When is LVD compliance required?

Product compliance testing under the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU is required for all electrical products that are within the following voltage limits:

• 50 – 1,000 volts for AC devices
• 75 – 1,500 volts for DC devices.

In this regard, subject to the LVD directive also are DC devices which charge using an AC adapter even if the voltage rating is less than 75 volts DC.

Conformity to the LVD is mandatory for all electrical products within the voltage limits as mentioned above and not explicitly excluded by the European law. However, it's of importance to know that even if a product is not within these voltages, it may still be subject to other EU directives, for instance, the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC.

Moreover, the LVD Compliance of a product cannot be ensured merely with the CE conformity of all of its components. The product itself must carry a CE mark because the marking indicates that the overall assembly is in legal compliance with the LVD 2014/35/EU.

As overall, LVD compliance is needed for a wide range of electrical products and equipment, from battery chargers to wireless devices, but it is not required for the following types of electrical products:

• all electrical equipment used in a potentially explosive environment;
• electrical products which usage is related to the medical and radiological field;
• electrical fragments for lifts;
• electric fence controllers;
• electricity meters;
• plug and socket-outlets for domestic usage;
• specialised electrical equipment for railways, ships or aircraft;
• and others.

The products listed above are not included within the scope of the LVD because they are covered by other CE directives.