Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, hosted an awareness workshop for manufacturers, suppliers, certification bodies, consultants, and contractors on certification of low voltage switchgear products (LVSP). The workshop aimed to inform stakeholders of the LVSG product certification transition from Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) to QCC, as well as to support potential applicants seeking the Abu Dhabi Trustmark.
The commencement of certification of Low Voltage Switchgear Products follows the signing of a cooperation agreement to transition the service from ADDC to QCC signed in July 2017. As part of the same agreement, QCC is now also responsible for the certification of personnel offering electrical work services.
The ADDC LVSG Committee stopped accepting new products for pre-qualification, while QCC commenced the issuance of the Abu Dhabi Trustmark for LVSG products that meet the requirements outlined in the certification scheme.
The agreement also stipulated that prior to getting licensed, contractors would be required to demonstrate the educational qualifications and work experience of their staff to QCC. in efforts to uplift quality and aid the market, contractors can supersede the educational qualifications and work experience by obtaining a certificate of conformity for each of their personnel. Each occupation requires an assessment carried out by assessment centres registered with QCC. The assessment is divided into two parts, theoretical and practical, each testing the candidate against the core and essential minimum requirements for the occupation.
Furthermore, products approved by ADDC earlier are required to reapply for certification from QCC within a period of six months starting from 1 September 2017. ADDC has also made it mandatory for personnel and companies performing Low Voltage Switchgear installation to obtain a conformity certificate issued by the QCC.
As part of the agreement, QCC also assumed responsibility for the LVSG products database of certified personnel and companies that was previously administered by ADDC.
His Excellency Dr Helal Humaid Al Kaabi, Acting Secretary General of QCC, said: “This move articulates our ongoing commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi Plan and its objective of ensuring the continuous development of Abu Dhabi through adopting world-class standards across diverse and vital sectors. Towards this priority, QCC seeks to leverage its collaboration with both regulators and industry partners to produce certification schemes for various products, personnel and systems to ensure that they consistently meet relevant quality, safety and environmental performance requirements. This will further enhance Abu Dhabi’s leading position as one of the most competitive economies worldwide.”
He added: “Such collaborations will generate long-term benefits for Abu Dhabi’s economy through supporting the government’s agenda with regard to the quality and safety of our critical infrastructure. In addition, they will ensure the effective integration of the Abu Dhabi economy into the global economy.”
For his part, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, said: “The transition of certification of LVSG products from ADDC to QCC marks a significant step in streamlining the certification process. In addition to ensuring that the design, manufacture, and installation of LVSG products meet the highest standards, the move will save time and effort for our customers, and standardise the process.”
Al Suwaidi added: “Our collaboration with QCC demonstrates ADDC’s commitment to working closely with other entities to keep pace with the urban development and economic changes witnessed by the emirate as well as to respond to the industry’s needs. At ADDC, we seek to apply the highest standards in the provision of water and electricity services to help Abu Dhabi enhance it utility infrastructure.”
QCC also announced plans to undertake local factory assessments and market surveillance activities to verify conformity to the relevant standards.
The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council was established in 2009 to raise the quality of the emirate’s exports and locally traded products while protecting the interests of consumers and supporting the UAE’s competitive economy. QCC empowers regulators to establish and implement product safety, legal metrology and conformity schemes. The Council also sets guidelines and benchmarks to verify that products manufactured and traded in Abu Dhabi conform to the highest quality standards.
