TCO Certification

TCO Certified for the ergonomic quality of products used in office environments, will be awarded by The Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees Union, the Tjänstemännens Central Organization ( TCO). Became known, it is primarily for computer monitors (TCO '92, '95, '99, '03, '06 ). But there are also other items such as certified printer ( TCO '99), office furniture (TCO '04) and mobile phones (TCO '01).

Although the strict TCO Certified are no legal requirements, they are widely used. Even good inexpensive screens meet a TCO standard - but not always current. The control is carried out by sampling. The TCO standard is rated at Green IT aspects, together with the Energy Star, the oldest existing label, the computer hardware.

TCO '92

TCO '92 is an extension of the MPR-II standard ( measurement of radiation at a distance of 30 cm). It ensures in addition to this, the monitor turns off in rest breaks. TCO '92 is now discontinued and no longer valid.

TCO '95

TCO '95 is a seal of approval for conventional cathode-ray (CRT) monitors, keyboards, and system units.

It is the brightness, contrast, image stability and character presentation examined the radiation emission in accordance with TCO '92, the electronic properties of according to DIN EN ISO 9241 or with monitors. Furthermore, the environmental impact TCO '92 is observed. TCO '95 is no longer awarded since 2003. For monitors TCO '03 to be used.

TCO '99

The seal of approval TCO '99 extends coverage to the categories of flat panel displays, CRT monitors, desktop and notebook PCs, keyboards and printers.

It includes not only the limits of the TCO '95 for electric and magnetic fields, but also defines additional guidelines for ergonomics and emissions. Printers must, inter alia, also meet criteria for dust and ozone emissions. Screens are checked for the following criteria:

  • Flicker-free and Flackerfreiheit
  • Uniform luminance
  • Ionizing radiation has to go to 0
  • Improved luminance contrast
  • Avoid reflections of the screen housing
  • Reduced noise screens ( unpleasant whistling)
  • Prescribed power consumption of the monitor in standby mode and power off mode (maximum 15 Watt / 5 Watt). In addition, the environmental guidelines have been expanded: There must be no CFCs or chlorinated solvents are used; installed parts may not be bromhaltig or chlorinated flame retardants are not used. To dispose of the product, the manufacturer must sign a contract with a recycling company. On 1 January 2009, the issue of allowances for the printer has been set. The certificates already certified Printer cease to be valid on 31 December 2011.

TCO '01

The seal of approval is awarded TCO '01 only for mobile phones.

In addition to radiation emission emphasis is placed on user and environmental friendliness.

For emissions, the device must, in addition to a specific absorption rate (SAR) of up to 0.8 W / kg (measured according to CENELEC standard: EN 50360 /61) a so-called "Telephone Communication Power " value ( TCP ) of at least have 0.3 watts. The TCP value is the signal strength, so that portion of the recorded performance from the phone, which actually arrives as a signal to the power antenna. The higher the TCP value, the lower the proportion of the transmission power, which goes wasted. Remains unused, for example, from the housing and the human body radiation absorbed.

To minimize a possible radiation exposure, the SAR value should be as low as possible. A high value represents TCP ensures that the reduction of the SAR value is not at the cost of the communication performance. Both values ​​apply for the GSM network. Due to lack of dissemination No limits for the UMTS network are not already been established.

In the ease of the design and usability of keyboard, keypad, display, accessories and user manual are included. The criterion of environmental demands as with other TCO seals also, the waiver or reduction of harmful heavy metals and certain flame retardants.

So far (as of March 2007) was applied for TCO '01 still no mobile phone. Instead, set the manufacturers questioned - after some initial expressions of cooperation - no devices for a free trial available. Therefore, the TCO equipment purchases independently on the Swedish market and publishes the test results on the Internet.

TCO '03

TCO '03 certified only CRT and flat panel displays. The requirements include the terms of TCO '99. The original requirement that the monitor should have a bright cabinet as this is considered to be easier on the eye, was abandoned in October 2005. However, the TCO Development writes to the color of the frame: "Remember how the room looks like, in which the monitor should stand. Select a monitor with a neutral color in terms of light and lighting conditions in its environment. The monitor frame should not be too dark or too bright compared to the wall behind the monitor. "

In order to allow a relaxed head position, the line of sight should be lowered by about 35 ° from the horizontal, forming an approximately right angle with the screen surface. This requires that in the slope of the screen is adjustable and the angle of the plan view can be changed. It is also important that the view of all sides having a high quality on the screen.

A more detailed list of the changes between TCO '99 and TCO '03 can be found on the official website.

TCO '04

This seal of approval will apply only to office furniture such as tables or chairs.

It regulates the possible seating position to prevent back injuries. Furthermore, attention is paid to chemical fumes.

TCO '05

This seal of approval only certified desktop and notebook PCs and is thus a successor to the PC version of TCO '99.

TCO '06

The TCO labeling for multimedia screens guarantees the following properties:

Ergonomics

  • Good quality and playback of moving images by short response time, a good black scale and higher demands on the grayscale.
  • High visual ergonomic requirements on the screen, which guarantee high image quality and color reproduction.

Emission

  • Significant reduction of magnetic and electric fields

Energy

  • Low energy consumption in standby mode

Environment

  • The screen is prepared for recycling, thus facilitating the recovery material.
  • Manufacturer must be certified according to ISO 14001 or EMAS
  • Reduced emission of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants and heavy metals in nature ( also meets the RoHS Directive from 1 July 2006 ).

View

A seal for the design of headsets is in preparation.

Human factors and ergonomics Green computing Electronic visual display European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization Eco Management and Audit Scheme Blue Angel (certification)
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