Elektrik & elektronik
adapter/charger testing and certification
A power supply that produces a lower voltage from mains voltage.
adapter/charger — conformity scope
For adaptors and chargers, electrical safety and EMC are the two main axes of the file; efficiency (no-load consumption, average active efficiency) and material restriction are added to these. Because the product plugs directly into the mains, insulation and separation requirements are decisive.
The list below is the European Union framework. The same product falls under a different mark and approval regime in another market; Smart Service Finder shows that market's requirements when you select it.
Regulation
adapter/charger legislation that typically comes into play for
The following is the European Union framework and shows typical application. Which title actually applies depends on the class, intended use and components of the product; The scope is determined by examining the product.
The Low Voltage Directive. Governs the electrical safety of equipment operating in the 50–1000 V AC range; the manufacturer makes the declaration, with no notified body involvement.
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive. Covers both the interference a device emits into its environment (emission) and its resistance to interference from outside (immunity).
Restriction of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment; an integral part of the CE declaration.
Ecodesign requirements for external power supplies. Sets minimum thresholds for loaded efficiency and no-load power consumption.
A common charging solution for certain radio equipment. Requires a USB-C interface and declaration of charging information on the label.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment. Requires product marking and registration with the collection system.
Standards
Standards typically referenced in the dossier
- IEC 62368-1Security in audio, video and information technology devices
- IEC 61558-2-16
- EN 55032
- EN 55035
- IEC 61000-3-2harmonic current emission
- IEC 62680-1-3
What is required?
Each item links to the relevant service page: the legislation entry to the certification scheme, the test family to the laboratory page, and the mark to the market page.
European Union — required mark
5- CE — European UnionThe umbrella for entering the EU market; all regulations applicable to the product are met.
- LVD — European UnionLow Voltage Directive — no notified body; the declaration is made by the manufacturer.
- EMC — European UnionElectromagnetic Compatibility Directive — emission and immunity requirements.
- RoHS — European UnionRestriction of hazardous substances in electrical equipment; part of the CE declaration.
- REACH — European UnionChemical legislation — not covered by CE, but affects almost all products.
Required legislation
5Required tests
4- Electrical Safety
- EMC / EMI Testing
- Environmental & Climatic TestingTemperature, humidity and lifetime
- Fire Testing
Required certificates
3- LVD (CE) Certification
- Hazardous Substance Restriction Compliance (RoHS Compliance) Certification
- CB Scheme report (optional)Reduces repeat testing when selling in multiple markets
What must be in the technical file
5- Technical file and risk assessment
- EU declaration of conformity (DoC)
- Circuit diagram and critical component list
- User manual and warnings
- Details of the authorised representative or importer established in the EU
How does the process work?
The flow below is a general order independent of product type; timing and acceptance criteria are determined by the standard the product falls under.
1Defining the scope
It is determined which legislation the product falls under based on its technical characteristics and intended use.
2Testing and evaluation
Tests are planned for the applicable headings; results are evaluated according to the relevant standards.
3Technical file
Design, production and test records are compiled in the technical file, accompanied by a risk assessment.
4Declaration or certificate
Depending on the product group, the manufacturer's declaration is prepared or third-party certification is carried out.
adapter/charger which market is it going to?
Who bears the obligation, where the test will be performed, and what customs will require all vary by market.
What changes depending on the market?
Same product, different regimen
- European UnionUnder the CE mark: LVD, EMC and RoHS; the ecodesign efficiency declaration and the common-charger-interface obligation apply separately.
- United KingdomThe UKCA regime carries the same technical requirements into its own legislation; CE marking continues to be recognised indefinitely for many product groups, and the declaration runs through a UK-based responsible person.
- United StatesDOE external-power-supply efficiency rules apply; safety is assessed under UL 62368-1 and EMC under FCC Part 15 Subpart B.
Products in the same group
adapter/charger — let's work out the scope together
Share the product's technical characteristics; let us tell you in writing which headings apply to your scope and which tests are required.
This result is a starting roadmap, not a conformity assessment. Which legislation a product falls under depends on its technical characteristics, intended use and user group; it is only finalised by examining the product. You may have an obligation not shown in the list, and an item shown here may not apply to your product.