Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
The PED is a regulatory framework adopted by the European Union to harmonize the safety standards for pressure equipment and assemblies. The current version, Directive 2014/68/EU, replaced the previous PED 97/23/EC and became fully applicable on 19 July 2016.
Its primary objective is to ensure that pressure equipment operating above 0.5 bar gauge pressure is designed, manufactured, and assessed for compliance in a way that guarantees the safety of people, property, and the environment.
The PED applies to a wide range of products, including:
Safety accessories (e.g., pressure relief valves)
Pressure accessories (e.g., filters, separators)
It excludes items such as aerosol dispensers, military equipment, and equipment under specific EU directives (like transportable pressure equipment).
Classification of Equipment under PED
PED classifies equipment into categories based on:
Fluid group (Group 1: hazardous; Group 2: non-hazardous)
The categories range from Category I (lowest risk) to Category IV (highest risk). Each category determines the conformity assessment procedure and level of third-party involvement required.
Essential Safety Requirements
To comply with the PED, equipment must fulfill several safety criteria, including:
Design and strength calculations
Protection against overpressure
Manufacturing quality control
Non-destructive testing and inspection
Documentation and CE Marking
Once compliance is demonstrated, the manufacturer must:
Create a Declaration of Conformity
Apply the CE marking to the equipment
Maintain a technical file for up to 10 years
The CE mark is a visible indicator that the equipment meets the essential requirements of the PED and can be marketed throughout the EU.
