Low voltage directive
From Edis Audio Visual Wiki
CE Mark Testing for the Low-Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC
Safety of electrical/electronic products is of major importance. Most countries have imposed strict regulations on these products.
As of January 1, 1997 it became mandatory for manufacturers of electrical equipment destined for European Union countries, to comply with requirements of the Low-Voltage Directive (LVD). The LVD (73/23/EEC plus parts of 93/68/EEC) requires electrical equipment to comply with specific design standards so that the user and consumers are offered protection from electric shock and fire, as well as other electrical, thermal, and product construction hazards.
The LVD applies to all electrical equipment designed for use with voltages between 50-1000 VAC and 75-1500 VDC. The approval process does not require the intervention of a European test lab or notified body so a manufacturer/supplier can complete the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) based on test reports.
Electrical safety services include an inspection and survey of equipment by safety experts, to identify possible product safety deficiencies. Evaluation of the product for construction details, design requirements, and component make up against the applicable European harmonized standards. Review of schematics and instruction manuals for appropriate labeling and safety information details. Test reports outline the recommended corrective actions, with an emphasis on the design considerations that may affect EMC test results. A suite of tests which demonstrate conformity for the product.
Low-Voltage Directive Compliance: Stages
- Identify applicable directives, standards, and other relevant agency approvals.
- Pre-test safety survey, which includes construction/component/documentation review and test plan
- Test to demonstrate conformity with standards
- Generate test reports for the technical file
- Declaration of Conformity to allow application of CE label to the product
Electrical and safety tests conducted:
- Hipot Testing
- Ground Continuity
- Impact
- Accessibility
- Humidity Soak
- Drop Testing
- Temperature Rise
- Dielectric Strength
