“CE Marking” is the “Manufacturer Self-Certification” process required for selling products into Europe. This process requires experience to prepare products and documents for scrutiny at EU ports.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/14/2010 -- Most manufacturers have heard about CE Marking for Europe. Many understand that this is a "Self-Certification" program, but only those that have successfully completed one of these projects understand what this really means.

Bill Bisenius, a Senior Certifications Engineer at CertifiGroup, puts it this way, "CE Marking is called a self-certification program, but that assumes a manufacturer has knowledge of the CE Directives, EN Standards, and has a staff capable of evaluating a product and performing repeatable, accurate testing. It also assumes that the correct test facilities, test procedures and test equipment are in place, and the documentation and records requirement will stand up to EU inspector scrutiny. These inspectors have been seeing many products from different parts of the world, and have had to reject improperly done products".

If a decision is made to sell into the EU market, getting this process right is critical. Although the CE Mark process may not have been intended as a trade barrier, it has become just that for many manufacturers. Some product categories such as medical, explosive atmosphere, safety equipment and others requires a "Notified body" to be involved. Dealing with the Notified Body needs to be done in a way to minimize costs and make the process as quick as possible.

Many companies securing venture capital funding for a new product or manufacturing facility often miss their milestones and underestimate budgets for regulatory and safety. It's critical to know about the requirements based on where your product might be marketed. Although the world has come along ways with harmonization of Standards, there are still many differences. Consider going to product safety regulatory experts like CertifiGroup for insurance against unexpected costs and delays.

Free preliminary sessions are available to manufacturers and designers who can bring their product to our testing laboratory in Cary, NC. Call 800-422-1651 to make an appointment, or visit www.CertifiGroup.com. For specific information on CE marking, go to: http://www.certifigroup.com/cemarking.html

CertifiGroup also provides UL and CSA Certifications, SEMI S2, Ingress Protection IP testing, hazardous location, medial, laboratory, lighting and many other equipment categories. CertifiGroup has former UL Engineers who understand the delays that can happen without proper preparation.

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CertifiGroup helps manufacturers comply with product certification for US / Canada / EU (UL, CSA, CE) with free lab sessions in Cary NC. Visit Booth 1824 at the ATX South in Charlotte April 28-29.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/19/2010 -- One of the keys to competing in the North American and European markets is being prepared for regulatory hurdles. With the right planning and design techniques, there can be a great advantage in time to market with no delays at the testing laboratory. Most testing labs are very similar in this way: When issuing a quotation for certification work, the quote "Assumes" the product will be compliant. Many manufacturers have the experience and engineering staff to submit compliant products – many more do not.

It's important to ask the following questions: Has the correct product Standard been identified? Was it used in the design from the beginning? Was testing performed with the correct test, testing techniques and test equipment? Will this testing turn out the same when the product reaches the testing lab?

If the answers to any of these questions are "No" or unknown, assistance from a qualified, experienced lab is needed to avoid delays and cost increases. With the correct preparation products can be ready for certification, and the manufacturer can gain a significant competitive advantage, selling in North America and Europe well ahead of other companies with similar products.

CertifiGroup currently provides this advantage to many companies, and is now offering free evaluation time at the Cary NC testing laboratory. These complimentary sessions can make the difference between a quick regulatory process and delays and failures at the testing lab.

This initial evaluation will include review of applicable product Standards, materials and component selection, engineering drawings and prototype / sample product safety overview. To sign up for this evaluation or to arrange product safety training, visit us at the AM Advanced Manufacturing ATX Automated Technology Expo, Booth 1824, call CertifiGroup at 800-422-1651, or visit the website: www.CertifiGroup.com and submit a contact form.

CertifiGroup also regularly provides UL Certifications, CE Marking, SEMI S2 evaluations for semiconductor equipment, IP Code ingress protection testing, hazardous (Classified) location certification, solar and wind turbines, medical and laboratory equipment, and field evaluations for hundreds of categories of equipment.

Stop by booth 1824 at the AM Advanced Manufacturing ATX Automated Technology Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center April 29-29. to sign up for your free product evaluation session. Visit us on the web at http://www.certifigroup.com, or call 800-422-1651.

