Unlike FCC SDoC which only follows Part 15B, CE certification covers multiple directives, each with independent harmonized standards and test items. A clear understanding of these contents is essential for verifying quotations and test plans.
The applicable LVD standards vary by product category: household appliances follow the EN 60335 series, IT and audio-visual devices adopt EN 62368-1, and lighting products comply with the EN 60598 series. Test items differ across standards.
EN 62368-1 is the most widely used safety standard for electronic products, replacing the old EN 60950-1 and EN 60065. The currently enforced version is EN 62368-1:2023.
This standard classifies internal energy sources into three levels: ES1 (Limited Energy), ES2 (Medium Energy) and ES3 (High Energy), with differentiated protection requirements for each level. Core test items are as follows:
·Clearance and Creepage Distance Measurement: Ensure the distance between live parts and accessible outer casings complies with standard requirements.
·Dielectric Withstand Voltage Test: Apply high voltage between live parts and enclosures to verify the insulation performance against abnormal voltage and breakdown risks.
·Protective Earth Continuity Test: For earthed products, the resistance of the grounding circuit must be below the specified limit.
·Temperature Rise Test: The temperature of outer casings and components shall not exceed limits under normal and fault operating conditions.
·Overload Protection Verification: Products must be equipped with protective mechanisms to prevent overcurrent risks.
·Fire Resistance of Enclosures: Enclosures of ES2 and ES3 level products must meet specific flame retardancy requirements.
The EN 60335 series for household appliances includes exclusive tests such as motor locked-rotor test, heating element aging test and liquid overflow test. The EN 60598 series for lighting products adds mechanical strength test and suspension reliability test. Outdoor and waterproof lamps also require IP rating verification, which is not mandatory for ordinary indoor lamps.
The core objective of LVD testing is to protect users from electric shock, fire and mechanical hazards during normal and abnormal product operation.
2. Test Items for EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive)
EMC testing consists of two major parts: Emission and Immunity.
Electromagnetic Emission
Different standards apply based on product types: EN 55032 for IT and audio-visual equipment, EN 55014-1 for household appliances and power tools, and EN 55015 for lighting products.
·Conducted Emission: Test interference transmitted through power lines within the frequency range of 150 kHz to 30 MHz.
·Radiated Emission: The upper test frequency is determined by the maximum internal oscillation frequency of the product: up to 1 GHz for products below 1 GHz, and up to 6 GHz for products at or above 1 GHz.
The test methods are similar to FCC Part 15B, yet the limit values are different. FCC test reports cannot replace CE EMC reports.
Electromagnetic Immunity (Exclusive to CE, not required by FCC)
·Electrostatic Discharge (ESD): Simulate static electricity generated by human contact. Both contact discharge and air discharge are tested. Standard severity levels for commercial and civil products: 4 kV contact discharge, 8 kV air discharge; higher levels apply for industrial products.
·Electrical Fast Transient (EFT): Simulate interference pulses generated by switch and relay operations.
·Conducted Susceptibility (CS): Evaluate interference coupled into devices via external radio frequency signals, a mandatory test for most products.
·Surge: Simulate surge voltage caused by lightning strikes or power grid switching, including line-to-line and line-to-earth combinations.
·Radiated Susceptibility (RS): Test anti-interference performance against external radio frequency fields, conducted in an anechoic chamber.
·Voltage Dips and Short Interruptions: Simulate temporary voltage drops or power outages on the grid. Products must not present dangerous status and shall resume normal operation after power recovery.
Laboratories will adjust test items according to product application scenarios and port configurations. Products without signal ports can be exempted from partial conducted immunity tests.
3. Test Items for RED (Radio Equipment Directive)
The RED directive integrates radio frequency, EMC and electrical safety tests, making it more complex than standalone EMC and LVD. Legally, wireless products must fully comply with LVD, EMC and RED simultaneously. In practical operations, the three types of tests can be combined into one comprehensive report instead of separate testing.
Radio frequency testing is unique to RED, covering transmit power, frequency error, occupied bandwidth, spurious emissions, adjacent channel power and receiver sensitivity. Limit values and judgment rules vary for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies.
Tests must be performed under all operating modes: standby, sleep, full load, various function gears, different channels and transmit power levels.
Since August 2024, an additional mandatory requirement has taken effect: wireless devices with internet access, remote control or data interaction functions must comply with EN 303 645 for cybersecurity, covering default password security, firmware update, data encryption and privacy protection. Devices with only local wireless communication (no internet access) are exempted from this item.
Important note: Wireless modules certified under FCC cannot reduce RED radio frequency test items. The EU and US certification systems are completely independent, and FCC data is not recognized in the EU. Only modules with valid RED certification can support partial test simplification for complete products.
In addition, all electronic products sold in the EU must pass RoHS 2.0 hazardous substance compliance testing.
For EU CE Safety Certification services, please contact Blueasia: 13534225140
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