In brief
The Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU governs the safety of electrical equipment in the voltage range between 50 and 1000 V AC.
Contents
What is Low Voltage Directive?
The Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU applies to electrical equipment with a rated voltage between 50 and 1000 volts alternating current or between 75 and 1500 volts direct current. It is intended to protect persons, domestic animals and property against electrical and other hazards arising from such equipment. In Germany, it is transposed via an ordinance under the Product Safety Act (ProdSG).
It covers, for example, motors, power supplies, switchgear, luminaires, controllers or measuring instruments with a mains connection. The manufacturer generally carries out the conformity assessment itself, using the internal production control procedure. A notified body is not required. The presumption of conformity usually derives from harmonised standards, for example on the electrical equipment of machines. The result is technical documentation, an EU declaration of conformity and CE marking.
For spare parts procurement, this means: electrical components placed on the market in the EU must bear CE marking, and the declaration of conformity should name the Low Voltage Directive. For parts from non-EU countries, it is worth taking a close look at these documents. The text of the directive is authoritative; this entry does not constitute legal advice.
In practice: maintenance and procurement
For electrical spare parts from new sources, ask for the EU declaration of conformity and check whether the Low Voltage Directive and the EMC Directive are listed. Compare the rated voltage and degree of protection on the nameplate with the original part.
Synonyms and abbreviations: LVD · Directive 2014/35/EU · LV Directive
Frequently asked questions
Which products does the Low Voltage Directive apply to?
It applies to electrical equipment with a rated voltage between 50 and 1000 volts alternating current or 75 and 1500 volts direct current. This includes many industrial components such as motors, power supplies, contactors or control units. Exclusions include certain specialised areas listed in an annex to the directive. Equipment with a lower voltage is not covered but may be subject to other regulations.
Is a notified body required for the Low Voltage Directive?
No, as a rule it is not. The manufacturer assesses the conformity of its products itself using the internal production control procedure, prepares the technical documentation and the EU declaration of conformity and affixes the CE marking. Voluntary testing by independent test laboratories is possible and frequently used, but does not replace the manufacturer’s responsibility.
What is the difference between the Low Voltage Directive and the Machinery Directive?
The Low Voltage Directive concerns electrical hazards from equipment in the specified voltage range. The Machinery Directive and, in future, the Machinery Regulation cover all hazards of a machine, including mechanical ones. For machinery, the electrical safety objectives of the Low Voltage Directive are covered by the machinery legislation. Individual electrical components, by contrast, fall directly under the Low Voltage Directive.