Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, signed two cooperation agreements with Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) to issue conformity certificates for Low Voltage Switchgear (LVSG) products as well as for the services offered by personnel performing the wiring installation work.

Under the first agreement, the two sides will collaborate to ensure that electrical wiring installation works performed in the emirate comply with the requirements of conformity schemes issued by QCC to meet the relevant regulations. The second agreement aims to improve the quality of service provided by personnel carrying out the installation work with regard to efficiency and grid safety.

The agreements were signed by Dr Helal Humaid Al Kaabi, acting secretary general of QCC, and Saeed Al Suwaidi, managing director of Abu Dhabi Distribution Company in the presence of several key officials from the two entities.

The agreements give QCC the responsibility for evaluating the registration and assessing applications submitted by personnel and companies, issuing conformity certificates to those who fulfil the requirements of the conformity scheme, and administering a database of certified personnel and companies.

In addition, QCC will offer its expertise to develop conformity schemes related to ADDC's services, and routinely update them to ensure their continued compliance with the regulatory and market requirements.

For its part, ADDC will endorse the conformity schemes issued by QCC and make it mandatory for personnel and companies performing internal electricity wiring installation to obtain a conformity certificate issued by the Council.

"We have signed these agreements with ADDC as part of our priority to galvanise our efforts and optimise the use of resources in achieving our shared objectives. We are confident that our combined efforts will result in extending best-in-class services to our customers in line with the government's strategy to create an enabling environment to achieve the aspirations of the community," said Al Kaabi.

 "In developing conformity schemes, QCC seeks to ensure the superior quality of services and products offered in the emirate in line with the highest international standards. Such efforts reflect our leading role in the development of quality infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and contribute to achieving the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Plan in building a competitive economy supported by sound regulatory standards."

Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of ADDC, said: "This agreement articulates our continued efforts to provide superior water and electricity services to our customers in line with the directives of wise leadership to keep up with the economic, urban and population growth in the emirate. I am confident that the issuance of conformity services for companies and personnel specialized in the installation of internal wiring devices will help regulate and develop the water and electricity sector in the emirate. It will also allow us to prevent risks to life, property and economy associated with using low-quality and non-compliant wiring products."

Sultan Al Mehairi, director of information service and engagement at QCC, said: "The agreements will help us streamline the process of evaluating applications submitted by manufacturers, suppliers and personnel. They will also consistently ensure the compliance of electrical wiring devices with the requirements of the Internal Wiring Device Conformity Scheme.

"The agreements also enable QCC to regularly verify that products given a conformity certificate consistently meet the quality and safety standards through testing samples collected from the market. Should we detect any violation or breach, the product will be recalled and the conformity certificate automatically revoked. Furthermore, products that have obtained a conformity certificate can carry the Abu Dhabi Trust Mark to validate their compliance with the relevant quality and conformity requirements."

Source: Khaleej Times