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“CE Marking” certification for Europe is a “Self-Declaration”, but what happens if it’s incorrect? Many company owners don’t realize the liability they assume when signing the CE documentation.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/14/2010 -- In North America, most electrical equipment manufacturers are required to have their products tested by an independent testing laboratory, such as UL, MET, CSA, ETL, and TUV. In the US, these laboratories are approved and audited by the Federal Government (OSHA) and are required to prove experience and competence for the accreditation. For the European Union, "CE Marking" "Self-Declaration is allowed.

What's the difference? With an independent accredited testing laboratory there are some assurances. The correct Standard is chosen, the electrical construction evaluation performed by an Engineer is thorough, and the testing is performed by experienced technicians. With CE marking, none of this is assured. In fact, in the testing and product safety consulting business, products are submitted every day with the CE mark that have multiple problems and hazards.

One of the requirements for the CE Marking is that the owner or CEO of the company sign the Declaration of Conformity. This brings up several questions. Does this person understand the process? Do they have any technical knowledge? Would they know if something was wrong with the product or the test results? Would they even know if any testing had been done or if the proper equipment and procedures had been used? Would they know that a Technical Construction File is required, or that a EU authorized agent is required to hold the report?

Customs and port inspectors in Europe are looking for the CE Marking on all products. Additionally, if there are any questions for any reason, they can request the Technical Construction File. If the file is not with the agent, (or does not exist) the shipment can be delayed, held or turned back. If a CE marked product causes injury or death, the CEO or company owner is held directly responsible in international court – this can result in fines or even prison.

Of course, there are many companies that successfully complete these self-declarations and sell products in the EU without using an independent testing laboratory. Some have experienced people on staff, own the Standards and test equipment, know the Directives, and create an accurate technical file. Others are only placing the CE sticker on the product and are just "Rolling the dice".

CertifiGroup provides some free-of-charge services to help US manufacturers. Call or e-mail to sent up an appointment at the testing facility in North Carolina. Call 800-321-4655 or go to the website http://www.certifigroup.com to send an e-mail or information request.

CertifiGroup also regularly provides US (UL) and Canadian (CSA) certifications for North America, SEMI S2 evaluations for semiconductor equipment, ingress protection testing, hazardous (Classified) location certification and field evaluations, generators, solar and wind turbine safety, medical and laboratory equipment.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Laboratory equipment represents an elevated risk of product safety dangers. CertifiGroup has a special new program to help manufacturers, designers and equipment owners for this high-tech category.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/07/2009 -- In many cases, non-certified laboratory equipment is never identified as a high risk category in the workplace. Scientists and facility owners assume the manufacturers have considered electrical and product safety merely because the equipment is often expensive. The CertifiGroup laboratory equipment evaluation team has been collecting data on the hazards for operators and facilities, and the results are startling.

In a review of 5 years of laboratory equipment evaluated, 80% of this equipment was shown to have critical deficiencies, including: incorrect grounding, accessible live parts, non-certified / unknown custom components, incorrect fusing or supplementary protectors, flammable enclosures, chemical and radiation and other hazards. This equipment is manufactured in the US, Europe and Asia. Some of this equipment is intended for use with flammable chemicals or for explosive atmospheres, and is used for everything from analysis to monitoring and processing hazardous and volatile materials.

Many equipment buyers order from a catalogue and never check to see if the equipment has been certified by a reputable third party testing laboratory, such as UL, ETL, MET, CSA or TUV. They are unknowingly exposing their technicians to potential electrical and product safety hazards and putting their employers at risk for lawsuits and expensive insurance premiums. Federal (OSHA) workplace law 29CFR1910.303 allows OSHA to fine employers for owning non-certified equipment, and more when the equipment is involved in an incident such as shock, electrocution, chemical spill or explosion.

CertifiGroup is offering a special no cost program for designers and manufacturers of laboratory equipment, including time with an engineer in this specialty category. US manufacturers and overseas manufacturers with North American distribution headquarters can apply online at www.certifigroup.com, or call 800-422-1651. Companies and designers who participate in this program will gain an advantage for UL certification and CE marking, and establish a product regulatory resource with the CertifiGroup laboratory equipment product safety team.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Knowing what to do when jobsite delays might occur makes the difference between days and weeks for solving UL problems. Do you know the questions for suppliers of non-certified equipment?

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/23/2009 -- UL certification and labeling issues delay certificates of occupancies for construction projects, almost always at the last minute when contractors can least afford problems. The key to avoiding these problems is using the right purchasing language from the beginning, and having a quickly available resource when a supplier has to provide custom or non-certified equipment.

