‘Electrical accessories incorporated into furniture - a guide to the UK regulations’

The Furniture Industry Research Association have published ‘Electrical accessories incorporated into furniture - a guide to the UK Regulations’. The 66 page guide is the third in a series of publications concerning electrical components in furniture.

The new publication follows on from recently released guides entitled ‘Electrically actuated furniture for the domestic market – a guide to UK regulations’ and ‘Electrically powered office furniture – a guide to UK regulations’.

Sections in the guide include:

• Introduction to CE Marking, including European Directives, harmonised standards, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards; electrical products / components and related CE Marking Directives
• Installation and wiring regulations for furniture
• Common CE Marking Directives and national standards related to furniture incorporating electrical accessories including the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2014/35/EU), Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive (2014/30/EU), Radio Equipment Directive (RED) (2014/53/EU), RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and national and international standards
• Components incorporated as accessories into furniture and related standards for components
• Proof of conformity for CE marking including identifying applicable directives and standards, self-certification, notified bodies, technical documentation (the Technical File), internal checks on the manufacturing process to assess conformity, Declaration of Conformity, CE marking the product, traceability marking, user instructions and safety information

The guide then covers in more detail specific products including:

• Domestic tables incorporating UK sockets
• Bedframes incorporating Bluetooth speakers in the headboard
• Wireless chargers incorporated into work surface
• Domestic sofas incorporating USB sockets
• Office desking incorporating wireless charging and USB pods

Speaking on the publication of the guide, author, Bruce Lovell, Consultant at FIRA International, said “‘Electrical Accessories incorporated into furniture - a guide to the UK regulations’ is very much aimed at designers and manufacturers of furniture incorporating electrical accessories.

“We chose this subject as there is an increasing number of furniture products sold in the domestic and contract markets that are designed using ‘off-the-shelf’ electrical components to enhance the features beyond those normally considered important for furniture (strength, durability and comfort). As such it imperative that the furniture industry has reliable access to information to ensure compliance, and of course safety for the end-users.

“These ‘lifestyle’ enhancements commonly include power outlets, USB outlets, Wi-Fi induction chargers, short range wireless communication controllers and Bluetooth connected speakers / devices. By incorporating these features into the completed product, furniture manufacturers need to ensure that their furniture complies with any applicable EU Directives and understand CE marking of the completed product and that of the individual components used. Consideration should also be given to the installation and wiring of these accessories into the product to ensure conformance to national and international regulations.”

‘Electrical accessories incorporated into furniture - a guide to the UK Regulations’ is available to FIRA members at no charge here. Non-members of the Furniture Industry Research Association can purchase the guide for £150+VAT here.

Further information on the work of the Furniture Industry Research Association, including membership benefits are available from www.fira.co.uk, or by emailing info@fira.co.uk