Find The Right Test Lab

What is a test laboratory? There are all types of test laboratories that specialize in different areas of expertise. However, one generic definition of a test laboratory is a facility that has the proper instrumentation to perform tests on a product to determine compliance to a national or international specification or standard. As an example, a test lab that specializes in EMI testing would perform tests to meet MIL-STD-461 or any of the European EN standards. A test lab that specializes in environmental testing would perform tests for temperature, humidity, shock, vibration, etc. A test lab that specializes in product safety testing would perform tests to meet standards such as UL, CSA, or EN. Of course, there are larger test laboratories that have the capability to perform all or some combination of the aforementioned areas. This makes it much easier for customers in that they only need to interface with just one test lab instead of two or three specialized test labs.

Not only do test laboratories perform testing to specific standards, but they also have technical experts on performing these applicable tests. Many people fail to realize what a valuable resource these test laboratories can be. They can provide advice on how to run the various tests; what is necessary or not necessary to perform a test; make recommendations on the best way to approach a test; and, of course, keeping abreast of the latest developments in the standards world. This last item is becoming increasingly important with more and more countries adding on legal test requirements, especially in the EMI and product safety area. With this technical expertise, test laboratories can assist in not only standard tests, but can be very helpful in working out the details in developing custom tests and requirements.

How do you choose a test laboratory? The first thing you need to look for is accreditation. Accreditation or certification consists of a review or "audit" of the test laboratory by an independent outside quality agency. Examples of these types of agencies are NVLAP or A2LA. These accreditations assure you that the test laboratory has a quality system in place, use proper and calibrated equipment, and have technically competent and trained personnel. Reputable test laboratories will gladly give you copies of their accreditations or certifications upon request. The second thing to do is to visit the facility and meet the people. Is the environment tidy or messy? Does it seem like a professional environment? Do the people understand the types of tests that you need? Do you feel comfortable working with them? Third, ask for references. You should treat this the same as when you are trying to find a good doctor or dentist. Most of us would not go to a doctor or dentist without seeing if he/she has the proper diploma and ask friends or relatives about the doctor or dentist. So don't be afraid to check out the references. Finally, the last criteria will be the cost. Discuss with the lab to verify that they truly understand you product to be tested. Again, most reputable test laboratories are willing to work with you to control the test costs.

In summary, a test laboratory may be your last stop before introducing your product to your customer or directly to the marketplace. Every effort should be made to match the proper test laboratory with your testing needs. The selection of the laboratory should be made early in the process so that the optimum use of test and engineering design can be utilized. Remember accreditations, personnel, references, and pricing flexibility are your keys to finding the right test lab.

By Ed Nakauchi

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About The Author
Ed Nakauchi, EMC technical services director for Garwood Laboratories World Compliance Division (Placentia, CA), has thirty years experience in the engineering field. He has provided design support to logic designers, printed circuit designers, test engineers and mechanical engineers in the military/aerospace and commercial audio/computer/medical field. Mr. Nakauchi has written numerous technical papers and magazine articles and has presented many seminars on various EMI/EMC/ESD/EMP at UC Irvine and was the primary author of a shielding design guideline for the Army. He has also been an EMI consultant to the Air Force's Space and Missile Command on their COTS program. Mr. Nakauchi holds a BSEE and an MSEE and is a NARTE certified EMC/ESD Engineer with a senior membership of the IEEE EMC Society.

For more information, call Nakauchi at 714-572-2027 or e-mail edn@garwoodtestlabs.com.