2014/35/EU
In forceLow Voltage Directive
Sets the electrical safety requirements for equipment operating between 50–1000 V AC or 75–1500 V DC. Compliance is entirely self-assessed — no notified body is involved — and leads to CE marking.
Applies to
Electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating between 50 and 1000 V for alternating current and between 75 and 1500 V for direct current — e.g. mains-powered appliances, luminaires, power supplies and chargers. Annex II excludes items such as equipment for explosive atmospheres, radiology/medical equipment, lift components, electricity meters, domestic plugs and sockets, and electric fence controllers.
Key obligations
- 01Design and manufacture equipment in accordance with the safety objectives, and carry out the internal production control conformity assessment (Article 6).source
- 02Draw up technical documentation (Annex III): general description, design and manufacturing drawings, list of harmonised standards applied, design calculations, test reports and a risk analysis/assessment.source
- 03Draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity, affix the CE marking, and keep both the technical documentation and the DoC for 10 years after the equipment is placed on the market.source
- 04Mark the equipment with a type/batch/serial number and your name, registered trade name and postal address, and provide instructions and safety information in a language easily understood by consumers.source
- 05If you believe equipment you placed on the market presents a risk, immediately take corrective measures and inform the national authorities.source
Conformity routes
- Self-assessment — internal production control (Module A)Always. The LVD only provides Module A: the manufacturer fulfils the obligations and declares conformity on their sole responsibility. No notified body route exists under this directive.source
Documentation
- EU Declaration of ConformityDrawn up by the manufacturer and kept for 10 years.source
- Technical file (Annex III)Description, drawings, standards list, design calculations, test reports, risk analysis and assessment.source
- Instructions and safety informationIn a language easily understood by consumers/end-users in the Member State concerned.source
Marking requirements
Testing standards
Harmonised and designated standards lists change over time: confirm the currently cited version before testing.
Key dates
- 2016-04-20Directive 2014/35/EU applies (recast of the previous Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC).source
Penalties
Member States lay down their own rules on penalties for infringements (Article 24) and must ensure they are enforced — amounts vary by country.source
Further guidance
Applies to these product types
- Audio / video equipmentEU
- Baby and nursery productEU
- Batteries and power banksEU
- Cameras and opticsEU
- Candles and home fragranceEU
- Chargers and power suppliesEU
- Children's product (non-toy)EU
- Computer peripheralEU
- Consumer electronics (mains-powered)EU
- Drone / UASEU
- E-mobility (e-bikes, e-scooters)EU
- Food-contact productsEU
- FurnitureEU
- General consumer productEU
- Household applianceEU
- LightingEU
- Pet productsEU
- Sports and fitness equipmentEU
- ToyEU
- Wearable deviceEU
Frequently asked
Do I need a notified body for LVD compliance?+
No. The Low Voltage Directive only provides for self-assessment (internal production control, Module A). You test against harmonised standards (in-house or at any competent lab), compile a technical file, sign the EU Declaration of Conformity and affix CE marking yourself.
My device runs on 5V USB — is it in LVD scope?+
Not by itself: the LVD covers equipment rated 50–1000 V AC / 75–1500 V DC. A 5V device falls outside, but its mains charger or power supply is in scope, EMC rules still apply to the device, and the GPSR covers its general safety.
Which standard should I test a mains-powered electronic product against?+
For audio/video and IT-type electronics, EN 62368-1 is the harmonised safety standard; for household appliances it is EN 60335-1 plus the relevant Part 2; for lamps and luminaires, EN 60598-1. Applying a harmonised standard gives a presumption of conformity.
How long must I keep the LVD paperwork?+
Ten years after the equipment is placed on the market — both the technical documentation and the EU Declaration of Conformity.
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