Brief Introduction of

Directive 73/23/EEC

Low Voltage Electrical
Equipment

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the
harmonization of the laws of Member States relating to Electrical Equipment
designed for use within certain voltage limits.

This directive has been amended by the following Council Directives:

1.
92/59/eec of 29 June 1992 (General Product
Safety);

2. 93/68/eec of 22 July 1993 (CE Marking directive).

Other Related CE Publications:

1. Guidelines to Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/eec

2. 2000&2001 Framework of
implementation of (LVD) Directive 73/23/eec

3. 89/336/eec: Directive of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

4. Guidelines to EMC Directive 89/336/eec

5. Technical-Aspects relating EMC Directive 89/336/eec

6. 2000 Framework of
implementation of EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

7. List of Harmonised
(European) Standards

8. List of Notified Bodies

1.

Background

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) was introduced at a time when
directives contained detailed technical annexes which were intended to
supersede national laws. The LVD set out the essential protection
requirements, with the relevant technical details being defined by
standards-making organizations. This subsequently paved the way for what
were to be known as the New Approach Directives.

2.

Scope

2.1

The "Electrical
Equipment" means any equipment designed for use with a voltage
rating of between 50 and 1000 V for alternating current (A.C.)
and between 75 and 1500 V for direct current (D.C.).
Therefore, this Directive is called often "Low Voltage
Directive" which applies to the vast majority of electrical
equipment in everyday use. The Electrical Equipment may be placed on the
market only if it does not endanger the safety of persons, domestic
animals or property. There are 11 principal elements of the safety
objectives listed in Annex I.

2.2

The Low Voltage Directive
was the first directive to reference standards, and equipment
which complies with harmonised safety standards
drawn up by common agreement is deemed to comply. Where harmonised standards are not
available, international standards which have been agreed to may
be used.

2.3

The Low Voltage Directive
has been in existence for over twenty years and, in conjunction with the CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC which
amended it as and from 1st January 1995, note should be taken of some of
its main features.

(a)

The Low Voltage Directive
is not designed to impose safety standards. Its primary purpose is to
ensure free trade through the removal of technical barriers.

(b)

Conformity with standards
is not compulsory, but it can be used as one means to demonstrate
compliance with the safety principles enshrined in the directive.

(c)

The Low Voltage Directive
covers other aspects of safety, including mechanical aspects.

(d)

There are some items that
are excluded from the Low Voltage Directives and those are listed in Annex II of the directive.

3.

Demonstrating
Conformity

3.1

From a manufacturer's
perspective a key element of the directive is to be found in article 10,
which relates to proof of conformity. The Low Voltage Directive defines three
means whereby such conformity can be demonstrated; manufacturers
declaration, certificates and notified body marks.

3.2

While the manufacturer's
declaration is in itself sufficient to provide an "a
priori" presumption of conformity of the equipment to the directive
(the equipment is deemed to comply unless the importing country can prove
otherwise), he must be entirely satisfied that he is correct in this
regard.

3.3

Today, when manufacturers
are faced with highly competitive markets, shortening product life cycles
and continuing economic pressures, they are turning to independent
certification agencies to provide the confidence and market advantage
that is vital to their business needs. The certification agencies assist
by issuing certificates in a recognized format, or by authorizing
the use of a notified certification mark.

These mechanisms for certification do not exist in isolation, as
reciprocal recognition arrangements are in place between National
Certification Bodies at a number of levels.

3.4

The IECEE scheme for the
mutual recognition of test reports, and the
CENELEC Certification Agreement (CCA) are implemented by many
certification agencies.

3.5

On the 1st January 1995, the Amending CE Marking Directive 93/68/EEC
came into force. Its purpose, as far as the LVD is concerned, is to
modify the conformity assessment and marking provisions so that the LVD
can be fully integrated into the new approach/global approach philosophy.
(See Articles 13-15 of 93/68/EEC).

