Electrical and electronic equipment EEE
The UK Government and Envoronment Agency defines EEE as equipment:
- which is dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields to work properly
- for generating, transferring and measuring these currents and fields
- designed for use with a voltage rating 1,000 volts or less for alternating current, and 1,500 volts or less for direct current
- ‘Dependent on electric currents or electromagnetic fields to work properly’ means that the equipment needs electric currents or electromagnetic fields (not petrol or gas) to fulfil its basic function. So when the electric current is off, the equipment cannot fulfil its basic function.
Where electrical energy is only used for support or control functions, the equipment is not covered by the regulations. Equipment that only needs a spark to start it (electronic ignition) and does not need electricity to fulfil its basic function includes:
Electrical or electronic versions of standard products such as electric toothbrushes and electric suitcases are EEE products. Products that are not connected to a mains supply may still be EEE. They can be wind-up, battery-powered and solar-powered products. Where a product has several functions and only one needs an electrical current, the product may still be EEE.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles about electricity.
- Consumer electronics.
- Consumer unit.
- ECA articles.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical definition.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical resistance.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrical system.
- Electrical wiring.
- Electrician.
- Electricity bill.
Featured articles and news
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.