LVD/EMC

Introduction to LVD Directive and EMC Directive

LVD is applicable to all electrical products whose functions and voltage range are between AC 50~1000V and DC 75~1500V. This definition refers to the scope of application of the directive, not the limit of application of the directive (for example, in a computer that uses 230V AC, DC The danger caused by the 12V circuit is also regulated by LVD). LVD applies to products provided to consumers and industrial use. If it is industrial equipment, the directive also covers the products used by the manufacturer (for example: test equipment). 

In order to adapt to the new EU legislative framework (New Legislative Framework, NLF), on March 29, 2014, the EU official journal published a new version of the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU to replace the original Low Voltage Directive 2006/95 /EC.

The new LVD directive 2014/35/EU will be implemented on April 20, 2016. Member states must complete the legislative process before April 19, 2016. In other words, VOC (Declaration of Conformity) based on the old Low Voltage Directive will not be accepted after April 20, 2016.

 EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility), that is, electromagnetic compatibility, the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC defines EMC as: the ability of a device or system to operate in its electromagnetic environment without causing intolerable electromagnetic interference to any device in its environment. The EMC directive certification is a unified standard set by the European Union to regulate the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical equipment. The current directive is 2004/108/EC. The EMC Directive CE certification requires that all electrical and electronic products and equipment equipped with electrical and electronic components must not exceed the specified limit for electromagnetic wave emissions, so as not to interfere with the normal operation of other equipment; at the same time, they must have a certain degree of anti-interference Ability to enable the product to operate normally under normal conditions.

On March 29, 014, the European Commission issued a number of directives for recasting the CE mark to match the European Commission's new legislative framework (NLF). Under the new legislative framework, operators can provide a single Declaration of Conformity for each product. At the same time, the labeling requirements and traceability requirements for various products are the same.

The number of the updated EMC Directive is 2014/30/EU and it will take effect on April 18, 2014. The old EMC Directive 2004/108/EC will be repealed on April 20, 2016.

The products covered by the new directive include new products placed on the EU market, as well as products supplied in different forms, including remote sales products. However, it does not apply to special evaluation kits that can only be used solely for research and development facilities.

Distributors must make reasonable transitional arrangements before this directive (2014/30/EU) completely replaces the old directive (2004/108/EC) to place the ordered products (that is, the inventory equipment that has been provided to the distribution chain) on market.

LVD/EMC instruction manual technical certification documents:

1. Product manual;
2. Product structure description;
3. Product electrical schematic diagram;
4. Product key components list;
5. Other relevant information required when needed;
6. Test report
manufacturers must use all necessary methods To ensure that the manufacturing process complies with the technical documents, the content of the file should clearly prove that the product is safe from the design point of view, and it can be confirmed that it is consistent throughout the manufacturing process. 
 

New instruction update content

The new directive clearly states the obligations and responsibilities of various operators, namely manufacturers, authorized representatives, distributors, importers and their respective representatives of related products, in the supply and sales chain.

The new directive sets out detailed requirements for the notification of Conformity Assessment Bodies. It details all the requirements and obligations of the notified body. It also points out in detail all the requirements, obligations, applications, changes, operations, appeals and mutual coordination of the Notified Bodies. As a long-running conformity assessment agency, SICE has the authorization of multiple notifying agencies, and can assist our customers to certify the basic requirements of the new EMC directive at any time.

The new directive specifically mentions that for some basic requirements, manufacturers can choose to adopt internal production control methods (Annex 2) to reduce the application for conformity assessment procedures. For other basic requirements, the type conformity assessment can be carried out based on the internal production control method (Annex 3) and according to the EU type inspection procedure.

The new directive also adds new requirements in the technical documentation:

　　-Design concepts and manufacturing images, as well as component schemes, sub-components, principles, etc.; 

　　-Necessary descriptions and instructions to understand those images and schemes, and to understand the operation of the equipment

　　The manufacturer shall affix the CE mark on each individual piece of equipment to meet the appropriate requirements of this directive. The manufacturer should also formulate a written EU compliance statement for the device model. When the equipment has been put on the market, the statement should be kept together with the technical documentation. Until 10 years later, it can be dealt with through national-level institutions.

　　The official form of non-compliance is also listed in the new directive. The new directive states that any member state should require relevant economic operators to correct the non-conformity, or the relevant member state should take all appropriate measures to restrict or prohibit equipment already available on the market, or to ensure that its equipment is recalled or withdrawn from the market go.

　　Each member state should formulate relevant penalty rules, which are suitable for operators who violate national laws and regulations. Each member state shall take all necessary measures to ensure that the penalty rules are implemented. These penalties may include criminal penalties for serious violations.