Low voltage directive testing ensures a high level of safety for electrical products, equipment, and devices. Products with a voltage range of 50-1000V AC and 75–1500 V DC must comply with the LVD requirements for free movement of goods within the EU, EEA and United Kingdom.
What is the low voltage directive 2014/35/EU?
The low voltage directive 2014/35/EU, formerly 2006/95/EC, states that electrical equipment can only be placed on the market if it provides a high level of protection to the health and safety of persons, domestic animals, and property.
Products that fall within the scope of this directive are also required to carry the CE mark, and the correct documentation to support the manufactures declaration of conformity. LVD testing helps manufacturers meet their obligations by following low voltage directive guidance.
Low voltage directive requirements
Element provides the guidance and services a manufacturer needs to meet the requirements of the LVD.
Electrical equipment for the extended Single Market in the European Economic Area (EEA), designed for use with a voltage rating of 50-1000 V AC and 75-1500 V DC, needs to meet the requirements of the Low voltage directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU. CE marking against the low voltage directive provides manufacturers with an alternative to UKCA marking when addressing the regulatory requirements for the safety of many types of electrical equipment for the United Kingdom.
Low voltage directive testing and CE marking
Four key aspects that are required, and these must be in place before CE marking to this directive can take place:
- Analysis and assessment of the risks associated with the product.
- Product safety testing and assessments.
- Testing to harmonized standard(s) will assist manufacturers by offering a presumption of conformity to the essential requirements (safety objectives) of the LVD.
- Compilation of the Technical Documentation as required by the directive.
- Guidance on the completion of the Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
LVD testing services
We offer impartial third-party support to manufacturers in all aspects of the Low voltage directive, from design advice, full product electrical safety testing, Technical File compilation, and review.
Element can issue the third-party qualification necessary to provide a vital market advantage and confidence in placing a product on the market.
For those that need Low voltage directive guidance on the regulatory requirements for a particular product, we provide a product certification advisory service to support them through the testing and approval of their products and components.
The Element Advantage
Our Certification team provides the Certification Services required for Global Market Access for many countries throughout the world.
We are proud to be a certification body under the IECEE CB Scheme, which has significant market access advantages, including reduced test costs and time to market. Element's Global Market Access team offers further services to help those looking to export their products into the Global Marketplace.
Element is UKAS accredited for testing to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and product certification to ISO/IEC 17065:2012, a Notified Body for the European Radio Equipment, EMC & ATEX Directives, an Approved Body for the UK Radio Equipment Regulation, EMC Regulation and Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulation, a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) for the US, a Foreign Certification Body (FCB) for Canada and a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for Japan.
For more information about low voltage directive testing services, or to request a quote, contact us today
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Read moreCE Safety Mark - Why Electrical Safety Testing Counts
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. READ MOREThe European Commission's LVD guidance
The European Commission's official Low voltage directive 2014/35/EU (LVD) guide is available for those seeking further practical advice and guidance on the Directive before CE Marking.
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