CE Safety Mark - Why Electrical Safety Testing Counts

It is essential for electrical equipment manufacturers to navigate the complexities of CE safety and compliance. In this article, we will delve into the significance of conducting thorough risk analysis, following harmonized standards, and undertaking third-party testing. With over 19 years of experience in testing and certification of telecoms products, Stephen Tait provides valuable insights into achieving CE safety compliance

What is CE Marking for Electrical Equipment Safety?

CE Marking for electrical equipment safety signifies a crucial declaration by the manufacturer regarding compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards, facilitating unrestricted circulation within the European market. This process demands manufacturers to undertake a comprehensive risk analysis to ascertain conformity with the legislation's essential requirements, especially concerning CE safety.

CE safety mark and risk

Manufacturers must consider and record in their risk analysis, all possible risks posed by their product to determine:

1. Which essential requirements apply to their product
2. How they are addressing the identified risks to ensure compliance with the applicable essential requirements (e.g. through the application of harmonized standards, and third-party accredited testing)

There are two specific business risks associated with CE Marking:

1. Are you willing to take the risk of self-declaring against the CE legislation without satisfactory evidence that your product meets all the essential requirements of the legislation (e.g. Low Voltage or Machinery Safety Directives)?
2. Ensuring your product is safe, not just functionally acceptable, but also ensuring the devices are used in a way that will not cause harm to the user, domestic animals, and property during installation, use, or maintenance (the ‘What if?’ scenario).

The combination of both risks and not acting on them correctly could be very costly both financially and potentially loss of reputation and creditability in the marketplace. Everyday product recalls are listed on the RAPEX website on the basis that devices do not meet the essential health and safety requirements of the CE marking legislation and are therefore potentially not safe for use; one of the most common risks being identified with these devices are defects that could cause Electric Shock or Fire.

Failure to address these risks adequately can result in financial losses and damage to reputation. Regular product recalls, often due to safety non-compliance, underscore the importance of thorough risk assessment and adherence to CE safety standards. The best way to mitigate potential product recalls and ensure you meet the correct requirements is to progress with third-party testing.

Why is electrical safety testing required?

Electrical safety testing using a harmonized standard is a key step to ensure products meet the essential requirements of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) or Machinery Safety Directives and thus ensure a manufacturer can demonstrate presumption of conformity to the applicable legislation. Using a third-party test laboratory is the most efficient and reliable way to ensure devices are fully compliant with harmonized standards and suitable for their end application. Third-party testing from an accredited test laboratory guarantees the product has been tested in accordance with the correct requirements of the standard and gives the manufacturer confidence when signing the final part of the process, the Declaration of Conformity. It is essential that products have undergone the correct level of test and review to ensure that:

1. The product is not liable for overheating and causing fire
2. The product has suitable electrical isolation  and cannot cause an electric shock hazard
3. Potential non-primary use case risks have been considered or identified
4. The product is correctly marked and the instructions for use are clear and allow the user to install and operate the equipment safely

Appropriate third-party safety testing will increase credibility when looking to sell products to a global market. Most countries will not accept test reports unless they have been issued by an appropriately accredited test laboratory. This is also true for retailers and consumers who require assurance that a product is safe and will not cause issues when placed on the market or put into service.

How Element can help?

Manufacturers need to prioritize safety and compliance for electrical equipment to meet regulatory requirements. To ensure product safety and regulatory compliance, manufacturers must conduct thorough risk analysis, follow harmonized standards, and carry out third-party testing. 

Element provides comprehensive end-to-end services that are supported by certifications from ISO 17025, ISO 9100, JOSCAR, and NADCAP-accredited labs. This ensures unmatched customer confidence. With over a century of testing expertise, our customers trust us to deliver unparalleled product qualification testing across diverse industries. 

If you would like further advice about your CE Marking requirements and preparing a product for electrical safety testing, please contact one of our safety testing experts today.