Some of these problems can be easily avoided by using the correct language in purchasing documents. The language needs to contain references to Federal and State laws, specific terminology that makes finding solutions easier, and a resource person or group for the contractor or their supplier to contact with questions.

The first part is regulations – Federal (OSHA) law for certification of electrical equipment in the workplace is in 29CFR1910.399 and 29CFR1910.303(A). State and local laws can also help contractors. For example, some States have general statues that make the sale of non-certified electrical equipment illegal. Purchasing language works better when it's tailored to a particular company for their existing purchasing requirements, and should make reference to a list of third party agencies available and acceptable to the local AHJ, (e.g. electrical, building, mechanical inspectors). The final element is the most important – Who to call when you have a "UL" issue, and who to have your suppliers call when they have questions.

CertifiGroup is making a special team available to get these questions answered. Contractors and their suppliers can call 800-422-1651 and ask for assistance, or e-mail info@CertifiGroup.com. The CertifiGroup team is one of the most experienced in the US, and has thousands of certification and field labeling projects to use as references to solve these problems. Our long history with these projects show that this information is not generally available. As a result, contractors and their suppliers are scrambling at the last minute, trying to figure out who to call and how big of a problem these issues represent.

Some examples of supplier questions include: Do you know which US Standard applies to your product? If so, do you have a copy of that Standard? Was your equipment designed with the US requirements for electrical safety in mind? If your equipment doesn't have a UL or equivalent label, why not? If it doesn't have a label, has it ever been field evaluated by a nationally recognized testing laboratory? Getting these questions answered can be critical, and having a friendly and informed third party available to help is essential.

This assistance is available at no cost to contractors and their suppliers. The end result of this assistance will be a more profitable job for companies involved in the construction business by avoiding unnecessary and unanticipated delays. Call now for assistance, or visit the website: http://www.CertifiGroup.com.

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Europe’s laws for importing products can be a costly trade barrier for US manufacturers and distributors. Learn how to cut through EU red tape and get a CE Marking that will satisfy the authorities.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/16/2009 -- CertifiGroup, a North Carolina testing laboratory, is offering special programs for US companies who are preparing to sell products in Europe. Since the creation of the "CE marking" system, it has become more obvious over the years that this was not just a "Free trade" arrangement for the countries in the European Union. In recent years, companies shipping products to European ports have had entire shipments delayed and even returned, for not bearing the CE mark, or for missing or incorrect paperwork. With these occurrences, it is now clear that these regulations were also intended to be a trade barrier for companies outside of the EU.

The CertifiGroup CE Marking program makes it easy for US companies to get their product ready for marketing and shipping to Europe. There are two programs: The first program is a product submittal, where CertifiGroup CE certification specialists review your product, technical information and identify where testing is needed; the second program is a CE training program, where a company engineering / production staff learns how to manage the entire process from start to finish. This second program is ideal for companies who have available staff, and intend to market and sell a series of products on the EU market.

Karen Haselman, a Sr. Account Manager at CertifiGroup, talks about the customer experience. "Many times, a designer or manufacturer will start off only focusing on the correct operation of their product. When it's time to market and sell the product in Europe, then they realize there's an entire process that wasn't considered. This can be stressful and difficult without the right kind of guidance". Some of the CertifiGroup customers have 'graduated' into managing the whole process for themselves. "We have several customers who completed the training, and only need to come back to us when they have a new complex product line, or need to market the product internationally to Eastern Europe, Asia, Russia or South America", says Haselman.

Free preliminary sessions are available to manufacturers and designers who can bring their product to our testing laboratory in Cary, NC. Call 800-422-1651 to make an appointment, or visit http://www.CertifiGroup.com.

CertifiGroup also provides UL and CSA Certifications, SEMI S2, Ingress Protection IP testing, hazardous location, medial, laboratory, lighting and many other equipment categories. CertifiGroup has former UL Engineers who understand the delays that can happen without proper preparation.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

CertifiGroup is providing UL testing and certifications for local, national and international designers and manufacturers of electrical products and systems. Training classes are available.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/11/2009 -- What UL Standards apply to my product? This is a typical question for first-time product designers and builders. For individuals and companies new to product safety, these training courses have helped to learn how to submit a product that will pass evaluation and testing. This is the phase where unexpected delays can cause re-design and re-submittal to the testing laboratory.

