Proper enforcement of the Low Voltage Directive
The enlargement of the European Union brings with it many benefits, but also many challenges. Steps are taken prior to membership to ensure that potential members are on the right track with respect to adhering to European standards. The LVD project supported by the GROWTH Programme is a prime example. Its objective was to help Measurement and testing (M&T) laboratories in Newly Associated States (NAS) conform to the requirements of the EU's Low Voltage Directive. The project was coordinated by electrical engineers with the University of Ljubljana and involved partners from seven different countries. M&T laboratories in several NAS were assessed, specifically their ability to evaluate overheating of electrical appliances using Black test corners (BTCs). Unfortunately, large discrepancies between the BTCs of the various countries were uncovered. In particular, there was significant variation with respect to BTC size and material characteristics as well as the number and position of sensors inside the BTC. In addition, the M&T laboratories studied did not all follow the same procedure when testing appliances. The University of Ljubljana and its LVD partners recommend the creation of standards for the construction and use of BTCs, preferably by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This will help eliminate inconsistent results between M&T laboratories and avoid the unintentional release of potentially dangerous products to the marketplace.
