Quick Guide to the CE-LVD Low Voltage Directive

What is the LVD low voltage directive?

Directive 2014/35/EU was issued by the European Parliament and of the Council on 26 February 2014, aiming to harmonize the laws of Member States relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits.

This directive covers electrical equipment with a rated voltage of between 50 V and 1000 V for alternating current, and between 75 V and 1500 V for direct current. Like other CE directives, electrical products falling within the scope of this directive must bear the ce marking when placed on the market to enable free trade within the European Economic Area (EEA). The Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU applies to the vast majority of household electrical appliances and some industrial electrical products.

Why is Low Voltage Directive Certification RequiRED?

The primary purpose of ce lvd Low Voltage Directive certification is to ensure that electrical equipment complies with the EU's safety, health and environmental protection requirements during the design, manufacturing and use phases. It mainly prevents hazards such as electric shock, fire and mechanical injury caused by equipment malfunction or improper operation, safeguarding consumers' personal safety and property security. It also applies to avoiding risks arising from product functions.

Good insULation not only ensures the normal operation of electrical equipment and power lines but also prevents electric shock accidents caused by people touching or approaching live conductors.

We adopt redundant designs and use flame-retardant materials to prevent fire hazards caused by excessive temperatures during the use of electrical products. Flame retardancy is crucial for preventing electrical fires, as it slows down the spread of flames and reduces fire risks.

Inadequate design leading to non-compliance with mechanical safety requirements, mechanical failures, and the failure of protective and safety devices are the main causes of mechanical injuries. Sufficient consideration must be given to necessary mechanical protection during the design phase to meet safety requirements.

Inadequate design leading to non-compliance with mechanical safety requirements, mechanical failures, and the failure of protective and safety devices are the main causes of mechanical injuries. Sufficient consideration must be given to necessary mechanical protection during the design phase to meet safety requirements.

A well-designed product not only protects users from harm but also enhances user trust in the product and increases brand value. Reasonable design can eliminate hazards to the human body from product functions, such as anti-scalding features.

Attention is paid to potential hazards from long-term product use. For example, mandatory photobiological safety testing of light sources is conducted to eliminate harm to human eyes from blue light and ultraviolet radiation.

Who Does the Low Voltage Directive Apply to?

The Low Voltage Directive applies to manufacturers and importers of electrical equipment (operating within the aforementioned voltage limits) intending to market their products in Europe.

Directive 2014/35/EU aims to ensure easier market access and a higher level of protection for consumers' lives and property, and has added the following provisions:

1. Clarified the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers and distributors.

2. Wider application of electronic means in the demonstration of conformity.

3. Enhanced consumer safety through the improvement of systems for the recall of defective or unsafe products, and the continuous refinement of systems and supervision for conformity assessment bodies.

4. More robust market surveillance authorities to track and prevent the import of dangerous products.

Which Products Does the lvd directive Apply to?

CE lvd certification applies to electrical equipment and its components with a rated voltage of between 50 V and 1000 V for alternating current, and between 75 V and 1500 V for direct current, including but not limited to household appliances, lighting equipment, industrial control equipment, and information technology equipment.

Design and Manufacturing Requirements

Electrical equipment must be designed and manufactured in accordance with the EU's safety, health and environmental protection requirements to ensure that the equipment does not cause harm to people and the environment under normal use and fault conditions.

Component Requirements

Components of electrical equipment must also meet the requirements of CE LVD certification, including key components such as power cords, plugs, fuses, switches and isolation transformers.

Marking and Instructions Requirements

Electrical equipment must be clearly marked with the CE marking, and detailed user instructions and safety warnings must be provided to enable correct use and maintenance by users. The European importer must be indicated for traceability purposes.

How to Obtain CE-LVD Certification?

1. Declaration of Conformity issued independently by the enterprise. This certificate is a self-declaration document and shall not be issued by a third-party organization. However, such self-declarations are limited to reputable multinational enterprises and only apply to products with low safety risks.

2. Certificate of Compliance issued by a third-party organization. This is a conformity declaration issued by a third party, which must be accompanied by technical documentation such as test reports (Technical Construction File, TCF). At the same time, the enterprise must also sign the Declaration of Conformity.

3. EC Attestation of Conformity issued by a Notified Body (NB) of the European Union. In accordance with EU regulations, for products with relatively high risks, such as mechanical products listed in Annex IV, medical devices and pressure vessels, only EU Notified Bodies are qualified to issue an EC Type CE Declaration after conducting product type testing combined with production phase assessments.

JJR LAB's Qualification and Testing Services

JJR LAB provides qualified testing services for various CE directives, including the CE LVD Low Voltage Directive, CE MD Machinery Directive, ce emc Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive, CE PPE Personal Protective Equipment Directive, CE CPR Construction Products Regulation, and ce red Radio Equipment Directive.