Product safety training programs can be conducted at the CertifiGroup training facility in Cary NC, or at the manufacturer's location. These programs can be customized to suit a particular manufacturer and product, and range from non-technical (For sales teams and management) to highly technical for designers, prototype builders and manufacturing engineers. Some of these courses include hands-on evaluation and testing with experienced product safety engineers.

This type of training is not generally available, and there are no university or technical school courses that teach product safety and regulatory. Being prepared can save a great deal of money, and make the difference between a timely product launch, and delays that let the competition jump ahead. The CertifiGroup training program will allow your staff to learn how to design, build, and test products in advance of submittal to a testing laboratory. Some manufacturers do not have the facility or equipment to perform their own testing, however, they will be prepared for the design and prototype phases, and will have access to the CertifiGroup facilities.

Testing laboratories like UL (Underwriters Laboratories) will not provide design assistance and staff training. Instead, the burden of being well-prepared is left up to the engineering staff. If you have all the required materials ready (e.g. product or prototype, drawings, specifications), the testing lab will let you submit a product whether you're ready or not. Of course, this can mean unanticipated delays, re-design and/or re-tooling costs, missed venture capital milestones, problems with investors etc. With help from the beginning, or anytime before laboratory submittal, these delays and roadblocks can be avoided.

CertifiGroup will provide free initial engineering evaluations for designers and manufacturers. This initial evaluation will include review of applicable product Standards, materials and component selection, engineering drawings and prototype / sample product safety overview. To sign up for this evaluation or to arrange product safety training, call CertifiGroup at 800-422-1651, or visit the website: http://www.CertifiGroup.com and submit a contact form.

CertifiGroup also regularly provides CE certifications (For Europe), SEMI S2 evaluations for semiconductor equipment, ingress protection testing, hazardous (Classified) location certification and field evaluations, generators, solar and wind turbine safety, medical and laboratory equipment. CertifiGroup was also an exhibitor at the Green NC Building Show, September 9th at the Raleigh Convention Center.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/04/2009 -- CertifiGroup, a Cary NC company, is offering important information to manufacturing companies who are preparing to seek Venture Capital. This information is also critical to Venture Capital firms. Many designers and product builders will be eligible for no-cost assistance

Over the last two decades, CertifiGroup has been assisting designers and manufacturers with "UL" certifications and "CE Marking" projects. If a designer has the correct product Standard in the beginning, and either has the specialized product safety knowledge or works with some one who does, then they may be prepared to correctly present their business and products for investments.

Unfortunately, many times product regulatory is an afterthought, and this missing piece is not identified until too late, when promises have been made and schedules and budgets have been set.

In the Venture Presentation step for securing VC, the prospect will want to be able to talk about regulatory aspects of their product, and be able to claim certification or preparation for certification. They will be able to make statements like "Our product is already UL certified" or "We are working with a product safety testing lab to insure there will be no delays due to regulatory failure or re-design and re-tooling". This will do two things: It will suggest they have a well thought out and inclusive approach and; the Venture Capital firm can use this as information for judging other competitors compared to the prospect – whoever has the knowledge and preparation will come out ahead and not end up missing milestones.

For the Due Diligence Assessment steps, this missing piece can affect market positioning. Execution capabilities, attainability of projections and cash flow forecast. An informed manufacturer will already know about their competitor's products, and whether or not they have successfully completed product testing and certification. Without this important information, the potential competitor will already have a great advantage. The Venture Capital firm will be asking several questions: Does the track record of the management team show their identification and resolution of these market roadblocks?; Will they have to ability to deliver the product on time and at the agreed price?; Do they understand the competitive advantage of a third party safety certified product and how this can affect marketing and distribution plans?; How does the lack of product certification impact possible legal consequences?

In this new era of "Green" technology there are many investors and manufacturers getting involved in electrical product business. The most important question at this point is, "What else is it going to take to get from the drawing board to the retail store or jobsite installation?". "Have I considered everything? How important is Product Safety? Every time an electrical / building inspector or an electrical contractor looks at products and installations, do they want to know "Is it Certified?".

What will you do if your client has a product that ends up having flammable material in a duct? What about categories for equipment certification where test programs can represent many months of unanticipated waiting, possibly failing, and then waiting again. Do you know what these categories are? Will the product even make it to the production phase?

