[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/CE marking for power tools EUProduct guide # CE Marking for Power Tools Power tools are primarily governed by the Machinery Directive — with EMC, LVD, and RoHS layered on top depending on design. The Machinery essential requirements introduce obligations specific to power tools: noise and vibration declarations, safety guards, and operator instruction requirements that go well beyond standard electronics CE marking. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fce-marking-for-power-tools) At a glance Applicable legislation 4 Key EHSRs 4 Vibration/noise declaration items 6 ## Applicable legislation Machinery ### Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (until Jan 2027) / Regulation 2023/1230 All handheld and bench-mounted power tools — drills, saws, grinders, sanders, routers. This is the primary legislation for power tool safety. EMC ### EMC Directive 2014/30/EU All electrically powered tools — covers both conducted and radiated emissions as well as immunity. Electric motor control circuits are common sources of EMC issues. LVD ### Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU Mains-powered power tools. Battery-powered tools below 75V DC typically fall outside LVD scope but still under Machinery and EMC. RoHS ### RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU All electrical and electronic components in the tool — motor, control electronics, battery, charger. ## Key essential health and safety requirements (EHSRs) §1.1.2 ### Principles of safety integration Hazards must be eliminated or reduced at design stage. Residual risks must be reduced with guards, then users warned — in that order of priority. §1.5.1 ### Electrical supply Tools must be protected against all hazards of an electrical nature — insulation, leakage current, fault protection, and protection against contact with live parts. §1.5.9 ### Vibration Tools must be designed to minimise vibration levels at the operator interface. The instruction manual must state declared vibration emission values and the measurement uncertainty. §1.7.4.2 ### Noise information in instructions Instructions must state the A-weighted sound power level, A-weighted emission sound pressure level at the operator's position, and the peak C-weighted instantaneous sound pressure level. ## What vibration and noise declarations must include 01 Vibration emission value (m/s²) measured under the dominant vibration direction 02 Measurement uncertainty K (m/s²) — typically 1.5 m/s² for handheld tools 03 Test standard used (e.g., EN ISO 28927 series for hand-held tools) 04 A-weighted sound power level LWA (dB) re 1 pW 05 A-weighted sound pressure level LpA (dB) at operator position 06 Test conditions and representative working application used for measurements ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a battery-powered drill need LVD compliance? Usually not. The Low Voltage Directive threshold for DC equipment is 75V DC to 1500V DC. Most cordless power tools operate at battery voltages below 75V DC (e.g., 18V, 36V, 54V). These tools are still covered by the Machinery Directive and EMC Directive — just not LVD. The charger, if it operates from mains supply, will need LVD. ### Do I need to declare vibration values if my power tool causes vibration? Yes. The Machinery Directive requires the instructions to state the vibration emission value for all handheld and hand-guided machinery where whole-body or hand-arm vibration is a risk. This is a legally required declaration based on standardised measurements — you cannot simply leave it blank. ### Can a power tool be CE marked under Module A (self-certification)? Yes, for most power tools. Handheld portable power tools are not in the Machinery Directive Annex IV (high-risk category) and can be self-certified under Module A using harmonised standards. However, if no harmonised standard covers your tool type, you may need Module B+C with Notified Body involvement. ### What standards apply to angle grinders? Angle grinders typically need EN 62841-2-3 (angle grinders, safety), EN 55014-1 and EN 55014-2 (EMC for household and similar electrical appliances), EN 61000-3-2 (harmonic currents), and the relevant vibration standard from the EN ISO 28927 series. The instruction manual must include vibration and noise declarations. **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. Not legal or engineering advice. Verify applicable legislation and harmonised standards before placing any power tool on the EU market. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for machinery Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap 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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