Ensuring Safety, Performance, and Reliability for DC-Powered Products
As more products rely on direct current (DC) power—from renewable energy equipment and electric vehicles to industrial controls, data centers, and consumer electronics—manufacturers must verify that their products operate safely and efficiently under real-world DC conditions. Intertek’s DC power testing services evaluate electrical performance, endurance, and compliance across a wide range of DC-powered systems and components.
Why DC Power Testing Matters
DC voltage and current behavior differ significantly from alternating current (AC) systems, introducing unique risks such as arcing, thermal stress, and insulation breakdown at high voltages. Testing under realistic DC loads ensures that products maintain stability, safety, and functionality in demanding applications including:
- Data Centers
- DC Microgrid
- Battery systems and energy storage equipment
- DC power converters and supplies
- Electric vehicle (EV) chargers and components
- Industrial and telecommunications systems operating on DC networks
- Home appliances
- HVAC/R systems
Key DC Power Test Capabilities
Intertek’s laboratories provide comprehensive DC power evaluation, including:
- DC High-Potential (Hipot) and Insulation Resistance Testing – Verify dielectric strength and leakage performance.
- Voltage Stability and Current Regulation – Confirm power quality, load response, and system reliability.
- Thermal and Endurance Evaluation – Assess heating, overload, and long-term performance under continuous DC operation.
- Fault and Overcurrent Protection Testing – Validate compliance with protection requirements for fuses, breakers, and control circuits.
- EMC and Efficiency Verification – Test to confirm function correctly in its intended electromagnetic environment and energy efficiency standards to reduce interference and losses
Standards for DC-Powered Products
Testing and certification to international safety and performance standards support global market access and product acceptance. Commonly evaluated standards include:
- Safety: UL 1741, UL 9540, CSA C22.2 #107.1, UL/CSA/IEC 62109-1, IEC 62477-1, IEC/UL 60335-1, UL 1310, UL 1973, IEC 62619, UL 2202/CSA C22.2 No. 346, IEC 62368-1, etc.
- Power Quality: IEEE 519, IEEE 1159, IEC 61000-4-30, etc.
- Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR, EU Eco-design, regional energy conservation standards, etc.
- Components: UL 489, UL 489B, UL 1449, UL 508, UL 508I, UL/IEC 60947-4-1, IEC 62930, etc.
Partner with Intertek
Intertek’s DC testing experts help manufacturers validate product performance, mitigate risk, and meet the growing global demand for DC-powered technologies. From prototype evaluation to certification and ongoing compliance testing, we deliver trusted results that accelerate reliable market entry.
