Low Voltage Directive (LVD)

Who needs to Comply with the Low Voltage Directive?

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) applies to all electrical equipment, with a few exceptions, that is designed or adapted for use between 50 and 1,000 volts AC or 75 and 1,500 volts DC.  All manufacturers or importers of electrical equipment that fall within this scope should ensure that their products conform to the requirements of the LVD.  Manufacturers who do so can affix a valid CE Marking to their products to indicate conformity.

The LVD Directive and Routes to Compliance

The manufacturer has the option of addressing either the European Standards applicable to the product (listed in the Official Journal) or the safety objectives listed in the Directive.  In some cases, it is in the manufacturers best interest to include a report drawn up by a Notified Body to show due diligence that the product meets the safety requirements.

Technology International (Europe) Limited is a Notified Body for the LVD and can assess claims of conformity to the Directive on behalf of manufacturers.  Successful claims of conformity submitted for assessment are then supported by a written Notified Body opinion from Technology International.

Technology International's Notified Body assessment procedure is fast, efficient and cost effective.  Assessments can be conducted on behalf of any company, both inside and outside the European Union, and the results are accepted throughout the EU.

Overlap of the Machinery and Low Voltage Directives

There has been confusion as to whether manufacturers of electrically powered machinery must meet the Machinery Directive or the Low Voltage Directive, or both.  In accordance with EU requirements, a manufacturer must legally comply with the more relevant of the two directives.  However, the legal opinion in the EU is that whichever directive you choose to apply, the requirements of that directive must cover all risks associated with the product.  A risk assessment of the product, properly conducted, will clearly show which directive is relevant.

Why use Technology International Group?

Technology International specialises in providing solutions to its clients that ease the burden of managing LVD compliance issues in terms of time, resources and costs.  Our team of consultant engineers can undertake a wide range of tasks on behalf of clients, including:

• Safety Compliance Reviews - Assessments of product designs, selection of applicable standards and development of cost-effective compliance strategies
• Inspections, Risk Assessment & Testing - on site or lab based inspection and testing of manufacturers' products to ensure compliance with the applicable standards
• Documentation Preparation - Preparation of test and risk assessment reports, technical files and other documentation required to demonstrate product conformity to the LVD
• General Technical Consultancy - Providing advice to clients on methods to eliminate or reduce safety hazards, statutory obligations and other compliance issues

Whatever clients individual requirements for LVD compliance support may be, from simple technical advice to developing and managing a company-wide strategy, Technology International can provide a solution that meets their needs and budget.