It is important to note that European standards are different from American requirements. For example, EN standards for Safety differ from UL requirements. Also, many appliance devices are exempt from the US FCC requirements for Electromagnetic Compatibility, but are required to meet the European Standards prior to being exported to and sold within the European Union (EU).

The EN 60335 standard is a series of standards for the safety of household and similar electrical appliances. EN 60335 for safety is broken down into two parts, EN 60335-1, which encompasses general safety requirements, and EN 60335-2, which covers nearly one hundred specific safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances. From toasters to humidifiers, animal stun guns to fabric steamers, the EN 60335-2 standards are specific safety standards for individual products.

As a European Union Notified Body, we recommend that appliance manufacturers fully research the standards that apply to their product. Most manufacturers may only fall under the general safety standard EN 60335-1, but many products require additional safety testing under EN 60335-2 standards. It is critical to fully research which standards apply to your product(s).

In all, complete testing to EN 60335 fulfills the safety requirements of the European Union Low Voltage Directive for household and similar electrical appliances.

The EN 55014 standard is a requirement for Electromagnetic Compatibility, outlining requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus. The standard is broken down into two parts, Part 1 for Emissions (EN 55014-1:1993) and Part 2 for Immunity (EN 55014-2:1997). Complete testing to EN 55014 fulfills the requirements of the European Union Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus.

If a product will be in distribution or introduced after the year 2001, a manufacturer should test their product(s) for harmonics and flicker requirements. Current requirements EN 60555-2 for harmonics and EN 60555-3 for flicker cover disturbances in supply systems caused by household appliances and similar electrical equipment. In 2001, the EN 60555-2 and EN 60555-3 standards will be replaced with EN 61000-3-2 for harmonics and EN 61000-3-3 for flicker, which become mandatory on January 1, 2001.

The EN 61000-3-2 and EN 61000-3-3 requirements are important to manufacturers selling their products in the European Union beyond 2001 because they add additional time and costs to the testing process. Manufacturers should prepare for this transition and test their products now, since these standards become a requirement in 2001. Ask your EMC provider if they can test to EN 61000-3-2 and EN 61000-3-3 to avoid sales disruption of your products in the new millenium.

To assure an effective, efficient and successful European Union compliance process, make sure your testing laboratory can perform all the necessary tests, and has the requisite experience both in the testing, as well as the project management, of the CE Marking process.