The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016

The GB safety law (successor to the EU Low Voltage Directive regime) for mains-voltage electrical equipment. Manufacturers self-assess against safety objectives, keep technical documentation, draw up a declaration of conformity and affix UKCA or CE marking — no third-party certification is required.

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Applies to

Electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1,000V AC or between 75 and 1,500V DC, covering both domestic and workplace equipment. Exclusions (regulation 3(2)) include equipment for explosive atmospheres, radiology/medical equipment, parts for goods and passenger lifts, electricity meters, plugs and socket outlets for domestic use, electric fence controllers, specialised equipment for ships/aircraft/railways, and custom-built evaluation kits for R&D professionals. Most equipment covered by the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 is also excluded (regulation 3(3)).

Key obligations

01Design and manufacture equipment in accordance with the principal safety objectives set out in Schedule 1 to the Regulations (essential characteristics, protection from hazards and from external influences).source
02Carry out the conformity assessment procedure (internal production control / self-assessment — no third-party certification is required) and draw up technical documentation before placing equipment on the GB market.source
03Prepare a declaration of conformity and retain it, with the technical documentation, for 10 years after the equipment has been placed on the GB market.source
04Provide instructions and safety information that are clear, legible and in easily understandable English, and ensure equipment carries the required manufacturer identification.source
05Importers must verify the manufacturer's compliance before placing equipment on the market, provide their contact details on the equipment, packaging or accompanying documents, retain documentation for 10 years, and report non-conformity to the market surveillance authority.source
06Distributors must exercise due care, verify that the conformity marking and required documentation are present, and must not make non-compliant equipment available on the market.source

Conformity routes

Internal production control (Module A) — self-assessmentThe standard (and only) route: the manufacturer self-assesses against the Schedule 1 safety objectives, typically using designated standards for a presumption of conformity. No UK approved body involvement is required.source
CE recognition routeCE-marked equipment meeting the corresponding EU (Low Voltage Directive) requirements can be placed on the GB market — recognition of CE marking was extended indefinitely beyond 31 December 2024.source

Documentation

Declaration of conformityDrawn up by the manufacturer; retained for 10 years after the equipment is placed on the GB market. The Regulations set out the required content in a Schedule.source
Technical documentationDemonstrates conformity with the safety objectives; retained for 10 years by manufacturers and importers.source
Instructions and safety informationMust accompany the equipment and be clear, legible and in easily understandable English.source

Marking requirements

Affix the UKCA marking (or recognised CE marking) visibly, legibly and indelibly to the equipment; where that is not possible, to the packaging or accompanying documents.source
Until 31 December 2027 the UKCA marking may appear on a label or accompanying document rather than on the equipment itself; importer contact details also benefit from transitional relief until 31 December 2027 for EEA/Swiss imports.source
Dual marking (UKCA and CE together) is permitted where the product meets both GB and EEA requirements.source

Testing standards

Harmonised and designated standards lists change over time: confirm the currently cited version before testing.

EN 60335-1:2012EN 62368-1:2014EN IEC 60598-1:2021EN 61010-1:2010

Key dates

2016-12-08The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 came into force (made 15 November 2016, laid before Parliament 16 November 2016).source
2024-10-01S.I. 2024/696 came into force, extending recognition of CE marking indefinitely in GB so businesses can use either CE or UKCA beyond 31 December 2024.source
2027-12-31End of the transitional easements allowing UKCA marking on a label or accompanying document, and importer details relief for EEA/Swiss imports.source

Penalties

Offences are enforced by trading standards (consumer equipment), the HSE (workplace equipment) or the ONR (nuclear sites). On summary conviction: a fine or a prison sentence of up to three months, or both. On indictment: a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years, or both.source

Further guidance

Frequently asked

Do I need a third-party test lab or certification body?+

Not legally — the Regulations use manufacturer self-assessment (internal production control), so you can self-declare conformity. Most manufacturers still use accredited labs to test against designated standards, because a standards-based test report is the practical way to evidence conformity with the Schedule 1 safety objectives.

Can I still use CE marking for electrical products in Great Britain?+

Yes. The government has extended recognition of CE marking indefinitely in GB, so you can place equipment on the GB market with either CE or UKCA marking (CE remains what you need for the EU and Northern Ireland).

Does my low-voltage (under 50V AC) product fall under these Regulations?+

No — the scope is 50–1,000V AC and 75–1,500V DC. Lower-voltage products may instead fall under other legislation such as the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017 (if they contain radio) or general product safety law, so check those regimes.

Are UK plugs covered?+

Plugs and socket outlets for domestic use are excluded from these Regulations (regulation 3(2)) and are covered by separate legislation, so a plug fitted to your appliance needs its own compliance check.

How long must I keep the paperwork?+

Both the declaration of conformity and the technical documentation must be kept for 10 years after the equipment has been placed on the GB market — this applies to manufacturers and importers.

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