied upon if there is uncertainty regarding the quality and precision of the instrument.

The Electronics Department has facilities for the following:

- Electric current (direct current/alternating current)

- Electric voltage (direct voltage/alternating voltage)

- Ohmic resistance

- Impedance (a combination of self-induction, capacity and resistance)

- Frequencies (to 520 MHz)

- Temperature

There are also calibration facilities for oscilloscopes.

Equipment is calibrated after repair and/or on request. Calibrations are not certified.

Electronic and electrotechnical instruments

The Electronics Department has a wide range of electronic and electrotechnical instruments, including oscilloscopes, pulse and sinus generators, pulse and time counters, digital-data and data-bus analysers, EMI test equipment, leads, precision volt and ampere meters, universal measuring instruments, impedance meters, high-voltage testers, temperature gauges, etc. This equipment can be borrowed for a period of up to a few months.

Document management

The Electronics Department has a document archive of test, measuring and utility equipment. There is also documentation on electronic and electrotechnical components, materials, sensors and actuators. The documentation consists of catalogues and product ranges of suppliers and manufacturers.

The department also has an archive of statutory Technical Construction Dossiers (TCDs), including copies of user manuals, in accordance with the requirements relating to CE marking. TCDs must remain available to authorities during the life of the equipment in question and for up to 10 years after its first use.

CE/NEN 3140 equipment

The Electronics Department has measuring and test equipment for carrying out statutory measurements relating to the Low Pressure Directive (CE marking) and the NEN3140 standard (health and safety legislation). In accordance with the Working Conditions Act (ARBO-wet), the employer has authorized a number of departmental staff to perform the relevant measurements. Documentation on the NEN-EN 50110/NEN3140 standards is also available.

CE guidelines/standards

The texts of directives relevant to electronic and electrotechnical equipment (e.g. the CE Marking Directive, Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive) are available at the Electronics Department. There are also a number of standards available relating to low-voltage equipment:

NEN-EN-IEC 60204-1: Safety of Machinery – Electrical equipment of machines.

NEN-EN-IEC 61010-1: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.

NEN-EN-IEC 60950-1: Information Technology Equipment - Safety - Part 1: General Requirements.

These general standards provide reasonable cover in terms of current activities.