Niederspannungsrichtlinie

The Niederspannungsrichtlinie, or Low Voltage Directive, is a European Union regulation that sets out the health, safety, and environmental protection requirements for electrical equipment operating at low voltage. It is part of the broader framework of EU directives aimed at ensuring the free movement of goods within the EU.

The directive applies to electrical equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 50V AC or 75V DC, and a rated current not exceeding 16A for equipment with a rated voltage not exceeding 25V AC or 50V DC. It covers a wide range of equipment, including household appliances, lighting equipment, and electrical tools.

The Niederspannungsrichtlinie is designed to ensure that electrical equipment is safe for use, both for the user and for the environment. It sets out requirements for the design, construction, and testing of electrical equipment, as well as for the provision of information to the user. The directive also includes requirements for the CE marking, which is a conformity marking that indicates that a product complies with the relevant EU health, safety, and environmental protection requirements.

The Niederspannungsrichtlinie is regularly updated to reflect changes in technology and to address new safety concerns. It is enforced through national regulations in each EU member state, which may include additional requirements beyond those set out in the directive. The directive is a key part of the EU's efforts to create a single market for electrical equipment, promoting innovation and competition while ensuring high standards of safety and environmental protection.