The Electrical Products Laboratory

The Electrical Products Laboratory is a state of the art testing facility that offers testing in the following key areas:

• Lead-Acid starter batteries

Invented by the French physician Gaston Planté in 1859, lead acid was the first rechargeable battery for commercial use. There are two basic types of lead acids: the starter battery and the deep-cycle battery. The starter battery is designed to crank the vehicle engine, and the deep-cycle battery is made to provide continuous power (for example wheelchairs, forklifts and standby systems ect). Our testing is done on starter batteries. The Electrical Products Lab uses a compulsory TTS standard (TTS 179: 2005) which comprises of a range of tests such as:

• Verification of Battery Labels
• Capacity Tests
• Reserve Capacity Tests
• Cranking Performance Tests
• Charge Retention Tests
• Cyclic Retention Tests
• Vibration Resistance Tests
• Charge Acceptance Tests
• Electrolyte Retention Tests
• Water Consumption tests

Tungsten Filament Lamps
Tungsten filament lamps have been the most common types of light bulbs used in the home since the invention of the light bulb. Due to the high presence of the light bulbs on the market from a wide range of manufacturers, there is a need to verify the integrity of the light bulbs sold. Here at TTBS we have the testing capabilities to ensure that local suppliers meet the standard requirement for selling them on the local market. The Electrical Products Lab uses a compulsory TTS standard (TTS 177: 2005) which comprises of the following tests:

• Life Test
• Rating
• Inspection test

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL’s)
Given the global initiative to use more energy efficient devices, the use of CFL’s are being encouraged to replace the incandescent lamp. With the demand for the CFL on the rise it becomes necessary to ensure that an acceptable standard for the bulbs are used to ensure the customer has a safe and reliable produce for use in their homes. The Electrical Products Lab has the capacity to test these lighting fixtures for safety and reliance.

Electrical Cables
Electrical cables are an integral part of any electrical system. They are a compulsory component in the transmission of power on any scale (Industrial or commercial use). Given the necessity of its use it is mandatory that Electrical Cables must adhere to the standards set. The Electrical Products Lab uses the BS 6004:2000 standard which comprises of the following tests:

• Electric Cable Testing – Identification
• Electric Cable Testing – Electrical

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Portable appliances are used in a variety of environments for many different uses. Based on their many applications and their constant interaction with humans, it is necessary to ensure that they adhere to standards that allow them to function without risk in the environment they are designed for. Weather they are new appliances or heavily used appliances they must be able to conform to standards that make them safe and functional. The Electrical Products Lab uses the compulsory standards UL 73, UL 250, UL 507 and UL 982. These standards contain the following tests:

• Motor operated appliances
• Household refrigerators and freezers
• Electric fans
• Motor-operated household food preparing machines

We also provide the following services:

• Noise level measurement

The laboratory conducts noise level measurements to IEC and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards to assess levels of frequency distribution (Octave Analysis). This is used in determining hearing protection needs and noise reduction requirements.

• Light level measurement

Light levels (visible wavelengths) are measured in accordance with International Standards Organization (ISO) ergonomic Standards. These measurements are used in assessing workstation light levels for homes, offices, factories and inspection stations.

The lab provides these services at very attractive rates and is done in a timely and efficient manner.