I made a table with some addressable LED strips in it, now I want to try selling some. Doubt I'll ever sell more than a few a month. Will probably only sell in Canada.
I'm hesitant to sell any before sending it to an EMC lab but I'm hesitant to pay for EMC testing before I see if anyone wants to buy them. I don't have much appetite for risk. After working for about 20 years, I've amassed enough savings to worry about getting sued and losing it.
It's been a while but last time I talked to an EMC lab, they wanted the final version of the enclosure and said any significant changes, particularly to metal components like screws should get retested. Sounded more like a recommendation than a requirement but I can't really remember, it was just a conversation years ago.
Each piece of furniture will be hand made from live-edge wood, different shapes and sizes, different location of metal table legs and fasteners. Different lengths of LED strips. LED strips adhered to a metal plate that will be different size in each unit.
Should I send each one for EMC testing or can I just get the electronics certified and ignore their 'enclosure'?
If I just certify the electronics, would it be reasonable to go with the most LEDs I intend to use and expect some units will have less LEDs?
If first unit is far enough below the limits, would that justify not sending the others?
Should I sell a few to see if anyone wants them before I do EMC testing?
Are there any other regulations for me to satisfy as well?
I have a sole proprietor business right now focused on electronics contracting. Should I make a separate business, incorporate and get insurance before I sell any?
What's the worst that can happen?
What would you do?
Power supply: USB-C (5V, dumb) with removable off the shelf USB battery.
Regulator: 3.3V linear
MCU: RP2040
LED strips: 3 wire addressable (WS2812B). Up to 8 strips in parallel. Each about 1m to 2m long.
LED wires: data from RP2040 goes through level shifter then 470ohm resistors then a foot or 2 of wire to LEDs strips.
UX: trimpots and power switch
Intentional radiators: none