VLT ® 2000 Series Special conditions I What is CE labelling? The purpose of CE labelling is to avoid technical obstacles to trade within EFTA and the EU. The EU has introduced the CE labelling as a simple way of showing whether a product complies with the relevant EU directives. The CE mark says nothing about the quality or specifications of a product. Three EU directives relate to frequency converters. I The machine directive (89/392/EEC) All machines with critical, moving parts are covered by the machine directive. Since a frequency converter is largely electrical by function, it does not fall under the machine directive.
However, if a frequency converter is supplied for use in a machine, we will provide infor- mation about the safety aspects relating to the frequency converter. We do that by the use of a manufacturer’s declaration. I The low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC) Frequency converters must be CE labelled in accordance with the low-voltage directive. The directive applies to all electrical equipment and applicances used in the voltage range of 50-1000 V AC and 75-1500 V DC. I The EMC directive (89/336/EEC) EMC is short for electromagnetic compatibility.
The presence of electromagnetic compatibility means that the mutual interference between different compon- ents/appliances is so small that the functioning of the appliances is not affected. The EMC directive came into force on 1 January 1996. The directive distinguishes between components, appliances, sy- stems and installations. The EU “Guidelines on Application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC” outline three typical situations of using a frequency converter. For each of these situations, explanations are offered as to whether the situation in question is covered by the EMC directive and must be CE labelled. 3. The frequency converter is sold as part of a complete system.
A system has an intrinsic function for the final user and is placed on the market as a single functional unit. That could for example be an air-conditioning system. The complete system must be CE labelled according to the EMC directive.The manufacturer of the system can ensure the CE labelling according to the EMC directive either by using CE labelled components or by testing the EMC performance of the system. If he chooses to use only CE labelled components, he does not have to test the entire system. 1. The frequency converter is sold directly to the final consumer. The frequency converter is for example sold to the domestic market. The final consumer is a layman.
He installs the frequency converter himself for example for a hobby machine or a household machine. The frequency converter must be CE labelled according to the EMC directive. 2. The frequency converter is sold for installation in a plant being built up on site by a professional installer. That could for example be a production plant or a heating/ventilation plant, which is designed and installed by professionals. Neither the frequency converter nor the complete plant has to be CE labelled according to the EMC directive. The plant, however, must comply with the basic EMC requirements of the directive.
The installer can ensure this by using components, appliances and systems, which are CE-labelled according to the EMC directive. 86 MG.20.B6.02 – VLT is a registered Danfoss trademark