Electrotechnology General

A wide range of CENELEC Technical Committees, Task Forces and Working Groups deal with different topics and types of products. Their standardization activities always ensure that the highest possible levels of safety and performance and the most efficient use of energy are met. CENELEC values close cooperation with its international counterpart, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). To facilitate a consensus-based process between European and international standard development activities in the electrotechnological sector, CENELEC and IEC formalized the framework of their cooperation through the signature of an 'agreement on common planning of new work and parallel voting', known as the Frankfurt Agreement.

Because of this cooperation, over 72% of CENELEC standards are identical to international standards adopted by the IEC, and another 6% are based on IEC standards. The high-level of alignment between European and international standards means that companies active in the electrotechnological sector can benefit from access to markets around the world, with lower compliance costs and integrated supply chains.

CENELEC standards, in the electrotechnology field, are also developed in support of EU legislations, notably the Low-Voltage Directive (LVD), the Electro-magnetic compatibility Directive (EMCD) and the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). When such CENELEC harmonized standards are cited in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), manufacturers, other economic operators, or conformity assessment bodies can use these standards to demonstrate that products, services, or processes comply with relevant EU legislation. CENELEC is also active in the development of European Standards in support of the Machinery Directive, the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) or the Medical Devices Regulation.

In particular, CLC/TC 210 ‘Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)’ prepares EMC standards and guidelines with particular emphasis on the application of the EMC Directive and other EC Directives (RED) that contain EMC references. CLC/TC 210 has a specific role in coordinating EMC activities in CENELEC, as most of the EMC product standards refer to those ENs developed by CLC/TC 210.

Highlights for 2023

Technical Bodies

CLC/BTWG 143-1 - LVD standardization in the EU regulatory framework

CLC/BTWG 143-1 addresses horizontal issues in relation to standardization surrounding LVD Directive 2014/35/EU and its possible review. The BTWG offers a platform to prepare and/or mirror the LVD working party and LVD ADCO and coordinates matters related to the LVD work programme and sectoral agreements re. assessments and acceptance for citation in the OJEU.

CLC/BTWG 154-1 - EMC standardization in the EU regulatory framework

CLC/BTWG 154-1 addresses horizontal issues in relation to standardization surrounding EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and offers a platform to prepare and/or mirror the activities of the EMC Working Party.

CEN-CLC/BTWG 10: RED standardization impact

BTWG 10 mirrors the evolution around the Radio Equipment Directive (RED, 2014/53/EU) in the various EC committees and assesses the impact on CEN and CENELEC standardization, eventually proposing solutions for identified problems.

This includes interaction with other directives/regulations (mainly EMCD/LVD, but also other), ensure coordination with EC, especially on the OJEU listings, coordinate with ETSI and dealing with potential overlaps in work.

BTWG 10 does not undertake any standardization work, however provides guidance on addressing specific aspects of the RED.

Documentation and Materials

Frankfurt Agreement

CENELEC Guide 13 ‘IEC-CENELEC Agreement on Common planning of new work and parallel voting’
Frequently Asked Questions on the Frankfurt Agreement
Day to Day Management between IEC/CO and CCMC
CENELEC list of exemptions from parallel procedures

EU legislation and mandates

The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2014/35/EU) ensures that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits provides a high level of protection for European citizens, and benefits fully from the single market.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) (2014/30/EU) ensures that electrical and electronic equipment does not generate, or is not affected by, electromagnetic disturbance.

The R adio Equipment Directive (RED) (2014/53/EU) establishes a regulatory framework for placing radio equipment on the market. It ensures a single market for radio equipment by setting essential requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility, and the efficient use of the radio spectrum. It also provides the basis for further regulation governing some additional aspects. These include technical features for the protection of privacy, personal data and against fraud. Furthermore, additional aspects cover interoperability, access to emergency services, and compliance regarding the combination of radio equipment and software.