---
title: "Which AC and DC voltage thresholds bring equipment into the Low Voltage Directive?"
canonical_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/ac-and-dc-thresholds"
source_url: "https://www.sorena.io/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/ac-and-dc-thresholds"
author: "Sorena AI"
description: "LVD FAQ explaining the 50-1000 V AC and 75-1500 V DC scope thresholds, input and output ratings, exclusions, and common product edge cases."
published_at: "2026-05-09"
updated_at: "2026-05-09"
keywords:
  - "EU Low Voltage Directive"
  - "LVD"
  - "AC voltage threshold"
  - "DC voltage threshold"
  - "50-1000 V AC"
  - "75-1500 V DC"
  - "AC and DC thresholds"
  - "LVD FAQ"
---
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---

# Which AC and DC voltage thresholds bring equipment into the Low Voltage Directive?

LVD FAQ explaining the 50-1000 V AC and 75-1500 V DC scope thresholds, input and output ratings, exclusions, and common product edge cases.

*FAQ* *EU*

## EU Low Voltage Directive FAQ AC and DC thresholds

Directive 2014/35/EU applies to electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating between 50 and 1000 V AC or between 75 and 1500 V DC, unless an Annex II exclusion applies.

The rating check is about the equipment's stated input or output voltage, not every voltage that may appear inside the product.

The Low Voltage Directive threshold is 50-1000 V for alternating current and 75-1500 V for direct current. The Commission's LVD guide explains that those ratings refer to the equipment's electrical input or output voltage. Internal voltages do not by themselves decide Article 1 scope.

## Which AC and DC voltage thresholds bring equipment into the Low Voltage Directive?

Article 1 of Directive 2014/35/EU applies to electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of 50-1000 V AC or 75-1500 V DC. Equipment outside those design ratings is not brought into LVD scope by the voltage bands alone.

The LVD guide clarifies that voltage rating means the rated electrical input or rated electrical output, or both. It is not a test of transient, generated, or otherwise internal voltages that may appear inside the equipment during operation.

- A 230 V AC mains-powered product normally sits inside the AC band unless an Annex II exclusion or another product law changes the analysis.
- A product with a low-voltage function but an integrated 230 V AC power supply should be assessed against the LVD for that supply rating.
- A battery-only product below 75 V DC is outside the LVD voltage band, but its accompanying charger or integrated power supply can still be in scope if rated within the AC or DC limits.
- Equipment designed for more than 1000 V AC or more than 1500 V DC is outside the LVD voltage range; other EU or national safety rules may still apply.

Sources for this answer:

- [Directive 2014/35/EU on electrical equipment within certain voltage limits](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/35/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Article 1 sets the 50-1000 V AC and 75-1500 V DC scope thresholds and points to Annex II exclusions.
- [European Commission - LVD guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/31221?ref=sorena.io) - Commission guidance explains that LVD voltage ratings refer to rated input or output voltage, not voltages appearing inside the equipment.

## How should input, output, and supply ratings be read?

Use the product's stated electrical ratings, not a generic product category label. The guide says equipment is designed for use within the LVD range when it has a rated input voltage, a rated output voltage, or both inside the range.

For products with more than one rating, assess the rated inputs and outputs that define the product as placed on the EU market. A low-voltage device, a mains adapter, and a charger bundled with it may need separate scope conclusions if they are separate electrical equipment.

- Input rating: check the supply expected from the grid, a charger, a vehicle, a battery pack, or another source.
- Output rating: check whether the equipment supplies another device or circuit inside the LVD AC or DC bands.
- Integrated power supply: if the product includes the supply unit and the supply is within the LVD band, assess the finished equipment on that basis.
- Accompanying charger: even when the battery-operated device is below the DC threshold, the charger can be LVD equipment if its own rating is within the bands.

Sources for this answer:

- [European Commission - LVD guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/31221?ref=sorena.io) - Section 15 of the guide gives the rated input-output interpretation and battery-equipment examples.
- [European Commission - Low Voltage Directive policy page](https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/electrical-and-electronic-engineering-industries-eei/low-voltage-directive-lvd_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission LVD page links the current directive, guidelines, transition guidance, and LVD standards resources.

## What exclusions can override the voltage threshold?

Being inside 50-1000 V AC or 75-1500 V DC is not the end of the scope check. Article 1 excludes the equipment and phenomena listed in Annex II, and the LVD guide describes that Annex II list as exhaustive for explicit LVD exclusions.

The Annex II exclusions cover specific product types or situations, not every product with electrical hazards. If no Annex II exclusion applies, continue with LVD safety objectives, conformity assessment, technical documentation, EU declaration of conformity, and CE marking where the product is otherwise in scope.

