INTERVIEW
CONNECTING WITH THE WIDER MARKET Neutrik is on a mission to highlight the importance of understanding product safety and compliance of power cables and connectors – and raise awareness of the consequences of falling foul of EU regulations. events industry.
Words: Stew Hume Photos: Neutrik
Based on the Low Voltage Directive (LVD 2014/35/EU), a new standard has now been set for the world of cabling. EN IEC 60799:2021 (IEC 60799:2018) specifies the requirements for cord sets and interconnected cord sets. The LVD ensures that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits provides a high level of protection for European citizens, and benefits fully from the single market and covers health and safety risks on electrical equipment operating with an input or output voltage of between 50 and 1,000v for alternating current and 75 and 1,500v for direct current. Due to this range, the legislation applies to a wide range of electrical equipment for both consumer and professional usage. Those who do not adhere to this latest measure could face serious legal consequences, from a hefty fine to jail time. Requirements for locking power connectors of an assembled cable are described EN IEC 60320-1:2021. On connecting to an appliance any connector not fulfilling the requirements of this standard is simply not allowed. Neutrik’s Mark Perrins and Stefan Frick explained how this legislation could impact those in the live entertainment sphere. “This legislation came into effect in April 2016, although it has recently been implemented with greater effect,” Frick clarified. “It applies to a wide range of electrical equipment including power cables. To be more specific: appliance connection cables (cord sets) and continuity appliance connection cables (interconnection cord sets).” These rules mean that cables entering and being used in Europe must be CE marked
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