CE marking of domestic mCHP 1

[netherhay]

Fuel cell using atmospheric air and LNG or LPG as fuel to generate low voltage electricity (<12 V dc) fed to inverter to backfeed the grid (240 V ac), and with waste heat (650 deg C) used to heat domestic hot water system (approx 5 bar max).
There are many directives to comply with including: Low volt, EMC, PED, ATEX, WEEE, and RoHS. I wonder if you can think of any others or have any ideas of applicable standards.
These systems are for use in domestic dwellings in UK and Europe to start with, with any eye to the US market at some stage. We will need CE marking initially, but what about other markets? And will independent third party certification be required for domestic UK and EU markets, and worldwide?

 

[micalbrch]

RoHs is not a big issue but PED and ATEX (as an example) can be a nightmare if you must go through it. Get help from a notified body. They will most probably not help you free of charge but they are the ones who can tell you what directives you must follow. Be assured it is worth to spend that money. Anything else will take too much of your time.

 

[netherhay]

Many thanks. I'm experienced in obtaining CE marking for industrial machinery in the oil&gas industries (so PED and ATEX hold no surprises), but where I'm short is on experience in obtaining certification for commercial "white goods" being sold into a domestic environment. Installation and maintenance will be by skilled persons, but normal operation will be by the householder. When you look at the equipment you will appreciate the problems. Do you feel that independent third-party inspection is required for CE marking or is it possible to self-certify equipment of this type?

 

[micalbrch]

I'm careful as I have no experience in products for households. But in households you must assume that (in simple terms) idiots operate your piece of equipment. That means you must consider unexpected failures and operating errors. Because of that I would definitely ask a notified body. I think an informative meeting will not cost a fortune.

 

[netherhay]

I think a call to TUV or the like is the next thing on the agenda - many thanks.