manufacturers guide to cpd us · test are required to demonstrate compliance with the cpd. 2....

Intertek 70 Codman Hill Road

Boxborough, MA 01719 [email protected]

1-800-WORLDLAB www.intertek-etlsemko.com

Manufacturers Guide to the European Construction Products Directive

CE Marking and builder’s hardware


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Introduction

This white paper will explain the CE Marking requirements for hinges, locks, lock/latch sets, door closing devices and panic and emergency hardware entering the European Union (EU) for use on fire doors in the construction industry. This Guide will provide the non European construction products industry with an understanding of the CE Mark and how to obtain it.

The requirements of CE Marking for construction products are not designed as a barrier to trade but as a level playing field for all to compete with technical equivalence, regardless of manufacturing location.

Construction Products Directive (CPD)

The CPD is a set of regulations, Directive 89/106/EEC, similar to other directives issued by the EU for electrical safety, medical equipment, pressure and machinery equipment, all designed to make the products arriving in any EU country safe to use and install. The CPD directive has been running for several years and now is beginning to take effect as more Product Standards are issued.

The EU recognises that products vary greatly in their ‘risks’ to the users and the public and have defined 6 essential requirements or characteristics which need to be addressed (by committee) and satisfied, when relevant, by the product prior to being put on the market. The essential requirements are:

1. Mechanical resistance and stability

2. Safety in the case of fire

3. Hygiene, health and the environment

4. Safety in use

5. Protection against noise

6. Energy economy and heat retention

Upon demonstrating compliance with the relevant requirements that it needs for use, the product is allowed to carry the CE mark.

In addition, how these essential requirements are controlled is defined by the Levels of Attestation. All products that have a safety in the case of fire requirement have the highest level of attestation, and those that pose little or no



issues with all 6 essential requirements have the lowest. Each attestation level has two checking requirements:

• Approved testing and/or

• Approved manufacturing control (Factory Production Control or FPC)

A table exists covering the requirements of the Manufacturer, Certification Body and Test House, however, all fire related products have a requirement to come under the control of an approved certification body and have their products properly tested. This is termed Attestation Level 1 & 1+.

There are two key factors to the successful operation of the CPD:

• Product Standards; against which the CE mark is awarded.

• Test Standards; which need to be complied with as required in the Product Standard

The Product Standards take two forms, European Norms (EN's) or European Technical Approvals (ETA's). The ETA's are awarded by EOTA to those products that satisfy the specification given in an ETA Guidelines document (ETAG). European Technical Approvals are mandated to utilise test procedures generated and published by the Committee for European Normalisation (CEN), EOTA are only permitted to set performance standards if no appropriate methods have been published by CEN.

CE Marking Requirements – Fire rated builders' hardware

There are Product Standards for all types of builders' hardware which require a range of EN Test Standards that shows a product demonstrates compliance. Below is a range of the product standards against which compliant products can be CE marked:

• EN 1935:2002 Single axis hinges

• EN 1154:1997 Controlled door closing devices

• EN 1155: 2003 Electrically operated hold open devices

• EN 1125:1997 Panic exit devices operated by horizontal bar

• EN 179:1997 Emergency exit devices

• EN 12209:2003 Mechanically operated locks



As stated, all of the products listed above require the highest level of attestation when fitted on a fire door. This demands that an approved certification body takes control of the CE marking process.

Intertek provides the builders hardware industry access to the CPD, known by the directive as a Notified Certification Body. Intertek Testing & Certification Ltd (UK) is such a body (Registration number 359).

CE Marking & Intertek

The directive (CPD) places the responsibility for all issues with fire onto the Notified Certification Body, this includes both the testing and certification. Intertek labs all over the world are able to verify the performance of products seeking the CE Certificate of Conformity.

If Intertek is already providing testing and certification for your hardware, very little change is required. Below are the 9 steps to exporting your products to the EU with the CE Mark:

1. Ask Intertek about the requirements specific to your product and what test are required to demonstrate compliance with the CPD.

2. Complete a CE Marking inquiry and application form.

3. Speak to your account manager about the best way to move forward.

4. Test your product at one of Intertek’s labs across the globe.

5. Have the first CE Marking inspection.

6. Agree on the marking requirements.

7. Get your certificate of compliance.

8. Export your products.

9. Keep up with the on-going requirements.



The next step

Call or e-mail Intertek to get the expert advice on the requirements for your product and the Construction Products Directive:

• Phone: 1 800 WORLDLAB

• Email: [email protected]

• Web: www.intertek-etlsemko.com This publication is copyright Intertek and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the prior written consent of Intertek. While due care has been taken during the preparation of this document, Intertek cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Clients are encouraged to seek Intertek’s current advice on their specific needs before acting upon any of the content.

manufacturers guide to cpd us · test are required to demonstrate compliance with the cpd. 2....

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