Table of Contents
Scope of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EC
The Low Voltage Directive applies to electrical equipment designed for use within the following voltage limits:
- 50 to 1000 V alternating current (AC)
- 75 to 1500 V direct current (DC)
Annex II provides a list of equipment and phenomena that are excluded from this directive.
Examples of products covered by the directive include:
- Household electrical appliances (e.g. washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners)
- IT and office equipment (e.g. computers, printers, power supplies)
- Consumer electronics (e.g. audio and video equipment)
- Lighting equipment and associated electrical components
- Electrical tools
- Power supplies, chargers and adapters
- Electrical components intended to function as end products
What the Directive States Regarding Documentation
The Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EC) states, among other things, the following about the manual:
Note: Always read the full directive to ensure complete understanding and to review all relevant requirements.
| Article 6(5) | Manufacturers shall ensure that electrical equipment which they have placed on the market bears a type, batch or serial number or other element allowing its identification, or, where the size or nature of the electrical equipment does not allow it, that the required information is provided on its packaging or in a document accompanying the electrical equipment. |
| Article 6(6) | Manufacturers shall indicate on the electrical equipment their name, registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal address at which they can be contacted or, where that is not possible, on its packaging or in a document accompanying the electrical equipment. The address shall indicate a single point at which the manufacturer can be contacted. The contact details shall be in a language easily understood by end-users and market surveillance authorities. |
| Article 6(7) | Manufacturers shall ensure that the electrical equipment is accompanied by instructions and safety information in a language which can be easily understood by consumers and other end-users, as determined by the Member State concerned. Such instructions and safety information, as well as any labelling, shall be clear, understandable and intelligible. |
| Article 8(3) | Importers shall indicate on the electrical equipment their name, registered trade name or registered trade mark and the postal address at which they can be contacted or, where that is not possible, on its packaging or in a document accompanying the electrical equipment. The contact details shall be in a language easily understood by end-users and market surveillance authorities. |
| Article 8(4) | Importers shall ensure that the electrical equipment is accompanied by instructions and safety information in a language which can be easily understood by consumers and other end-users, as determined by the Member State concerned. |
| ANNEX 1(1) | General conditions(a) The essential characteristics, the recognition and observance of which will ensure that electrical equipment will be used safely and in applications for which it was made, shall be marked on the equipment, or, if this is not possible, on an accompanying notice. |
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