AboutDave Nyce Expertise I have been an electronics engineer for 25 years. I can answer questions on analog and digital circuits and my specialty is sensors.
Experience I am the inventor on 23 US patents, and also some foreign ones. Developed sensors for over 25 years. Licensed private pilot (airplane and rotorcraft), have HAM radio license. I'm not an expert in computer networking.
Question THESE LETTERS SHOW UP ON MANY, MANY PRODUCTS THAT I BUY NOWADAYS. IN MY EXPERIENCE, IT'S BEEN ELECTRICAL ITEMS, CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT THEY MEAN?
CE
Answer The letters CE stand for the french words Committee European. That is a set of regulations on electrical equipment agreed upon by an association of European Countries. Generally, any electrical device sold in Western Europe since 1994 must have this label. It means that the device has passed the tests that are deemed necessary for that kind of device.
In the USA, we have had UL listing for a long time, but that was mainly for safety. It warrants that the device was tested to avoid fire and electrical shock hazards.
The CE mark adds whatever they think is necessary. The main addition is that of limiting the problems from electrical noise. A device typically has to operate ok when subjected to the normal kind of electrical noise that would be expected. It also must not emit excessive electrical noise that will interfere with other devices. Also, cell phones, etc. have to emit less energy than that beleived to cause harm to people.
The CE mark is now also used on most USA products because sometimes they are sold in Europe, and European products are also sold here.
