Low-Voltage Directive service

The Low-Voltage Directive and the EMC Directive are applied to the safety of electrical equipment. Safe equipment does not cause danger to people, domestic animals or property when correctly installed and serviced.

The Requirements of the Low-Voltage Directive in Brief

The Low-Voltage Directive came into force in 1973. It applies to electrical equipment with an operating voltage of 75V -1500 V DC and 50V - 1000V AC, but is not valid for certain electrical equipment covered by other directives. Such products include electromedical equipment, electrical appliances and instruments used in premises where there is an explosion hazard. The Low-Voltage Directive does not apply to household plugs. It requires a declaration of conformity and CE marking.

The Low-Voltage Directive covers hazard factors caused by electricity as follows:

• General conditions
• Protection against hazards caused by electrical appliances
• Protection of the electrical appliance against external hazards

The directive requires that a product must fulfill the requirements to be in conformity with the standard. If the manufacturer does not apply the standards, in case of dispute, a statement must be provided by a Notified Body (e.g. SGS Fimko) on the way the product’s conformity with the standard has been verified.

SGS Fimko’s services relative to the Low-Voltage Directive include:

• Establishment of requirements, directives and standards
• Testing and inspections
• Assistance with producing the technical construction files
• Verification of technical construction files
• Assessment and certification of quality systems
• Operation as a Notified Body under the Low-Voltage Directive and many other directives
• Declarations of conformity
• Granting the FI mark and certificate and other international marks and certificates