KL Industri has recently reached a significant milestone as a manufacturer of power grid substations with the latest addition to its facilities – a certified test lab. After two years of intensive work and investments in advanced testing equipment, the company has established in-house capabilities to test its products according to the highest industry standards.
The certification, recently awarded to KL Industri, is at the Satellit 2 level, meaning the company can now conduct the majority of its testing independently. By performing tests using its own equipment, with verification and documentation from the independent inspection body Intertek Semko, KL Industri ensures that its products meet all necessary requirements and standards.
“This is truly a feather in our cap,” says Håkan Bäckmark, test lab manager and one of the two employees certified to carry out the testing. “It’s a huge step forward for our company, and we are already seeing significant benefits from having this test lab under our own management.”
Advanced equipment for higher precision
To ensure the highest product quality, KL Industri has invested in state-of-the-art testing equipment and created a dedicated testing area within its factory. Arne Wong, certified for mechanical testing, explains that this setup is unique in the industry and provides the company with great flexibility in product development.
KL Industri’s power grid substations must comply with multiple standards, requiring various types of testing. With the new in-house test lab, the company can now perform critical assessments such as:
- IP testing – Evaluating the enclosure classification and protection against dust, debris, and water.
- IK testing – Measuring resistance to external mechanical impact, such as shocks or blows.
- Thermal testing – Verifying the station’s ability to efficiently dissipate excess heat.
- Insulation testing – Ensuring proper insulation between high-voltage conductors to prevent electrical faults.
- Grounding tests – Checking the effectiveness of the station’s grounding system.
Increased flexibility and sustainability
One of the biggest advantages of the in-house test lab is the increased flexibility in the development process. Previously, KL Industri had to rely on external testing facilities, leading to long lead times and high costs. Now, with its own test lab, the company can conduct tests more quickly, analyze results, and make necessary adjustments immediately.
“It allows us to be more experimental and test new solutions in a much more efficient way,” says Håkan Bäckmark. “Beyond saving both time and money, it also contributes to a more sustainable operation by reducing the need for transportation.”
