Folks,
Keith and I are gearing up to releasing a real "end-user" product in the coming months. (don't worry - we'll still be making and releasing DIY products!).
While the design and prototypes are being finalized, I've started thinking and wondering about the legal/certification side of releasing a product, especially when your a small (_very_ small company). I was looking through some of the manufacturers over at www.vintageking.com and wondering how these guys handle the legal side of their business.
I know that large manufacturers have all sorts of malpractice insurance (to cover against a customer suing them for their house burning down), and have to get their products UL and CE certified for EMI and safety, but to do all of that can cost many thousands of dollars.
I don't think this is a worry for DIY products, as all we do is provide a PCB. I'm not sure how much a concern this is for the API500 standard either, because again, it's a module to be part of a larger system. But if I release a 19" rack mount (even if it has a wall wart) I'm sure the rules change significantly.
I've tried finding books at my local "borders" about this... but maybe it's a little too specialist.
Can any of you point me to a good resource, where I can read about this in more detail?
If any of you would share your experiences in this matter too, I would be eternally grateful.
Many thanks in advance.
/Rochey
Keith and I are gearing up to releasing a real "end-user" product in the coming months. (don't worry - we'll still be making and releasing DIY products!).
While the design and prototypes are being finalized, I've started thinking and wondering about the legal/certification side of releasing a product, especially when your a small (_very_ small company). I was looking through some of the manufacturers over at www.vintageking.com and wondering how these guys handle the legal side of their business.
I know that large manufacturers have all sorts of malpractice insurance (to cover against a customer suing them for their house burning down), and have to get their products UL and CE certified for EMI and safety, but to do all of that can cost many thousands of dollars.
I don't think this is a worry for DIY products, as all we do is provide a PCB. I'm not sure how much a concern this is for the API500 standard either, because again, it's a module to be part of a larger system. But if I release a 19" rack mount (even if it has a wall wart) I'm sure the rules change significantly.
I've tried finding books at my local "borders" about this... but maybe it's a little too specialist.
Can any of you point me to a good resource, where I can read about this in more detail?
If any of you would share your experiences in this matter too, I would be eternally grateful.
Many thanks in advance.
/Rochey