The Machinery Directive is probably the best known CE Directive in existence. In annex I the directive specifies a large number of minimum essential safety requirements with which machinery must comply. When assessing a machine against the machine directive, all these requirements must be checked to determine whether the intended machine complies.

What should customers of machines be provided with?

It is not necessary to deliver the complete Technical File to customers of a machine. The following items at least must be supplied with the machine:

• the CE-marked machine, including type plate and CE logo;
• A user manual in the language of the country where the customer is located;
• A signed EC declaration of conformity.

Electrical safety

In terms of electrical safety, all electrical machines are currently subject to both the provisions of the Machinery Directive and the Low Voltage Directive. This does not mean that the machine must follow the conformity procedures of both directives. If the Machinery Directive applies, then conformity according to the Low Voltage Directive does not have to be followed. However, the substantive safety requirements from the Low Voltage Directive do apply. The Machinery Directive names six categories of electrical products that are not covered by the directive (including electric motors and switchgear for low-voltage installations).

The rule for machine builders is: purchase switchgear and electric motors with the correct EC declaration of conformity based on the Low Voltage Directive. Then place the machine on the market in accordance with the procedure in the Machinery Directive. With regard to electrical safety, the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive must be adhered to, i.e. in practice at least the requirements of EN-IEC 60204-1 must be applied.

CE marking is about safety: the earlier started in the design process, the easier it is to apply it!

See also CE marking during the engineering of machinery and installations.