One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of NRCS compliance is to group related models under a single test report and, where possible, a single Letter of Authority (LOA). When done correctly, this approach can significantly cut laboratory fees and the number of LOA applications required. When done incorrectly, it leads to rejected applications and wasted money.
Here is practical guidance on how product grouping works for electrotechnical LOAs — and where the limits lie.
What the NRCS Allows
The NRCS accepts the concept of a product family (or series) provided the structure and design remain consistent across the group. In these cases, a single test report can cover multiple model numbers or ratings, and those models can often be listed on the same LOA.
A classic example is miniature circuit breakers (MCBs). A series with the same design and construction but different current ratings (for example 6 A, 10 A, 16 A, 20 A, 25 A, 32 A, 40 A, 50 A and 63 A) can usually be covered by one report, provided every rating is clearly identified in the report and on the LOA application.
Similar grouping is possible for many other product types, including:
- Power supplies and chargers of the same topology but different output ratings
- LED luminaires that share the same mechanical and electrical design with only minor variations in wattage or LED configuration
- Cord sets or multi-way adaptors that differ only in length or number of outlets (within defined limits)
- Household appliances that share the same basic construction with limited differences in capacity or features
The Critical Conditions for Successful Grouping
Grouping is not automatic. The following conditions must be met:
- Consistent design and construction The core electrical and mechanical design must be the same. Significant differences in insulation systems, protective devices, enclosures, or critical components usually break the family.
- Worst-case testing The laboratory must test the most onerous configuration (often the highest power, highest voltage, or most complex model). The report must then justify why the results cover the rest of the family.
- Clear identification of all models Every model number, rating, or variant that you want covered must be listed in the test report. The LOA application must mirror those details exactly. If a model is missing from the report, it cannot be added to the LOA later without additional work.
- South African national differences still apply Even within a family, all models must meet local requirements (particularly plug and marking rules under SANS 164).
- Laboratory agreement The accredited laboratory must be willing and able to structure the report as a family report. Not every lab is equally experienced at this.
Common Pitfalls That Destroy Cost Savings
- Trying to group models that are too different (different PCB layouts, different power architectures, or substantially different enclosures).
- Failing to list every model number in the original test report.
- Assuming that a “similar” product from the same factory automatically qualifies.
- Changing a component after the report is issued and then expecting the original family LOA to still cover the modified version.
- Submitting separate applications for models that could have been grouped, thereby multiplying LOA fees unnecessarily.
Practical Advice for Importers and Manufacturers
Before testing begins, map out your full product range and identify which models share the same fundamental design. Discuss the proposed family with an experienced laboratory and with a compliance specialist (like us) who understands NRCS practice. It is far cheaper to structure the testing correctly at the outset than to commission additional reports later.
When the report is issued, check carefully that every model you intend to sell is explicitly listed. We can then transfer those exact model numbers onto the LOA application.
The Bottom Line
Intelligent product grouping is one of the few genuine opportunities to reduce both testing and LOA costs without compromising compliance. The key is consistency of design, worst-case testing, and precise documentation. Done well, one well-structured test report and one LOA can cover an entire series. Done poorly, you end up paying for multiple reports and multiple applications that could have been avoided.
If you are planning to bring a range of related models into South Africa, it is worth reviewing the grouping strategy before any testing is commissioned. We regularly help clients structure product families so that the laboratory work and the LOA applications are as efficient as possible.
Stay compliant. Avoid unnecessary costs. Protect your business.