Structure Of EMC Standards

Everything You Need To Know About The Structure Of EMC Standards

Are you looking to undertake an EMC testing campaign? Are you in need of an efficient way of conducting EMC tests for your products? Does your company want to reduce the chances of failing EMC tests?

While EMC standards are designed to help make measurements repeatable and comparable, by defining the test environment, methods, and equipment, it is critical to understand the structure of EMC standards, especially if you want to develop an efficient testing regimen for your products.

In this article, we will explore the structure of EMC standards with the goal of helping you understand what EMC testing entails.

In this regard, you should note that the various standardisation committees and organisations define and specify the EMC requirements in numerous standard documents. However, the documents are structured as follows:

  • Basic standards,
  • Generic standards,
  • Product family standards, and
  • Product standards.

Other standardisations levels include:

  • Manufacturer’s standards, and
  • National and international standards.

Basic Standards

Also known as Phenomenon Standards, they form the foundation of standardisation. It is the lowest level in the standards hierarchy.

This focuses on describing the phenomenon, describing and characterising the test equipment to be used in the standardisation process, and, most importantly, documentation.

An excellent example of Basic Standards is the IEC 61000-4- series that ranges from IEC 61000-4-1 to IEC 61000-4-36.

The 36 documents that cover the Basic Standards delve into the testing and measurement techniques for testing, such as:

  • Electrostatic discharge immunity,
  • Electrostatic discharge immunity,
  • Radiated, radio-frequency tests, and electromagnetic field immunity test,
  • Electrical fast burst/transient immunity,
  • Surge immunity,
  • Immunity to conducted disturbances that are induced by radio-frequency fields,
  • Power frequency magnetic field immunity test,
  • Damped oscillatory magnetic field immunity test,
  • Ring wave immunity, and much more.

Generic Standards/Product Environment Standards

This level of EMC standards specifies the level of test to be performed on a specific range of applications. Referencing the basic level as a guideline, Generic Standards establish the minimum test requirements with regards to the EMC.

In this regard, Generic Standards go a step further in standardising EMC test compared to the basic standards.

Typically, the generic standards are used as a stop-gap solution in instances where there is no product standard already established to follow and comply with.

The Product Environment Standards negate the possibility of a product having no EMC standards they can abide by. They are essential standards, given the fact technological development is fast outpacing testing standardisation.

Generic standards are created to cater to a particular EMC environment. However, there are cases where generic standards suffice, thereby meeting the requirements for test standardisation for some products, negating the need to create new specific standards.

A good example of Generic Standards is the IEC 61000 series of standards.

Product Family Standards

This particular level of standards is used to specify and provide guidance for test levels and limits for a specific category of products while also specifying the performance level.

A product family is defined based on general characteristics that are common to the products such as field of application (medical devices).

It can also be determined based on the use or function of products covered in the family (for instance, computers belong to the Information Technology Equipment family).

Typically, product committees consisting of interested parties and industry experts and companies develop this level of standards.

Product Standard

This level of standards provides for stringent testing requirements for a particular product. The standards also specify unique and specific testing procedures and requirements.

As such, they are the highest level of standards hierarchy. Product standards, therefore, are the most preferred level of standards.

Manufacturer Standards

These are the level of standards developed within a particular company. For instance, in the automotive industry, every company has developed its internal testing standards.

National And International Standard

The other levels of standards are the Regional Standards, such as EU Standards and international standards such as the U.S. Standards.

Conclusion

The various level of EMC standards provides the structure that manufactures can follow when performing EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) testing.

The combination of the different levels ensure that products do not emit unsafe levels of electromagnetic interference while ensuring the products continue to function as intended despite being surrounded by external electromagnetic phenomena.

Understanding the structure of EMC standards will help you in your quest to produce high-quality products.

If you would like these questions answered, or 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 contact us here.

EMC Testing on Household Appliances

Benefits of EMC Testing on Household Appliances In 2020

Owing to the impact of various components we use on the environment, it is only logical that the authorities have come up with a set of standards that govern the production of various devices.

One of the most common standards that product designers view as a challenge today is making sure that electromagnetic interference is controlled. This is done through extensive Electromagnetic compatibility testing and design.

EMC testing is done by looking at both the emission and susceptibility issues by buffering the sources of interferences and protecting the potential aspects that can be affected by these waves.

Products need to be in compliance with these EMC standards.

Why Perform Pre Compliance EMC Testing?

The cost of performing these tests is high and can lead to longer project cycles and increased budgets. The burdens increase further if you perform tests in the later stages of product development.

Around 50% of all products fail EMC testing in the initial round, and it is better if a product fails at this stage as opposed to failing during the final round.

All items that can potentially radiate emissions or conduct emissions across the board should be tested. The testing process is split into two stages which are the emissions and immunity testing.

How to Avoid EMC Failure?

One of the proven ways to avoid cases of your products failing EMC tests is by conducting pre-compliance tests. You can do this through a couple of methods integrated into your product development cycles.

Doing this makes sure that your product is compliant before you even seek official approval.

You can borrow some of the metrics used for EMC testing and conduct the tests yourself, albeit with a slightly higher margin, to ensure that your products are safe.

What Happens if You Fail?

Several aspects come into the fray during product development as engineers focus on performance, reliability, form, and aesthetics among others.

Compliance is often overlooked and this is crucial as this is what determines whether the product will make it to the market or not.

While compliance can be seen to be an aspect that does not have any direct financial implication on the product compared to the others, failing the tests can lead to far more severe consequences.

If you overlook compliance, the time will come when you want to launch your device, and compliance was not factored into the manufacturing process.

