Navigating the legal landscape for DC power supplies can feel like a minefield. You design, manufacture and sell fantastic products, but you worry that a seemingly small oversight could expose your business to significant consequences.
The UK’s legal framework for electrical equipment is complex and multi-layered, and it’s critical that you understand how these laws relate to your business. Here are some of the key pieces of legislation you should consider.
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016
This framework directly applies to electrical equipment like DC power supplies that operate at a voltage between 50 and 1000V AC or 75 and 1500V DC.
The regulations essentially demand that your equipment is safe to use. This means it mustn’t endanger people, domestic animals or property when you install, maintain and use it correctly.
You must conduct a thorough risk assessment on your products and ensure they meet the essential safety requirements explained in the regulations. You must also keep technical documentation that proves your product’s compliance, and you must make it available for market surveillance.
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations
While a DC supply unit might not be a machine in itself, this framework often applies when you integrate your product into a larger piece of machinery.
These regulations require that machinery is safe and doesn’t pose a risk to people. They cover a wide range of equipment, from simple hand tools to complex industrial machines.
If your power supply is a ‘safety component’ for a machine, you must ensure it meets the relevant health and safety requirements. For example, a supply unit for a safety-critical piece of medical equipment must be exceptionally reliable to prevent potential harm.
You must also produce a declaration of conformity and affix the CE or UKCA mark, demonstrating that you have taken the necessary steps to meet the safety standards.
Ecodesign for External Power Supplies
This framework focuses on the environmental impact of your products, requiring you to design your DC power supplies to be energy efficient. The legislation sets minimum requirements for things like no-load power consumption and active mode efficiency. The idea is to reduce energy waste and help the UK meet its net zero targets.
It’d be easy to think of this as just a regulatory hurdle. But in fact, it offers a real commercial opportunity. Customers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient products, and being able to demonstrate that your products meet or exceed these standards can be a powerful selling point.
A commitment to efficiency also aligns with broader corporate sustainability goals, which can enhance your brand’s reputation.
A clear path to compliance
These frameworks can feel overwhelming, but they collectively create a clear path to compliance and commercial success. Getting a handle on them not only helps you meet your legal obligations but also gives you a competitive advantage by building customer trust and preventing costly recalls.
Staying ahead of these requirements ensures your products are safe, reliable and legally compliant, which ultimately protects your bottom line.