Glossary · Machinery law and conformity
Low Voltage Directive
Also known as: LVD, Directive 2014/35/EU
German: Niederspannungsrichtlinie
The Low Voltage Directive (Directive 2014/35/EU) is the EU law that sets safety objectives for electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating between 50 and 1000 V AC or 75 and 1500 V DC, and requires conformity assessment, a declaration of conformity and CE marking before such equipment is placed on the market.
- EU
- Compliance
In one sentence
The EU Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU sets safety objectives for electrical equipment from 50 to 1000 V AC or 75 to 1500 V DC.
Example
A manufacturer of control transformers applies the Low Voltage Directive, uses harmonized EN standards and issues an EU declaration of conformity.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Scope: For machinery, electrical hazards are covered by the machinery legislation, whose essential requirements refer to the safety objectives of the Low Voltage Directive; electrical components supplied separately usually fall under the directive themselves.
- Compliance: Harmonized standards such as IEC 60204-1 (as EN 60204-1) can give a Presumption of conformity; applying them does not replace the manufacturer's own assessment.
- Documentation: The directive requires instructions and safety information in a language easily understood by users, as determined by the member state; the documentation team should cover installation, connection and electrical safety information.
Low Voltage Directive vs. Machinery Regulation
The directive covers electrical equipment; the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 covers machinery. A machine is assessed under the machinery legislation, which includes the electrical safety objectives.