From the 1st January 1995 until 31st December 1996 a transitional
arrangement applies in that products may be placed on the market if they
comply with the marking requirements in force before 1st January 1995.
Alternatively, manufacturers may follow the provisions of the Amending
Directive and apply the CE Marking, making sure that it is clearly stated
that the Marking is evidence of compliance under the LVD. This will
permit free circulation, avoiding difficulties with national administrations.

From 1st January 1997, application of the CE Marking will indicate
that the equipment complies with the requirements of all relevant
directives.

ANNEX I

11 PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF THE SAFETY OBJECTIVES

1. General conditions

a) The essential characteristics, the recognition and observance of which
will ensure that electrical equipment will be used safely and in
applications for which it was made, shall be marked on the equipment, or,
if this is not possible, on an accompanying notice.

b) The manufacturers or brand name or trade mark should be clearly
printed on the electrical equipment or, where that is not possible, on
the packaging.

c) The electrical equipment, together with its component parts should be
made in such a way as to ensure that it can be safely and properly
assembled and connected.

d) The electrical equipment should be so designed and manufactured as to
ensure that protection against the hazards set out in points 2 and 3 of
this Annex is assured providing that the equipment is used in
applications for which it was made and is adequately maintained.

2. Protection against hazards arising from the electrical equipment

Measures of a technical nature should be prescribed in accordance with
point 1, in order to ensure:

a) that persons and domestic animals are adequately protected against
danger of physical injury or other harm which might be caused by
electrical contact direct or indirect;

b) that temperatures, arcs or radiation which would cause a danger, are
not produced;

c) that persons, domestic animals and property are adequately protected
against non-electrical dangers caused by the electrical equipment which
are revealed by experience;

d) that the insulation must be suitable for foreseeable conditions.

3. Protection against hazards which may be caused by external
influences on the electrical equipment

Technical measures are to be laid down in accordance with point 1, in
order to ensure:

a) that the electrical equipment meets the expected mechanical requirements
in such a way that persons, domestic animals and property are not
endangered;

b) that the electrical equipment shall be resistant to non-mechanical
influences in expected environmental conditions, in such a way that
persons, domestic animals and property are not endangered;

c) that the electrical equipment shall not endanger persons, domestic
animals and property in foreseeable conditions of overload.

ANNEX II

EQUIPMENT AND PHENOMENA OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF THE DIRECTIVE

Electrical
equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere

Electrical
equipment for radiology and medical purposes

Electrical
parts for goods and passenger lifts

Electricity
meters

Plugs
and socket outlets for domestic use

Electric
fence controllers

Radio-electrical
interference

Specialized
electrical equipment, for use on ships, aircraft or railways, which
complies with the safety provisions drawn up by international bodies
in which the Member States participate.

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Complete list of all CE Marking Directives
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Complete list of all
European and/or international standards related to CE marking

85/374/eec: Directive of
Liability for Defective
Products (for all products)

1999/34/ec: Directive of
Liability for Defective
Products (amending) (for all products)

2000: (Proposal for a new)
General Products Safety Directive (for all products)

92/59/eec: Directive of General Products Safety (for all products)

93/68/eec: "CE Marking" Directive (for all products)

93/465/eec: Conformity Assessment Procedures & CE
Marking Rules, & Annex (for all products)

Guide to Implementation of directives based on
new approach & global approach (for all products)

73/23/eec: Directive of Low Voltage Electrical Equipment

Guideline to Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/eec
& Annex I, II

2000&2001 Framework of implementation of (LVD) Directive 73/23/eec

87/404/eec: Directive of Simple Pressure
Vessels

88/378/eec: Directive of
Toys & Annex I, II, ...
IV

2001 Framework of implementation of 88/378/eec: Directive of Toys

89/106/eec: Directive of
Construction Products

2001 Guidance to 89/106/eec Directive of Construction Products

89/336/eec: Directive of
Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC)

Guideline to Directive of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 89/336/eec

Technical-Aspects relating Directive of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 89/336/eec

Communication 2000 in framework of implementation of EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC

