Low Voltage Directive and 1st ProdSV apply for:

• new, ready-to-use electrical products,
• new parts of electrical products,
• electrical products which are operated at voltages between 50 V and 1000 V alternating current and 75 V and 1500 V direct current.

The following are excluded from the scope of application:

• electrical equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere,
• electrical equipment for radiology and medical purposes,
• Electrical parts for goods and passenger lifts,
• electricity meters,
• radio-electrical interference,
• Plugs and socket outlets for domestic use,
• Electric fence controllers,
• specialised electrical equipment, for use on ships, aircraft or railways, which complies with the safety provisions drawn up by international bodies in which the Member States participate,
• custom built evaluation kits destined for professionals to be used solely at research and development facilities for such purposes.

Support for the allocation of products

In practice, problems arise when assigning individual electrical products to one or the other directive or its German implementation. The guidelines for the application of the Low Voltage Directive provide additional support. Among other things, they provide answers to these questions:

• What are the requirements for electrical equipment which is at the same time to be regarded machinery in the sense of the Machinery Directive?
• What are the requirements for electrical equipment that is permanently installed in buildings?
• What is the relationship with the directive on radio equipment and telecommunication terminals?
• What is the relationship with the directive on gas appliances?

The market surveillance authorities also deal with these issues. The administrative co-operation group in the field of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD-AdCo WG) has established an open list of products that are either subject to the Low Voltage Directive or not.

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