Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

What is the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU?

The European Union’s Low Voltage Directive (LVD) ensures that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits includes protection against electric shock and other hazards.

Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and any other economic operators that wish to sell electrical equipment in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) must certify that their products comply with relevant regulations. Once approved, they can apply the CE mark to their products, which permits their sale anywhere within the bloc.

Testing, documentation, and certification of the CE Low Voltage Directive must be completed by an accredited provider.

Why the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU is important

Affixing a CE Low Voltage Directive mark to your product gives you free access to nearly 30 countries in the EU and EEA. You cannot legally sell to consumers within the bloc without the mark. You could potentially face fines, product recalls, and even be banned from one of the world’s biggest markets.

The Low Voltage Directive applies to electrical appliances with rated voltages between 50 and 1000 volts for alternating current (AC) and 75 to 1500 volts for direct current (DC).

Examples of products falling under the CE Low Voltage Directive include:

• Household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines, dishwasher).
• Components of electronic devices.
• Cables and wiring systems.
• Power supply units (e.g., adapters, chargers).
• Laser equipment used in various applications.

How TÜV SÜD can help you with the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU

As you work towards complying with the CE low voltage directive, partnering with us can significantly streamline your journey. TÜV SÜD supports you in evaluating whether your consumer products comply with the requirements of the EU’s Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU). 

Our technical experts are up to date with all the latest regulatory changes as they are involved with international advisory boards for standards development. At our state-of-the-art laboratories we test an enormous range of products, and we can also test on site at your premises for faster access to market.

Our comprehensive LVD testing services and regulatory expertise ensure your electrical equipment meets all necessary safety standards and compliance requirements. Working with us, you can confidently bring your products to market, secure in the knowledge that you meet all legal and safety obligations.

What our Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU services include

We work closely with you to test your product, deliver legally required reports, and provide CE low voltage marking. We can conduct electrical safety testing and assessments in our fully accredited laboratories or at your own site (LVD testing at manufacturer’s premises, or TMP). 

The process is fast and efficient, and includes:

• Regulatory interpretation and advice – We guide you through the relevant EU directives that apply to your product.
• CE marking – We advise on Declarations of Conformity and the application of CE marking to your product.
• Product construction – We help with general construction and assembly, protective earthing connections, electrical, mechanical and fire enclosure requirements, and marking and labelling.
• Protection against electric shock – We consider factors such as isolation barriers and creepage and clearance distances to assure safety from electric shocks.
• Documentation review – We review a wide range of documentation including safety critical components, flammability ratings for plastics and other materials, and user, installation and service instructions.