The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) affects all electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 – 1000 V for alternating current and between 75 – 1000 V for direct current.

Electrical equipment are for example generators, transformers, luminaries, household appliances, engines, i.e. all appliances and equipment designed to generate, conduct, distribute, store, transform or consume electric energy.

According to Directive 73/23/EWG, binding regulations have been in effect since the 1970s.  This directive was published and referred to as the (German) Product Safety Law, the first decree to the “Act on Technical Work Equipment”, and has been legally binding since then. Selling of electrical equipment without CE marking is prohibited in the European Union since January 01, 1997. An amended version of the Low Voltage Directive, titled 2006/95/EG has been released on December 27, 2006. If a product satisfies all safety objectives as listed in the Low Voltage Directive, the CE marking of conformity must be affixed to the product. Generally that means compliance with technical regulations as mentioned in a harmonized standard.

The manufacturer or his authorised EU representative is responsible for the CE marking. In all other cases the importer, or whoever may place the product on the market, is responsible. What harmonized standards the manufacturer or his authorised representative have to apply for, is published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

TÜV Rheinland tests all product requirements according to the Low Voltage Directive including many details as insulation, creepage and clearance distance and integrated components etc. 

The EC declaration of conformity refers to the tested sample as stated in the certificate. It certifies that this sample complies with the safety objectives according to the latest version of Low Voltage Directive Annex I. The certificate does not refer to serial production of the product and it does not authorize to use a TÜV Rheinland test mark. The owner is entitled to use this certificate as provided for in his EC declaration of conformity according to Annex II of this directive.