Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU
Independent technical guidance and conformity assessment support for electrical equipment
Our services support manufacturers in preparing electrical equipment for EU market access through the definition of applicable safety requirements, assessment of technical documentation, and coordination of testing activities.
Low voltage compliance requires evaluation of electrical safety, insulation, temperature limits, mechanical integrity related to electrical design, and protection against hazards such as electric shock, fire, and overheating.
our approach to Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU compliance
Typical products include power supplies, chargers, lighting equipment, control panels, industrial electrical assemblies, household appliances, and professional electrical equipment.
Industrial manufacturing and automation
Energy generation and distribution
Building technology and infrastructure systems
Renewable energy systems (solar, wind, storage)
Telecommunications and IT infrastructure
Machinery and equipment manufacturing
Directive 2014/35/EU establishes safety requirements for electrical equipment designed for use within specific voltage limits when placed on the European market.
The Directive applies to equipment operating within:
- 50–1000 V AC
- 75–1500 V DC
Assessment is typically performed against relevant harmonised safety standards and focuses on:
- Protection against electric shock
- Insulation and dielectric strength
- Creepage and clearance distances
- Temperature rise and thermal risks
- Mechanical strength related to electrical safety
- Safe construction and fault conditions
Typical products include power supplies, chargers, lighting equipment, control panels, industrial electrical assemblies, household appliances, and professional electrical equipment.
Low Voltage Conformity Assessment Process
Scope definition & Readiness Review
Review of product characteristics, voltage range, and intended use to confirm applicability under Directive 2014/35/EU and define the assessment scope.
Documentation and Technical Review
Evaluation of technical documentation and design aspects affecting electrical safety, including insulation, clearances, and thermal performance.
Testing Coordination
Coordination of laboratory testing and support in addressing non-conformities where identified.
Documentation and Market Readiness
Preparation of documentation suitable for CE technical file and placing products on the EU market.
WHY DANEM TEST & CERTIFICATE
- Global Expertise
International team supporting certification and compliance projects worldwide - Independent Assessment
Transparent and impartial certification, testing, and audit processes - Prompt communication and fast response times. Faster certification and testing processes through responsive communication, streamlined workflows, and continuous project oversight
- Structured Certification Pathways
Clear project planning from assessment through approval - Technical & Regulatory Knowledge
Support across certification, testing, regulatory requirements, and market access.
FAQ
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Does LVD apply to my product, and how is device classification determined?
The Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) applies to electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating between 50 and 1000 V AC or between 75 and 1500 V DC.
Whether the Directive applies to your product depends on its voltage range, intended use, and specific design characteristics. Certain product categories may also fall under exclusions or be covered by other EU directives.
A product-specific assessment is required to determine applicability, relevant standards, and conformity requirements for CE marking.
Is LVD testing required for CE marking?
LVD testing is not explicitly mandated as a separate legal requirement for CE marking. However, for electrical equipment within the scope of the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with the Directive’s essential health and safety requirements.
Compliance is typically shown through conformity assessment against relevant harmonised standards, which includes appropriate electrical safety testing. Testing may be performed as part of internal verification, third-party laboratory testing, or a combination of both, depending on the chosen compliance route.
The manufacturer remains responsible for ensuring that all applicable safety requirements are met and properly documented in the technical file supporting the CE marking.
Which standards are used for LVD testing?
The applicable standards depend on product category and use environment (household, professional, industrial). We identify the relevant harmonized safety standards during the pre-assessment stage.
What are the most common factors that delay LVD compliance evaluation?
Delays in LVD compliance evaluation are most commonly caused by incomplete or insufficient technical documentation, unclear product classification, and missing or incorrect application of harmonised standards.
Additional factors include design modifications required after initial safety review, failures identified during electrical safety testing, and lack of clarity regarding intended use or operating conditions. In some cases, delays also result from missing risk assessments or inconsistencies between technical documentation and the actual product design.
Early preparation of documentation and alignment with applicable standards can significantly reduce the risk of delays during the conformity assessment process.
How long does LVD preparation typically take?
The duration of LVD preparation depends on the complexity of the product, the completeness of technical documentation, and the applicability of harmonised standards.
For straightforward products with well-prepared documentation and established designs, the preparation phase may take only a few days. For more complex equipment, or products requiring design adjustments, additional testing, or gap remediation, the process may take several weeks.
Early identification of applicable requirements and a structured documentation review can help reduce preparation time and avoid delays during conformity assessment and CE marking.