4. Regulations and standards

4.1 European regulations

Two European directives deal with aspects of electricity quality.

Directive 85/374/EEC, known as the "Product Liability Directive", makes a manufacturer liable for damage caused to a third party by a defect in its product, and states that "electricity is also considered a product".

Directive 89/336/EEC, known as the "Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive", defines the essential requirements for electromagnetic compatibility, namely that :

• "The electromagnetic disturbances generated are limited to a level that allows radio and telecommunications equipment and other devices to function in accordance with their intended purpose;

• equipment...