2.4 CE Labelling
What is CE labelling?
The purpose of CE labelling is to avoid technical obstacles to trade within EFTA and the EU. The EU has introduced the CE label as a simple way of showing
whether a product complies with the relevant EU directives. The CE label says nothing about the specifications or quality of the product. Frequency
converters are regulated by three EU directives:
The machinery directive (98/37/EEC)
All machines with critical moving parts are covered by the machinery directive, which came into force on 1 January 1995. Since a frequency converter is
largely electrical, it does not fall under the machinery directive. However, if a frequency converter is supplied for use in a machine, we provide information
on safety aspects relating to the frequency converter. We do this by means of a manufacturer's declaration.
The low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC)
Frequency converters must be CE labelled in accordance with the low-voltage directive, which came into force on 1 January 1997. The directive applies
to all electrical equipment and appliances used in the 50 - 1000 Volt AC and the 75 - 1500 Volt DC voltage ranges. Danfoss CE labels in accordance with
the directive and issues a declaration of conformity upon request.
The EMC directive (89/336/EEC)
EMC is short for electromagnetic compatibility. The presence of electromagnetic compatibility means that the mutual interference between different
components/appliances is so small that the functioning of the appliances is not affected.
The EMC directive came into force on 1 January 1996. Danfoss CE labels in accordance with the directive and issues a declaration of conformity upon
request. In order that EMC-correct installation can be carried out, this manual gives detailed instructions for installation. In addition, we specify the
standards which our different products comply with. We offer the filters that can be seen from the specifications and provide other types of assistance
to ensure the optimum EMC result.
In the great majority of cases, the frequency converter is used by professionals of the trade as a complex component forming part of a larger appliance,
system or installation. It must be noted that the responsibility for the final EMC properties of the appliance, system or installation rests with the installer.
2.4.1 ATEX
What is ATEX?
Directive 94/9/EC is valid in the European Union (EU) with the purpose of creating unified standards for equipment and protective systems intended for
use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The directive was valid from July 2003, and all equipment installed and built into potentially explosive areas in
EU after this date, must comply with this directive. The directive and its derivatives are often referred to as the ATEX-directive. ATEX is an acronym for
ATmosphere Explosible.
It has been found practical to classify hazardous areas into zones according to the likelihood of an explosive gas/dust atmosphere being present (see IEC
79-10). Such classification allows appropriate types of protection to be specified for each zone.
Motors supplied at variable frequency and voltage
When electrical motors are to be installed in areas where dangerous concentrations and quantities of flammable gases, vapours, mists, ignitable fibres
or dusts may be present in the atmosphere, protective measures are applied to reduce the likelihood of explosion due to ignition by arcs, sparks or hot
surfaces, produced either in normal operation or under specified fault conditions.
Motors supplied at varying frequency and voltage require either:
•
Means (or equipment) for direct temperature control by embedded temperature sensors specified in the motor documentation or other effective
measures for limiting the surface temperature of the motor housing. The action of the protective device shall be to cause the motor to be
disconnected. The motor and frequency converter combination does not need to be tested together, or
•
The motor must have been type-tested for this duty as a unit in association with the frequency converter specified in the descriptive documents
according to IEC 79-0 and with the protective device provided.
VLT
®
Decentral FCD 300 Design Guide
2 Introduction to FCD 300
MG.90.S1.02 - VLT
®
is a registered Danfoss trademark
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