- Excluded by Annex II: electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres; radiology and medical purposes; electrical parts for lifts; electricity meters; domestic plugs and socket outlets; electric fence controllers; and radio-electrical interference.
- Also excluded: specialised electrical equipment for ships, aircraft, or railways when it complies with safety provisions from international bodies in which Member States participate.
- Also excluded: custom-built evaluation kits destined for professionals and used solely at research and development facilities.
- Domestic plug and socket exclusions are narrow. The LVD guide says special plugs and socket outlets, such as appliance couplers or industrial-purpose products, are not excluded on that ground.

Sources for this answer:

- [Directive 2014/35/EU on electrical equipment within certain voltage limits](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/35/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Annex II lists the equipment and phenomena outside the scope of the LVD.
- [European Commission - LVD guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/31221?ref=sorena.io) - Guide sections 57 and 58 explain the Annex II exclusions and examples such as domestic plugs, industrial plugs, and evaluation kits.

## Common edge cases for AC and DC threshold decisions

Most mistakes come from treating the product family as the answer instead of reading the rated electrical boundaries of the exact equipment. The same commercial bundle can contain one item outside the LVD voltage band and another item inside it.

The threshold conclusion should name the exact equipment assessed, its rated inputs and outputs, whether Annex II applies, and whether another EU product regime such as RED, machinery, ATEX, medical-device, lift, or marine-equipment law is doing the main work.

- USB or other extra-low-voltage device: usually outside the LVD voltage band when assessed alone, but check any supplied charger, dock, or integrated mains power unit separately.
- Travel adapter: a simple adapter may fall outside LVD scope under the guide's examples, while adapters with switching contacts, USB charging, overvoltage protection, LEDs, or similar active features can fall within LVD scope.
- Machinery with an electrical supply: the LVD safety objectives may be relevant to electrical hazards, but the machinery regime can govern the conformity route and declaration instead of a standalone LVD declaration.
- Radio equipment: radio equipment is generally handled under the Radio Equipment Directive for its safety requirements, while wired telecom terminal equipment inside the LVD voltage bands may still fall under the LVD.

Sources for this answer:

- [European Commission - LVD guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/31221?ref=sorena.io) - The guide gives threshold examples for battery equipment, travel adapters, machinery, and the relationship between LVD and RED.
- [Directive 2014/35/EU on electrical equipment within certain voltage limits](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/35/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Annex III identifies the technical documentation elements to keep when equipment is in LVD scope.

## What evidence should support the threshold answer?

The threshold file should be short but product-specific. It should let a reviewer see why the equipment is inside the LVD band, outside the band, or excluded despite being inside the band.

For in-scope equipment, keep the threshold memo with the technical documentation required by Annex III, including the product description, drawings or schemes where relevant, applicable requirements, standards or other technical specifications used, design calculations or examinations, and test reports.

- Record the rated AC input, rated DC input, rated AC output, and rated DC output as stated on the product, label, instructions, data sheet, or power-supply specification.
- Identify whether the assessed item is the finished product, a component, an integrated power supply, a separate charger, an adapter, or a bundle containing multiple electrical items.
- State any Annex II exclusion relied on and why the exact wording fits the equipment.
- If the product is in scope, connect the threshold answer to the LVD technical file, EU declaration of conformity, CE marking assessment, and harmonised standards or other safety solution used.

Sources for this answer:

- [Directive 2014/35/EU on electrical equipment within certain voltage limits](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/35/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Annex III describes the technical documentation and conformity-assessment record expected for in-scope LVD equipment.
- [European Commission - LVD guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/31221?ref=sorena.io) - The guide supports keeping the threshold answer tied to rated input/output data and the exact equipment configuration.

## Primary sources

- [Directive 2014/35/EU on electrical equipment within certain voltage limits](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/35/oj?ref=sorena.io) - Primary legal source for the 50-1000 V AC and 75-1500 V DC thresholds, Annex II exclusions, and Annex III technical documentation requirements.
  - Quote: "between 75 and 1 500 V for direct current"
- [European Commission - LVD guidelines](https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/31221?ref=sorena.io) - Commission guidance used for input-output voltage interpretation, internal-voltage clarification, battery and charger examples, and Annex II edge cases.
  - Quote: "not to voltages that may appear inside the equipment"
- [European Commission - Low Voltage Directive policy page](https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/electrical-and-electronic-engineering-industries-eei/low-voltage-directive-lvd_en?ref=sorena.io) - Commission policy page linking the LVD directive, guidelines, transition guidance, standards resources, and supporting materials.
  - Quote: "The Low Voltage Directive (LVD)"

