In brief
The Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU governs the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment above 0.5 bar maximum allowable pressure.
Contents
What is Pressure Equipment Directive?
The Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU (PED) applies to pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure PS above 0.5 bar. This includes vessels, piping, steam and hot-water generators, pressure accessories such as valves, and safety accessories such as safety valves. In Germany, it is transposed via the Pressure Equipment Ordinance under the Product Safety Act (ProdSG).
Pressure equipment is classified into categories I to IV according to its hazard potential. Decisive factors are pressure, volume or nominal size and the fluid group: group 1 comprises dangerous fluids, group 2 all other fluids. The higher the category, the stricter the conformity assessment procedure and the more likely it is that a notified body is involved. Equipment below category I is manufactured in accordance with sound engineering practice and does not bear CE marking under this directive.
When replacing valves, safety valves or vessels, the category of the original is decisive. The spare part must be suitable for the pressure, temperature and medium and be marked accordingly. The operation of pressure installations is also subject to separate operator obligations. The text of the directive is authoritative; this entry does not constitute legal advice.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
When requesting pressure-bearing spare parts, state the medium, maximum allowable pressure, temperature range, nominal size and material, and ask for the EU declaration of conformity and material certificates. A different material or a lower pressure rating is not an equivalent replacement.
Synonyms and abbreviations: PED · Directive 2014/68/EU · PED 2014/68/EU
Frequently asked questions
Which equipment does the Pressure Equipment Directive apply to?
It applies to pressure equipment and assemblies with a maximum allowable pressure above 0.5 bar. This includes vessels, piping, pressure accessories such as valves, and safety accessories such as safety valves or bursting discs. Certain products are excluded because they are covered by other rules; the exclusions are listed in the directive itself.
How is the category of pressure equipment determined?
The category is derived from charts in an annex to the directive. Input variables are the type of equipment, the physical state and fluid group of the medium, the maximum allowable pressure and the volume for vessels or the nominal size for piping. The category determines the possible conformity assessment modules and whether a notified body is involved.
What does sound engineering practice mean in the Pressure Equipment Directive?
Pressure equipment whose hazard potential is below category I must be designed and manufactured in accordance with sound engineering practice. No conformity assessment procedures under the directive apply to it, and it must not bear CE marking under the Pressure Equipment Directive. However, it must be safe, be supplied with adequate instructions for use and allow the manufacturer to be identified.