Household appliances.
Do you import or manufacture electrical appliances or sell electrical appliances under your own brand name? If so, there are a number of issues and essential requirements you need to address in order to sell your product safely on the European market. Wondering if the EMC-directive applies to you and if your products comply with the directives? Précon is happy to help you.
Our approach.
Whether you are an importer, manufacturer or seller of electrical appliances, our consultants ensure that you comply with all legal requirements. This way, you avoid complicated situations and address any problems in advance.
Our experienced team has extensive knowledge in training, advising and supporting companies. We take you by the hand in identifying and complying with all the obligations of the various European directives.
This way you can market your electrical appliances with peace of mind.
What are your obligations?
Depending on the design and function of your product, you can determine which legal guidelines apply to your product and which safety requirements apply to your product.
Not every standard is relevant to your product. Before you can proceed through the conformity procedure, you must first determine which standards can be used to test whether your product meets applicable safety requirements.
Legislation from the European Parliament provides for various conformity assessment procedures that enable economic operators to demonstrate that electrical equipment made available on the market meets the safety objectives. These procedures cover carrying out internal production control, EU type examination, supervised product checks, quality assurance of your production process and assessment of your quality systems.
Without complete technical documentation, you may not sell your product on the European market. This documentation must make it possible to assess whether the electrical equipment meets the relevant safety requirements. So make sure that the technical documentation is complete. The technical documentation contains at least:
- a. a description of the product and operation,
- b. a risk analysis and assessment,
- c. a list of the relevant directives and harmonized standards,
- d. technical specifications, such as a bill of materials and design drawings,
- e. results of design calculations performed, investigations, and so on,
- f. test reports,
- g. a description of the manufacturing and control process.
In a declaration of conformity, you confirm that your product meets the requirements of the relevant directives. With this declaration, you take responsibility for the conformity of the product. This means that you ensure that the technical documentation is correct, complete and available. You attach the declaration of conformity to the technical documentation of the product.
If your product meets all essential safety requirements, you may affix the CE mark to your product. The CE marking must be visible, legible and indelible. Without CE marking, you may not sell your product on the European market.
Electromagnetic compatibility.
The EMC Directive 2014/30 sets requirements for the operation of equipment under the influence of electromagnetic radiation. Essentially, the EMC Directive focuses on the extent to which a device resists electromagnetic radiation (immunity) and the extent to which a device emits electromagnetic radiation (emission).
The EMC Directive applies to any device capable of causing such disturbances. Examples of products that must meet these essential requirements are pacemakers, vacuum cleaners and microwaves.
Does the EMC directive contain obligations for you?
If you are a manufacturer, authorized representative, importer or distributor of electrical devices, you must comply with EMC directives.
- Manufacturer: you manufacture devices or have them designed and manufactured and market them under your own name or trademark.
- Automated representative: a manufacturer gives you a written mandate to act on its behalf with respect to specific tasks.
- Importer: you are located in the EU and sell your devices from outside the EU into the EU.
- Distributor: you make devices available for sale or delivery, but are not a manufacturer or importer.
What if you are not EMC compliant?
Then you must immediately take the necessary measures. Thus, the competent national authorities of the member states where the products were sold must be notified. In doing so, you should then also provide information about the situation and what corrective measures have been taken so far.
Then it's a matter of making the products EMC compliant. Our consultants will guide you through the entire process. Précon is happy to help you.
Safety requirements.
Using electricity involves risks. Therefore, in order to sell electrical appliances on the European market, they must meet strict safety requirements. The essential requirements cover:
- electrical safety,
- mechanical safety,
- thermal safety,
- radiation safety,
- reduction of harmful substances to humans and the environment,
- electromagnetic interference and compatibility,
- safety of radio spectrum use,
- efficient use of the radio spectrum.
Safety requirements are laid down in various European Union directives. Which of the following directives apply to your product depends greatly on the design and application function of the item.
Low Voltage Directive
The LVD Directive 2014/35 focuses on the physical, mechanical, thermal, and radiation safety of electrical appliances with an AC voltage between 50 and 1000 volts or a nominal DC voltage between 75 and 1500 volts. Examples include kitchen appliances, toasters, lighting and IT equipment.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive.
The RoHS Directives 2011/65 and 2015/863 provide for restrictions on harmful substances in electrical appliances to help protect human health and the environment. This directive applies to almost all electrical and electronic equipment.
Radio equipment directive
The RED Directive 2014/53 ensures the safety, electromagnetic compatibility (as described in the EMC Directive) and efficient use of the radio spectrum of radio equipment. The RED directive applies to any equipment that intentionally emits or receives radio waves. Examples include cell phones, radios and televisions.
ERP Directive
The ERP directive regulates aspects of the sustainable development of electrical appliances and environmental protection. By setting requirements for efficiency performance, this directive aims to reduce taxes on the environment and achieve energy savings for consumers and businesses. ERP applies to any product that when used has an effect on our total energy consumption. Examples include refrigerators, washing machines and televisions.
Products that fall within the scope of European directives must be tested to assess their compliance with these directives. Numerous standards have therefore been drawn up for each directive. These are used to demonstrate conformity with safety requirements and set requirements for the design, operation of the product and the mandatory markings your product must bear. The test methods by which compliance with the directives can be demonstrated are also defined in these standards.
