NEBS Testing

Compliance to the Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) Requirements is essential for Telecommunication Network products to be delivered to leading American carriers and providers. The NEBS requirements GR 63, GR 1089, GR 487 (outdoor equipment) cover EMC, Safety, Climatic and Mechanical tests and also rules for grounding. It is not sufficient to perform and pass only EMC and safety as for CE–marking in Europe. Some tests are included which are not covered by European standards. These concern test methods or test levels and may require special design of the boards and the complete system to be able to pass the qualification.

Testing in accordance with NEBS requirements can be an intimidating experience. The environmental and electrical testing involved is comprehensive and rigorous. However, by choosing a qualified test laboratory with knowledgeable personnel with a good understanding of the test regimen and with testing procedures well prepared, NEBS compliance can be achieved with a minimum of problems or delays. Having access to an experienced NEBS testing or consulting organization that possesses knowledge of all aspects of NEBS compliance is of great value when redesign or compromises are required. Such an organization is especially valuable early in the equipment design phase, when it can offer guidance that will prevent any need for time-consuming redesign later at the testing stage.