Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
The safety of people and their property in the context of CE marking
Why is the Low Voltage Directive essential?
Directive 2014/35/EU, known as the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), defines the electrical safety requirements for equipment intended for use at a nominal voltage of between 50V and 1000V for alternating current and between 75V and 1500V for direct current. Its aim is to guarantee user safety and ensure the free movement of compliant equipment within the European Union.Our services enable manufacturers, importers and distributors to :
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- Ensure that equipment complies with electrical safety requirements.
- Carry out laboratory tests to verify product safety.
- Draw up the technical file and the EC declaration of conformity.
- Use harmonised standards to simplify compliance.
- Affix the CE marking and guarantee that products are legally placed on the market.
Scope and obligations of manufacturers
The directive covers a wide range of electrical equipment:
- Household appliances
- IT and multimedia equipment
- Industrial and professional equipment
- Consumer equipment
- Lighting equipment
- Design equipment that complies with electrical safety requirements.
- Carry out safety tests and draw up technical documentation.
- Affix the CE marking after conformity assessment.
- Draw up an EU declaration of conformity and provide instructions.
The key elements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
Essential electrical safety requirements
The essential requirements of the directive cover :
- Protection against hazards arising inside equipment to prevent :
- injury or other damage through direct or indirect contact
- dangerous temperatures, arcs or radiation
- non-electrical hazards known from experience
- insulation adapted to the expected stresses
- ...
- Protection against hazards arising from external action on the equipment:
- compliance with mechanical requirements
- resistance to non-mechanical influences in the intended environment
- absence of danger under the anticipated overload conditions
Harmonised standards and certification
The use of harmonised standards makes it easier to demonstrate compliance with the essential requirements.
Here are some key standards:
The list of harmonised standards is published and regularly updated in the Official Journal of the European Union
Here are some key standards:
- EN 60335-1: Safety of household and similar electrical appliances.
- EN 62368-1: Safety of audio/video, information and communication technology equipment.
- EN 60204-1 : Safety of electrical equipment of machines.
- EN 61010-1 : Safety of electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
- ...
The list of harmonised standards is published and regularly updated in the Official Journal of the European Union
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Technical file and safety tests
We can help you put together the technical file, which includes :
- Description of the product and how it works.
- Technical drawings and diagrams, parts list
- Label plan, user/installer manual
- Results of safety tests and compliance certificates.
- Risk analysis and solutions implemented.
Our laboratories carry out the documentary and construction analysis, as well as the safety tests required by the applicable standards:
- Dielectric strength test
- Earth continuity measurement
- Mechanical resistance tests (constant force, steel ball impact, drop)
- Temperature rise measurements
- ...
Why choose the expertise of the Emitech Group?
Our services cover the entire compliance process:
- An open approach to all directives applicable to your products
- Regulatory support: analysis of applicable requirements.
- Risk assessment and compilation of technical file.
- Laboratory testing to guarantee compliance.
- Assistance in obtaining CE marking and certification.
- Involvement of a Notified Body if necessary.
Related Services
Needs
Discover a selection of additional resources that explore topics related to this page including regulatory contexts, technical articles, and specific areas of expertise. These materials provide further insight to help you better understand the key challenges and available solutions.
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