Low Voltage Directive advice needed.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 04:34:02 pm
content: Hello guys,I would like to start selling a very small run of a product that have a C14 IEC Plug & 115/230Vac to 15v Transformer, so really need to brush up on the Low Voltage Directive!Just wondered if anyone had some good resources for someone new to conformity testing, as I would rather design with the Directive in mind, then try and find solution after the design!

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 05:18:47 pm
content: I recommend getting a copy of the LVD, it is actually one of the more readable standards.Or use a third party power brick and avoid it.

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 05:51:29 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on April 26, 2017, 05:18:47 pmYep going through it now with a highlighter trying to find anything that applies.

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 08:09:23 pm
content: Must admit, I had a look at the list of directives........thought to myself "Nahhhhhh!" and got a 3rd party to do the whole thing for me..........Just completed last week.........so you guys have much more patience than me!Ian.

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 08:20:50 pm
content: Quote from: IanJ on April 26, 2017, 08:09:23 pmIf you don't mind me asking, how expensive was it?

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 08:50:12 pm
content: Quote from: peps1 on April 26, 2017, 08:20:50 pmI used Barclay Phelps........I was quoted 500UKP but needed a 2nd directive not initially anticipated so total cost 765UKP.For that I got the techical file complete which all I had to do was add a little technical info and sign the DoC.I also got advice on how to use the DoC, technical file etc........i.e. would the complete CE newbie step forward.Ian.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 08:56:07 pm
content: Quote from: IanJ on April 26, 2017, 08:50:12 pmWhat did they actually do - was there any actual testing or was it all just paperwork?

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 09:06:28 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on April 26, 2017, 08:27:59 pmUnfortunately power bricks are not an option here, mainly for aesthetic reasons over anything practical.Quote from: IanJ on April 26, 2017, 08:50:12 pmThanks Ian, that way less then I was assuming, may look into that option just as a time saver! (though a large part of me want to get to grips with it myself to learn)Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 26, 2017, 08:56:07 pmGood question, but mainly just wanted to say I love your videos!

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 09:16:10 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 26, 2017, 08:56:07 pmPaperwork only. Part of it is evaluating whether any testing is required.....in my case none.So they asked me to fill in a long questionaire about the product and it's uses. they determine the directives applicable then produce all the documentation including the DoC (in my case EMC, RoHS & EN61326-1-2013 conformity statements).Worked out fine for me as the time I would have lost learning & self-certifying it was worth more.Ian.

author: peps1
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 12:02:23 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on April 26, 2017, 11:51:33 pmsorry should have read aesthetics!

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 09:16:54 pm
content: QuoteLong shot but... how about a PC powersupply?You still have to test of course but requires no design time / wiring issues / design file reponsibilities (I think?) since the iec just plugs straight in.