Vic Boersma invokes the definition of rated power in IEC 950 to provide an interpretation of the phrase in the LVD 'designed for use with a voltage rating of '. The definition in IEC950 is for the purposes of that directive and does not apply to the LVD. The LVD itself does not give any further amplification of this point. What it does not say is 'powered by a voltage with a rating of'. I know of no authoritive ruling on whether internally generated voltages over the stated limit bring equipment within the scope of the directive. There is none in the UK implimentation of the LVD, SI 1994 No. 3260 which uses a similar phrase 'designed or adapted for use with a voltage rating' with no futher amplification. I have always taken the view that internally generated volages do bring equipment within the scope of the directive but I would be glad of information from anybody who knows of an authoritive ruling on this matter. If my assumption is right then the inaccessibility of the high voltages and the high impedance of them will not remove the equipment from the scope of the directive or the need to have CE marking for this directive from next year. It will however make it easier to meet the directive. Nick Rouse.
