Certify DIY electronics

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Hi!

First, sorry to the admins if this post does not go here, not sure where to place it

I am building some DIY electronic devices to automate lights and some other things.

I have read that I need to get an "S+" certification in order the proper electrician is happy and insurance company will cover in case something goes wrong.

Is that true?

Do you know how I could get such certification?

Any other certification I need to get?

Any tips are super welcome!

Thanks!

2
For the S+ sign see here: https://www.esti.admin.ch/en/topics/...on-safety-mark

For the general regulations see here: https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2016/17/de#chap_2

3
For your general information, insurance comes with the concept of contributory negligence, which means that if you contribute to the disaster then you can expect the insurance company will reduce the pay out if they can.

The DIY disaster I heard of was a neighbor who decided to enlarge a window, but he did not exactly understand the concept of a lintel... He got nothing so he was lucky it was only is garage!

4
It will cost thousands to do this.

No need really. You can self-certify yourself and use the CE mark guidelines but you really need to back this up with test data and this will cost thousands too if you don't have the gear.

Much better to do your own stuff at low voltages and switch high voltages using off-the-shelf, certified, switch gear.

Having said all that, you're not selling anything and DIY design and building of electronic equipment is not a rare thing.

I'm not sure what the rules are for DIY builds for your own consumption but your main problem, is as Jim has mentioned, if something goes wrong and you need to use your insurance.

5
Thanks for your answers!

I read the the government links but they don't say what tests and who could perform them.

My devices uses mains voltage but very little current. They are packed with fuses and protections.

To drive the lights I use of-the-shelf relays as you recommend (In case you are curious, it's all here: https://github.com/crgarcia12/electr...schematics-v17 )

I would like to know who can perform the test, or what tests are needed to be in the safe-side.

Ideally I would like to get a quotation of how much it could cost. If it is too expensive I will probably abandon the project

Thanks!

6
You wouldn't need to both with any testing if you got rid of the transformer/mains stuff from your PCB and used a 5V brick to supply your circuit.

Forget formal S testing -it's more for manufacturing and will cost you thousands as I wrote before.

It does include EMC testing too but if you go down the power brick route, you shouldn't have problems with that too.