While it's nice to claim compliance in a Press Release, does Apple have anything official backing this up, like a test certificate, or at lease a Statement of Conformity listing UN38.3, UL 2054, and UL 60950-1? These aren't listed in Apple's "Important Product Information Guide."
iPad 2, FAA AC 120-76B
curtis169 wrote:
While it's nice to claim compliance in a Press Release, does Apple have anything official backing this up, like a test certificate, or at lease a Statement of Conformity listing UN38.3, UL 2054, and UL 60950-1?
Probably.
James, thanks for the link, but my post was actually a response to this Press Release (it really doesn't qualify as a technical note). I'm looking for something that as the signature of an Apple Engineer or a VP with authority to make the assertions in the article listed. They have Certificates of Conformity and Certificates of Compliance for every other test under the sun. This should be easy for them to produce.
Why are these documents important to you? My seventieth birthday is coming up and I've never once had these documents for any electrical device that I have ever owned. Do you have them for your television sets, your microwave oven, your refrigerator, etc?
Do you fly an airplane with your refrigerator? If you did, the Federal Aviation Administration would require you to prove that your refrigerator wasn't going to cause the aircraft's navigation systems to go screwy and cause you to fall to a fiery death. Google "Electronic Flight Bag" or "iPad Paperless Cockpit" if you want to know how iPads are being used by pilots. The documents I'm looking for, which Apple says it has, can be used as proof that the iPad and it's battery aren't going to explode mid-flight.
And if you every ready the manuals for your refrigerator, microwave, etc., you'll find a big list of "Declarations of Conformity". If you flip over your laptop, you can also see FCC and CE and UL markings alongside testing authority registration codes.
What does this have to do with flight?
Chris, since my previous pithy reply was deleted regarding the usefulness of your reply, perhaps you can explain where you think Apple "Probably" has the documentation, or how to best get the information from Apple.
"1.2 These requirements are intended to reduce the risk of fire or explosion when batteries are used in a product. The proper use of these batteries in a particular application is dependent on their use in a complete product that complies with the requirements applicable to such a product."
Improperly manufactured batteries have an annoying tendency to spontaineously catch fire and explode at high altitude. Pilots tend to worry when this happens, especially since the FAA makes the fill out all kinds of paperwork ... If they survive.
And the following is meaningless?
Household and Commercial Batteries
UL 2054
1.3 These requirements are intended to cover batteries for general use and do not include the combination of the battery and the host product which are covered by requirements in the host product standard.
Philly, you are absolutely right! And according to FAA regulations, lithium ion batteries in portable electronic devices must comply with UN38.3, UL 2054, and UL 60950-1. The host system (including the battery), must then comply 14 CFR 91.21 to ensure electromagnetic non-interference, and also comply with RTCA DO-160F requirements for rapid decompression testing. If you'd like to get into details on how the Feds say can use iPads, try browsing through FAA Advisory Circular 120-76B.
Of course passengers still still have to turn off their toys until the pilot in command says it's AOK to play Angry Birds.
So, Apple understands all of this,and they actually had a chance to work with he FAA on a lot of these regulations and policies, which brings us BACK to the topic: Apple has asserted it's compliance via a post on the website, but does any know if Applevhas posted, or will post, the actual test data, or at least a Certificate of Conformity, like they do for all of their other compliance statements?
Obviously aviation is a special use of the iPad. You come to a forum of regular users with an attitude about Apple and it takes numerous posts before you so much as give us a hint as to your (alleged) real needs. Perhaps if you're really interested in the information, rather than simply trying to make some sort of a point, you would ask United Airlines or American Airlines why they chose the iPad. Naturally, you could also ask the FAA why they gave their approval. In fact, you could always ask Apple, which apparently you never did.
On the other hand, you could simply stay here foolishly trying to make a point about Apple.
Look at Settings > General > About at the bottom under Licenses, Regulatory and Legal.Notices and see if what you want is there.
Philly, I asked a legitimate question in the Apple Support Communities. I'm not trying to make any point. I'm trying to get information Apple stated it has. I posted my comment from the article on Apple's support site, which the post encourages by providing a link to this forum. The Apple article is specifically about compliance with aviation applications.
So, Philly, please make a useful contribution to the topic and stop trolling my thread.
Oh, and I've been talking with the FAA and the airlines about the iPad and similar devices since your sixtieth birthday. They would like to know the answer to my question as well.
Chris, the standard isn't listed there, but thanks for pointing this screen out to me. It is very useful, and it does actually add value to this discussion. Points for you!
If Apple added the battery certs to this lis, I think the FAA would be very happy.
Does Apple have anything official documentation listing compliance with UN38.3, UL 2054, and UL 60950-1?
