2014/68/EU PED Certification for Pressure Equipment | PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s.
The Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU defines structured conformity assessment procedures known as modules (A2, B, C2, D, D1, E, E1, F, G, H, H1). These PED Certification modules establish how pressure equipment is evaluated before being placed on the European market.
Each module outlines specific requirements for design verification, manufacturing control, inspection, and certification. The level of involvement of a Notified Body increases with the risk category of the equipment, ensuring a consistent and reliable safety framework across industries.
A Notified Body such as PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. is authorized to carry out conformity assessment procedures under PED, including design examination, quality system evaluation, and certification required for CE marking.
What are PED Modules?
PED modules are standardized conformity assessment procedures that manufacturers must follow to demonstrate compliance with essential safety requirements defined in the directive.
They provide a systematic approach covering:
- Design validation
- Material traceability
- Manufacturing processes
- Inspection and testing
- Final certification for CE marking
The selection of modules depends on:
- Equipment category (I, II, III, IV)
- Type of pressure equipment
- Manufacturing complexity
- Risk level and operating conditions
List of PED Certification Modules
1. Module A2 – Internal Production Control with Supervised Checks
- Applicable for Category II equipment
- Manufacturer performs internal production control
- Notified Body conducts random inspections and testing
- Provides additional verification beyond basic internal control
2. Module B – EU Type Examination
- Design assessment by a Notified Body
- Confirms compliance of the design with PED requirements
- Results in EU Type Examination Certificate
- Typically combined with Modules C2, D, E, or F
3. Module C2 – Conformity to Type with Supervised Checks
- Based on approved design (Module B)
- Manufacturer ensures production conformity
- Notified Body performs random product checks
- Suitable for medium-risk equipment
4. Module D – Production Quality Assurance
- Focuses on manufacturing process quality
- Requires an approved quality management system
- Notified Body conducts periodic audits
- Suitable for serial production
5. Module D1 – Production Quality Assurance (Without Module B)
- Similar to Module D but without prior type examination
- Notified Body assesses and approves the production quality system
- Applicable for certain Category II equipment
6. Module E – Product Quality Assurance
- Focuses on final inspection and testing
- Requires an approved inspection quality system
- Notified Body evaluates and monitors the system
7. Module E1 – Product Quality Assurance (Without Module B)
- Similar to Module E but without design examination
- Emphasizes final product inspection and verification
- Applicable for Category II equipment
8. Module F – Product Verification
- Notified Body performs inspection and testing on each product or batch
- Ensures direct verification of compliance
- Commonly used for higher-risk equipment
9. Module G – Unit Verification
- Applied for single or custom-built equipment
- Notified Body verifies each individual unit
- Covers design, manufacturing, and final testing
10. Module H – Full Quality Assurance
- Comprehensive quality system covering design, manufacturing, and testing
- Includes continuous surveillance by a Notified Body
- Suitable for high-risk equipment and advanced manufacturing systems
11. Module H1 – Full Quality Assurance with Design Examination
- Extension of Module H with additional design verification
- Notified Body evaluates both design and quality system
- Highest level of conformity assessment
- Typically applied to Category III and IV equipment
Role of Notified Body in PED Modules
A Notified Body is an independent organization designated by the European Union to carry out conformity assessment procedures under PED Certification.
Organizations such as PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. perform:
- Design examination and approval
- Assessment of welding procedures and personnel qualifications
- Quality system audits and surveillance
- Inspection and testing of pressure equipment
- Certification required for CE marking
The level of involvement varies depending on the selected module and equipment category.
How to Select the Right PED Module
Choosing the appropriate module is based on several technical parameters:
- Equipment category (I–IV)
- Maximum allowable pressure (PS) and volume (V)
- Type of fluid (Group 1 – hazardous, Group 2 – non-hazardous)
- Production type (single unit or mass production)
Typical Selection Examples:
- Category I → Module A
- Category II → Modules A2, D1, or E1
- Category III → Modules B + D, B + F
- Category IV → Modules B + F or Module H / H1
Correct module selection ensures efficient conformity assessment and avoids delays in certification.
Why PED Modules are Important
PED modules play a critical role in ensuring:
- Compliance with European safety and regulatory requirements
- Proper control of design, materials, and manufacturing processes
- Risk-based assessment aligned with equipment category
- Traceability and documentation of production
- Eligibility for CE marking and market access
They create a harmonized framework that guarantees safety and reliability of pressure equipment across the European market.
Conclusion
Understanding PED Certification modules is essential for manufacturers working under the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
Each module defines a clear conformity assessment pathway based on the risk level and complexity of the equipment. Selecting the correct module ensures regulatory compliance, efficient certification, and smooth entry into the European market.
Notified Bodies such as PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. play a key role in verifying compliance and issuing certifications required for CE marking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are PED modules?
PED modules are conformity assessment procedures defined under the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU that specify how pressure equipment is evaluated for compliance.
2. How many PED modules are there?
There are multiple modules including A2, B, C2, D, D1, E, E1, F, G, H, and H1, each representing different levels of conformity assessment.
3. Which PED modules require a Notified Body?
Modules A2, B, C2, D, D1, E, E1, F, G, H, and H1 involve a Notified Body to varying degrees depending on the equipment category.
4. What is Module A2 in PED certification?
Module A2 involves internal production control with additional random inspections by a Notified Body for Category II equipment.
5. What is the difference between Module B and Module H1?
Module B focuses on design examination, while Module H1 includes full quality assurance along with detailed design verification and continuous surveillance.
6. How do I choose the correct PED module?
Selection depends on equipment category, pressure, volume, fluid type, and production method.
7. Is PED certification mandatory for CE marking?
Yes, compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU is required before CE marking can be applied.
8. What is the role of a Notified Body in PED modules?
A Notified Body such as PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. performs design review, inspections, audits, and certification activities.
9. Can manufacturers outside the EU use PED modules?
Yes, manufacturers worldwide can follow PED requirements and obtain certification through an EU-recognized Notified Body.
10. Which PED module is used for custom-made equipment?
Module G (Unit Verification) is used for single or custom-built equipment.