TÜV testing for mobile transport robots

With the boom in mobile transport robotics, binding regulations for the safe operation of automated guided vehicles also had to be created. TÜV SÜD (source: https://www.tuvsud.com/de-de/wissenswert/insicht/fahrerlose-transportsysteme) has been involved in the testing of mobile transport robots and automated guided vehicles for more than five years. Basically, the Machinery Directive 2006/42 is applied with the accompanying verification of EC conformity. The tests include static and dynamic tests, such as stability tests, functional safety tests according to EN ISO 13849-1:2015 and the verification of compliance with the internationally valid machine product standard EN-ISO 3691-4:2020. Furthermore, the verification of electromagnetic compatibility according to EMC 12895:2015:A1:2019 and compliance with the European Telecommunications Standard according to ETSI are part of the certification. In addition, we have had the IP 54 test for dust and splash water protection carried out in accordance with EN 60529:1991/A2:2013/AC:2019-02 as well as certification for the US market in accordance with UL 3100 Edition 1, May 26, 2021.

Accelerating commissioning in the USA

In the USA, extensive regulations apply to products that are used in public buildings, in the commercial or private sector. Electrical products and machines are particularly subject to strict testing and, in some cases, certification requirements. European standards such as EN standards, but also the manufacturer’s self-declaration of EC conformity by affixing a CE mark are not recognised as sufficient by the US authorities. All machines, production facilities and products used in the USA must meet the national standard. The tests required for certification are carried out by nationally recognised test laboratories (NRTL). Outside the United States, TÜV SÜD is one of the few institutions allowed to carry out the certification. The accreditation of the 19 recognised test laboratories is carried out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The certification of our SAFELOG AGV M4 was carried out according to the specifications of UL 3100, Edition 1, May 26, 2021, the US standard for the safety of automated mobile robots.

The NRTL certification speeds up exports and project acceptance in the USA as well as the commissioning of our mobile transport robots enormously. Instead of a precise individual inspection of the devices during commissioning by an AHJ inspector (AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction) appointed by the operator of the devices, this inspector merely checks the existence of the certification. If the inspection certificate is in order, the mobile transport robots can be put into operation without further restrictions or modifications. This represents an enormous added value, both for our customers and for us.

IP 54 – Please powder and wash

The marking IP 54 describes the protection class of the housing of the SAFELOG AGV M4. The first digit refers to the protection against foreign bodies and contact, the second digit defines the protection against water.

The IP 5x protection of the equipment deals with the ingress of dust into the enclosure. Here, the penetration of the test dust, for example talcum powder, does not have to be completely prevented, but the test agent must not penetrate in such a quantity that the reliable functioning of the device or safety is impaired. The test of an enclosure is carried out in a dust chamber into which talcum powder is introduced and swirled. Furthermore, the figure states that the appliance has complete protection against contact. A test probe with a diameter of 1.0 mm must not be able to penetrate the enclosure or come into contact with dangerous components when penetrating.

The IP x4 protection against water ingress specifies that splash water hitting the enclosure must not have any negative effects. The enclosure is thereby watered from all sides for five minutes with a flow rate of 10l/min using a spray shower. Any water that has entered the enclosure must not impair the proper operation of the equipment or the functional safety or be deposited on insulating parts where it can lead to leakage currents. Furthermore, it must be ensured that no live components or windings come into contact with water that are not suitable for this purpose. Water accumulation near the ends of cables or the penetration of water into cables must also be prevented in accordance with IP x4.

The test by TÜV SÜD was demanding and we are pleased that we have fulfilled all requirements with the SAFELOG AGV M4. Next up for testing is the SAFELOG AGV S3 and we are confident that we will also successfully complete its certification according to the same criteria.