The original Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 73/23/EEC was introduced to ensure that electrical equipment within certain voltage limits both provide a high level of safety and protection for European citizens.

The Directive covers electrical equipment designed for use with a voltage rating of between 50 and 1000 V for alternating current and between 75 and 1500 V for direct current.

The Directive provides essential health and safety requirements for the range of products within its scope, ensuring that the electrical equipment is safe in its intended use. For most electrical equipment, the emissions of Electromagnetic Fields are also under the domain of the Low Voltage Directive.

Directive 73/23/EEC was re-issued under the new document 2006/95/EC but the text content remained unchanged.

Cable glands are passive elements of the electrical installation and are not considered to fall under the scope of the Low Voltage Directive.