Low Voltage Directive

What is the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU)?

More commonly known as, the LVD has seen many revisions with the most recent coming in April 2016. The LVD covers health and safety risks on electrical equipment operating with an input or output voltage of between:

• 50 V and 1000 V for alternating current
• 75 V and 1500 V for direct current

It applies to a wide range of electrical equipment for both consumer and professional usage, such as:

• Household appliances 
• Electrical cables
• Power Supply Units
• Laser equipment
• Certain components, e.g. Fuses

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.

This is a simple overview of detailed and complex law.  You can download the original Directive here or you can visit the European Commission website here for more details

Does it apply to me?

Whether it be for domestic, commercial or industrial use, all electrical equipment that falls in the scope of the LVD, that is placed on the market or brought into service within the EU, must comply with the Low Voltage Directive.

How do I comply with LVD?

If the LVD applies to your product, you are obliged to meet its Principal Elements 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.