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The Electrical
Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994
SI 1994 No. 3260 Implementing Directive 73/23/EEC
(The Low Voltage Directive - LVD)
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Subject Area |
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 (Regulations)
implement the Council Directive 73/23/EEC as amended by the Council Directive
93/68 EEC.
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| 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.
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| 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 from the following HMSO
website:
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1994/Uksi_19943260_en_1.htm
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| 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.
- Trading Standards - Home Page
http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
- HSE – Electrical Safety at Work
http://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/index.htm
- HSE – Work Equipment & Machinery
http://www.hse.gov.uk/equipment/index.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/maps/index.htm
Local Authority Trading Standards Departments are requested to notify DTI 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Guidance / further information |
A comprehensive DTI Guidance booklet is available.
This, and a list of UK Notified Bodies, is obtainable and viewed from the links:
http://www.dti.gov.uk/strd/lvdps04.pdf
 (107 kB)
http://www.dti.gov.uk/strd/lvdnbs.pdf
(44 kB)
The
European Commission has its own website dedicated to matters relating to
electrical safety. Information available on this site includes:
- Text of Directive 73/23/EEC (LVD)
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/direct/text.htm
- Commission Guidelines on the application of the Directive
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/guides/lvdgen.pdf(56 kB)
- Information on the review of the Directive
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/direct/review.htm
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/opinions.htm
- Recommendation (Administrative Co-operation)
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/adcorecommendations.pdf(8 kB)
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/newapproach/standardization/harmstds/reflist/lvd.html
- Notified Bodies for the LVD
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/nblist.htm
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| For further information, contact: |
STRD 6, Bay 342/343, 151 Buckingham Palace Road,
London SW1W 9SS
Tel: 020 7215 1345, fax: 020 7215 1340
E-mail: dti.strd6@gtnet.gov.uk
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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 STRD are responsible, please click on the
subject heading:
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Machinery
Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres
Plugs and Sockets for domestic use
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