IACS amended its UR on shipboard equipment testing standards

Eda Zenic -

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published an amended Unified Requirement E10 outlining the testing requirements for electrical, electronic, and programmable equipment used in ship control, monitoring, alarm, and protection systems.

This UR will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

Purpose:

The specification aims to verify that shipboard equipment performs as intended, even under challenging environmental and operational conditions.

Key Sections:

Scope: Applies to equipment in safety-critical systems on ships.

Testing Requirements: Equipment must undergo rigorous tests tailored to its intended use, focusing on performance, environmental resistance, electrical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Testing Procedures:

  1. Visual Inspection: Confirms conformance to design.
  2. Performance Testing: Assesses function under standard conditions.
  3. Power Supply Tests: Includes power failure and variation scenarios.
  4. Environmental Tests: Heat, cold, humidity, and salt mist resistance.
  5. Mechanical Tests: Vibration and inclination performance.
  6. Electrical Safety Tests: Insulation and high voltage endurance.
  7. EMC Tests: Resilience to electrostatic discharge and electromagnetic interference.
  8. Surge Testing: Ability to withstand power surges.

Compliance: Aligns with international standards like IEC 60068 and IEC 60533, ensuring global relevance.

Implementation:

The specification mandates compliance for ships contracted after specific dates, with each revision providing clear implementation timelines.