## Topic Guides

- [Are chargers and power adapters covered by the EU Low Voltage Directive? | LVD FAQ](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/chargers-and-adapters.md): LVD FAQ for chargers, external power supplies, travel adapters, CE marking, technical documentation, instructions, harmonised standards, and EMC, RED, and RoHS overlap.
- [Are components covered by the Low Voltage Directive? | LVD FAQ](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/components.md): How the LVD treats basic components, electrical components intended for incorporation, CE marking, and evidence for finished electrical equipment.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive applicability test](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/applicability-test.md): Check whether electrical equipment falls under the EU Low Voltage Directive by voltage rating, Annex II exclusions, components, evaluation kits, batteries, CE marking, and adjacent EU product rules.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive compliance guide](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/compliance.md): Concrete LVD compliance guide covering scope, safety objectives, manufacturer duties, internal production control, EU declaration, CE marking, technical documentation, labels, importer and distributor checks, and post-market action.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive deadlines and compliance calendar](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/deadlines-and-compliance-calendar.md): Calendar checkpoints for LVD 2014/35/EU: current-law status, release evidence gates, OJEU standard withdrawals, 10-year records, and post-market triggers.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive exclusion triage workflow](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/exclusion-triage-workflow.md): A concrete LVD exclusion triage workflow for voltage scope, Annex II exclusions, components, evaluation kits, radio equipment, EMC, Machinery, and evidence records.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive FAQ: scope, duties, CE marking](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq.md): Answers to practical LVD questions on voltage limits, Annex II exclusions, batteries, chargers, components, economic operators, instructions, standards, CE marking, and post-market controls.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive post-market controls](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/post-market-controls.md): LVD post-market controls for corrective action, recalls, complaints, technical documentation, EU declarations, authority cooperation, and 2019/1020 market surveillance.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive requirements](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/requirements.md): LVD requirements for voltage scope, Annex I safety objectives, economic operator duties, internal production control, technical files, EU declarations, CE marking, standards, and market surveillance.
- [EU Low Voltage Directive scope and covered products](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/scope-and-products.md): Scope notes for the EU Low Voltage Directive: voltage limits, Annex II exclusions, components, chargers, adapters, and boundaries with RED, Machinery, and EMC rules.
- [EU LVD standard selection and OJEU checks](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/standard-selection.md): How to select Low Voltage Directive harmonised standards, check OJEU status, map Annex I safety objectives, and document alternatives in the technical file.
- [Household Appliances under the Low Voltage Directive | LVD FAQ](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/household-appliances.md): FAQ on how household and similar electrical appliances are treated under the EU Low Voltage Directive, including scope, safety objectives, CE marking, documentation, standards, and operator roles.
- [Low Voltage Directive vs EMC Directive: safety and EMC comparison](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/low-voltage-directive-vs-emc-directive.md): Compare the EU Low Voltage Directive and EMC Directive by scope, safety objectives, electromagnetic disturbance, immunity, CE marking, declarations, documentation, and standards.
- [Low Voltage Directive vs Machinery Regulation boundary](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/low-voltage-directive-vs-machinery-regulation.md): Grounded comparison of the LVD and EU machinery law boundary for electrical equipment, machine electrical hazards, control gear, documentation, and CE marking.
- [LVD Annex II exclusions under Directive 2014/35/EU](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/annex-ii-exclusions.md): Practical EU Low Voltage Directive guide to Annex II excluded equipment, boundary cases, and records to keep when a product is outside LVD scope.
- [LVD combined CE files for multi-regime products](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/combined-ce-files.md): How to keep EU declarations, standards, risk assessments, instructions, labels, and technical documentation aligned when LVD products also trigger EMC, RED, RoHS, machinery, or market-surveillance checks.
- [LVD Compliance Checklist](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/checklist.md): EU Low Voltage Directive checklist covering scope, safety objectives, standards, technical documentation, EU declaration, CE marking, labelling, traceability, and post-market duties.
- [LVD conformity assessment and CE marking](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/conformity-assessment-and-ce.md): EU Low Voltage Directive guide to internal production control, technical documentation, harmonised standards, EU declarations of conformity, and CE placement.
- [LVD Conformity Assessment Template](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/lvd-conformity-assessment-template.md): Template fields for documenting Low Voltage Directive scope, Annex I safety objectives, standards, technical documentation, EU declaration, CE marking, and production control evidence.
