IEC/EN 60945 is an international standard created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) focused on navigation and communications devices used on ships. 

This standard sets minimum performance requirements for the function of maritime navigation and shipborne radio equipment, including the ability of devices to work in marine environments, as well as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), power supply, safety and performance. 

If you manufacture navigation or communications equipment that’s used in a marine setting, it’s important to achieve compliance with IEC 60945 to demonstrate your products’ quality and gain access to global markets.

Below, we’ve explained what IEC 60945 is, as well as how you can achieve compliance with this standard for your device(s).

For more information about IEC 60945, or complying with other electrical device regulations and standards, please contact us online or call our team directly at 866-540-5287.

What is IEC 60945?

IEC 60945 is one of many international standards created by the International Electrotechnical Commission to ensure electrical devices achieve a certain level of safety and performance.

More specifically, IEC 60945 ensures that marine electrical devices — particularly devices used for navigation and/or telecommunications — function properly and safely, allowing for consistent and reliable use at sea.

IEC 60945 covers many aspects of maritime device safety, performance and function, including:

• Electromagnetic compatibility. Also referred to as EMC, this refers to the ability of an electrical device to function properly in the presence of other electronic devices, without emitting or being affected by excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Durability in a maritime environment. Devices used at sea need to function properly in a specific environment, which may involve extreme temperatures, high levels of humidity, movement and vibration from vessel operation, and high levels of salt in the air.
• Operation and usability. Under IEC 60945, devices used at sea must be readable in a variety of lighting conditions and conform with specific requirements for safe operation in marine conditions.
• Power supply. To achieve IEC 60945 compliance, devices used at sea must be able to tolerate power supply issues that can occur onboard a ship, such as transient surges or variation in voltage.
• Safety. Devices that comply with IEC 60945 must meet minimum standards for safety, such as electromagnetic radiation, thermal safety, hazardous materials emissions, and safe practices regarding electrical grounding and fail-safe software design.

Overall, IEC 60945 provides a thorough list of standards designed to encourage the creation of safe, effective and user-friendly maritime devices.

Why is IEC 60945 Important?

Like other IEC standards, IEC 60945 is vital for maintaining the safety and reliability of electrical equipment. IEC 60945 ensures that critical equipment used at sea works when it needs to, even in the harsh conditions that can often occur in a maritime environment.

As a manufacturer, achieving compliance with IEC 60945 is important for several reasons. This standard confirms that your device is made to a high standard, strengthens your reputation as a manufacturer, and can offer competitive advantages for your product in the market.

Some markets may use IEC 60945, similar standards, or harmonized standards as part of their regulations regarding maritime device safety, making compliance important for market access. 

How to Achieve IEC 60945 Compliance

Understand the IEC 60945 Standard

Before starting the compliance process, it’s key to understand the IEC 60945 standard and the effects it may have on your product design and components.

As specialists in compliance testing for IEC standards, we can advise you on the requirements of IEC 60945 and help you make effective decisions that prioritize compliance when designing, planning and making your product. 

Design Your Device for IEC/EN Compliance

Achieving compliance becomes easier when you design with compliance in mind. This means selecting suitable components and ensuring your design meets the minimum requirements set out under IEC 60945.

Carry Out IEC 60945 Testing and Seek Certification

Once you’ve completed a prototype or manufactured your device, you’ll need to carry out testing to ensure it meets IEC 60945 criteria. 

The testing process for IEC 60945 involves environmental tests, electromagnetic emissions and immunity testing, power supply testing, operational testing, and tests to determine your device’s durability and safety. 

As specialists in compliance testing, our accredited testing lab and engineering team can carry out IEC 60945 testing for your device and help you achieve compliance and certification.

We also offer testing for other industry standards and government regulations, as listed in our accredited lab scope. 

Talk to Our Team About IEC 60945 Testing & Certification

Achieving compliance with IEC 60945 is important for many reasons. It demonstrates that your device is safe and dependable in a marine environment, giving customers confidence.

It also strengthens your product’s appeal and allows you access to markets around the world, from the United States to the European Union and elsewhere.

As accredited specialists in product testing and compliance, we can help you carry out testing for your maritime device and achieve IEC 60945 certification.

For more information, to request a free quote, or to ask our engineers a question, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.