What is Low Voltage (LVD) CE Certification?

Low Voltage (LVD)

The Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC) was first established in 1973, preceding the New Approach Directives by 20 years and is considered the precursor to the New Approach concept. On March 29, 2014, the Official Journal of the European Union published a new version of the Low Voltage Directive, 2014/35/EU, replacing the original 2006/95/EC directive.

Many electrical products used daily must comply with the essential health and safety requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. This directive covers electrical equipment with rated voltages between 50V and 1000V for alternating current (AC) and 75V to 1500V for direct current (DC). Like other CE directives, this directive applies when electrical products are placed on the market and must bear the CE marking to allow free trade within the European Economic Area (EEA).

By affixing the CE mark to an electrical product, the manufacturer or importer ensures that the product meets the safety requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.

Scope of LVD

LVD applies to electrical equipment operating within the voltage range of 50–1000V AC and 75–1500V DC. This definition indicates the directive's scope, not a limitation of applicability (e.g., in a computer operating at 230V AC, a 12V DC circuit hazard is also regulated by LVD).

LVD covers products for consumer and industrial use, including those used by manufacturers themselves (e.g., testing equipment).

Examples of products include:

- Household appliances (EN60335)

- Lighting equipment (EN60598)

- Audio-visual equipment (EN60065)

- Information technology equipment (EN60950)

- Electrical machinery (EN60204)

- Measuring instruments (EN61010)

CE Technical Documentation Requirements

The CE system of LVD is similar to the EMC directive; all products within the scope must have a CE marking and a declaration of conformity signed by the manufacturer or importer. A simple self-declaration is insufficient for ensuring product safety (safety being defined as preventing injury or damage to people, livestock, or property). Thus, an LVD declaration must be supported by technical documentation.

Technical documentation must include:

1. General description of the electrical equipment.

2. Conceptual design and manufacturing drawings.

3. Descriptions and explanations needed to understand the drawings.

4. List of all or part of the applied standards and measures taken to meet the directive's safety requirements.

5. Design calculations and checks made.

6. Test reports.

Objectives of LVD

The directive ensures that low-voltage equipment is safe during use. It applies to electrical products with voltages between 50V to 1000V AC and 75V to 1500V DC, including all safety rules to prevent risks from mechanical causes. The design and construction of equipment must guarantee safety during normal and fault conditions.

Evaluated hazards include:

1. Electric shock.

2. Energy hazard.

3. Fire.

4. Mechanical and thermal hazards.

5. Radiation hazard.

6. Chemical hazard.

Core Requirements for CE Certification of Low Voltage Directive:

A. General Requirements

a) To ensure safe use, the electrical equipment must have markings indicating its usage characteristics and compliance details. If not feasible, this can be stated in the manual.

b) The product should clearly display the manufacturer's name, brand, or trademark. If difficult, it may be shown on the packaging.

c) The equipment and its components must be manufactured to allow safe assembly and connection.

d) Design and construction should ensure safety under intended use and maintenance conditions, meeting sections B and C requirements.

B. Prevention of Hazards from Electrical Equipment

a) Avoid risks of injury from direct or indirect contact with electrical parts.

b) Prevent hazardous temperatures, arcs, or radiation.

c) Adequately protect people and livestock from non-electrical dangers associated with electrical equipment.

d) Insulation must be appropriate for foreseeable conditions.

C. Prevention of External Influences Causing Hazard

a) Electrical products must meet mechanical requirements to protect people, livestock, and property.

b) Products must withstand non-mechanical environmental factors under intended conditions to prevent risks.

c) Products should remain safe even under predictable overload conditions.

LVD Testing Items

1. Working voltage

2. Fault testing

3. Impact testing

4. Vibration testing

5. Shock testing

6. Electrical clearance, creepage, and insulation distance

7. Plug testing

8. Protective conductor resistance

9. External wiring terminals

10. Power cord stress relief test

11. Electrical connection and fixation test

12. Leakage test

13. Accessibility test

14. Energy hazard check

15. Limited power test

16. Safety interlock test

17. PCB test

18. Power supply casing

19. Encapsulation and sealed part inspection

20. External force test

21. Electrical equipment in buildings

22. Electric shock test

23. Dielectric strength test

24. Label inspection and test

25. Radiation test

26. Heating test

27. SELV test

28. TNV test

29. Current limiting circuit test

30. Overload test

31. Manual control test

32. Battery explosion test

33. Spill test

34. Combustion test

35. Fire prevention test

36. Adhesive test

37. Vicat test

38. Waterproof test

Documentation Required for LVD CE Certification:

1) Description of electrical equipment.

2) Design principles, component and circuit diagrams.

3) Descriptions and explanations for understanding the drawings and equipment operation.

4) List of all or partially applicable standards and explanations of measures for unmet standards to achieve directive safety requirements.

5) Calculations and inspection results from the design phase.

6) Test reports.

Process for LVD CE Certification:

1. Application (complete the application form, company information, provide product details, and arrange sample submission to a testing agency)

2. Quotation (determine testing standards, duration, and fees based on provided information)

3. Payment (confirm the quote, sign the application form and service agreement, and make payment)

4. Testing (conduct comprehensive testing per EU standards)

5. Completion of testing and report generation

6. Certificate issuance

 CE Certification cost

Timeline for LVD Certification

For general LVD directive testing, approximately one week.