Applicability of Low Voltage Directive (LVD) for 12V equipment

[EMengineer]

Hi,

I would like to ask about LVD. LVD limits start from 50 VAC or 75 VDC. But what about equipment that is bellow these limits? For example we have equipment which operates at 12 VDC (adapter is not provided). What requirements we should meet that we cwould be able to mark our device with CE? Should we choose other directive which gives us possibility to mark equipment with CE (for example EMC directive)?
What safety standard should we meet then? We could apply 60950-1 but there is no point if equipment does not fall under the LVD scope. And what safety directive we should applie then? General safety directive?
Thank you for answers in advance!

 

[Ronen E]

Hi,

Directives (in general) are not optional. Either they apply and you must comply (with all that apply), or they don’t. The same goes for the subset of 20-something CE-marking (New Approach) directives. If no CE-marking directive applies you just don’t CE mark your product, it’s not up to your choice. Look at the scope of each such directive, like you did with the LVD. If a non-CE-marking directive applies (GPSD for instance) you must comply even though it doesn’t entitle CE marking.

Published standards are voluntary unless specifically stated otherwise. Sometimes standards are followed regardless of regulatory compliance (directives, CE marking etc.) for marketing or other reasons. If your product falls within the scope of a given standard that is not mandatory, consider what you will gain from formal compliance and weigh against the required resources.

It’s a little difficult to say more than that when we don’t know what the product actually is.

 

[EMengineer]

Thank you for your answer I just wanted to know if there is any options whem choosing what directive applies.
One more question, if you apply GPSD, what "paper" you could write to show compliance with that directive (in LVD case it would be CE declaration)?

 

[pkost]

I'm not an expert of GPSD, although I do not believe there is any declaration to be written. You just comply and sell the product.

You could write your own certificate of conformity stating you comply with your own specification, but that would have limited value.

 

[CharlieUK]

There's no declaration or marking for the GPSD, however:
- the product must still be safe
- if you have applied a standard, such as EN60950-1 (which is a Harmonised Standard under the GPSD), then the product should comply with the standard, including any labelling requirements.

Also, many products will fall under the EMC and RoHS Directives and require CE marking against those directives.

If you are not providing the adaptor for use with your product, you should provide information in the manual regarding the type of adapter that should be used, which may include requirements for it to be a Limited Power Source unless your product enclosure meets requirements for a Fire Enclosure for example.