LVD Low Voltage Directive Introduction :2014/35/EU

In order to adapt to the New Legislative Framework (NLF) of the European Union, on March 29,2014, the Official Journal of the European Union published a new version of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU to replace the original low voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.

The new directive will come into force on April 20, 2016. Member States have until 19 April 2016 to complete the legislative process. In other words, products that comply with the old Low Voltage Directive will not be accepted after 20 April 2016

The new directive aims to ensure easier market access and a higher level of protection for consumers' lives and property:

1. Clarify the responsibilities of manufacturers, importers and distributors

2. Wider application of electronic means in proof of conformity

3. Through the improvement of the defect or unsafe product tracing system and the continuous improvement of the system and supervision of the conformity assessment body, the safety of consumers is more guaranteed

4, Better market surveillance agencies to track and prevent the import of dangerous products;

Q1  What is the range of low voltage instructions?

Applicable to electrical products designed with rated voltages of 50 to 1000 volts AC and 75 to 1500 volts DC, except for the following:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.      <!--[endif]-->Electrical products used in explosive environments

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.      <!--[endif]-->Electrical products used in radiation or medical applications

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.      <!--[endif]-->Electrical components of freight or passenger elevators

<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.      <!--[endif]-->Electricity meter

<!--[if !supportLists]-->e.      <!--[endif]-->Household plugs and sockets

<!--[if !supportLists]-->f.       <!--[endif]-->Electric fence controller

<!--[if !supportLists]-->g.      <!--[endif]-->Radio interference

<!--[if !supportLists]-->h.      <!--[endif]-->Special electrical products for use on ships, aircraft or railways in compliance with safety regulations established by international bodies in which EU Member States participate

<!--[if !supportLists]-->i.       <!--[endif]-->Customized evaluation equipment used by professionals for research and development purposes only at research and development sites

Q2. What are the main changes of the new low voltage instruction compared to the old instruction?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.      <!--[endif]-->The new definition in Article 2, derived from R1 of Annex I to 768/2008/EC

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.      <!--[endif]-->The new requirements for the obligations of economic operators in Articles 6 to 11 are derived from R2 to R7 of Annexes 768/2008/EC

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.      <!--[endif]-->The more specific principles relating to CE marking in Article 16, derived from Article 30 of (EC)765.2008;

<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.      <!--[endif]-->More specific requirements on market regulation, Article 18, derived from points 3 of Article 15 of (EC)765.2008, Articles 16-29; Articles 19 to 22, derived from R31 to R34 of Annex I to 768/2008/EC

<!--[if !supportLists]-->e.      <!--[endif]-->The new exemption clause in Appendix II "Customized evaluation equipment used by professionals for research and development purposes only in research and development sites"

<!--[if !supportLists]-->f.       <!--[endif]-->The additional requirement for the preparation of technical documents in Annex III "adequate analysis and assessment of risks" is derived from point 2 of Annex II to 768/2008/EC

<!--[if !supportLists]-->g.      <!--[endif]-->The requirement for the support of the EU notified body in points 8, 2,3 and 11 of the old Directive has been deleted

Q3. How to identify products, manufacturers and importers?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.      <!--[endif]-->The manufacturer shall ensure that the product is marked with the model number, batch or serial number or other identifiable elements or, if this is not possible, on the packaging or accompanying documentation

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.      <!--[endif]-->The manufacturer shall display the manufacturer's name, registered trade name or trade mark and postal address on the product or, if this is not possible, on the packaging or accompanying documents. The address should be a single location

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.      <!--[endif]-->The importer shall display the name of the importer, the registered trade name or trade mark and the postal address on the product or, if this is not possible, on the package or accompanying document

Q4. How to comply with the low voltage directive?

Pass the manufacturer's compliance assessment process: Internal production control (Mode A)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.      <!--[endif]-->Prepare technical documents including adequate risk analysis and assessment

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.      <!--[endif]-->The manufacturing process and its supervision shall ensure that the manufactured products comply with the specifications of the technical documents

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.      <!--[endif]-->Drafting of EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.      <!--[endif]-->Post the CE mark.

Q5. What should be included in the "Technical Document"?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->a.      <!--[endif]-->Adequate risk analysis and assessment

<!--[if !supportLists]-->b.      <!--[endif]-->General description of electrical products

<!--[if !supportLists]-->c.      <!--[endif]-->Design concept and manufacturing drawings, as well as parts, assembly details, etc

<!--[if !supportLists]-->d.      <!--[endif]-->Necessary descriptions and explanations for understanding the corresponding drawings and details as well as the work of electrical products

<!--[if !supportLists]-->e.      <!--[endif]-->A list of the harmonised standards, or international standards, or national standards applied in whole or in part, and, in the absence of harmonised standards or international or national standards, a description of the solutions adopted to comply with the safety objectives of the Directive, including a list of other relevant technical specifications applied. If harmonized or international standards or national standards are partially applied. The technical document shall indicate the part to be applied

<!--[if !supportLists]-->f.       <!--[endif]-->The results of the design calculation and inspection made

<!--[if !supportLists]-->g.      <!--[endif]-->Test report.