Heaters are commonly used household appliances in winter. To enter the EU market, products must undergo CE certification. The LVD (Low Voltage Directive) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive) within CE certification are two critical requirements, focusing on electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility respectively.
Introduction to CE Certification
CE certification is a passport for products entering the EU market, indicating that the product complies with relevant EU directives and harmonized standards. For electrical products such as heaters, hand warmers, heated clothing, and electric blankets, they must simultaneously meet the requirements of EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive).
EMC Certification (EN55014 Testing)
The EMC Directive requires that all electrical and electronic equipment sold in the EU must meet the basic requirements of electromagnetic compatibility to prevent electromagnetic interference between devices and with radio communication services. For heaters, the EMC Directive mainly focuses on the following aspects:
- Electromagnetic Emission: Limits the electromagnetic radiation generated by the equipment to ensure it does not interfere with other devices or radio communication services. Relevant standards include EN 55014-1 (Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus - Part 1: Emission).
- Electromagnetic Immunity: Ensures that the equipment can still operate normally when subjected to external electromagnetic interference. Relevant standards include EN 55014-2 (Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus - Part 2: Immunity - Product family standard).
- Harmonic Current and Voltage Fluctuations: For equipment with large input currents, standards such as EN 61000-3-2 and EN 61000-3-3 must also be met to limit harmonic current emissions and voltage fluctuations.
Testing Purpose: To ensure that the product can operate normally in its electromagnetic environment without causing intolerable electromagnetic disturbance to anything in that environment, while also possessing sufficient immunity to electromagnetic disturbances from that environment.
Specific Test Items:
- Disturbance Power: Measures the interference power generated by the product on the power grid under normal operating conditions.
- Disturbance Voltage: Detects the interference voltage generated at the product's power supply terminals and other ports.
- Radiated Disturbance: Evaluates the intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted into the surrounding space during product operation.
- Immunity Tests: Including electrostatic discharge immunity, radiated radio-frequency electromagnetic field immunity, electrical fast transient/burst immunity, etc., to verify whether the product can function normally when subjected to various electromagnetic interferences.
LVD Certification (EN60335 Testing)
The LVD Directive is a legal requirement of the EU for electrical equipment designed for use within specific voltage limits, aimed at ensuring the safety of these devices during use. For heaters, the LVD Directive mainly focuses on the following aspects:
- Voltage Range: Applies to electrical products with an AC voltage between 50V and 1000V, and DC voltage between 75V and 1500V.
- Safety Rules: Includes protection against hazards caused by mechanical reasons, as well as electrical safety performance under normal use and fault conditions.
- Testing Standards: Heaters typically need to comply with standards such as EN 60335-1 (Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 1: General requirements) and EN 60335-2-30 (Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-30: Particular requirements for room heaters).
Testing Purpose: To ensure safety when using low-voltage equipment, preventing dangers such as electric shock and fire caused by poor electrical insulation or improper grounding.
Specific Test Items:
- Electric Insulation Performance Test: Checks insulation resistance, electric strength, etc., to ensure compliance with safety requirements and prevent electric shock risks to users.
- Ground Continuity Test: Verifies the effectiveness and continuity of the product's grounding device, ensuring that in the event of an electrical fault, current can be safely conducted to the ground.
- Leakage Current Test: Measures the leakage current under normal operation and fault conditions, limiting it within a safe range to avoid electric shock to users.
- Mechanical Safety Test: Inspects the product's casing, structure, etc., to prevent injury to users caused by loose mechanical parts, sharp edges, etc.
- Temperature Test: Monitors temperature rise under normal and abnormal operating conditions to prevent overheating that could cause fire or other safety accidents.
CE Certification Process for Heaters / Hand Warmers / Electric Blankets:
- Fill in the application form
- Send samples
- Sample testing
- Upon passing the test, a draft will be issued for information confirmation
- Issue the formal report / certificate
About Us
Global United Technology Services Co., Ltd. holds internationally recognized CNAS (L5775) laboratory qualification, US FCC NVLAP qualification, and domestic CMA qualification for inspection and testing. We are capable of issuing internationally mutually recognized test reports, as well as authorized qualifications from major institutions such as the UK's ITS, Germany's TUV, and Belgium's Eurof. Focusing on the core testing fields of EMC, electrical safety, wireless RF, and chemical testing, we are a certification agency for export compliance, providing a one-stop service of "testing, rectification, and technical training", making us your ideal partner!
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Vicky Mo | Sales
- Email: vicky.mo@gtstest.com
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