They are the secret language of the gadget world: mysterious icons that are printed, stamped, and engraved on every electronic device and the packaging it comes in. Centuries from now, civilizations may wonder what these ancient hieroglyphics could possibly have meant. They will have to unearth a copy of this magazine for the answers. You can read them now.
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The use of this abbreviation for European Community (the precursor to the European Union) dates back to 1992. It indicates that in the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein a gadget is regulated by and conforms to any number of 21 safety and inter operability guidelines.
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If it's digital, chances are it bears the mark of the Federal Communications Commission. The logo confirms that a product doesn't operate on restricted bands of the radio spectrum or interfere with other devices, and that RF emissions are at levels safe for human exposure.
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Danger, Will Robinson! This warning can mean anything from electrocution hazard to possible exposure to battery acid. The symbol is one of many workplace-safety signs recognized by the 155-country International Organization for Standardization.
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Australia and New Zealand have joined forces to fight the twin evils of electromagnetic radiation and interference. Their cross-national C-tick crest signals that a given piece of electronic equipment abides by the two countries' regulations.
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TVoluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment is the Japanese outfit which guarantees that the electromagnetic radiation emitted by certain devices plays nice with TV and radio. As we understand it, the Japanese are quite fond of electronics.</p>
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Podders might be familiar with this one, which is showing up on more and more mother boards and graphics cards. Those hip to the periodic table know that it means "lead free." The EU limits the amount of lead used to solder electronics.</p>
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TUR badge translates to Underwriters Laboratories Recognized Component, and signifies safety certification for specific product parts. It's backwards so you won't confuse it with the other UL emblem, which indicates that an entire product is safe, instead of, say, just its power cord.</p>
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Ycan thank the ISO for this warning of an electrocution hazard, which should be interpreted as "don't go poking around in here." You do not want your trusty micro- screwdriver to turn into the path of least resistance.</p>
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