Will the entire investment be at stake? What can I do?

• "Compliance Checkup". Get the designer to meet with a product safety expert, even if only for a preliminary "fact finding" project. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to schedule and prepare for.
• Product Safety Budget. Make sure there a budget for product safety certification, including estimated costs for re-design and (In some cases) re-tooling.
• Product Safety Milestones. Know the time it will take to manage the regulatory process, including the difference between being technically prepared or unprepared.
• Venture Capital Due Diligence. Let a product safety expert assist to safeguard the investment money.

Contact Certifigroup for more information. A limited number of designers and manufacturers will be eligible for no-cost engineering time at the Cary NC facility. 800-422-1651, CertifiGroup.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/26/2009 -- CertifiGroup a Cary NC company, announces the opening of a new Ingress Protection testing laboratory. This IP Code testing laboratory is the biggest privately owned facility in the Western Hemisphere

Ingress Protection is the designation of a product's ability to withstand the entry of objects, dust or liquid. The IP Code is arranged in a 2 digit format. The first digit, "Protection against foreign objects" is from 0 (Not protected) to 6 (Dust tight). The second digit "Protection against moisture" is from 0 (Not protected) to 8 (Protected from submersion). For example, a product that could withstand the most severe dust storm and be water tight would carry the designation IP68. Some electric motors and electrical enclosures bear the IP55 designation: Dust protected and protected against water jets. The US equivalent to IP56 (for UL Certification) is NEMA 4 and 4X. For the complete IP table and reference material, visit CertifiGroup.com and go to the "IP Code Testing" page.

The CertifiGroup Ingress Protection laboratory includes a variety of equipment for testing products that require proof of these protection characteristics. Some products require testing in the "Dust chamber", others are subject to tests performed by an "Oscillating spray tester", "Drip box" or "Jet nozzle" test apparatus. Joshua Hunt, an NC State graduate in mechanical engineering and head of the IP lab talks about the challenges for manufacturers. "A company might design lights for the top of a building, but they're really not sure if the enclosures are water or dust tight until we test them. If they're going to market these products for harsh environments they need to be sure, or failures later on can be disastrous". This testing has to be done with the right equipment. "Recently we had a customer come to us because their previous testing lab, a nationally known product safety lab, used a shower in their bathroom for testing a lighting product", Hunt said. "They were not confident this testing was done correctly".

Some recent CertifiGroup clients include: Toshiba, Parker Hannifin, Altman Lighting, Standard Motor Products. The products tested range from small USB drives to enclosures to large 3 phase industrial motors. Some other clients with well-known names have projects where there were testing failures, and they are in the process of re-design or modifications. Because of these situations, it is a good business decision to get products to the testing lab early, before a test failure can delay projects or shipments.

CertifiGroup also tests many categories of electrical products for UL & CSA Certification, SEMI S-2, CE Marking for Europe. CertifiGroup also has special programs for manufacturers and designers of "Green Energy" equipment, including solar, wind turbine, geothermal and more.

For more information or to arrange a tour of our new Ingress Protection lab, visit the CertifiGroup website (http://CertifiGroup.com) or call 800-422-1651.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

CertifiGroup, a Cary NC company, is providing a free service to manufacturers and designers of wind turbine technologies for commercial and residential installation.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/24/2009 -- Do you know which UL, CSA and international Standards are correct for this category of equipment? How does product safety regulatory affect design and production timelines? Can a designer or manufacturer of this equipment gain an advantage in the marketplace by understanding these questions and acting on the information? There are many brilliant minds, entrepreneurs, mechanical and electrical specialists working on these technologies, but most of them are missing this critical information. CertifiGroup is providing free consultation to give these innovators a head start, and avoid costly delays at critical milestones.

Since the breaking of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) monopoly, other testing laboratories can provide genuinely helpful customer service to small businesses and first-time designers. The new CertifiGroup alternative energy program will help insure these manufacturers and designers have every advantage in the marketplace.

Brad Collison, Engineering Manager at CertifiGroup, reports that the initial meetings with designers of wind turbines are very enlightening for everyone involved in the project. "In most cases, there was little consideration given to the product safety process. In all of these project working sessions, the designers had little or no knowledge of the UL and other Standards they needed to comply with". The same holds true with investors and venture capital interests. "The timelines being laid out are incorrect. These manufacturers are going to face some uncomfortable questions from investors when milestones are missed because of design mistakes or testing laboratory delays. In one venture capital presentation I saw, the entire subject was missing," said Collison. "This is a recipe for disaster, since competitors who have the knowledge will have the edge".

