A leading supplier of commercial and domestic lighting systems has improved product electrical safety testing after investment in new HAL LED end of line production testers from Seaward.
Dublin-based ROBUS is involved in the design, import and distribution of an extensive range of Class I and Class II fittings from China, which include LED High Bay/Low Bay, strip lighting, flood and street lighting , lamps and emergency lighting. With distribution operations in the UK, Australia, China, France, Benelux, South Africa, New Zealand and the Middle East, the company currently services over 3,000 stockists and tens of thousands of installers.
After investing in the two HAL LED testers in 2020, the firm, which worked closely with Seaward on specification and system set-up, has developed an effective regime across nine workstations. This has secured optimum electrical test performance and ensures every fitting works safely and complies with CE, EMC, RoHS and REACH among other EU standards.
The move to HALs has improved the speed and accuracy of product safety checks and flash testing carried out by the quality control and conversions department, reflecting the benefits the testers bring to improved quality control, said Catherine Reid, customised conversions manager who has responsibility for electrical safety testing.
ROBUS uses the HALs at its Dublin facility, verifying the electrical safety of 900 imported units per week before they leave the factory gates, primarily destined for markets in the UK and Ireland.
Every fitting is fully tested as part of extensive quality control procedures that see the HAL LED provide power measurement readings with a resolution of 0.2VA below 1000VA and performs continuity and ground/earth bond tests alongside AC/DC Hipot (FLASH/Dielectric Strength). This ensures products can guarantee the quality, performance and reliability required and are safety compliant with EN 60598.
Function testing is also undertaken to check units switch on/off effectively and perform correctly at the required power consumption levels and that any ancillary equipment operates in accordance with technical specifications.
The company has also invested in the Safety E-Base Software, Seaward Barcode CCD scanner, Seaward Desk Test n Tag Label printer and Status Beacon (HAL Series) as part of a comprehensive package of electrical safety testing solutions from Seaward.
Test results are stored automatically by the HALs, providing full traceability, ensuring that all products are proven to be quality assured before they leave the premises. ROBUS’s Dublin operation is able to then use the data to maintain a safety test record for all its units in the event of any damage during distribution, or to track and trace any product returns, in line with its quality control policies.
Catherine Reid added: “We are investing in improving our product and quality testing with HAL LED, which has impressive capabilities. We are able to reduce the time it takes to complete testing of hundreds of units each week and improve our compliance record keeping with the addition of the Safety E-Base software.
“We have had a lot of support from Seaward in helping to establish current electrical safety testing protocols and obtain the maximum value from the HALs. It’s a good product that we like to use, providing a good level of feedback and extensive range of applications. It’s easy-to-operate, delivering more effective testing and the peace-of-mind knowing that our products are leaving the premises 100% safe-to-use and will operate as designed.”
Lee Warburton, key account manager – compliance & precision at Seaward, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Catherine and the ROBUS team to implement the new HAL LED instruments.
“Although COVID has played a part in not being able to get onsite to directly support the team, site visits to demonstrate the capability of the tester and evaluate the set-up after it had been running for a year have been invaluable. With modern technology playing a part in-between, we have been able to support the various departments within ROBUS to make sure this could be implemented efficiently and with minimal impact"
Manufacturers like ROBUS can complete end-of-line tests with the additional benefit of functionality testing of the operation of the equipment, ensuring not only a safe product, but consistent quality control throughout the production process.
The HAL LED combines the performance of a multi-function production line safety tester with power measurement for product energy consumption. The tester can be integrated into automated manufacturing systems with selectable sensors and can be controlled using a PC, either using Seawards own software solution or by means of a command protocol.
A large graphic display presents information either in a numerical or analogue format while a powerful internal memory allows the storage of up to 6,000 test results and up to 50 configurable test routines. The instrument can also be interfaced with a variety of accessories, to improve both safe working and efficiency, including Bar Code scanners and Safety warning beacons.
The HAL series is manufactured by Seaward Electronic Ltd, 15-18 Bracken Hill, South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 2SW. More at https://www.seaward.com/gb/ or email [email protected]
