Low Voltage Directive Testing

Low Voltage Directive

The CE marking according to the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) has been in effect since January 1st 1997 and has been replaced by 2014/35/EU. Devices that fall under this legislation may not be sold or used without the CE marking.

Kiwa Dare has an extensive facility including a laboratory equipped for measurements according to (harmonised) standards under the Low Voltage Directive. Tests are performed under the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation (L279). Assessments are not performed under accreditation.

Essential requirements

The essential requirement of the Low Voltage Directive can be defined as follows:

"A product must be safe for humans, animals and its environment under normal conditions and so called "single fault conditions".

Testing under the Low Voltage Directive

Different from what the name might suggest and what logically is expected that next to electric safety there are other fields like the mechanical safety. These are thermal safety, chemical safety and radiation safety which all fall under the Low Voltage Directive.

• Electrical safety: you do not get electrical shocks, are the components used within their specified range.
• Mechanical safety: you can not hurt yourself, you can't hurt yourself because of the machine, is it stable etc.
• Thermal safety: the devices doesn't catch fire, you can't burn yourself by the machine, you don't freeze on the machine, do the components work within their thermal range etc.
• Chemical safety: you are not exposed to dangers caused by chemical materials in whatever the form.
• Radiation safety: you can't be exposed to dangerous light and/or (non)ionizing radiation.

Flammability Test Plastic: Fail

Flammability Test Plastic: Pass

Isolation breakdown

Drop Test

When does the Low Voltage Directive apply?

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) applies to products with a mains of AC (AC) between the 50 Volt and 1.000 Volt or Direct Current (DC) 75 Volt and 1.500 Volt respectively. For which either the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) or the Medical Devices Refulation (MDR) are applicable the LVD is applicable without the application of the voltage ranges. In other words in these cases the LVD still applies for products with a battery supply. There are some exceptions.

For example the following products are excluded:

• Sockets
• Lifts (elevators for people Directive)
• Electrotechnical systems for use in explosive atmospheres (ATEX)
• Electrotechnical systems for use on ships, planes and trains
• Electro Medical Equipment (Medical Device Directive)

In this area there is still a lot of ambiguity. Thus it is generally held that products that generate an internal tension between the above tensions are covered by this Directive.

International Standards

Kiwa Dare Services is able to help overcome this obstacle in the field of CE marking. Our experienced engineers are up-to-date in the latest developments in this area and can therefore counsel you on the applicable directives and harmonized standards. Examinations and test are performed with a high degree of quality and in accordance with International Standards.

Click here for a list of harmonized LVD standards.

Quick Scans

Besides full compliant examinations we also offer so-called Quick Scans or pre-compliant examinations. During a LVD Quick Scan the primary safety functions are assessed. For example, an assessment of the insulation values, electrical intensity and grounding. Based on the outcomes the customer can decide to proceed with a full compliant examination or first enhance the product before finishing all (full compliant) tests and examinations.

Modern equipment

Our engineers are highly experienced and work with the latest equipment in a modern facility. Although most part of an examination comprises inspection and assessment a number of tests need to be performed. Kiwa Dare Services has all equipment needed such as an insulation tester, a high-pot tester, a climate chamber, 20-channel temperature recorder, a fast storage scope, all required test fingers and impact hammers.

Testing 

Product safety tests which Kiwa Dare can perform are the following:

• Power measurement
• Humidity test
• Measurement of air and creepage distances
• Measurement of distance through isolation
• Mechanical strength of the housing (IK2 to IK9)
• (Earth) Leakage current measurement
• Abnormal operation and single fault condition
• Earth resistance measurement
• Reverse changing current from a Lithium battery
• Dielectric and electrical strength test
• Insulation Resistance test
• Temperature test
• Degree of protection provided by enclosures (IPx3 - IpX5)
• Test durability and readability of labels
• Measuring EM fields regarding exposure to people
• Flammability testing ( UL94-HB to V0 and Needle Flame in compliance to EN/IEC 60695-2-2)
• Environmental testing (inter alia, dry heat, cold and damp heat cycle)
• Degree of protection provided by enclosures (IPx1 - IP4X)
• Degree of protection provided by enclosures (IPx1 - IPX2)
• Testing ECG equipment
• Testing resistance of medical devices against pulses caused by defibrillator discharges
• Impulse test up to 5 kV

The Low Voltage Directive versus EMC

A LVD examination covers more than a few tests. As we perform both EMC tests and LVD examinations and often both are applicable, we observe that customers presume that the LVD examination is much easier than the EMC test. In practice it proves to be the opposite. Although the developer will do the utmost to create a safe product it is very difficult to see your own faults and rightly assess all risks. Single fault condition and the so-called "foreseeable misuse" clause make the Low Voltage Directive difficult to comply with. This is why many devices initially fail the examination.

The Low Voltage Directive, much more than a few tests

A Low Voltage examination is principally an examination comprising several tests. In most cases these tests are performed in two to four hours while the examination takes, depending on the standard, four hours to three days. The general perception is that conducting a high pot test alone will meet your requirements. This, however, leaves you at substantial risk of manufacturing a product with unresolved safety hazards. We can support you during the research and development fase and present you solutions about how to comply your product to the demanded safety directives.

Liability

It is the task of engineers from Kiwa Dare Services to find these hazards in order to protect you from substantial claims or even prosecution. As a result, a device in compliance with the Low Voltage Directive is often a reliable one, thus saving you a lot in after sales and service costs. A reliable product also ensures your reputation as a high quality manufacturer!

Technical Guidance

Based on our experience with product design, we can give guide you through safety and safety related issues.

Nowadays more companies realise that it is important to take the safety component of their products into account from the design fase.

This proves to be cost effective because of saving on needless redesign costs later on in the process. Therefor our engineers are regularly asked to assist with the notation of the safety concept in this stage.

The design guidance includes the following aspects and fases:

• Formulation of the safety requirements and assessing the applicable directive(s).
• Guidance regarding the package and the internal structure.
• Evaluation of the concept.
• Evaluation of the construction.
• Evaluation of the print (PCB = Printed Circuit Board).
• Performing the necessary tests and examinations.

Product Standards

The LVD includes a large number of harmonised safety standards. However in most cases only a few of these standards are relevant. The most relevant standards are:

For more information about research under the Low Voltage Directive please fill out our contact form below.