Many designers have to go back to the drawing board because the product safety regulations were not considered early on, or the product was submitted to the lab and had electrical construction or test failures. The difficulty is that companies like UL don't offer any design assistance – they simply tell you if the product fails evaluation or testing, then you have to try and figure out how to go back and get it right. This can take several attempts without help. The solution to all testing laboratory difficulties is genuine assistance in the design or prototype phase of product development. This is where CertifiGroup comes in. This free service will assist our designers and manufacturers of energy-saving products, and help our communities and our world become more environmentally friendly.

The new Wind Turbine technology is exciting. There are names like "Helix Wind", "Quiet Revolution", "Super Turbine", "Sky Serpent", loop wing and eggbeater designs, air generators, kites, spiral turbines. The opportunities are great, and the imagination of these designers is unlimited. But also, there are investors ready to ride the tide, stimulus monies to be had, local and state programs and laws encouraging this innovative and important Green technology work.

In the normal course of business, CertifiGroup handles a wide variety of equipment and product certifications, everything from lighting products to medical equipment to explosive atmosphere industrial systems. These projects require experience in the array of Standards available, such as UL, CSA, ANSI, ASTM and NFPA Standards. If the designer knows the Standard and how to build equipment to comply and pass testing, this process can go smoothly, sometimes going from submittal to certification in just a few weeks. These free sessions can potentially save thousands of dollars and help avoid delays the make the differences between success and failure of a product, or even a company.

CertifiGroup (certifigroup.com) also provides UL certifications, and has assisted many manufacturers in selling products in the Western Hemisphere, Europe and worldwide.

Contact Certifigroup at 800-422-1651, or at http://www.certifigroup.com to make an appointment for the free Green Design Assistance service. This program also includes Solar and other Green and Energy-Saving products.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

CertifiGroup, a Cary NC company, is providing a free service to manufacturers and designers of energy-saving Green products and systems.

Cary, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/16/2009 -- For many years, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) was usually associated with Product Safety testing, now this alternative will be something helpful for local companies. The CertifiGroup Green Initiative will help insure manufacturers and designers have every advantage in the marketplace, by assisting with design and safety compliance.

Many designers and manufacturers have to go back to the drawing board because the product safety regulations were not considered early on. When it's time to submit the product for testing, this can cause months of delays, then re-testing and taking a chance at test failures. The difficulty is that companies like UL don't offer any design assistance – they simply tell you if the product fails evaluation or testing, then you have to try and figure out how to go back and get it right. Sometimes this takes several attempts.

The solution to all testing laboratory difficulties is genuine assistance in the design or prototype phase or product development. This is where CertifiGroup comes in. This free service will assist our designers and manufacturers of energy-saving products, and help our communities and our world become more environmentally friendly.

"Our Engineering time is the most valuable commodity we have" Says Stephanie Flanigon, a Sr. Account Manger for CertifiGroup. "This free program is a service that's difficult for designers and manufacturers to find". For example, she says, many designers and manufacturers submit their products to the testing laboratory without knowing if it is designed and built to comply with national and international safety Standards, or if it will pass the rigorous testing products must be put through prior to certification. "Most testing lab customers could really use this help in the beginning, to avoid having to go back to the drawing board and delay the product getting to market", says Flanigon.

In the normal course of business, CertifiGroup handles a wide variety of equipment and product certifications, everything from lighting products to medical equipment to explosive atmosphere industrial systems. These projects require experience in the array of Standards available, such as UL, CSA, ANSI, ASTM and NFPA Standards. "If the designer knows the Standard and how to build equipment to comply and pass testing, this process can go smoothly, sometimes going from submittal to certification in just a few weeks", states Flanigon. "These two hour sessions can potentially save thousands of dollars and help avoid delays the make the differences between success and failure of a product, or even a company".

CertifiGroup (certifigroup.com) also provides UL certifications, and has assisted many manufacturers in selling products in the Western Hemisphere, Europe and worldwide.

Contact Certifigroup at 800-422-1651, or at http://www.certifigroup.com to make an appointment for the free Green Design Assistance service.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm