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Functional safety testing

Confidence in every link

Functional Safety is a crucial aspect of modern electronic systems. Whether it concerns household appliances, industrial installations, or vehicles: when a system intervenes automatically to prevent harm or damage, strict requirements for reliability and safety apply.

DEKRA supports organizations in designing, testing, and documenting such systems in a demonstrably safe manner. From consumer products to industrial applications – with our expertise in standards such as IEC 60730, ISO 13849, and IEC 26262, we guide the entire process from design assessment to certification.

What is Functional Safety?

Functional Safety is about preventing hazardous situations in the event of a malfunction or failure in a system. Rather than relying solely on mechanical safety mechanisms, intelligent software, sensors, and controllers ensure that a system continues to operate safely – even when something goes wrong.
This requires a thorough risk analysis, step-by-step fault detection, safe failsafe mechanisms, and structured documentation. International standards help companies demonstrate compliance and gain access to global markets.
Functional Safety applies at both the component level – such as control systems and electronic modules – and at the level of complete end products. It encompasses both hardware-based functions (e.g., fuses and relays) and software-based safety mechanisms. DEKRA provides support across all these areas: from hardware analysis and software evaluation to certification of both components and final applications.

The Process: working together towards safety

At DEKRA, we believe in a step-by-step approach where collaboration is key:
  1. Scope Definition & Risk Classification
    Together, we analyze which standards apply to your product and safety functions.
  2. Documentation Review & Design Assessment
    DEKRA evaluates your technical files, safety concepts, software architecture, and hardware design.
  3. Test Plan & Validation
    If needed, we perform functional testing, fault injection testing, or EMC measurements in our laboratories.
  4. Reporting & (Optional) Certification
    You receive a detailed assessment report. Certification is possible for standards for which we are accredited in the Netherlands, or through our international network.

Functional safety standards

Application: Household appliances, HVAC systems, building automation, Battery systems
Importance: Electrical and functional safety of automatic control devices
DEKRA Accreditation: Evaluation and certification according to IEC 60730-1
Examples: Thermostats, level controllers, timers, safety functions (Annex H), battery management systems
Application: Industrial installations, machine safety, control systems
Importance: Assessment of Performance Level (PL) and structural safety of safety functions
DEKRA Accreditation: Evaluation and certification according to ISO 13849
Examples: Emergency stop circuits, light curtains, mechanical drives, battery/energy management systems
Application: Electrical and electronic safety systems in vehicles
Importance: Assessment of Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASIL), including both software and hardware processes
Examples: ABS systems, steering and braking systems, autonomous driving systems
Depending on the application, other standards may also be relevant, such as:
  • IEC 61508 – Generic standard for functional safety
  • ISO 25119 – Functional safety in agricultural machinery
  • ISO 26262-11 – For electric vehicles (EVs)
  • UL 1998 / UL 991 – Software integrity evaluations for the U.S. market
DEKRA is happy to advise you on the correct application and combination of standards for your project.

Functional Safety and Cybersecurity

At DEKRA, we integrate Functional Safety and Cybersecurity into a comprehensive approach. These two disciplines are inextricably linked: systems must not only continue to operate safely when faults or failures occur, but also be protected from external misuse.
With DEKRA you choose a total approach: from Functional Safety and Cybersecurity to information security and pentest quality. Together, we ensure safe systems, reliable processes, and the protection of people and information.

Our complete cybersecurity package for Functional Safety

  • Cybersecurity
    Functional Safety can only be effective when the software and systems it depends on are well secured against attacks or manipulation.
    In addition to expertise in Functional Safety, DEKRA possesses deep knowledge and accreditations in the field of industrial cybersecurity. Using the IEC 62443 standard, we assess products, systems, and software development processes for vulnerabilities, so misuse is prevented and functional safety remains intact.
  • Information Security
    Besides industrial systems, information security also plays a crucial role. For this, DEKRA Audit offers certification against the international standard ISO 27001. This globally recognized standard helps your organization implement a robust information security process.
  • Penetration Testing and Quality
    Many organizations conduct penetration tests (“pentests”) on their own. The quality of these tests is of great importance in order to discover weaknesses in time. DEKRA Audit evaluates organizations according to the CCV pentest certification scheme. This label gives your customers assurance that the penetration tests carried out comply with strict processes and high quality standards.
Why DEKRA?
Recognized safety expertise

DEKRA is an experienced and accredited entity in the field of functional safety. Our expertise is demonstrated through accreditations for standards such as IEC 60730 and ISO 13849.

International standards

We provide access to a global network for additional standards like IEC 26262. This enables you to meet required safety standards worldwide.

Comprehensive guidance

From design to certification: as an independent certification body, we offer support throughout the entire process. Our guidance ensures your product complies with all functional safety requirements.

In-House testing facilities

With our own test labs and quick turnaround times, we can conduct efficient testing. This accelerates the certification process and shortens your product's time-to-market.

Ready to integrate Functional Safety?

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Are you developing a product with a safety function? Or would you like to know which standard applies to your application? DEKRA is happy to support you with a non-binding intake and clear next steps.
Contact us today for expert advice or a customized quote.
Where are our product tests conducted?
DEKRA Product Testing

DEKRA Certification B.V

Meander 1051

6825 MJ Arnhem

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