CE LVD Safety Test Report

EU Low Voltage Directive Update 2014/35/EU

To align with the New Legislative Framework (NLF), the European Union (EU) published an updated version of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU in the Official Journal on March 29, 2014, replacing the previous Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.

The new directive came into effect on April 20, 2016, requiring all EU member states to complete legislative procedures by April 19, 2016. From April 20, 2016, any Declarations of Conformity (VOC) based on the old directive were no longer accepted.

Applicable Products

The directive applies to electrical equipment with a rated voltage of 50-1000V (AC) and 75-1500V (DC).

Objectives of the New Directive

The directive aims to:

- Clarify the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers, and distributors.

- Promote the use of electronic methods in conformity assessment.

- Enhance consumer safety through better product tracking and stricter oversight of conformity assessment bodies.

- Strengthen market surveillance mechanisms to identify and prevent the import of dangerous products.

Key Changes

- Manufacturers are solely responsible for the conformity assessment.

- Notified Bodies are no longer involved in the conformity assessment process.

Overview of LVD (Low Voltage Directive) 2006/95/EC

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) ensures that low-voltage electrical equipment is safe for use. It applies to electrical products operating within 50V-1000V AC and 75V-1500V DC.

The directive includes safety regulations covering mechanical hazards, insulation, fire resistance, temperature limits, and failure conditions.

Scope of the Directive

The LVD directive applies to all electrical products with a nominal AC voltage of 50-1000V and a nominal DC voltage of 75-1500V. Compliance requires:

- Adequate insulation distances.

- High voltage resistance.

- Flame retardancy.

- Temperature rise control.

- Durability of critical components.

LVD Testing Standards for Different Product Categories

Industrial, Medical & Scientific Equipment

- EN 60601-1 / EN 61010

Broadcasting Equipment

- EN 60065 / UL 6500 / UL 1492 / CSA C22.2 M1

Household Appliances

- EN 60335-1 / CNS 3765 / CNS 3766

Lighting Equipment

- EN 60598 / UL 153 / UL 1571 / CSA C22.2 No.9 / No.12

Information Technology Equipment

- EN 60950 / UL 1950 / CSA C22.2-950

Power Transformers

- EN / IEC 61558

Power Tools

- EN / IEC 61029

Lighting Control Devices

- EN 61347

Mechanical Safety

- EN 292

Industrial Motors

- EN 60034

Light Bulbs

- EN 60432

Household Automatic Control Devices

- EN 60730

Signal Lamps

- EN 62094

Water Pumps

- EN 12157

Toys

- EN 71

Machinery Safety

- EN ISO 12100 / EN 60204

Household Cooking & Food Processing Equipment

- UL 1026

Coffee Makers & Kettles

- UL 1082

Griddles & Deep Fryers

- UL 1083

Motorized Food Processing Equipment

- UL 982

Heating Appliances

- UL 499

Massage & Fitness Equipment

- UL 1647

General Lighting Fixtures

- UL 153

Electric Fans

- UL 507

Class II Power Supplies

- UL 1310

Class II & III Transformers

- UL 1585

Audio/Video Transformers

- UL 1411

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

- UL 1778

Energy-Saving Lamps

- UL 1993

LVD Declaration Methods – Three Approaches

To comply with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD), manufacturers can choose from three methods:

1. Using harmonized EU standards.

2. Using national standards if no harmonized EU standards exist.

3. Applying the LVD requirements directly.

Required Technical Documentation

Manufacturers must provide technical documentation to EU authorities upon request and retain records for at least 10 years after production. The required documents include:

- Product description.

- Design diagrams, circuit diagrams, component lists, and structural details.

- List of referenced standards.

- Safety test reports, documenting all mandatory testing results.

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturers must issue a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) to confirm that their product complies with the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU.