G&M Compliance is an accredited field evaluation body that can provide expert field evaluations for a variety of equipment types and installation conditions. Learn more about field evaluations below, or contact us to discuss your product.
What is a Field Evaluation?
A field evaluation is a professional inspection performed on equipment installed in the field. During a field evaluation, the equipment is tested in its real-world location to ensure it complies with applicable safety standards. Field evaluations may also be known as third-party approvals or UL recertification. Field evaluations are performed by Field Evaluation Bodies. These inspections are typically performed to UL standards.
A field evaluation is a one-time, installation-level approval for a certain product or system. It is a different process—and, in many situations, a quicker and more affordable process—than obtaining a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) listing.
Field Evaluation vs. NRTL Listing
Both field evaluations and NRTL certifications/listings are intended to test products according to the safety requirements specified in nationally recognized standards, but the process for each is quite different:
An NRTL listing is a factory-level type certification where a representative sample of the product is tested in a laboratory setting. Once the NRTL listing is issued, the manufacturer can apply the NRTL label on equivalent products at the factory, and the factory is subject to periodic, ongoing inspections. The NRTL listing can take several months to complete, require a significant amount of documentation from the submitting party, and is many times the cost of a field evaluation.
A field evaluation, on the other hand, is a one-time, installation-level approval. The product is evaluated at the installation site, where the equipment will reside. A field evaluator from an accredited field evaluation body can identify applicable requirements for equipment in its specific use environment. If the product is found to be compliant with applicable requirements, the field evaluation body will apply a field label to the product.
Field Evaluation vs. UL Recertification
Field evaluation is sometimes called UL recertification. When a product is listed by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) from the factory and later becomes modified in the field, a field evaluation is needed to demonstrate that compliance to the original standards is maintained. In this case a field evaluation is commonly referred to as a UL recertification. For more information on the differences between common certification types and terms, see UL Certification vs. NRTL Certification vs. UL Recertification.
There is a common misunderstanding that UL is the only organization that can certify to UL standards. However, field evaluations do not need to be conducted by UL in order to demonstrate compliance with UL standards. (This can be confusing when it is referred to as UL field evaluation or UL field inspection.) Manufacturers are free to choose the Field Evaluation Body they would like to use, as long as it is acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Field Evaluation Process
Generally speaking, the field evaluation process goes as such:
- The product is evaluated in the field.
- Testing is conducted based on conditions encountered in the field.
- A report describing critical features and installation location is generated.
- A Field Label is applied by the field evaluation body.
Because they are different processes with different requirements, a field label is different from an NRTL listing label. A field label typically has the words “Field Evaluated” printed on it. See the example here:
Common Field Evaluation Scenarios
There are several situations in which a field evaluation is the fastest, most cost-effective, or only way forward:
- An Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requires it. A city inspector, utility, or other government agency may request an outside evaluation or third-party approval, which is equivalent to a field evaluation and field label. Equipment can be “red-tagged” by the AHJ until the field evaluation is completed.
- A customer requires it. A customer may require a field evaluation to confirm equipment in the workplace meets a minimum level of safety. This requirement may be included in the product’s purchase agreement.
- The equipment has been modified. In some cases, a product is NRTL-certified when it is installed, then modified later, which invalidates the original listing.
- The product is unique or limited-run. For complex or limited-run products, it can be easier and more affordable to pursue a field evaluation than a NRTL certification.
How to Choose a Field Evaluation Body
The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines “Approved” as acceptable to the AHJ. Therefore, when it comes to selecting a Field Evaluation Body, the main question is: are they acceptable to the AHJ and/or the requesting party?
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recently introduced a standard for assessing the competency of field evaluation bodies: NFPA 790. This allows accreditation bodies to properly assess and accredit Field Evaluation Bodies and their field evaluation services. The Field Evaluation Body accreditation is currently the only credential that ensures reliable performance and oversight of a field evaluation program. For more information, see What is a Field Evaluation Body?
With that in mind, it is highly recommended to choose a Field Evaluation Body accredited by a reputable organization like International Accreditation Service (IAS). Once you know if a field evaluation body is accredited and acceptable to the AHJ, the remaining decision-making factors are cost, availability, and ease to work with. Select an accredited Field Evaluation Body that is affordable and flexible enough to meet your specific needs.
G&M Compliance Field Evaluation Services
G&M Compliance is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to perform field evaluation services. This indicates that G&M Compliance meets the requirements for Competency of Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs) outlined in NFPA 790. For more information, view the G&M Compliance IAS online certificate.
Most importantly to our customers and local jurisdictions alike, G&M is a team of seasoned veterans with the experience to understand the intent of the specifications. G&M field engineers have the experience and expertise to competently assess equipment in the field, across a variety of installation conditions, and quickly ascertain if it meets applicable safety standards.
G&M specializes in the following field evaluation services:
Recertification of UL Listed Switchgear
Almost all switchgear installed in the U.S. is UL Listed. Modifying UL-certified switchgear invalidates the original listing. As a result, utilities and local electrical inspectors will require a field inspection or recertification of panels where bus taps are made on the line or load side of the main circuit breaker.
G&M has evaluated many different types of switchgear modifications and can assist during the planning stage to avoid surprises during the power shut-down.
Third-Party Approval of Factory Equipment
Machinery and industrial equipment generally do not carry NRTL certifications even if they are made and used in the U.S. This is due to the limited production of the equipment and the massive expense of listing large, complex equipment.
This type of equipment is often red-tagged by building inspectors when moved into a new facility, even if it is brand-new. G&M Compliance has worked on equipment from all over the world and always uses a common-sense approach to evaluate the safety of these types of products.
Field Evaluation of Products Produced in Asia
Industrial products built in Asia, and particularly China, often are not NRTL listed or designed to meet U.S. safety requirements. Unlisted products are frequently red-tagged by local electrical inspectors, which prevents their use until a safety evaluation is performed. To avoid expensive delays and the costs of retrofitting and customizing of equipment on site, it is best to have a compliant product delivered from the factory.
G&M Compliance has an office in China with engineers who can perform preliminary field evaluation assessments. Our local field inspection experts in the U.S. work with our engineering team in China to communicate mandatory U.S. requirements and bring products into compliance before they ship.
Contact G&M Compliance for Field Evaluation Services
G&M Compliance is a reliable, experienced, and accredited field evaluation provider. Our field engineers can handle a wide variety of equipment, installations, and circumstances. Whether you are in the design phase of a new product or working to remove a red tag ASAP, G&M can help.
Request a quote or contact us today to discuss your product and your field evaluation options.