Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU)

What is the Low Voltage Directive about?

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU) outlines essential safety requirements for electrical equipment operating with a voltage of between 50 V and 1000 V for alternating current and 75V and 1500V for direct current.

The Directive is aligned to the New Legislative Framework (NLF) policy and came into force on 20 April 2016, replacing Directive 2006/95/EC.

Comprising 11 safety objectives, the directive address all risks from using electrical equipment, including electrical, mechanical and chemical hazards, for example, emission of aggressive substances. It also covers health risks associated with noise, vibration and ergonomic factors.

Who is the Directive for?

The Low Voltage Directive applies to manufacturers of electrical equipment (operating within the above voltage limits) who intend to sell their products in Europe.

What products are covered by the Directive?

The Directive applies to a wide range of household and workplace electrical equipment operating on any AC supply between 50 V and 1000 V, or DC supply between 75 and 1500 V. The voltage limits relate to the voltage of the electrical input or output, not to voltages generated within the equipment.

Equipment covered under the Low Voltage Directive includes:

  • Electrical appliances
  • Lighting equipment
  • Electrical cables
  • Power Supply Units
  • Laser equipment
  • Components, for example, fuses

Where an electrical product satisfies the requirements of the LVD, along with the conditions of any other relevant directive, the manufacturer can affix the CE Mark, allowing them to freely circulate their products throughout the European market.

The Directive excludes:

  • Electrical equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere
  • Electrical equipment for radiology and medical use
  • Electrical parts for passenger lifts
  • Plugs and sockets for domestic use

Why choose BSI to meet the Low Voltage Directive requirements?

As a leading provider of testing and certification solutions, we offer technical expertise and professional testing and certification services enabling you to demonstrate that your products meet essential requirements of the Low Voltage Directive, plus any other applicable directives.

We have a global service with world-class expertise and BSI is leader in testing and certification. With more than 270 technical experts located in over 100 countries, we provide some of the most extensive and efficient testing services, accelerating time to market and giving you a head start of the competition.