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:

• petrol lawn mowers
• gas stoves

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.

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