GB14391-2021
Performance requirements for satellite emergency position indicating radio beacons
卫星紧急无线电示位标性能要求
GB 14391-2021 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Performance requirements for satellite emergency position indicating radio beacons. It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Mar 1, 2022.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard specifies the performance requirements for 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs). It applies to EPIRBs equipped on various types of vessels, as well as the R&D, production, and management of such equipment. Engineers manufacturing or supplying maritime distress beacons for the Chinese market must comply with this standard. It replaces the previous version GB 14391-2009.
Technical requirements
The standard outlines comprehensive system requirements for EPIRBs, covering the digital message generator and the modulator and 406 MHz transmitter. It defines specific transmission frequencies (including 406.025 MHz and 406.040 MHz) and sets strict limits for frequency stability, transmitter power output, and spurious emissions. Manufacturers must ensure that the transmitter output power remains between 35 dBm and 39 dBm under all specified operating temperatures. Regarding digital message content, the standard details the structure for both short format (112 bits) and long format (144 bits) messages. It specifies the use of BCH error-correcting codes and defines the protocols for user identification codes and emergency codes based on IMO guidelines. Environmental and operational requirements are categorized into three operating temperature levels (Level 0, 1, and 2). The standard mandates performance under thermal shock, mechanical vibration, and humidity. EPIRBs must operate continuously for at least 24 hours, with batteries required to sustain operation for over 48 hours. It also includes provisions for self-test modes, position data encoding from GNSS, and activation mechanisms to prevent accidental triggering.
Testing methods
The standard references various testing procedures to verify compliance, including: - Frequency stability testing: Measuring short-term and medium-term frequency variations under specific timeframes. - Thermal environment testing: Evaluating performance under temperature gradients, thermal shock, and across the defined temperature levels. - Mechanical and environmental testing: Vibration, shock, waterproofing (10m depth for 5 mins), and drop tests (20m height). - Activation and release testing: Verifying the automatic release mechanism at a depth of 4m and ensuring proper manual activation procedures.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 14391-2021?
GB 14391-2021 regulates 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs used on various vessels, covering their design, production, and operational management in China.
What are the main updates in GB 14391-2021 compared to the 2009 version?
The 2021 version introduces requirements for unmodulated carriers, new transmission frequencies, long and short format flags, Level 0 operating temperature range, and Return Link Service (RLS) marking. It also updates error-correcting codes and activation requirements.
Does GB 14391-2021 align with international standards?
Yes, the standard aligns with international frameworks such as the IMO A.810(19) performance standards and Cospas-Sarsat specifications for 406 MHz distress beacons.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 14391-2021. To ensure complete compliance for your satellite EPIRBs entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 14391-2021 today to access all detailed parameters, frequency tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- M34
- ICS
- 47.020.70, 33.060.20
- Competent department
- Ministry of Transport
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Transport