EMC stands for Electromagnetic Compatibility. In short, whenever an electric current flows then electromagnetic radiation is generated, resulting in interference being emitted from the product.
This interference manifests itself in two ways:
- By radiation—this is typically above 30MHz.
- By conduction—along any wires connected to the equipment itself.
Products generating such interference can adversely affect other products in the vicinity. This is why EMC testing must be performed on equipment and products falling under the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
EMC Compliance
The EMC Directive[1] (2014/30/EU) has two essential requirements in Annex I that deal with electromagnetic radiation interference. Both must be complied with for the CE Mark to go on any equipment intended for sale in the EU. The UK requirements are identical for UKCA Marking.
Equipment must be designed and manufactured, having regard to the state of the art, as to ensure that:
- The electromagnetic disturbance generated does not exceed the level above which radio and telecommunications equipment or other equipment cannot operate as intended. (Known as emissions.)
- It has a level of immunity to the electromagnetic disturbance to be expected in its intended use which allows it to operate without unacceptable degradation of its intended use. (Known as immunity.)
This is significantly different from the USA market where only emissions (EMI) are generally considered. In the EU, both phenomena are considered and must be of appropriate levels for the intended use environment. One reason may be the difference in the main voltage being 230 VAC in Europe as opposed to 110 VAC in the USA.
EMC Requirements
For household and similar products then the EMC testing standards are EN 55014-1[2] and EN 55014-2[3] for Emissions and Immunity respectively. The 2021 version of the standard specifies the requirements for radio disturbances from 9kHz to 400GHz.
For immunity, it specifies the levels at which a product should not be affected by radio interference. For example, you would not want to install a kitchen microwave that affects washing machine operation.
Each product sector has its own EMC standards which should be used. If there are no specific product sector standards for your product then a manufacturer can use the generic standards being EN 61000-6-X[4] to show compliance. So for CE Marking the equipment must comply with both requirements.
EMC is one of those tests normally entrusted to a specialist lab. At the end of the testing, they can issue a test report and a certificate showing compliance, and that in itself can be used to support the EU Declaration of Conformity.
Product Changes & EMC Testing
As for all Directives, whenever a change is made to the product it must be determined that it remains compliant.
With EMC you need to take particular care as something as simple as moving a ground point for safety reasons can affect the EMC profile so such modifications will need reviewing. It’s possible they also require further EMC testing to maintain compliance.
Why Use Technology International?
Technology International can both simplify the process as well as minimize your costs. Our team of consultant engineers has a detailed knowledge and understanding of both the law and the supporting harmonized EMC standards.
Let us handle the wide range of tasks on your behalf from initial design through testing and final certification.
[1] Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (recast)
[2] Electromagnetic compatibility. Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus-Emissions.
[3] Electromagnetic compatibility. Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus-Immunity.
[4] IEC EN 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-1: Generic standards – Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC EN 61000-6-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-2: Generic standards – Immunity for industrial environments
IEC EN 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic standards – Emission standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC EN 61000-6-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-4: Generic standards – Emission standard for industrial environment