Guide · Automotive components

LV 124 — the endurance test for the 12 V electrical system.

ECUs and sensors in a passenger car have to survive electrical disturbances and harsh environmental conditions. LV 124 bundles the tests that almost every German OEM requires.

Safeguard an automotive component

What LV 124 is

LV 124 is a test standard published by the VDA for electrical and electronic components in passenger cars (up to 3.5 t) with a 12 V vehicle electrical system. It was developed jointly by several German manufacturers (including Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen).

Two parts: electrical and environmental

The standard is divided into Part I — electrical requirements and tests (electrical-system behavior: voltage dips, overvoltage, start/stop profiles and more) and Part II — environmental requirements (temperature, vibration, humidity, chemicals). Together they cover what a component has to withstand in real-world vehicle life.

OEM derivatives

Most OEMs have derived their own versions — for example Volkswagen as VW 80000, BMW as GS 95024 or Mercedes-Benz as MBN LV 124. For deliveries to German OEMs, LV 124 is effectively a given. For 48 V vehicle electrical systems, the related LV 148 applies.

Distinction from EMC

LV 124 covers electrical and environmental robustness; EMC in the narrower sense is governed by CISPR 25, ISO 11452 and the ECE-R10 framework.

Frequently asked questions

Is LV 124 an EMC standard?

Not primarily. LV 124 tests electrical robustness (electrical-system behavior) and environmental stress. EMC immunity/emissions are covered by CISPR 25 and ISO 11452 — in practice, both worlds are part of component release.

Do I need LV 124 or the OEM variant?

The respective OEM specifies this (e.g. VW 80000 instead of the generic LV 124). We clarify the applicable version on a project-specific basis and prepare the component for it throughout development.

Sources: testxchange — lab tests to LV 124, Weiss Technik — LV 124. The valid version or the OEM derivative is authoritative.