The purpose of Electrical Safety Testing & Evaluation is to identify potential hazards to persons, domestic animals and property arising from the mechanical and electrical construction practices used in a given product.

Most products destined for the European market must bear the CE mark. Application of the CE mark signifies compliance with all applicable European "Directives." All products that are powered by connection to "AC Mains" must comply with the essential requirements of the "Low Voltage Directive." The adjective "Low" is a relative term applicable to electrical equipment powered by, generating, or storing "Hazardous Live Voltages". Hazardous Live Voltages are defined as voltages above 30 V r.m.s., 43.4 V peak or 60 V d.c. Article 2(1) of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC states, "...electrical equipment may be placed on the market only if "..."it does not endanger the safety of persons, domestic animals or property when properly installed and maintained and used in applications for which it was made."

Article 2(1) of the Machinery Directive 89/392/EEC similarly states: "...machinery covered by this Directive may be placed on the market and put into service only if it does not endanger the health or safety of persons and, where appropriate, domestic animals or property, when properly installed and maintained and used for its intended purpose."

Presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the "Directive" exists where it has been demonstrated that a product conforms to "Harmonized Standards." Examples of such European harmonized standards are: