TR CU 004/2011 – Low Voltage Equipment

TR CU 004/2011 is the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union on the safety of low-voltage equipment. It establishes mandatory safety requirements for electrical devices and equipment placed on the market within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The regulation provides an important regulatory basis for the EAC Certification and EAC Declaration of low-voltage equipment. Depending on the product group, the required Proof of Conformity is provided through an EAC Certificate or an EAC Declaration.

TR CU 004/2011 is intended in particular to:

  • protect people against hazards caused by electric current,
  • reduce electrical and thermal risks,
  • minimise fire and overheating hazards,
  • ensure the safe design and use of electrical equipment,
  • ensure uniform Product Safety requirements within the EAEU.

TR CU 004/2011 generally covers electrical equipment designed for use at the following nominal voltages:

  • 50 to 1,000 volts alternating current (AC),
  • 75 to 1,500 volts direct current (DC).

Depending on the design, function and intended use, the regulation may apply, among other things, to the following products:

  • household and similar electrical appliances,
  • power supplies and power supply units,
  • electric tools,
  • lighting equipment,
  • electrical control and regulating devices,
  • control cabinets and electrical control systems,
  • certain electrical components and assemblies,
  • other low-voltage equipment covered by the regulation.

Not every electrical product within the specified voltage ranges automatically falls within the scope of TR CU 004/2011. The regulation provides exemptions for certain product groups. Correct Product Classification and Product Identification are therefore important for determining the applicable requirements and the required Certification Procedure or declaration procedure.

TR CU 004/2011 is comparable to the European Low Voltage Directive (LVD) in terms of its safety objectives. However, the European and EAEU Conformity Assessment systems are separate regulatory frameworks. An EU conformity assessment therefore does not replace the mandatory EAC conformity assessment.

Depending on the product, the essential safety requirements may include:

  • protection against electric shock,
  • adequate electrical insulation and dielectric strength,
  • protection against overheating and fire hazards,
  • mechanical safety and adequate stability,
  • safe use under the intended operating conditions,
  • protection against hazards caused by electrical faults,
  • safe installation, connection and maintenance,
  • provision of the required Technical Documentation and product marking.

As part of the Conformity Assessment, depending on the product, the following characteristics may be tested and assessed:

  • insulation resistance and electrical insulation,
  • dielectric strength,
  • protection against direct and indirect contact,
  • temperature rise and thermal behaviour,
  • protective earthing and grounding characteristics,
  • mechanical strength and construction,
  • functional safety under relevant operating conditions,
  • other product-specific safety characteristics.

Depending on the product and the applicable Certification Scheme or declaration procedure, Product Testing, electrical safety testing and, where applicable, Material Testing may be required.

The results of the tests performed are documented in a Test Report or other appropriate test documentation. Where laboratory testing is prescribed, it is carried out by a suitably accredited Testing Laboratory.

For certain certification procedures, a Factory Audit and an assessment of production processes may also be required. The Quality Management System may be taken into account. Further measures may include Production Surveillance and subsequent Inspection Control.

An essential part of the conformity assessment is the Technical Documentation. Depending on the product and the applicable procedure, this may include:

  • product descriptions and technical specifications,
  • drawings and electrical circuit diagrams,
  • information on electrical ratings and characteristics,
  • information on safety-related components,
  • test reports and technical evidence,
  • Operating Instructions, where required,
  • other product-specific documents.

For certain industrial electrical devices, a Technical Passport may be useful as supplementary technical documentation. However, TR CU 004/2011 does not generally require this document.

For electrical and electronic products, it is often necessary to determine whether additional Technical Regulations (TR EAEU / TR CU) apply alongside TR CU 004/2011. These may include:

Which Technical Regulations actually apply depends on the product type, its technical characteristics and its intended use.

Following successful completion of the prescribed conformity assessment procedure, an EAC Certificate is issued or an EAC Declaration is registered, depending on the product group. The product must then bear the prescribed EAC Marking in accordance with the applicable requirements.

Particular attention should be paid to correct Product Classification, the required electrical safety testing and complete Technical Documentation. Incorrect classification, insufficient testing or failure to consider other applicable Technical Regulations may require additional testing and delay the conformity assessment process.

We support manufacturers, exporters and plant engineering companies in implementing the requirements of TR CU 004/2011. Our services include Product Classification, technical assessment, test coordination, preparation of Technical Documentation and cooperation with Testing Laboratories and Certification Bodies as part of EAC Certification.

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