Certification delays are design decisions

Most teams blame “testing delays.” In reality, timelines slip because the design wasn’t aligned to the standard early—so the lab becomes a discovery tool instead of a confirmation step.

The pattern

Lab testing doesn’t usually create new problems. It exposes decisions that were already baked into the product: grounding choices, cable strategy, enclosure details, spacing, insulation approach, and missing “worst-case” modes. When those get discovered late, fixes trigger rework across PCB, harness, enclosure, or power design.

What to align early

• Scope & standards: target markets, applicable standards, and product boundaries.
• EMC fundamentals: grounding strategy, cable routing, shield termination rules, I/O filtering.
• Safety foundations: spacing/insulation assumptions, protective earth/bonding approach.
• Worst-case modes: define the operating states that will be used during testing.

The simple rule

If a requirement changes your PCB, enclosure, harness, or power architecture… it’s a design requirement, not a “test note.” Treat it that way and certification stays predictable.

How to avoid the redesign loop

• Run a design-for-compliance review before “final prototype.”
• Lock down cables/accessories and test configuration early.
• Document key assumptions (grounding, shields, boundaries) so vendors don’t improvise.
• Use pre-checks to validate your setup before formal lab time.