Low Voltage Directive CE Marking

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Update time : 2026-05-12

What is the low voltage directive (LVD)?

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) is a mandatory CE certification regulation in the European Union, directive number 2014/35/EU (formerly 2006/95/EC). This directive regulates the safety of electrical equipment with a voltage rating between 50 and 1000 V for alternating current (AC) and between 75 and 1500 V for direct current (DC). The LVD does not specify detailed technical parameters but rather ensures product safety through harmonized standards (EN standards).

Which Products Require LVD CE Certification?

The following equipment must meet LVD requirements:

Product Category	Typical Products
Home Appliances	Washing machines, refrigerators, microwaves, vacuum cleaners
Information Technology Equipment	Computer power supplies, servers, monitors
LED Lighting Equipment	LED luminaires, LED drivers, street lights
Power Supply Products	Adapters, chargers, inverters, UPS
Industrial Control Equipment	PLC controllers, frequency converters, motor starters
Switching and Connection Equipment	Circuit breakers, sockets, switches, cables

Note: Battery-powered equipment is generally not within the scope of the LVD, but if it includes a charging function, it needs to be evaluated.

Core lvd testing Standards (EN Standards)

Product Type	Applicable EN Standard
Information Technology / Audio & Video	EN 62368-1
Home Appliances	EN 60335-1 and its series of sub-standards
Lighting Equipment	EN 60598-1 and its series of sub-standards
Power Transformers	EN 61558 series
Industrial Control Equipment	EN 60204-1
Measurement and Control Equipment	EN 61010-1

Six-Step Process for LVD ce marking

Determine applicable directives — Confirm whether the product falls within the LVD voltage range.
Identify harmonized standards — Select the corresponding EN standard for testing.
Product testing — Complete safety testing at an accredited laboratory, JJR LAB.
Compile technical documentation — Organize test reports, circuit diagrams, and BOM (Bill of Materials) lists.
Sign the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) — The manufacturer officially declares compliance with the LVD.
Affix the CE marking — The product is placed on the EU market.

Essential Checklist for Technical Documentation

Product description and specifications
Electrical schematic diagrams and PCB layout diagrams
Critical components list (BOM) and certification certificates
Risk assessment report
Test reports (issued by an accredited laboratory)
User manual (including safety warnings, must be in official EU languages)
EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

Relationship Between LVD and Other CE Directives

Directive	Control Focus	Relationship with LVD
EMC Directive	Electromagnetic compatibility	Electronic equipment usually needs to meet both simultaneously
RED Directive	Wireless equipment safety	Products with wireless features need this in addition
RoHS Directive	Restriction of hazardous substances	Mandatory compliance for all electrical products
gpsr	General product safety	Fully effective from December 2024

Certification Costs and Lead Times

(Note: The original text provided prices in Euros (€). As requested, these have been converted to USD ($) at an approximate exchange rate of 1 EUR ≈ 1.10 USD.)

Product Complexity	Cost Range	Lead Time
Simple products (e.g., adapters)	$1,650-$3,300	2-3 weeks
Medium complexity (e.g., LED drivers)	$3,300-$6,600	3-5 weeks
Complex equipment (e.g., industrial controllers)	$6,600-$13,200	4-8 weeks

Costs are affected by the number of test points, the number of samples, and whether a structural review is required.

Post-Brexit Requirements

The UK market no longer accepts the CE marking and requires the ukca marking. The corresponding UK regulation for LVD is the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (SI 2016 No. 1101). The CE marking can still be used in Northern Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the validity period of an lvd certificate?

A: There is no fixed validity period. Re-evaluation is required when there are updates to the product design or standards.

What is the difference between the responsibilities of the manufacturer and the importer?

A: The manufacturer is responsible for the complete compliance process. The importer must verify that the manufacturer has completed the CE procedures and retain a copy of the DoC.

Can I self-declare lvd compliance?

A: Yes. The LVD usually does not require the intervention of a Notified Body, but the testing must be completed in a qualified laboratory.

What is the difference between LVD and EMC?

A: LVD controls electrical safety (protection against electric shock and fire). EMC controls electromagnetic interference and immunity.

What are the consequences of lacking an LVD CE marking?

A: The product may be detained by customs, fined by market surveillance authorities, subjected to mandatory recalls, or even incur criminal liabilities.