CE Marking & EN 60715: How to Certify Relay Sockets for EU Markets Without Surprises
Ensuring that a relay socket can be legally sold in the European Economic Area (EEA) isn’t simply a matter of affixing a CE logo. Manufacturers must navigate the Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS 2011/65/EU, apply harmonised standards such as EN 60715 (DIN‑rail mounting profiles) and compile extensive technical documentation. Without this foundation, projects stall at customs or fail market‑surveillance checks. This article demystifies the process and provides actionable advice for certifying relay sockets, whether you’re self‑declaring or engaging a Notified Body.
TL;DR
Know the directives – Relay sockets must meet the Low Voltage Directive (50–1000 VAC/75–1500 VDC), EMC Directive and RoHS restrictions on hazardous substances. Applying harmonised standards (e.g., EN 60715 for DIN‑rail profiles) provides a presumption of conformity.
Compile a robust technical file – Collect drawings, circuit diagrams, test reports, risk assessments, user manuals and a Declaration of Conformity (DoC). Keep the file available for at least 10 years.
Follow ISO 12100 risk assessment – Determine limits of the machinery, identify hazards, estimate/evaluate risks and apply a three‑step risk‑reduction method: inherently safe design, safeguarding/protective measures and clear information for use.
Choose the right conformity route – Low‑risk relay sockets often use Module A (internal production control), while higher‑risk products may require an EU Type Examination (Module B) by a Notified Body. Self‑declaration is cost‑effective but demands strict compliance.
Avoid common mistakes – Incomplete documentation, skipping pre‑compliance testing, misinterpreting standards, inadequate variant testing and failing to update the DoC after product changes are major pitfalls.
1. EU Directives, Harmonised Standards and Relay Sockets
To place relay sockets on the EU market, manufacturers must ensure the product meets several sectoral norms. The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU covers electrical equipment operating between 50 V and 1000 V AC or 75 V and 1500 V DC. It focuses on hazards such as electric shock, fire, mechanical instability and chemical risks. Complementing the LVD, the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU ensures that devices do not emit or succumb to electromagnetic interference. Both directives require manufacturers to apply essential safety objectives, conduct risk assessments and document compliance.
Environmentally, relay sockets must also comply with RoHS 2011/65/EU. This directive restricts hazardous substances like lead (0.1 %), cadmium (0.01 %) and certain phthalates. A revised version (2015/863) added four phthalates to the restricted list. The RoHS requirements apply to all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) including relay bases.
Key Takeaways
The LVD, EMC and RoHS directives are non‑negotiable for relay sockets; they address electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous substances.
Harmonised standards such as EN 60715 (DIN rail), EN 61810 (relay safety) and EN 60529 (IP codes) provide a clear test framework and simplify compliance.
Always cross‑check the latest lists of harmonised standards for updates to EN and IEC documents.
2. Compiling the Technical File and Performing Risk Assessments
An incomplete technical file is one of the most frequent reasons for CE non‑conformities. Under the LVD and EMC directives, manufacturers must create and maintain a technical file—also called a technical documentation or technical dossier—for at least 10 years after the product is placed on the market. The file should include:
General description and drawings – Circuit diagrams, enclosure drawings and materials lists.
Test reports and calculations – Safety and EMC test results, insulation tests, IP code tests and RoHS compliance declarations.
Risk assessment files – Detailed analysis of hazards per ISO 12100 and measures taken.
User manual and installation instructions – Translated into the language(s) of each member state where the product is sold.
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) – A signed document stating that the product complies with all applicable directives.
Risk assessment per ISO 12100
ISO 12100 is the primary harmonised standard for machinery risk assessment. It defines a logical process to identify hazards and reduce risks during design. Key steps include:
Determine limits of the machinery – Define the operating modes, space limits and time limits for the relay socket. The process begins by establishing limits of use, space and time.
Identify hazards – List reasonably foreseeable hazards throughout the product’s life cycle, including transport, assembly, operation and disposal.
Estimate and evaluate risks – Assess the severity and likelihood of harm for each hazard, then decide whether the risk is tolerable.
Reduce risks using the three‑step method:
Inherently safe design measures – Modify design to eliminate hazards, e.g., reducing voltage, using flame‑retardant materials or enclosing live parts.
Safeguarding and complementary protective measures – Add protective covers, interlocks, emergency stops and energy isolation.
Information for use – Provide instructions, training and warnings for residual risks.
Documentation of these assessments and the applied risk‑reduction measures must be included in the technical file. A well‑structured risk assessment not only satisfies regulators but also improves product quality and customer safety.
Key Takeaways
The technical file must be comprehensive and retained for at least a decade; incomplete documentation leads to delays or rejection by authorities.
ISO 12100 risk assessment involves defining limits, identifying hazards and reducing risks through design, safeguarding and user information.
Translating user manuals into the local language is mandatory for each EU country where the product is marketed.
3. Conformity Assessment Modules and Choosing Between Self‑Declaration and Notified Bodies
CE marking uses a modular conformity assessment system. The risk category of the product determines which module applies and whether you can self‑declare or must involve a Notified Body. According to the European Commission’s Blue Guide, available modules include internal production control (Module A), EU type examination (Module B), conformity to type (Module C) and various quality assurance or verification modules.
