Low Voltage Testing Services

Brief Introduction to the lvd directive

For electrical equipment powered by electricity, in addition to the Machinery Directive and the EMC Directive, it must also comply with another mandatory regulation – the Directive on the Approximation of the Laws of Member States Relating to Electrical Equipment Designed for Use Within Certain Voltage Limits (73/23/EEC), commonly referred to as the low voltage directive (LVD). Its mandatory implementation date was January 1, 1997.

The term "low voltage" here does not refer to 3V, 5V, or 12V. According to the first clause of the directive, "Electrical equipment" referred to in this Directive means all products designed for use with alternating current (AC) voltages between 50 V and 1,500 V and direct current (DC) voltages between 75 V and 1,500 V. Examples include:

①　Household appliances (EN 60335)

②　Lighting products (EN 60598)

③　Audio-visual products (en 60065)

④　Information technology equipment (en 60950)

⑤　Electrical machinery (EN 60204)

⑥　Measuring instruments (EN 61010)

Scope of Application and Basic Requirements of the LVD Directive

The LVD Directive applies to electrical equipment with AC voltages ranging from 50 V to 1,000 V and DC voltages ranging from 75 V to 1,500 V. Computers and peripheral devices fall within this scope.

Although the rated voltage of notebook computers is below 50 V AC and 75 V DC, they are battery-powered products that require connection to power supply units for operation, so they are also covered by this Directive.

The Directive specifies conformity requirements for the comprehensive safety, design and structural safety, and information safety of electrical equipment. It sets out provisions to prevent hazards caused directly or indirectly by electrical equipment, such as:

①　Contact protection

②　Overheating prevention

③　Radiation protection

④　Protection against mechanical and non-mechanical factors

⑤　Overcurrent and overvoltage protection

Scope of LVD Safety Testing

Safety-critical components subject to LVD safety testing requirements include:

①　Flexible cables and cords

②　Plug

③　Socket-outlet

④　Coupler

⑤　Connector

⑥　AC Inlet

⑦　SOCKET

⑧　X/Y capacitor

⑨　Fuse

⑩　Switch

⑪　Thermostat

⑫　Dimmer

⑬　Timer

⑭　Converter

⑮　Motor

⑯　Speaker

⑰　Ballast

⑱　Relay

⑲　Non-integral lamp holder

⑳　Fuse-holder

LVD Safety Test Items

Test items specified in the Low Voltage Directive include:

1. Input test

2. Heating test

3. Humidity test

4. Glow-wire test

5. Over Load test

6. Leakage current measurements

7. Electric Strength test

8. Earth continuity test

9. Cord anchorage test

10. Stability test

11. Plug torque test

12. Impact test

13. Capacitor discharge test at plug

14. Fault conditions test

15. Working voltage measurement

16. Motor lock-rotor test

17. Low and high temperature test

18. Tumbling test

19. Insulation resistance test

20. Ball pressure test

21. Screw Torque test

22. Needle flame test

Sample Requirements for LVD Safety Testing

Sample requirements for compliance with the Low Voltage Directive are as follows:

1. Prepare 2–4 complete samples for the main tested model (for series testing).

2. If special tools are required for assembly, provide the dedicated tools together with the samples.

3. If the product needs to operate under special load conditions, submit the corresponding load to ensure normal operation of the product during testing.

4. For products that require accessories (controllers, connecting cables, software, etc.) to function properly, submit the product with all accessories pre-installed and connected.

5. For products requiring a charger, provide the charger (a note stating "charger not subject to testing" must be marked on the product).

6. For products with potting requirements such as transformers, provide separate samples for both sealed and unsealed versions.

7. Provide some key components or unassembled parts, e.g., thermal link, rheostat or resistance, and circuit breaker.

lvd certification Process

1. Submit the application form.

2. Submit technical documentation, including product brief, installation and operation manual, technical drawings, bill of materials (BOM) of key components, nameplate design, and ce certificates or Declarations of Conformity (DoC) of major purchased components.

3. Sample testing (conducted in accordance with the harmonized standards under the LVD Directive). Test items are determined by JJR LAB based on the applicable product standards, such as earth continuity test, insulation voltage resistance test, and temperature rise test.

4. Once the technical documentation is complete and the samples pass all tests, the CE certificate will be issued, and the product is eligible for ce marking.