Overview of ASTA certification documents for electrical equipment compliance

Verifies full adherence to every requirement within a specified standard through comprehensive testing protocols. This certification applies to finished products requiring complete validation for CE marking or international market access, such as: 

• High-voltage switchgear assemblies (IEC 62271-200)
• Power transformers (IEC 60076 series)
• Low-voltage distribution boards (IEC 61439-3) 

Manufacturers obtain this certification through witnessed testing at ASTA-recognized laboratories, with independent verification by Intertek engineers. The process includes full design validation and material compliance checks.

Confirms successful completion of mandatory type tests prescribed by specific standards. Used for: 

• Circuit breaker validation (IEC 60947-2)
• Fuse performance testing (IEC 60269 series)
• Mechanical endurance assessments 

This certification pathway is particularly valuable for custom-engineered solutions where full production certification isn't practical. Testing occurs under ASTA Observer supervision at any of Intertek's 30+ global facilities.

Validates partial compliance through targeted testing of manufacturer-specified parameters. Typical applications include: 

• Material substitution validations
• Limited production run components
• Prototype evaluations 

Enables incremental compliance demonstration while maintaining design flexibility. Test scope must be clearly defined during the certification request phase.

Extends existing certifications to accommodate: 

• Design modifications
• Expanded operational ratings
• Alternative material specifications 

Maintains certification continuity while documenting product evolution. Requires retesting of affected systems/components under original test protocols.

Documents non-standard or exploratory testing outcomes that fall outside formal certification parameters. Common uses include: 

• Novel technology validation
• Custom rating verification
• Research & development support 

While not a formal certificate, these reports provide technical evidence for regulatory submissions and client consultations.

ASTA Certificate of Compliance
Verifies that the samples tested conform to all t=of the requirements of the reference standard.

ASTA Supplementary Certificate
A Supplementary Certificate refers to a Certificate of Compliance and is used to verify modifications and alternative models by selected testing to cover the variant features. Supplementary Certificates can also be used to record upgrading to a later standard and alternative manufacturing sites.  

ASTA Licences give authority to the holder to add the ASTA Certification mark to products described within the Licence and describe them as ASTA Approved. ASTA Licence are issued after complete testing, for which a Certificate of Compliance is issued, together with inspection of the manufacturing facility.
Ongoing requirements for maintenance of the Licence include surveillance testing, usually each year and annual factory inspections. Additional models or variants can be added to Licences after limited testing and the issue of a Supplementary Certificate.  

To preserve client confidentiality, Intertek does not publish a list of ASTA Certificates. If any party wishes to confirm the authenticity of an ASTA Certificate which they have received, we encourage them to submit a request to asta@intertek.com with a copy of the certificate in question. We will happily reply to confirm the authenticity of the details submitted.  

ASTA Certificates and ASTA Reports do not have an expiry date. They are formal records of testing performed and ratings assigned based on the testing described therein in accordance with the standard stated on the front sheet of the certificate. The certificates include detailed descriptions of the apparatus tested, including incorporated components, photographs and constructional drawings. Certificates include the following comment on the front sheets: “This Certificate applies only to the apparatus tested. Responsibility for conformity of any apparatus having the same or other designations rests with the manufacturer.”

ASTA Certificates are typically used as the foundation of compliance evidence compiled by a manufacturer to demonstrate conformity of bespoke apparatus for a particular project. The manufacturer should provide supplementary evidence/justification for any features not covered by the ASTA Certificate, e.g. different configurations or manufacturing location. Similarly, justification should be provided where the standard on the certificate has been superseded by a later edition

ASTA Licences have a review date of up to five years from issue. They can be reissued following supplementary testing, changes to the approval standard or when near the review date.

The validity of ASTA Licences can be confirmed using the following webpage: ASTA BEAB - Welcome to the BEAB Buyers' Guide.