ARCOTEL Type Approval in Ecuador

ARCOTEL (Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones) is the regulatory agency responsible for the regulation and control of telecommunication equipment. It also monitors the use of radio spectrum frequencies to ensure accordance with country specific resolutions. Wireless products, telecommunication terminal equipment, cellular, satellite, and other PSTN equipment require approval and certification in Ecuador prior to importation and commercialization.

Ecuador does not require in-country product testing, local representation, or specific product labeling.

ARCOTEL accepts test reports from various testing agencies*, user manual(s), data sheet(s) and external/internal pictures to issue a certificate of homologation. If a device does not use any technologies (wireless products, telecommunication terminal equipment, cellular, satellite, and other PSTN) then ARCOTEL will issue a No Homologation letter.

*Contact us for a list of acceptable testing agencies.

Products requiring ARCOTEL approval include:

  • Terminals for Advanced Mobile Service (SMA)
  • Terminals for the Carrier Service (P)
  • Terminals for the Fixed Telephone Service (STF)
  • Terminals for the Telecommunications Satellite Service (TTS)
  • Terminals for Internet Access (AI)
  • Terminals for the Trunked Service (T)
  • Terminals for Community Service (C)

Key ARCOTEL Resolutions:

Resolution 452-29, 2007: Regulation for the homologation process of telecommunications equipment

Resolution 67, 2012: Policies and measures to avoid negative environmental impact from materials used in cellular products.

Organic Telecommunications Law 439, 2015: Regulation and control of telecommunications approval process.

INEN:

Some products in Ecuador require INEN safety certification depending on the electrical characteristics and the type of product.

Start The Approval Process

Ecuador Plug Type

Electrical Plug Type A NEMA 1-15
Electrical Plug Type B NEMA 5-15

Type A plugs, rated at 15 Amps, are used mainly in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and Central America. This Class I, non-grounded, non-insulated plug that operates on AC current and is known as NEMA 1-15. The plug has two 1.5 mm thick blades which measure 15.9 – 18.3 mm in length and are spaced 12.7 mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9 mm wide, while the hot blade is 6.3 mm wide.
This plug almost always operates between 100 – 127 volts and is only compatible with socket type A.

Type B plugs, rated at 15 amps, are used mainly in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and Central America. This class I grounded, non-insulated plug that operates on AC current and is known as NEMA 5-15. The plug has two 1.5 mm thick blades which measure 15.9 – 18.3 mm in length, and are spaced 12.7 mm apart. It also features a 4.8 diameter round, or u-shaped earth pin measuring 3.2 mm which acts as a ground. This plug almost always operates between 100 – 127 volts and is compatible with type A and B sockets. Grounded type B outlets are still rather uncommon in some parts of Central and South America. However, it is not uncommon for people to cut off the earth pin to achieve compatibility with two-pole non-grounded sockets.

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