EC Directives
The following EU Directives are referenced in connection with WAGO products and the CE marking.
Each directive defines basic requirements for products falling within its scope; where more than one
directive applies to a product, the product must comply with all applicable directives.
1. Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
The safety of electrical equipment is guaranteed by the Low Voltage Directive (LVD). The LVD covers
all electrical equipment operating with a voltage between 50 VAC and 1000 VAC and between 75 VDC
and 1500 VDC.
Products falling within the scope of the Low Voltage Directive that are designed in such a way that they
can be used in other electrical devices, and whose safety, for the most part, is dependant on how these
components were built into the end product and what features the end product has, are defined as basic
components in accordance with the Low Voltage Directive.
The LVD doesn’t apply to basic components.
The RoHS Directive also applies to electrical equipment covered by the Low Voltage Directive. This
directive regulates the use of hazardous substances in electrical devices and components, with the aim
of reducing the quantity of problematic components in electrical waste. Details about the materials used
by WAGO are available in WAGO catalogs, on product packaging and on the WAGO web page.
2. EMC Directive
The EMC Directive stipulates that a product must meet the limits on radiated electromagnetic
disturbance and also requires that a product must be immune to electromagnetic interference.
Electromagnetic passive components or components with no direct function, such as terminal blocks,
resistors, diodes, capacitors, switching relays or cables (in the form of passive printed circuit boards)
are not considered as apparatus within the meaning of the EMC Directive.
3. ATEX Directive on Explosion Protection
The ATEX Directive defines the rules for products (devices and protective systems) intended for use in
hazardous locations. A number of products from WAGO are designed for use in hazardous areas.
Based on potential hazards, the ATEX Directive makes a distinction between three different equipment
groups, of which Group II and III are subdivided into further zones. Suitability of WAGO products for the
different groups and zones is outlined in the specific product documents (catalogs, Internet site, data
sheets and product inserts).
These may be either devices that can be used as equipment in these types of areas, or components
that are required for safe operation, but which do not fulfill a dedicated function. Such components
include rail-mount terminal blocks for use in hazardous areas.
Products in both groups must comply with the ATEX Directive.
4. Radio Communications Directive
The Radio Communications Directive applies to all devices that properly transmit or receive radio waves
for wireless communications and/or radio orientation. The basic safety requirements apply to the
protection of health for humans and animals and to electrical safety in line with the Low Voltage
Directive, but without the application of the voltage limit. In addition, the EMC protection goals of the
EMC Directive must also be fulfilled and efficient use of radio frequencies ensured. WAGO products
covered by the Radio Communications Directive indicate, in compliance with applicable laws, only the
Radio Communication Directive in their EU Declaration of Conformity, as fulfillment of the Low Voltage
Directive and of the EMC Directive is implicit in this declaration.
5. Construction Products Regulation
The Construction Products Regulation demands that structures be designed and constructed such that
the safety of humans, property and animals is not endangered and that all applicable environmental
protection requirements be considered. Here, building products are defined as products or construction
sets which are produced to be built permanently into structures and which make a significant
contribution to fulfilling the basic requirements for the structure.
In the unanimous opinion expressed by the German electrical industry, including WAGO Kontakttechnik
GmbH & Co. KG, products used in general installation technology are not included among these types
of building products and are therefore not covered by this directive.
6. Machinery Directive
The Machinery Directive applies to machines (complete or incomplete) which perform their functions by
means other than direct human or animal work, or safety components for these types of machines.
Therefore, this directive usually does not apply to WAGO products.
The manufacturers of machines or systems are required by this directive to use safe products and
components in their machines and systems. Directive-compliant production and safe operation is
facilitated by the use of WAGO products, with their standard-compliant, up-to-date design.