A Beginner’s Guide To EMC Testing
There seems to be a lot of talk about EMC testing these days.
If you are in an industry which designs and develops products, goods or devices there is every chance that the matter is very much at the forefront of your mind.
However, knowing that you need to have your products EMC tested and understanding what on earth it is all about are two very different things altogether.
You will be glad to know that the basic ins and outs of EMC testing are actually quite easy to understand, as is the process that you need to follow.
Based on this, let’s take a deeper look into EMC testing:
- What Is EMC Testing?
- How Do I Determine The Type Of Tests That I Need?
- What Is A Pre-Compliance Test?
- Tips For On The Day
What Is EMC Testing?
Let’s keep things nice and simple. EMC testing, otherwise fully known as Electromagnetic Compatability testing, is a test to see how electrical and electronic equipment interacts with its electromagnetic environment.
It will show the effect that the piece of equipment has on other products which are within a set distance.
Keep in mind that all electronic devices do have the potential to emit electromagnetic fields.
How Do I Determine The Type Of Tests That I Need?
This is unlikely to be something that you will be able to do yourself unless you happen to be an expert in EMC testing (in which case we would have to wonder why you are reading this beginner’s guide!)
However, the right EMC testing company will be able to assist you professionally and efficiently.
What Is A Pre-Compliance Test?
Once you have found a reputable EMC testing company to assist you in identifying the types of testing you need to be carried out, they may offer a pre-compliance test. What is this?
A pre-compliance test will most likely last half a day to one full day and will identify any clear failures or significant areas that need to be addressed.
Whilst this will, of course, be an extra cost, it can actually save you money in the long run.
This us because it gives you the chance to rectify issues or even go back to the drawing board before committing to the full set of EMC tests you need.
Tips For On The Day
Once the scheduled date for the EMC testing comes around there are a few things that you can do to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
After all, you don’t want things to fall at the final hurdle! The following tips should help you to avoid any unnecessary pitfalls:
Bring a few spare units along with you, sometimes EMC testing can lead to equipment issues, even destruction!
Ensure that all units that you bring along are fully charged and in tip-top condition.
Ensure that the general working and operating condition of the unit is clear and simple to those doing the tests.
Make sure that you have a few spare fuses handy in case they are needed.
Make sure that you have the ‘final build’ with you, if you make any major changes in the future you will have to have re-testing carried out.
The Bottom Line On EMC Testing
EMC testing is a vital part of electronic product design.
It may seem a little complex on the surface, however, as we have very clearly seen, understanding the basics of EMC testing doesn’t need to be rocket science.
As for the more complicated parts of the process, that’s what you are paying the experts for!
If you would like to know more about the EMC standards and product testing or need EMC testing done, then look no further than Compliance Engineering.
We are the definitive source for all of your Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements.
Please call us today on + 61 3 9763 3079 or get an online quote