Clarity in the domestic market: ZVEI publishes position paper on CE labelling of relays

The European domestic market relies on clear guidelines for product safety. In order to further strengthen the standardised application of CE marking for electromechanical elementary relays in accordance with IEC/EN 61810-1 under the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, the German Electro and Digital Industry Association (ZVEI e. V.) has published its position paper on the classification of these components.

The paper explains the ZVEI's long-standing position and confirms that the Low Voltage Directive is generally not applicable to elementary relays as basic components, as their safety can primarily only be assessed when installed.

• Elementary relays as basic components: As a rule, elementary relays are not covered by the Low Voltage Directive and therefore do not require CE marking.
• Exceptions in the borderline area: Certain products in the borderline area, which have safety-related assessable characteristics, must be considered separately. The CE labelling requirement may apply here.

The ZVEI position paper serves as a valuable orientation aid for manufacturers and users of elementary relays and contributes to clarification in the European domestic market.