Home Appliance Certifications in Europe and the US

As technology advances and consumer demand evolves, the market prospects and application scenarios for smart homes will continue to expand and deepen. To address the transition from traditional homes to smart homes, and to comply with market and safety requirements in Europe and the United States, various governments have established a series of regulations for smart homes. If smart home suppliers and manufacturers fail to timely recognize the regulations, standards, and mandatory certification requirements in Europe and the United States, they may face risks such as fines, customs seizures, and recalls.

In May 2024, a certain model of an electric sofa was seized by British customs. It was found that this sofa only had a fire resistance test report for the UK but lacked any Electrical Testing reports or certifications, such as EMC, LVD, or MD reports or certificates. To help smart home manufacturers address such risks, China JJR Laboratory will provide a detailed introduction to the mandatory electronic and electrical certifications for smart homes in Europe and the United States.

EU Electrical and Electronic Regulations (CE certification)

EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU)

The EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU) ensures that devices or systems can operate normally in their electromagnetic environment without causing unacceptable electromagnetic interference to other equipment. The main standards include:

- EN IEC 55014-1 Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus - Part 1: Emission

- EN IEC 55014-2 Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus - Part 2: Immunity - Product family standard

- EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A1:2021 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-3: Generic standards - Emission standard for equipment in residential environments

- EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019+A2:2021 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-3: Limits limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations, and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems, for equipment with rated current ≤16 A per phase and not subject to conditional connection

LVD Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU)

The primary purpose is to ensure that all electrical equipment sold and used in the EU market is safe for humans, animals, and property and can operate safely within the intended voltage range, preventing fires, electric shocks, or other safety incidents. The main standards include:

- EN 60335-1:2012+A11:2014+A13:2017+A1:2019+A14:2019+A2:2019+A15:2021+A16:2023 Safety of household and similar electrical appliances. Part 1: General requirements

- EN 62233 Measurement methods for electromagnetic fields of household appliances and similar apparatus concerning human exposure

- IEC 60335-2-116 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-116: Particular requirements for furniture with electrically motorized parts

MD Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC)

This directive ensures that all machinery products sold or used in the EU market meet specific safety and health standards, focusing on the design and construction of the machinery to ensure its safety and protection of the operator's health. The 2023 update explicitly includes electric furniture and 3D printers within the scope of the directive. The main standards include:

- ISO 12100 Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction

ErP Energy Efficiency Directive (EU) 2023/826

On April 18, 2023, the EU released a new energy efficiency regulation (EU) 2023/826, which will take effect and be enforced from May 9, 2025. The new regulation will replace the old energy efficiency regulation (EC) No 1275/2008 and make the following major adjustments:

- The new regulation no longer applies to products such as washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen appliances, and televisions, but adds energy efficiency requirements for adjustable furniture and electrically powered building equipment.

- It emphasizes energy efficiency requirements in off-mode, standby mode, and network standby mode, aiming to reduce energy consumption when equipment is not in use.

- The effective date is May 9, 2025, after which the old energy efficiency regulations will be completely repealed.

These changes aim to promote energy efficiency improvements in electrical products and equipment within the EU, addressing global challenges of sustainable development and environmental protection, and driving innovation and competition within the market.

Summary of European Height-Adjustable Desk Standards and Certifications (CE-EMC, CE-LVD, CE-MD, CE-ErP)

- EN 527-1 Office furniture - Work tables and desks - Part 1: Dimensions

- EN 527-2 Office furniture - Work tables - Part 2: Safety, strength, and durability requirements

- EN 12521 Furniture - Strength, durability, and safety - Requirements for domestic tables

Summary of U.S. Height-Adjustable Desk Standards and Certifications (FCC Certification)

- UL 962 Standard for Safety Household and Commercial Furnishings

- BIFMA X5.5 Desk/Table Products Tests

European Electric Sofa Standards and Certifications (CE-EMC, CE-LVD, CE-MD, CE-ErP)

- EN 12520 Furniture - Strength, durability, and safety - Requirements for domestic seating

- EN 16139 Furniture - Strength, durability, and safety - Requirements for non-domestic seating

- EN 13759 Furniture - Operating mechanisms for seating and sofa-beds - Test methods

Summary of U.S. Electric Sofa Standards and Certifications (FCC Certification)

- UL 962 Standard for Safety Household and Commercial Furnishings

- BIFMA X5.4 American National Standard for Office and Institutional Furnishings - Public and Lounge Seating

China JJR Laboratory has a one-stop service team for mandatory smart home certifications in Europe and the United States, offering CE certification, FCC certification, and testing services for the above standards, including product evaluation, testing follow-up, report interpretation, and improvement recommendations. Please contact China JJR Laboratory for details.