Compliance Certificate

How will it help?
Pieces of paper seldom effect the performance of machines unless they are used as shims.
Del

Compliance to what? Since you don't seem to know what it is, I'd say you don't need it.

My guess would be that some MIL or other instrumentation spec may be invoked by some users of the switch, or their customers.

here's a tidbit:

The definition of instrument performance for contract and metrological purposes Knight, R.B.D.
Page(s): 7/1 - 7/3

Abstract | Full Text: PDF (116KB)

An instrument specification is intended to define its performance for any purpose where this is important. When an instrument is being chosen and purchased, the specification is one of the most significant features which decides to which company the contract will be awarded. When the instrument is put into service, the user will depend on the specification to satisfy himself that his measurements are of the required parameter and quality.

I am sometimes required to provide certificates of compliance for materials used in the construction of a building. For me, these are always government projects.

A certificate of compliance is issued from the manufacturer of an item, and certifies that the item provided in in compliance with the project specifications. A certificate is issued for EACH item; if an item is composed of subassemblies from an upstream vendor, certificates of compliance from each of these subassembly manufacturers are required to be submitted as well. I have provided more than 100 certificates of compliance on a project that had about 30 doors.

This can be a time consuming process, and MUST start before you purchase ANY raw materials or a single item for the project. Documentation of the chain of procurement, custody, and delivery are absolutely necessary.

As Del the Cat tells you, a series of CC's does nothing but satisfy contract requirements. If they are required by contract and you have not followed the proper steps, you may have to replace the items at your expense. The purchaser may elect to allow them to remain in place and withhold your payment (that is to say, the end user can keep the stuff you provided, and you do not get paid for any of it). Either way, it sucks! If certificates of compliance are required, do them correctly!

And if you think it's bad when building stuff that stays on the ground, imagine the nightmare of trying to spec and procure materials to build a spacecraft.

I once had to buy 5 pounds of silicone rubber gumstock, and pay for certs to mold 10 bumpers that were 1/8" diameter x 1/8" long.

Your tax dollars at work.

Most of the certs required on doors only demonstrate how anal retentive some people can be. I would expect such documentation on a space vehicle. I can only imagine the ridiculous paper trail generated, but I can see a reasonable purpose for documentation.

The Archer smiley really doesn't mean anything... just placing something that is in motion and colorful for Del the Cat to play with.

[edit] Oh, NO! I see KrisDel™ Corp has beaten LynDoor™ Industries to the punch!