89/686/eec: Directive of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Useful Facts relating to Directive (PPE) 89/686/eec

2001 Framework of implementation of (PPE) Directive 89/686/eec

90/384/eec: Directive of
Non-automatic Weighing Instruments

90/396/eec: Directive of
Appliances Burning Gaseous Fuels (AppliGas)

2001 Commission Communication in Framework of Impl
(AppliGas) Directive 90/396/eec

92/42/eec: Directive of
Efficiency of (Liquid or Gaseous fueled) Hot Water Boilers

93/15/eec: Directive of
Explosives for Civil Uses

93/42/eec: Directive of Medical Devices

2001 Guidelines for Classification of Medical Devices

Guidelines relating to the demarcation between
Directives 90/385/eec, 93/42/eec and 65/65/eec.

90/385/eec: Directive of
Active Implantable Medical Devices

98/79/ec: Directive of
In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices

Guidelines to Medical Devices Vigilance System

List of Harmonised
(European) Standards for Medical Devices

List of Notified Bodies for Medical Devices
Directive

Guidelines for Conformity Assessment of Breast
Implants According to Directive 93/42/eec

Guidelines on Assessment of Medical Devices
Incorporating Materials of Animal Origin

Guidelines on Medical Devices With Measuring Function

Guidelines on Medical Devices: Subcontracting –
Quality System Related

Guidelines on Medical Devices: Treatment of Computers
Used to Program Implantable Pulse Generators

Guidelines on Medical Devices: Demarcation with other
Directives- Directive 89/336/EEC EMC & Directive 89/686/EEC PPE

Guidelines on Medical Devices: EMC Requirements

Guidelines on Medical Devices Labelling:
USE-BY DATE

Guidelines on Medical Devices Labelling:
Translation procedures

Guidelines on Homogeneous Production Batches

93/65/eec: Directive of
Air Traffic Management Equipment & Systems

97/15/eec: amending
Directive of Air Traffic Management Equipment & Systems

94/9/ec: Directive of
Equipment used in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (Atex)

Guidelines to directive 94/9/ec (Atex)

2001 Framework of implementation of (Atex)Directive
94/9/ec

94/25/ec: Directive of
Recreational Craft

2001 Proposed New Version for: directive 94/25/ec (RecCraft) 55p

2001 Guidelines&Framework: directive 94/25/ec (RecCraft)

95/16/ec: Directive of
Lifts

96/48/ec: Directive of
Trans-European High-speed Rail System

2001/16/ec: Directive
of Interoperability of Trans-European Conventional Rail System

96/57/ec: Directive of
Energy Efficiency: Household Refrigerators & Freezers

96/98/ec: Directive of
Marine Equipment

97/23/ec: Directive of
Pressure Equipment

2000&2001 Framework: directive 97/23/ec Pressure Equipment

98/37/ec: Directive of Machinery

2000: Comments on Directive of Machinery 98/37/ec

Useful Facts relating to Machinery 98/37/ec

2001 Proposal to amend Directive of Machinery 98/37/ec

99/5/ec: Directive of
Radio Equipment & Telecommunications Terminal Equipment
(R&TTE)

2001 Framework of implementation of Directive 99/5/EC R&TTE

2001 Guidance on Directive 99/5/EC R&TTE

2000/9/ec: Directive of
Cableway Installations to Carry Persons

2000/14/ec: Directive of
Noise Emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors

1999 Agreement on Mutual Recognition of conformity assessment between European
Union and United States of America

2000 amendation to Agreement on Mutual Recognition of conformity assessment between European
Union and United States of America

1998 Agreement on Mutual Recognition of conformity assessment between European
Union and Canada

1998 Agreement on Mutual Recognition of conformity assessment between European
Union and Australia

1998 Agreement on Mutual Recognition of conformity assessment between European
Union and New Zealand

1999 Agreement on Mutual Recognition of conformity assessment between European
Union and Israel

2001 proposal Agreement on Mutual Recognition of conformity assessment between European
Union and Japan

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