Module A – Internal Production Control
Most low‑risk electrical products (including many relay sockets) can follow Module A. The manufacturer designs, tests and verifies the product internally and declares compliance. No external body is involved. However, the manufacturer must ensure that all applicable directives are identified and met and that the technical file and DoC are complete.
Module B – EU Type Examination
If a product poses higher risks or if harmonised standards are not fully applied, Module B may be required. Under this module, a Notified Body reviews the technical documentation, assesses the design and may conduct or supervise testing before issuing an EU Type Examination Certificate. Module B is often combined with Modules C, F or G for production control. Products like radio equipment, medical devices or machinery with significant safety risks frequently need Module B.
Self‑declaration vs. Notified Body
For many manufacturers, self‑declaration (Module A) is a cost‑effective path. The manufacturer takes full responsibility for ensuring that the product complies with relevant EU directives, performs risk assessments, compiles the technical file and drafts the DoC. This approach suits low‑risk items such as household relays and simple DIN‑mount sockets.
Engaging a Notified Body adds credibility and is often mandatory for high‑risk categories. Notified Bodies are independent organisations designated by EU countries to assess conformity. They review documentation, conduct tests and issue certificates. Their expertise helps navigate complex regulations and reduces the risk of non‑compliance. However, certification fees and potential re‑testing costs make this route more expensive.
Key Takeaways
The module you choose depends on product risk: low‑risk relay sockets can often use Module A, while high‑risk equipment may require Module B plus other modules.
Self‑declaration offers speed and lower cost but places full liability on the manufacturer.
Notified Bodies provide independent assurance, perform type examinations and issue certificates for high‑risk products.
4. Labeling, Traceability and Common Pitfalls
Once compliance is verified, the CE mark must be affixed to the relay socket or its packaging. According to EU guidelines, the CE symbol must have a minimum height of 5 mm and maintain the correct proportions; stylised marks or QR codes are not acceptable. Products should also display traceability information, including the product name or model, batch or serial number, and the manufacturer’s name and address (and importer details if applicable). If the device is too small, the marking can appear on the packaging or accompanying documentation.
User manuals and language requirements
EU directives require that user manuals be supplied in the official language(s) of each member state where the product is sold. Trading companies and importers must ensure that translations are available and that the manual covers installation, safe use, maintenance and hazard warnings.
Common non‑conformities and mistakes
Manufacturers often falter at the final hurdles. A study by Green Mountain Electromagnetics lists several common pitfalls in CE testing: inadequate documentation, skipping pre‑compliance testing, misinterpreting CE requirements, insufficient testing of product variants, overlooking risk assessments and ignoring product changes. These oversights can lead to delays, non‑compliance findings and costly redesigns.
The Declaration of Conformity itself is also prone to errors. Intertek identifies five frequent mistakes: (1) omitting the DoC altogether, particularly when selling online; (2) failing to reference all applicable directives, which can be more numerous than expected; (3) lack of an authorised signature – the signee must have sufficient authority and knowledge; (4) insufficient traceability information such as missing serial numbers and contact details; and (5) omitting the identification number of the Notified Body when one was involved. Including these details is essential for market surveillance authorities to verify compliance.
Key Takeaways
CE marks must be at least 5 mm high and accompanied by traceability details; they can appear on packaging if the product is too small.
User manuals must be translated into the language of the destination market and include safety information.
Avoid common pitfalls: maintain comprehensive documentation, conduct pre‑compliance testing, keep DoCs updated and include all required information
FAQs
Q1: Do relay sockets always require a Notified Body to obtain CE marking?
In most cases, relay sockets fall under low‑risk electrical equipment. When harmonised standards such as EN 60715 and EN 61810 are fully applied and the product operates within the LVD voltage range, manufacturers may self‑declare conformity under Module A. Involving a Notified Body becomes necessary for higher‑risk applications or when harmonised standards are not fully followed.
Q2: What documents must be included in the technical file for a relay socket?
The technical file should contain a general description of the product, design drawings, circuit diagrams, bill of materials, test reports (electrical safety, EMC, IP and RoHS), risk assessments per ISO 12100, user manuals (translated into relevant languages), and the signed Declaration of Conformity.
Q3: How does RoHS affect relay sockets?
RoHS 2011/65/EU restricts hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium and specific phthalates in electrical equipment. To comply, manufacturers must ensure that the concentrations of these substances remain below specified thresholds (e.g., lead ≤0.1 %) and maintain supporting test reports. Compliance with RoHS should be documented in the technical file and referenced in the DoC.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Achieving CE marking for relay sockets requires more than placing a logo on a device. By understanding the applicable directives (LVD, EMC and RoHS), applying harmonised standards like EN 60715 and EN/IEC 61810, compiling a comprehensive technical file and conducting risk assessments per ISO 12100, manufacturers can confidently self‑declare or prepare for Notified Body evaluation. Avoiding common non‑conformities—missing documentation, inadequate testing and incomplete declarations—saves time and money.
Ready to bring CE‑compliant relay sockets to market? Explore our(CDGKZ Zhejiang Chuangdao Electric Co., LTD) range of DIN‑rail relay sockets designed with EN 60715 profiles and certified to meet LVD, EMC and RoHS requirements, or contact our engineering team for help with custom solutions and compliance testing.
