Field Evaluation Testing: On-Site Compliance & Safety Verification
Field Evaluation Testing ensures equipment operates safely and meets regulatory standards in real-world conditions. Our team specializes in providing thorough, on-site evaluations tailored to your unique testing needs.
Through our extensive Applus+ network and partnership with Applus+ QPS, Keystone can now connect you directly to QPS, a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) and a leader in field evaluations of electrical products across North America and Canada.
Request a quote to receive professional NEC field evaluation testing services tailored to your needs.
What is Field Evaluation Testing?
Field evaluation is an on-site process where products, equipment, or systems-often lacking traditional certification-are assessed for safety and code compliance in their actual operational environment.
Unlike lab testing, field evaluations are performed at the installation site. Field evaluations focus on unique, custom, or modified equipment that may not fit standard certification pathways.
The process involves construction inspection, limited nondestructive testing, and a review of components and assemblies. The testing process is used to ensure the product meets the relevant safety standards for its specific application and location.
Common field evaluation safety standards include:
Why is Field Evaluation Important?
Field evaluation is crucial for identifying hidden dangers by testing equipment in its actual operating environment. Before energizing any system, inspectors check for faults like faulty wiring or improper installations that could lead to hazards like shocks or fires.
Early detection helps protect workers, property, and occupants from incidents that lab testing might miss.
Beyond safety, field evaluation ensures compliance and manages liability. Manufacturers may alter products, potentially voiding certifications.
Additionally, field evaluators confirm that modified systems still meet codes (e.g., NEC, NFPA, IEC) and industry standards, preventing fines, claims, or legal disputes. It also provides documentation of compliance for insurance and audits.
In fast-paced projects, field evaluation speeds up approval by working directly with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to perform tests and issue reports on-site. Ultimately, this avoids delays from waiting on off-the-shelf certification, helping to keep projects on track and prevent costly rework or shutdowns.
Lastly, field evaluation improves long-term efficiency and maintenance. Test reports highlight component wear and installation quality. This information guides proactive maintenance, which extends equipment life and reduces downtime. As a result, it ensures better reliability and more predictable lifecycle costs for critical infrastructure.
Differences Between Field Evaluation and Other Types of Testing
- Location: Field evaluations are conducted on-site in real-world conditions, while laboratory testing is performed in controlled environments.
- Scope: Field evaluation is site-specific and typically a one-time approval for unique or limited-quantity equipment. Laboratory certification is for mass-produced products.
- Purpose: Field evaluation addresses immediate compliance needs for equipment that cannot be certified through standard processes. Lab testing provides standardized, repeatable results for broader market access.
- Equipment: Field evaluations use portable, practical tools, while labs have access to specialized, comprehensive testing equipment.
Industries Needing Field Evaluation Services
Field evaluation services are essential across a wide range of industries, including:
Manufacturing
- Automation equipment & robotics (e.g., PLC-controlled production lines)
- Control panels (motor starters, VFDs, safety interlocks)
- Machine tools (CNC mills, lathes, presses)
Energy and Utilities
- Power distribution gear (transformers, switchgear, bus ducts)
- Onsite generators (prime-mover controls, synchronization systems)
- Renewable systems (solar arrays, wind turbines, energy storage installations)
Construction
- Building materials (e.g., fire-rated doors, curtain walls)
- Fire safety systems (sprinkler pumps, alarms, smoke control)
- Structural components (steel connections, precast elements)
Transportation
- Rail equipment (signal relay cabinets, traction power substations):
- Aviation ground systems (jet bridge controls, hangar fire systems)
- Marine installations (shipboard switchboards, navigation-lighting controls)
Healthcare
- Medical devices (imaging equipment, sterilizers, laboratory analyzers)
- Dental devices (compressor systems, autoclaves, chair controls)
Telecommunications
- Network infrastructure (microwave radio units, distribution frames)
- Power systems (battery banks, rectifiers, UPS)
Common Challenges Faced Without Field Evaluation
Without field evaluation, organizations risk:
- Regulatory Delays: Equipment may be “red-tagged” or denied approval by authorities, halting operations.
- Safety Hazards: Undetected risks can lead to accidents, injuries, or property damage.
- Increased Costs: Non-compliance can result in expensive recalls, repairs, or legal liabilities.
- Reputational Damage: Failing to meet safety standards undermines trust with customers and regulators.
- Operational Disruptions: Unapproved or unsafe equipment can cause unexpected downtime and project delays.
Expert Field Evaluation Testing Services
With over decades of expertise in regulatory certifications for field evaluations in hazardous and ordinary locations, Applus+ Laboratories can ensure that your equipment meets all the necessary compliance standards that will satisfy the relevant local AHJ(s).
Whether you’re navigating certification requirements for new installations or ensuring regulatory adherence for custom equipment, our team is ready to support your project with tailor solutions.