Machinery Directive (MD)
The machinery sector constitutes an important part of the mechanical engineering industry and is one of the industrial pillars of the EU economy. The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC is the legislative basis for the harmonisation of the essential safety requirements for machinery at European level. The directive ensures not only the free movement of machinery within the single market, but also a high level of protection for workers and citizens of the Union. The Machinery Directive was published on 9 June 2006 and is applicable since 29 December 2009, replacing the Machinery Directive 98/37/EC.
Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
The Low Voltage Directive covers health and safety risks arising from the use of electrical equipment within certain voltage limits. The directive covers electrical equipment with a voltage between 50 and 1000 V alternating current and between 75 and 1500 V direct current. Directive 2014/35/EU is the result of the alignment to the New Legislative Framework of Directive 2006/96/EC.
In most cases, equipment under the Low Voltage Directive also falls under the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
All electrical devices or installations when interconnected or in close proximity to each other affect each other electromagnetically. The purpose of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive is to consider and respond appropriately to all foreseeable side effects under reasonable control. In particular, Directive 2014/30/EU aims to limit the electromagnetic emissions of equipment in order to avoid (or reduce) interference during normal use. The Directive is the result of the alignment to the New Legislative Framework of Directive 2004/108/EC.
Outdoor Noise Directive (OND)
The main objective of Directive 2000/14/EC is to promote the reduction of noise emitted by equipment used outdoors. The directive requires noise marking for 57 types of equipment used outdoors: for 22 of these types of equipment, the directive also sets noise limit values. For all types of equipment covered by the directive, procedures and operating conditions for measuring the sound power level are specified. Directive 2000/14/EC was amended by Directive 2005/88/EC, which changed the permissible sound power levels.