Low Voltage Directive

Essential requirements

The essential requirement of the Low Voltage Directive states that a product must be safe for humans, animals and its surroundings under normal conditions and only known error conditions.

Where is the Low Voltage Directive apply?

The low voltage directive (LVD) applies to products which are fed by an AC (AC) between the 50 Volt and 1.000 Volt or direct current (DC) 75 Volt and 1.500 Volt respectively. Products wich must comply to the R&TTE Directive or the Directive medical devices know no voltage boundary anymore. In other words products with battery supply must be safe in normal conditions and single fault condition. It grants some exceptions. For example the following products are excluded:

• Sockets
• Lifts (elevators for people Directive)
• Electrotechnical systems for use in explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
• Electrotechnical systems for use on ships, planes and trains
• Electro Medical Equipment (Medical Device Directive)

In this area there is still a lot of ambiguity. Thus it is generally held that products that generate an internal tension between the above tensions are covered by this Directive.

International Standards

DARE!! Consultancy is able to help overcome this obstacle in the field of CE marking. Our experienced consultants are up-to-date in the latest developments in this area and can therefore counsel you on the applicable directives and harmonized standards. Examinations and test are performed with a high degree of quality and in accordance with International Standards.

Click here for a list of harmonized LVD standards.

Quick Scans

Besides full compliant examinations we also offer so-called Quick Scans or pre-compliant examinations. During a LVD Quick Scan the primary safety functions are assessed. For example, an assessment of the insulation values, electrical intensity and grounding. Based on the outcomes the customer can decide to proceed with a full compliant examination or first enhance the product before finishing all (full compliant) tests and examinations. 

Modern equipment

Our engineers are highly experienced and work with the latest equipment in a modern facility. Although most part of an examination comprises inspection and assessment a number of tests need to be performed. DARE!! Consultancy has all equipment needed such as an insulation tester, a high-pot tester, a climate chamber, 20-channel temperature recorder, a fast storage scope, all required test fingers and impact hammers.

Accreditation = detectable quality

DARE!! Consultancy is a Notified Body for the Low Voltage Directive, assigned by the Dutch Government. DARE!! Consultancy is also accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council under registration number L279. All tests and examinations are performing in compliance with LVD standards.

The Low Voltage Directive versus EMC

A LVD examination covers more than a few tests. As we perform both EMC tests and LVD examinations and often both are applicable, we observe that customers presume that the LVD examination is much easier than the EMC test. In practice it proves to be the opposite. Although the developer will do the utmost to create a safe product it is very difficult to see your own faults and rightly assess all risks. Single fault condition and the so-called “foreseeable misuse” clause make the Low Voltage Directive difficult to comply with. This is why many devices initially fail the examination.

The Low Voltage Directive, much more than a few tests

A Low Voltage examination is principally an examination comprising several tests. In most cases these tests are performed in two to four hours while the examination takes, depending on the standard, four hours to three days. The general perception is that conducting a high pot test alone will meet your requirements. This, however, leaves you at substantial risk of manufacturing a product with unresolved safety hazards. We can support you during the research and development fase and present you solutions about how to comply your product to the demanded safety directives.

Liability

It is the task of engineers from DARE!! Consultancy to find these hazards in order to protect you from substantial claims or even prosecution. As a result, a device in compliance with the Low Voltage Directive is often a reliable one, thus saving you a lot in after sales and service costs. A reliable product also ensures your reputation as a high quality manufacturer!

Consultancy

Based on our experience with product design, we can give advise regarding safety and safety related issues.

Nowadays more companies realise that it is important to take the safety component of their products into account from the design fase.

This proves to be cost effective because of saving on needless redesign costs later on in the process. Therefor our consultants are regularly asked to assist with the notation of the safety concept in this stage. The design consult includes the following aspects and fases:

• Formulation of the safety requirements and assessing the applicable directive(s).
• Advise regarding the package and the internal structure.
• Evaluation of the concept.
• Evaluation of the construction.
• Evaluation of the print (PCB = Printed Circuit Board).
• Performing the necessary tests and examinations.

Engineers from DARE!! Instruments, the sister company of DARE!! Consultancy can help you to overcome problems with product safety. They consult you about several possibilities that lead to compliance and can, if desired, adjust the design (redesign).

Product Standards

The LVD includes a large number of harmonised safety standards. However in most cases only a small number of these standards are relevant. The most relevant standards are:

*) Measurements according to this standard are performed under accreditation.