06 July 2008
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)
 
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Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994

SI 1994 No. 3260 Implementing Directive 73/23/EEC - (The Low Voltage Directive - LVD)

Subject Area

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 implement the Council Directive 73/23/EEC as amended by the Council Directive 93/68 EEC.

Coverage

Broadly the Regulations apply to most consumer, commercial and industrial electrical equipment designed for use within the voltage ranges 50 V ac to 1,000 V ac and 75 V dc to 1,500 V dc.

Intention of Legislation

To remove technical certification barriers to trade and establish a single market in safe electrical equipment and provide a high level of protection for consumers throughout the EEA.

Products covered by this legislation are required to carry the CE Marking.

The Regulations cover second-hand products as well as new products. (Note: the requirements controlling second-hand products are UK national provisions and are not part of the LVD).

The Regulations can be viewed on the HMSO website.

Enforcement

The Regulations are enforced by the local authority trading standards departments primarily in respect of electrical equipment intended for the consumer, and by the Health and Safety Executive in respect for equipment intended for the workplace.

Local Authority Trading Standards Departments are requested to notify the Department of enforcement actions using a form available here.

There are regular Administration Co-operation meetings (LVD-ADCO) between the Commission and Member States to harmonise enforcement - this has resulted in Commission opinions and some recommendations.

Notified Bodies

The Regulations only require self-assessment by the Manufacturers. However, Notified Bodies are appointed under the Directive for purpose of providing opinions (Article 8) to the Commission and reports (Article 9) to manufacturers. A list of UK Notified Bodies is available from the right.
 
Current Position

The Directive is well established, one of the oldest, relying on a firm base of harmonised product standards. However, a review of the Directive is being undertaken. No decision has yet been taken on whether to amend the Directive, although it is most likely that it will be.
 
Guidance / further information

A comprehensive Guidance booklet is available. You can order a hard copy online via BERR Publications. This, and a list of UK Notified Bodies, is obtainable from the links on the right.

The European Commission has its own website dedicated to matters relating to electrical safety. Information available on this site includes:

For further information, contact: Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, Bay 384, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET
Tel: 020 7215 1345, fax: 020 7215 2635
E-mail: dti.strd6@gtnet.gov.uk

Other Directives/Regulations which may affect electrical equipment - for information on some of the other Directives/Regulations which may have an effect on electrical equipment for which we are responsible, please see the subject heading:

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 89/336/EEC

The Machinery Directive - 98/37/EC

Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) Directive 94/9/EC

The Plugs and Sockets etc (Safety) Regulations 1994, SI 1994 No. 1768  

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