Design, testing, and certification of electrical and electronic devices require a series of tests aimed at ensuring user safety and compliance with applicable standards. In the context of the European Union, two directives are particularly important: the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC). Engineering tests related to these directives are essential components of the certification process, allowing devices to enter the market.
LVD engineering tests – Low Voltage Directive
The Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) applies to electrical devices operating within specified voltage ranges. From 50 V to 1000 V for alternating current (AC) and from 75 V to 1500 V for direct current (DC).
The goal of the directive is to ensure that electrical devices are safe for users and do not pose a risk of electric shock, fire, or other dangerous situations.
The following aspects are checked in LVD engineering tests:
- Electrical insulation – Analysis of the quality of the device's insulation and its resistance to voltage breakdown.
- Thermal safety – Testing whether the device overheats during operation, potentially leading to damage or fire hazards.
- Electric shock protection – Checking safety features against accidental contact with live parts, such as proper grounding.
- Material evaluation – Analyzing the materials used in the device's key components, such as wires and enclosures, for their resistance to mechanical damage and their insulation properties.
- Compliance with safety standards – Verifying that the device meets appropriate technical standards, such as EN 62368-1 (for electronic devices) and EN 60598-1 (for lighting fixtures).
These tests ensure that the device will not pose a threat to users or the surrounding environment. Obtaining positive LVD test results allows the product to be marked with the CE symbol, a necessary step in the process of introducing the device to the EU market.
EMC engineering tests – Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) regulates the requirements concerning electromagnetic interference emissions and the device's immunity to external interference. Compliance with this directive is crucial for devices to function stably in various electromagnetic conditions without disturbing the operation of other electronic devices.
EMC engineering tests include the following:
- Radiated and conducted emission measurements – Testing whether the device emits electromagnetic interference that could affect the operation of other devices in its environment.
- Immunity to electromagnetic interference tests – Checking how the device performs under various interferences, such as electrostatic discharge (ESD), electrical fast transients (EFT), electromagnetic pulses (BURST, EMI), or power supply disturbances.
- Anechoic chamber testing – Measuring the emission of interference in controlled conditions to ensure that the device does not generate excessive electromagnetic disturbances.
Compliance with the EMC directive ensures that the device will operate reliably in various conditions without interfering with other devices such as televisions, computers, or radio systems. Furthermore, adherence to EMC standards is required to obtain the CE marking and introduce the product to the EU market.
Device certification process including LVD and EMC tests
The certification of an electrical device, allowing it to be introduced to the EU market, is a multi-stage process. Engineering tests for both LVD and EMC are essential at each stage.
- Device design: Engineers must take into account the requirements of both the LVD and EMC directives at this stage. Appropriate components (e.g., EMC filters, fuses, insulation), proper cable shielding, and adjustments to the device's voltage ranges must be ensured.
- Pre-compliance testing: Before official certification, preliminary tests are conducted to detect potential issues in the device's design. At this stage, both electrical safety aspects (LVD) and electromagnetic immunity (EMC) are tested. These tests allow issues to be identified early in the design phase, enabling quicker resolution.
- Technical documentation: The manufacturer must prepare full documentation, which will include the device's construction description, test reports, EMC and LVD test results, user manuals, and a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
- Final compliance testing: The device is sent to an accredited laboratory for final testing to confirm compliance with LVD and EMC standards. If the device passes these tests, the manufacturer can issue the Declaration of Conformity and mark the product with the CE symbol.
- CE marking and market introduction: After meeting all requirements and passing tests, the device can be CE marked, allowing it to be legally marketed in the EU.
Importance of LVD and EMC tests in the electrical device certification process
LVD and EMC engineering tests play a fundamental role in the design, testing, and certification of electrical and electronic devices. Their purpose is to ensure that devices meet all safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, enabling their entry into the European Union market. Adherence to the standards resulting from LVD and EMC allows for obtaining relevant certifications, such as the CE marking, which is necessary for the legal sale of products in Europe.
Contact RCC
Does your company need support with LVD, EMC testing? RCC Sp. z o.o. offers comprehensive assistance. Our laboratory and experience enable us to conduct detailed tests that ensure your products comply with EU requirements. Contact us to learn how we can support the certification process and help you obtain the appropriate certifications. We invite you to explore our offer.
