Most of the time we rely on the test laboratory to observetest precautions regarding accessory equipment, excess equipment (clutter), overloads, RF hazards, shock hazards, spectrum restrictions and other concerns that could affect the measurements or violate regulatory rules should be documented in the procedure.

Spectrum restrictions need to be addressed if radio transmitters are present. In the absence of clear approvals to operate the transmitters, the laboratory will need to assume that the transmitter operation is restricted. Are special precautions applicable to your EUT or the test configuration? The laboratory needs to be made aware of risk areas that may not be obvious. For example, the equipment may use materials with a low flash point (fuels, inks, lubricants, etc.) and methods to mitigate electrostatic charges must be incorporated to prevent ignition risks.

Selecting the test laboratory should be accomplished early in the preparation for qualification testing. In-house, independent or government laboratories require coordination to effectively conduct the test program. The test facility layout has a large influence on how the test is configured; challenges from physical constraints and test and measurement equipment to locations for the testing should weigh heavily in our preparation.

Prior to requesting test support, a basic test procedure should be assembled which provides the test requirements and a description of the Equipment Under Test (EUT).

Without having this basic information, the test laboratories will have a lot of questions to determine their capability to accomplish the required tests. Information provided when requesting a laboratory pricing proposal should include a minimum of the following:

• The physical properties (size, weight, and information on mounting hardware).
• Power parameters (voltage, current, power frequency).
• A listing of the applicable test methods.
• A listing of the support Equipment that will accompany the EUT (this should include the space and power requirement for equipment).
• A list of the different modes of operation is involved in testing. This could be just one of various modes that are exercised at the same time or within a sequence. Duty cycle restrictions associated with the EUT need to be identified. If the test article requires a long time to complete an operation or if the duty cycle presents continuous operation, the test laboratory needs to be aware to schedule the test program properly. If radio transmitters or receivers are present in the test article, the details about each wireless module is needed.
• The approval status for operating the transmitters at the test location should be included. Any restricted access or special handling (e.g., ITAR, Government classification, etc.) requirements need to be provided.