The Low Voltage Directive is a European directive that defines product requirements which must be taken into account by manufacturers and other economic operators for the purpose of placing electrical equipment within certain voltage limits on the market and/or put these into use within Europe. Electrical equipment refers to products intended for use with a nominal alternating voltage between 50V-1000V or a nominal direct voltage between 75V-1500V.
Manufacturers and other operators planning to place electrical equipment on the market and/or put these into use within Europe must meet the safety objectives set by the Low Voltage Directive. Only after all safety objectives and other relevant CE product requirements have been met, can the CE marking be affixed to the equipment and can the equipment be freely placed on the market within the European Union.
Equipment and phenomena outside the scope of the Low Voltage Directive include electrical equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere (ATEX), electro-medical equipment, and specialized equipment intended for use on ships, aircraft or railways.