- [LVD Essential Safety Hazards and Objectives](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/essential-safety-hazards.md): EU Low Voltage Directive hazard map for Annex I safety objectives: electrical contact, heat, arcs, radiation, insulation, assembly, overload, mechanical, environmental, and foreseeable-use risks.
- [LVD Essential Safety Requirements](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/essential-safety-requirements.md): Annex I safety objectives under the EU Low Voltage Directive: safe construction, markings, instructions, electrical hazards, external influences, insulation, temperature, and technical-file evidence.
- [LVD harmonised standard update workflow](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/harmonized-standard-update-impact-workflow.md): Workflow for checking Low Voltage Directive harmonised standard updates, affected products, withdrawal dates, presumption of conformity, retesting, technical files, and declarations.
- [LVD Harmonised Standards and OJEU Citations](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/harmonized-standards.md): Track Low Voltage Directive harmonised standards by OJEU reference, presumption of conformity, restrictions, withdrawals, replacements, and technical-file evidence.
- [LVD importer obligations FAQ | Directive 2014/35/EU](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/importers.md): What importers must check before placing LVD electrical equipment on the EU market: conformity assessment, CE marking, EU declaration, traceability, storage, corrective action, and authority cooperation.
- [LVD instructions and labelling requirements | FAQ](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/instructions-and-labelling.md): What the Low Voltage Directive requires for instructions, safety information, traceability, manufacturer/importer labels, CE marking, and retained evidence.
- [LVD Internal Production Control: Module A Evidence](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/internal-production-control.md): How manufacturers document Low Voltage Directive Module A: technical documentation, safety objectives, harmonised standards, EU declaration, CE marking, and production controls.
- [LVD penalties and enforcement](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/penalties-and-fines.md): How penalties and enforcement work under the EU Low Voltage Directive: Member State penalty rules, market surveillance action, recalls, restrictions, and cooperation.
- [LVD release evidence gates workflow](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/release-evidence-gates-workflow.md): Product-release gates for EU Low Voltage Directive evidence: voltage scope, safety objectives, standards, technical documentation, EU declaration, CE marking, labelling, production control, operator checks, and post-market triggers.
- [LVD spare parts FAQ | CE marking and evidence](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/spare-parts.md): How to handle spare parts under the EU Low Voltage Directive when a part is electrical equipment, built into finished equipment, imported, modified, or documented for repair.
- [LVD Technical Documentation Checklist](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/technical-documentation.md): What to keep in EU Low Voltage Directive technical documentation: product identity, design and manufacturing records, risk assessment, standards, tests, declaration, CE marking, instructions, and authority access.
- [LVD voltage scope triage workflow](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/voltage-scope-triage-workflow.md): A concrete Low Voltage Directive scope workflow for AC/DC thresholds, intended-use claims, Annex II exclusions, components, chargers, adapters, and RED, EMC, or Machinery routing.
- [LVD voltage thresholds: 50-1000 V AC and 75-1500 V DC](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/voltage-thresholds.md): How the EU Low Voltage Directive voltage limits work for rated input and output voltage, battery-powered equipment, chargers, Annex II exclusions, and RED, EMC, or Machinery routing.
- [LVD vs MSR: Low Voltage Directive and Market Surveillance Regulation](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/lvd-vs-msr.md): Compare LVD electrical-equipment conformity duties with Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 market surveillance, economic-operator cooperation, corrective action, online sales, and border controls.
- [LVD vs RED: electrical safety and radio equipment scope](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/lvd-vs-red.md): Compare the Low Voltage Directive and Radio Equipment Directive for electrical safety, radio scope, CE files, chargers, adapters, and harmonised standards.
- [LVD vs RoHS: electrical safety vs substance restriction](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/lvd-vs-rohs.md): Compare LVD and RoHS at the CE file boundary: electrical safety evidence, hazardous-substance restriction, declarations, standards, and documentation overlap.
- [What happens when an LVD harmonised standard is withdrawn or replaced? | LVD FAQ](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/standards-withdrawal.md): How LVD manufacturers should handle OJEU standard withdrawals, replacement references, presumption of conformity, technical documentation updates, and transition dates.
- [When are battery-powered products covered by the Low Voltage Directive? | LVD FAQ](/artifacts/eu/low-voltage-directive/faq/battery-powered-products.md): LVD FAQ explaining when battery-only products, bundled chargers, adapters, external power supplies, and integrated supplies fall inside or outside Directive 2014/35/EU.

*Recommended next step*

*Placement: after evidence section*

## Check the LVD threshold against the actual ratings

Use the rated input, rated output, Annex II exclusion status, and product configuration to decide whether Directive 2014/35/EU applies.

- [Open Research Copilot](/solutions/research-copilot.md): Check LVD scope questions against cited EU source material.
- [Talk through implementation](/contact.md): Review product ratings, exclusions, technical-file evidence, and CE-marking implications.


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