[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/CE marking for motor drives and VSDs EUProduct guide # CE Marking for Electric Motor Drives and VSDs Variable speed drives combine power electronics, mains connection, and high-frequency switching — making them one of the most technically challenging products for EMC compliance. The IEC/EN 61800 series addresses both safety and EMC. Separately, Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 mandates IE efficiency class declaration from 2023 — this is a market access requirement as mandatory as CE marking itself. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fce-marking-for-motor-drives) At a glance Applicable directives 3 IEC 61800 series standards 5 Key EMC challenges 6 ## Applicable legislation LVD ### Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU VSDs and motor drives connected to mains voltage. IEC/EN 61800-5-1 (adjustable speed electrical power drive systems safety) is the primary safety standard under LVD. EMC ### EMC Directive 2014/30/EU Variable speed drives generate significant harmonic distortion and conducted EMC emissions from the AC/DC/AC power conversion process. IEC/EN 61800-3 covers EMC requirements specifically for power drive systems. Ecodesign ### Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 Requires VSDs to declare IE (Inverter Efficiency) class. From July 2023, new VSDs in the 0.12–1000 kW range must meet IE2 (first tier) requirements. This is mandatory and separate from CE marking but part of EU market access. ## IEC/EN 61800 series — key standards IEC/EN 61800-5-1 Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems — safety requirements (LVD standard) IEC/EN 61800-3 Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems — EMC requirements and specific test methods IEC/EN 61800-9-2 Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems — energy efficiency indicators for power drive systems (IE class) IEC/EN 61800-5-2 Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems — safety requirements — functional safety (for drives in safety applications) EN 61000-3-12 Limits for harmonic currents produced by equipment with input current > 16A per phase (conducted emissions for drives) ## Common EMC challenges for motor drive CE marking Conducted emissions from rectifier input stage generating low-order harmonics (3rd, 5th, 7th) on the mains supply High-frequency switching noise from IGBT switching at carrier frequencies (2–16 kHz) radiating and conducting on motor cables Long motor cables acting as antennas, re-radiating high-frequency switching noise Common-mode currents on motor cable shields flowing back through PE (protective earth) Interference with co-located sensitive equipment (PLCs, encoders, fieldbus systems) from drive emissions Input filters (EMC filters) and shielded motor cables are standard mitigation — but must be part of the CE declaration scope ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the IEC/EN 61800-3 First Environment vs Second Environment classification? IEC/EN 61800-3 classifies the intended installation environment of the drive system. First Environment covers residential premises, commercial establishments, light industrial premises where the drive is connected without a transformer to the public mains supply. Second Environment covers industrial installations with their own dedicated power supply. Drives placed on the market for first environment use must meet more stringent conducted emission limits — this is a frequent source of compliance failures when drives designed for industrial use are deployed in commercial buildings. ### What does the Ecodesign IE efficiency class declaration require? From July 2023, VSDs in scope of Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 must declare their IE efficiency class (IE0 to IE2 depending on drive type and frequency range). IE2 is the minimum for most drives from that date. The IE class is declared in the product documentation and on the product label. The declaration is based on measured efficiency at defined test points per IEC/EN 61800-9-2. Non-compliant drives cannot legally be placed on the EU market. ### Does a motor drive need a separate CE marking from the motor? Yes. A variable speed drive and the motor it controls are separate products, each with their own CE marking. When a motor and drive are sold as a combined unit, the combined system needs a single CE assessment covering both LVD, EMC, and Ecodesign for the combined drive system. When sold separately, each product has independent CE marking. The system integrator assembling them is responsible for the installation safety. ### Are servo drives and stepper drives covered by the same standards? The IEC/EN 61800 series is broad enough to cover servo drives and stepper motor drives in addition to AC induction motor VSDs. Safety requirements under IEC/EN 61800-5-1 apply to all adjustable speed electrical power drive systems. Servo drives used in functional safety applications also need assessment against IEC/EN 61800-5-2 for the safety functions (STO, SS1, SS2, SOS, SLS, etc.). **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. IE efficiency class compliance and CE marking are both mandatory for EU market access. Always verify current Ecodesign tier requirements under Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 for your specific drive power range. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇪🇺 CE Marking compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers)[Prefer to read? 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