What is Low Voltage Directive (LVD)?
The LVD(73/23/EEC) regulates the safety of electrical equipment which also includes the ono-electrical aspects of safety. The main objective of LVD is to ensure the safety of using electrical equipment.
Scope
The LVD applies to any electrical apparatus or device which is designed for adapted to use:
1. between 50V to 1000V AC or
2. between 75V to 1500V DC
Most of the household appliances items such as coffee marker, hair dryer, toaster, iron, room heater etc., are under such scope.
Safety standards
If a product is designed and followed the European standards, there is a presumption that it has been complied with the Directive’s safety requirements. For instance, EN60598 covers lighting products while EN60335 covers household appliances.
Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer or his authorized representative must affix the CE marking to each product and draw up a Declaration of Conformity with following details:
※ Name and address of the manufacturer or his European authorized representative;
※ A description of the electrical equipment;
※ Reference to the recognized standards or specifications;
※ The signatory should be either the European office of the manufacturer or the authorized representative within the EU; and
※ Where appropriate, references to the specifications against which conformity is declared.
Technical Document
With a view to LVD, manufacturers have responsibility to draw up a technical documentation that include the general description of the electrical equipment, its design, circuitry, manufacturer and operation to ensure the electrical equipment remains safe. If the authorities requested, like Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) in British, manufacturers have to provide relevant information to clarify their product’s safety. The contents of Technical documentation are as follows:
※ A general description of the electrical equipment
※ A list of the standards applied to the product
※ The conceptual design and manufacturing drawings
※ The descriptions and explanations of the drawings and schemes
※ The result of examinations carried out
※ Test report
Remark: The Technical document must be kept for inspection purposes for a period of 10 years after the end of the last product has been manufactured.