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Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC implemented
as the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 SI 1994
No. 3260
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Subject Area |
Mostly concerned with mains energised electrical appliances but
covers the voltage range 50 Vac to 1,000 Vac or 75 Vdc to 1,500
Vdc
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Coverage |
Broadly the Directive applies
to most consumer and capital electrical equipment designed for
use within the above voltage ranges.
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Intention of Legislation |
To establish a safe and single
market in electrical appliances throughout the Union facilitating
trade for European manufacturers and manufacturers exporting
into the EU from outside.
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Implementing Legislation |
The
Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 are an amendment
to previous legislation. The amendment was necessary to include
a requirement for CE marking on subject goods as from 1 January
1997. The legislation covers second-hand as well as new products.
(Note: the requirements controlling second-hand products are
UK national provisions)
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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.
Local Authority Trading Standards
Departments are requested to notify DTI of enforcement actions
using a form available here.
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Current Position |
A well established Directive,
one of the oldest, relying on a firm base of well established
harmonised product standards. However, a review of the Directive
has been undertaken by independent consultant appointed by the
Commission. No decision has yet been taken on whether to amend
the Directive. It is expected that such matters will be discussed
at the Working Party meeting which is expected to take place
in the early New Year.
Further information will be
posted on this site when it becomes available.
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Guidance / further information |
A comprehensive DTI Guidance
booklet is available. This, and an
uptodate list of UK notified bodies, is also obtainable from
our downloadable documents page
in Adobe Acrobat format.
The European
Commission has recently launched its own website dedicated
to matters relating to electrical safety. Information available
on this site includes:
- The Low Voltage Directive
- Commission Guidelines on the
application of the Directive
- Conformity Assessment Bodies
('Notified Bodies')
- Harmonised Standards
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Contacts |
Sharon Elias/Paula Burke, STRD
6, Bay 343, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SS.
Tel: 020 7215 1347/1351, fax:
020 7215 1340.
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Other Directive/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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