What is the CB scheme and how does it help with SIRIM certification?

The IECEE CB Scheme is an international system where participating certification bodies (NCBs) in member countries accept each other's test reports. Malaysia is a member. If your circuit breaker or switchgear has been tested to IEC 60947-2 (MCCB/ACB) or IEC 60898 (MCB) standards and has a CB certificate, SIRIM only needs to review that report — instead of conducting full testing from scratch. This can reduce certification time from 6 months to 2-3 months, and reduce costs by 40-60%.

Does the voltage difference between Europe (230V) and Malaysia (240V) require retesting?

Generally no. Most IEC 60947-2 tests are current-based (testing at rated current), not voltage-based. The key tests — dielectric strength, short-circuit breaking capacity, temperature rise, and endurance — do not need to be re-done for the 10V difference (230V vs 240V). What SIRIM will check: whether the product is rated for 240V/415V operation (most IEC-certified products cover 220-240V range). This should be clearly stated in your CB report and product nameplate.

What standards does Malaysia SIRIM accept for circuit breakers?

SIRIM accepts IEC-based standards for low voltage switchgear. For circuit breakers, the applicable Malaysian standards are: MS IEC 60898-1 (MCB, household-type), MS IEC 60947-2 (MCCB and ACB, industrial-type), and MS IEC 60947-3 (switches and disconnectors). MS IEC standards are identical or technically equivalent to their IEC counterparts. If your CB report is based on IEC 60947-2, it directly maps to MS IEC 60947-2.

How long does SIRIM certification take with a CB report?

With a valid CB report, SIRIM certification typically takes 2-3 months: Document preparation: 2-3 weeks. SIRIM review and gap analysis: 3-4 weeks. Supplementary testing (if any gaps found): 2-4 weeks. Factory audit: 2-3 weeks. Certificate issuance: 1-2 weeks. Without a CB report (traditional route), the full process takes 5-8 months as SIRIM must conduct complete testing.

How much does SIRIM certification cost with a CB report?

Estimated total cost with CB report: Application fee: RM 2,000-3,000. Product evaluation: RM 3,000-6,000 per model. Supplementary testing (if needed): RM 2,000-5,000. Factory audit: RM 3,000-5,000. Certificate issuance: RM 1,500-2,500. Agent fee (if using one): RM 3,000-8,000. Total: approximately RM 14,000-30,000 per model. Without CB report, costs jump to RM 40,000-80,000 per model due to full testing requirements.

Does Zhebao Electric have CB certificates?

Yes. Zhebao Electric holds CE certification based on IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60898 standards, which are directly compatible with the CB Scheme. We can assist buyers in obtaining SIRIM certification by providing: (1) CB test reports in English with complete IEC 60947-2 data, (2) Full technical documentation package, (3) ISO 9001 quality certificate, (4) Factory support for SIRIM audit if required. We work with certified agents in Malaysia to streamline the process. Contact us for a consultation and cost estimate for your specific product range.

What is the validity period of SIRIM certification?

SIRIM certification for low voltage equipment is typically valid for 1-3 years depending on product category and risk level. During the validity period, SIRIM conducts annual surveillance audits (either document review or factory visit) to ensure continued compliance. At the end of the validity period, you must apply for renewal, which involves reassessment. Maintaining ISO 9001 certification helps simplify renewal audits.

Malaysia SIRIM Certification from CE + CB Report: Complete Guide 2026

Last updated: May 2026 | Reading time: 11 minutes | For: Circuit breaker and switchgear buyers entering Malaysia market

💡 Key Takeaway

If your circuit breakers already have CE certification based on IEC 60947-2 (or IEC 60898 for MCB), you already have the foundation for CB test reports. Converting to Malaysia SIRIM certification through the CB route takes 2-3 months and costs 40-60% less than starting from scratch. The 230V (EU) vs 240V (Malaysia) voltage difference does not require re-testing for most product types.

What is the CB Scheme and Why Malaysia Recognizes It

The IECEE CB Scheme (Certification Body Scheme) is administered by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It works as a "mutual passport" for electrical equipment test reports:

50+ member countries including Malaysia (through SIRIM), China (through CQC), EU (through various NCBs)
A CB test report issued in one country is accepted by all other member countries
SIRIM (Malaysia's national certification body) specifically recognizes CB reports for IEC 60947-2 (MCCB/ACB) and IEC 60898 (MCB)

Why This Matters for Zhebao Electric Products

Your CE-certified circuit breakers and switchgear are already tested to standards that are structurally identical to the IEC standards that SIRIM requires:

Product	CE Standard	CB/IEC Standard	Malaysia MS Standard
MCB	EN 60898-1	IEC 60898-1	MS IEC 60898-1
MCCB	EN 60947-2	IEC 60947-2	MS IEC 60947-2
ACB	EN 60947-2	IEC 60947-2	MS IEC 60947-2

EN standards (used for CE) are technically equivalent to IEC standards. SIRIM recognizes this equivalence when a CB report is presented.

