CE Certification for Hand-Held Power Tools

Hand-held power tools are frequently used in both daily life and professional work. Common examples include electric drills, impact drills, rotary hammers, demolition hammers, angle grinders, vertical grinders, circular saws, electric shears, nibblers, reciprocating saws, and more.

The European Union places significant emphasis on the safety of these tools. Therefore, before entering the EU market, hand-held power tools must obtain CE certification—a mandatory requirement set by the EU.

Applicable CE Directives for Hand-Held Power Tools

Hand-held power tools fall under the following CE directives:

- Machinery Directive (MD)

- Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)

The Machinery Directive classifies tools into two main categories: dangerous machinery and ordinary machinery. These categories undergo different certification processes, making it essential for exporters to determine whether their products fall under dangerous machinery or not.

How to Distinguish Between Dangerous and Ordinary Machinery?

Tools categorized as dangerous machinery include:

1. Hand-held Tools:

- Hand-held circular saws

- Hand-held chainsaws

2. Transportable Tools:

- Circular saws

- Surface planers and thicknessers

- Band saws

- Tenoning machines

- Single spindle vertical moulders

For these tools, the manufacturer or their authorized representative in the EU must:

- Conduct conformity assessment

- Submit technical documentation to a Notified Body

- Verify the correct application of standards or conduct an EC-type examination

All other hand-held power tools not listed above are considered ordinary machinery. However, some tools under the dangerous category must also comply with:

- Noise Emission Directive

- low voltage directive (LVD)

Compliance with noise limits is mandatory, and specific requirements depend on the type of tool.

Reference Standards for CE Certification of Hand-Held Power Tools

The following EN standards are typically referenced for CE certification:

- EN 60745-1: General safety requirements for hand-held motor-operated electric tools

### Specific Tool Standards:

- EN 60745-2-1: Drills and impact drills

- EN 60745-2-2: Screwdrivers and impact wrenches

- EN 60745-2-3: Grinders, polishers, and disc-type sanders

- EN 60745-2-4: Other than disc-type sanders and polishers

- EN 60745-2-5: Circular saws

- EN 60745-2-6: Hammers

- EN 60745-2-7: Spray guns for non-combustible liquids

- EN 60745-2-8: Shears and nibblers

- EN 60745-2-9: Tappers

- EN 60745-2-11: Reciprocating saws (jig and sabre saws)

- EN 60745-2-12: Concrete vibrators

- EN 60745-2-13: Chain saws

- EN 60745-2-14: Planers

- EN 60745-2-15: Hedge trimmers

- EN 60745-2-16: Tackers

- EN 60745-2-17: Routers and trimmers

- EN 60745-2-18: Strapping tools

- EN 60745-2-19: Jointers

- EN 60745-2-20: Band saws

- EN 60745-2-21: Drain cleaners

- EN 60745-2-22: Cut-off machines

- EN 60745-2-23: Die grinders and small rotary tools

### EMC-Related Standards:

- EN 61000-3-2: Limits for harmonic current emissions (input current ≤16 A per phase)

- EN 61000-3-3: Limits on voltage fluctuations and flicker

- EN 55014-1: EMC requirements for household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus

- EN 55014-2: EMC immunity requirements for household appliances and electric tools

> Note: The final CE certification standards should be confirmed by a qualified engineer based on product specifications.

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## 3. CE Certification Process for Hand-Held Power Tools

1. Project Application

 Submit an application for CE certification.

2. Document Preparation

 Prepare relevant documentation and samples according to CE requirements.

3. Product Assessment

 Perform necessary testing, evaluation, and audit in line with CE standards.

4. Report Compilation

 Certification engineers compile a technical report based on audit findings.

5. Submission for Review

 Submit the complete technical documentation to a Notified Body for review.

6. Issuance of Certificate

 Upon successful review, the EU Notified Body issues the CE Certificate.

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