UK Regulation for battery powered electronics

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glowlamp

New Member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #1

Hello,

New to the forum.

I want to build some battery powered LED table lamps. The kind of thing you may have in the centre of a table at a wedding or event etc. Fairly simple stuff, a battery, a switch / resistor and a few leds. Possibly a dimming knob later on.

Are there regulations for safety / RF etc for devices of this type in the UK. I've had a look on the gov.uk website, can only find regulations for mains powered devices or those exceeding 50-70 volts.

Any advice appreciated.

 

dknguyen

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #2

There's always regulations for RF, and licensing. So if you want to use RF the only feasible way (sometimes even if you are a company) is to get something like a HAM radio license or just use a pre-made (i.e. pre-certified) radio module.

 

Last edited: Feb 14, 2018

P

picbits

Well-Known Member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #3

Look at CE marking - this standard covers most of what you need to look out for when designing / selling your own products in the UK.

 

G

glowlamp

New Member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #4

Thanks for the replies.

I did look at CE marking, but it doesn't seem to cover a simple LED battery circuit with a switch.
http://www.ce-marking.org/what-product.html

Just wanted to know if there were any other UK regulations I should know of. ( other than WEEE takeback disposal requirements ? )

Thanks.

 

alec_t

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #5

Welcome to ETO!
There will be non-electrical regs to consider, regarding flammability, toxicity and other hazards, no doubt.

 

Nigel Goodwin

Super Moderator

Most Helpful Member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #6

For a simple battery powered LED light there are no regulatory concerns.

 

G

glowlamp

New Member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #7

Thanks again for the replies.

The lamps I am making are from hardwood / glass and a thin plywood or possibly pvc base. So they shouldn't present any fire hazards.

When you say simple, are there any circuits that would be considered non simple. For example PWM chips or 1.5 to 3.3v step up boards ?

Thanks.

 

Nigel Goodwin

Super Moderator

Most Helpful Member

• Feb 15, 2018

• #8

I would imagine there's little concern over battery powered items, and small home made items are pretty well exempt anyway.

If you have some mad desire to get official approval, expect to spend 10's of thousands of pounds, and many months, doing so.

 

Externet

Well-Known Member

• Feb 16, 2018

• #9

¿?----> https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=led+candle&opensearch=true

If those are available at your location, chances are not regulated, and can brew your own.