Does the 230V vs 240V Voltage Difference Matter?

Malaysia uses 240V single-phase / 415V three-phase supply. Europe uses 230V/400V. This is a 4-5% voltage difference, but it does NOT require re-testing for most circuit breaker characteristics.

Test Type	230V EU Test	240V Malaysia Requirement	Retest Needed?
Dielectric Withstand	2U+1000V = 1460V test	2U+1000V = 1480V test	❌ No
Short-Circuit Breaking	Tested at prospective fault current	Same fault current basis	❌ No
Temperature Rise	At rated current (not voltage)	Same — rated current is the variable	❌ No
Rated Voltage Range	Usually stated 220-240V or 230V nominal	240V must be within stated range	⚠️ Verify
Insulation Resistance	Per IEC 60947-2 clause 8.3.2	Same standard	❌ No

✅ What you need to verify: Make sure your CB report and product nameplate clearly state the rated voltage covers 220-240V AC or explicitly state "240V" in the operating voltage range. Most IEC-certified products already cover this range. If yours only states "230V nominal," consider updating the nameplate declaration — this is a paperwork update, not a retest.

Step-by-Step Process: CE + CB → SIRIM

Step 1 — Obtain CB Certificate (if not already available)

If you have CE certification based on IEC standards but no CB certificate, you can apply for one through a National Certification Body (NCB) in China:

CQC (China Quality Certification Centre) — largest NCB
CEI (China Electrical Equipment Research Institute)

Documents needed: CE test reports, product specs, circuit diagrams, quality certificate

Time: 2-4 months | Cost: RMB 30,000-60,000 per model family

Step 2 — Engage SIRIM or Authorized Agent

Submit application to SIRIM QAS International or use a local Malaysian agent familiar with CB conversions. Recommended:

SIRIM QAS International (direct) — www.sirim-qas.com.my
TÜV SÜD Malaysia — international firm with SIRIM experience
Intertek Malaysia — similar CB-to-SIRIM conversion experience
CIDBPC (China International Building & Design Promotion Centre)

Using an agent is recommended for first-time applicants — typically costs RM 3,000-8,000 but saves significant time and avoids rejection.

Step 3 — Document Submission

Prepare the following in English:

CB test report (full report, not just certificate) — English version
CB certificate — valid, within 3-year period
Product technical specifications — English
Circuit diagrams and schematics
User manual — English or Bahasa Malaysia
ISO 9001 certificate — valid, covering the products
Deviation statement — comparing 230V EU to 240V Malaysia operating conditions (see voltage section above)
Application form — SIRIM form LS/01

Step 4 — SIRIM Technical Review

SIRIM reviewers will:

Verify the CB report is based on MS IEC 60947-2 (or MS IEC 60898)
Check that the CB report scope covers the product models being certified
Identify any gaps vs. Malaysian requirements
Determine if supplementary testing is needed

Typical gaps found: Product nameplate missing 240V rating notation, minor differences in marking requirements. These are usually resolved with documentation updates, not physical retesting.

Step 5 — Factory Audit

SIRIM may conduct a factory audit to verify:

Quality management system is implemented (ISO 9001)
Production process controls are in place
Testing equipment is calibrated
Traceability system links products to test reports

If you already have ISO 9001, this is typically a documentation review rather than a full on-site audit. Duration: 1-3 days on-site or remote review.

Step 6 — Certificate Issuance

Upon successful review, SIRIM issues:

SIRIM product certification certificate
Authorization to use the SIRIM label on products
Certificate valid for 1-3 years

You must affix the SIRIM label to each product before it enters the Malaysian market. Label specifications are provided with the certificate.

Cost & Time Comparison

Item	Traditional Route (No CB)	CB Route (With CE + CB)
Full product testing	RM 25,000-50,000	RM 0-5,000 (gap tests only)
Application + evaluation	RM 8,000-15,000	RM 5,000-9,000
Factory audit	RM 5,000-10,000	RM 3,000-5,000
Agent fee	RM 8,000-15,000	RM 3,000-8,000
Total per model	RM 46,000-90,000	RM 11,000-27,000
Time required	5-8 months	2-3 months

How Zhebao Electric Supports Your SIRIM Certification

What We Provide

✅ CB test reports based on IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60898 — in English, complete with all test data tables
✅ CB certificates from recognized NCB — covering our full product range (MCB, MCCB, ACB, switchgear)
✅ Complete technical documentation package — circuit diagrams, specifications, materials certificates
✅ ISO 9001:2015 certificate — covering design and manufacturing
✅ 240V rating confirmation — all products stated for 220-240V / 380-415V operation
✅ Factory support — availability for SIRIM audit if required
✅ Recommended Malaysian agents — we can introduce you to certified agents we've worked with

Turnaround: Full documentation package available within 2 weeks of request. No minimum order required for documentation provision.

Need SIRIM Certification Support?

Contact us for CB reports, technical documentation, and agent introductions for your Malaysia market entry. Response within 4 business hours.

Get SIRIM Documentation Package →