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 50-1,000 V AC or 75-1,500 V DC. If you manufacture electrical products that fall within this scope, you must ensure that the products conform to the LVD’s requirements.
To claim your product conforms, you must affix a valid CE Marking to the product and produce a Declaration of Conformity backed up by a Technical File.
The LVD Directive and Routes to Compliance
If the LVD applies to your product, you are obliged to meet its Principal Electrical Safety Objectives (PESOs). You have the option of addressing either the PESOs directly or showing compliance with the relevant Harmonized Standards. As most electrical equipment is comprised of familiar components and performs familiar tasks, there is almost always an applicable Harmonised Standard. Direct assessment against the PESOs is very rare.
Overlap of the Machinery and Low Voltage Directives
Sometimes it can be confusing figuring out if certain electrically powered products must meet the Machinery Directive (MD) or the LVD. If the equipment involves moving parts, or is specifically designed to perform a safety function for machinery, then you must first check if it falls under the MD, and then if it is exempted from the MD.
The following items are amongst those exempted from the MD that fall under the LVD:
- household appliances intended for domestic use
- audio and video equipment
- information technology equipment
- ordinary office machinery
- low-voltage switchgear and control gear
- electric motors
Why use Technology International?
We can simplify the process and minimize your costs. Our team of consultant engineers has a detailed knowledge and understanding of both the law and the supporting harmonized standards. We can undertake a wide range of tasks on behalf of clients, including:
- Safety Compliance Reviews
- Product design assessments
- Determination and selection of applicable legislation and standards
- Development of cost-effective compliance strategies
- Inspections, Risk Assessment & Testing
- Compilation of safety Technical Files and other documentation required for product conformity
- Regulatory advice on all aspects of electrical product safety
This is a simple overview of detailed and complex law. You can download the original Directive
in English, Spanish, or Portuguese
The list of currently Harmonized Standards to the Directive is here.