Q. Is it true that the CE mark is NOT required on Electro Mechanical Connectors like IHI Wire Connector lugs that are imported into Europe?

A. An informed opinion based on EC CE guidelines is that while the CE mark is required for most electrical assemblies or machines imported to, or built in Europe, OEM type "Electro Mechanical Connectors" are considered "Basic Components", the application of which cannot be fully known until it is built into an assembly and therefore, CE marking is not required (and not permitted!) for certain basic components like "Electro Mechanical Connectors" (IHI wire lugs) if they are imported for building CE marked assemblies for which the appropriate application, installation, and labeling for safe use of those components is constructed in accordence with all applicable EC standards and managed at the assembly level.

Click for Full Guidleines on the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, 2006/95/EC.
Click for the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, 2006/95/EC.

Such a Basic, Electro Mechanical Connector Component therefore must not be placed on the market as a single Final Use item (Single Commercial Unit) where such considerations of use in an assembly with regard to CE requirements have not taken place.

Electro Mechanical Connectors such as IHI wire conector lugs, which are typically approved by UL(USA) and CSA (Canada), may be also imported to Europe for use on construction of UL508 panels and other uses meeting UL panel standards specifically for export to non EC countries, such as the North America region.

Additionally the EMC Directive for Electro Magnetic radiation does not apply to Passive items such as Cabling, Cabling Systems and Accessories. The directive does not apply to non-radiating passive components such as purely resistive components and those which do not themselves create current oscillations.

Passive Current Connectors like IHI lugs therefore do not come under the EMC Directive

Click here for Full Guidleines for the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.
Click here for the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.

A Helpful Website managed by European Commission, Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/electr_equipment/lv/guides/index.htm

The opinions expressed on this page are based on information in the guidleine publications of the EC.
All buyers of IHI products should evaluate the appropriate EC directives and ensure that purchases are in accordance with all EC standards and regulations. LugsDirect.com and IHI make no claims as to the suitability of any application. Importers of IHI lugs to the EC are solely responsible for evaluation of and conformance to CE directives.