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EU LVD 2014/35/EU FAQ

Clear answers with practical next steps.

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Author
Sorena AI
Published
Feb 21, 2026
Updated
Feb 21, 2026
Questions
6

Structured answer sets in this page tree.

Primary sources
4

Cited legal and guidance references.

Publication metadata
Sorena AI
Published Feb 21, 2026
Updated Feb 21, 2026
Overview

These answers are written for teams building CE marking evidence packs and technical files, not for academic interpretation. Where questions depend on product specifics, the answers tell you what facts to collect and which artifacts to produce.

Question 1

Scope and applicability

What are the LVD voltage limits?

The directive covers electrical equipment designed for use at 50 to 1000 V AC and 75 to 1500 V DC. Check the rated input of the item actually placed on the market, especially where there is an external power supply.

What is explicitly excluded?

Annex II excludes specific categories such as equipment for explosive atmospheres, radiology and medical electrical equipment, electrical parts for goods and passenger lifts, electricity meters, domestic plugs and socket outlets, electric fence controllers, radio electrical interference products, and custom built evaluation kits for professionals used solely at research and development facilities.

Are components covered?

Some are and some are not. The LVD Guide explains that many basic components, such as semiconductors or simple connectors, are not themselves electrical equipment for LVD purposes, while standalone items such as transformers or electric motors may be. Document that conclusion in the scope memo.

Question 2

Conformity assessment and notified bodies

Does LVD require a notified body?

No, not as the normal route. LVD conformity assessment is normally Module A, internal production control, carried out under the manufacturer's responsibility.

What is the evidence chain under LVD?

Scope memo, Annex I hazard mapping, standards and test selection, Annex III technical documentation, Annex IV aligned DoC, and CE marking plus traceability controls.

If the product is rebranded or modified, who becomes responsible?

Under Article 10, an importer or distributor becomes the manufacturer if it markets the product under its own name or modifies it in a way that may affect conformity.

Question 3

Technical file and document holding

What must Annex III technical documentation contain?

At minimum, where applicable, a general description, drawings and circuit schemes, explanations, the standards list used in full or in part, design calculations and examinations, test reports, and an adequate analysis and assessment of risks.

Who has to keep the file and for how long?

Manufacturers keep the technical documentation and DoC for 10 years after the product has been placed on the market. Importers keep a copy of the DoC for 10 years and must ensure the technical documentation can be made available on request. An authorised representative can be mandated to hold the file at the disposal of authorities for the same period.

Does the DoC have to be updated?

Yes. Article 15 says the DoC must be continuously updated.

Question 4

Instructions, labels, and languages

Which documents must actually accompany the product?

The directive requires instructions and safety information. The LVD Guide notes that, for importer and distributor checks, these are the required accompanying documents, while the technical file itself is held available rather than shipped with the product.

Who is responsible for translating instructions?

The directive does not assign that task to only one actor. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors each have to ensure the product is accompanied by instructions and safety information in the language or languages required by the Member State where it is made available.

What contact information must appear?

Manufacturer and importer name and postal address must be indicated, with a single contact point. Where Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 applies, the responsible EU based economic operator details must also be indicated as required.

Question 5

Harmonised standards and updates

When does a harmonised standard give presumption of conformity?

Only when the reference of the standard, or the relevant part, has been published in the Official Journal. The presumption exists only for the Annex I objectives that the referenced standard actually covers.

Can I apply only part of a standard?

Yes, but then the technical file should say which clauses were applied, which were not, and how the uncovered safety objectives are still met.

Why do the 2024 and 2025 standards decisions matter?

Because they add new references, withdraw older ones, and in some cases keep standards only with restrictions or defer withdrawal until dates in 2025, 2026, or 2027. Those dates belong in your standards governance log.

Question 6

Overlap with EMC, RED, and machinery

Does LVD replace EMC?

No. Many products need both. LVD covers safety hazards. EMC covers electromagnetic disturbance and immunity.

What about radio equipment or machinery?

If the product includes radio functions, test RED as well. If the product is machinery or another more specific regulated product type, document which regime governs electrical risk conformity assessment and keep one coherent evidence file.

Do online sales change the obligations?

No. EU targeted online offers are treated as making the product available on the Union market, so the same LVD evidence chain and Article 4 operator rules still matter.

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