You will then need to get the equipment to a certified and reliable testing lab to make sure that it meets the required limits. If you do leave compliance to the later stages of development, you will run into a couple of complications.

At this stage, you can easily fail the test, and this will lead to additional test time and costs incurred plus delayed product schedules.

If you cannot fix the product to make it compliant, you will be forced to go back to the drawing board and come up with a better design. This is bad for business as it means that all the efforts you have put in went to waste.

No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to foresee all expected situations. This is why you need to ensure that you go through all the pre-compliance steps and avoid the costly consequences.

If you fail, your non-compliant products will be barred from getting into certain markets. This will hurt your business reputation as people will no longer want your products.

Your business will also be slapped with sanctions and fines by the professional bodies since you have not adhered to the standards.

Due to this reason, it is vital to make sure that all your devices are EMC compliant, as the authorities are relentless on this.

If you would like these questions answered, or 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 contact us here.

EMC Testing Automotive Components

Importance Of Electrical And EMC Testing For Automotive Components

Are you involved in manufacturing automotive components? Do you know the importance of electrical and EMC testing for automotive components?

If you manufacture any automotive component that contains electronic circuitry inside, most probably, the component will emit electromagnetic waves when it’s in operation.

These waves are quite similar to radio, TV, and microwaves. Most of the time, these emissions are strong enough to affect the operation of other electronic equipment in the vicinity.

That’s why Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing is mandatory for such components to make sure the emissions from such components fall within the electromagnetic spectrum.

This article provides information on the importance of electrical and EMC testing for automotive components.

  • What Is EMC Testing?
  • Why Care About EMC Testing?
  • What Is Pre-Compliance Testing?
  • How To Find The Best EMC Testing Service For Automotive Components?

What Is EMC Testing?

All electrical and electronic devices including automotive components have the potential to transmit electromagnetic fields.

There is a huge risk of these devices interfering with each other due to the proliferation of electronic devices in everyday life.

There have been many cases where automotive components have been recalled or withdrawn from the market due to the high level of electromagnetic interference.

That’s where Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing becomes important. The Australian Government has adopted stringent laws to prevent the occurrence of EMC problems.

International standards relating to EMC testing have been set for all countries to observe for all electronic components released to the market. EMC testing is mandatory for all electronic components manufactured in Australia.

Why Care About EMC Testing?

Whether you are a manufacturer of automotive electronic components or any other electronic products, you cannot release these products to the market without a certification saying it has passed EMC testing services.

This testing is mandatory for all electronic components manufactured in Australia, imported to the country or exported from Australia.

The certificate should state that the electromagnetic emissions are within the range allowed for the operation of other similar products.

That’s why you need to find a reliable EMC testing service in Australia to test your electronic products.

What Is Pre-Compliance Testing?

Pre-compliance testing is important to reduce the costs of redesigning products due to the failure of EMC testing. Pre-compliance testing is conducted during the product development stage.

You can change anything in the product that doesn’t comply with EMC rules and regulations by pre-testing the product.

That’s why you need to make use of pre-compliance EMC testing for all your automotive electronic components.

The most common pre-testing is emission testing. It’s crucial for the final EMC test for certification. This test is usually done in the plant or the manufacturer’s location.

This test will measure the product emissions and help adjust it to meet the required standards.

The most important benefit of pre-compliance testing is the ability to have a less problematic EMC testing process at the final stage of product development.

This will prevent huge losses to your company due to product return, product re-design, and repeat tests.

How To Find The Best EMC Testing Service For Automotive Components?

Are you searching for the best EMC testing service for automotive components? Australia has its own share of EMC testing services. Your research plays an important part when choosing the best EMC testing company in the country.

If you would like these questions answered, or 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 contact us here.

Why Is EMC Testing Necessary?

Why Is EMC Testing Necessary?

Are you involved in the manufacture or importation of any products that contain electronic components?

If so, it is important to note that you are required to subject these products to EMC testing for purposes of compliance or due diligence or both.

What is EMC testing supposed to achieve? This is the main question that comes to mind after you find out that it is necessary. This testing helps provide product assurance in two ways:

  • For starters, this testing will help guarantee that your product will be able to function as intended when exposed to electromagnetic disturbances that normally characterise the operating environment it is designed for.
  • Secondly, EMC testing is also meant to guarantee that the product will be able to operate efficiently without producing electromagnetic interference that is beyond the acceptable levels for that type of device. This is meant to assure users that the device’s operation will not interfere with the operation of other devices within the same operating environment.

Now that you know what EMC testing focuses on, read on to find out more about the main reasons why it is necessary.

Safeguarding Electromagnetic Spectrum

Over the years, the number of electronic devices that emit electromagnetic waves as electric energy flows through their circuitry has been on a sharp increase.

Combine that with a limited magnetic spectrum which is also required for important applications involving the use of microwave signals, radio waves and x-ray machines among others has created the need to limit unnecessary use of this limited resource.

Simply put, to ensure that important operations requiring the use of the limited electromagnetic spectrum continue uninterrupted, all electronic devices must be tested to ensure that they only occupy as much of this limited resource as necessary, if any.

Product Quality

As previously mentioned, EMC testing is meant to guarantee that the products in question deliver the intended level of performance without being affected by interference from other electronic devices and components encountered in its normal working environment.

In case a product’s performance is found to be affected by the electromagnetic interference produced by other electronic devices within its working environment, then you as the manufacturer or importer cannot provide assurance of its quality to the intended end-users in its current state.

Safety

To follow up on the above point, EMC testing is also essential for safety purposes. The failure of some electrical components and devices can expose workers and the public to serious safety risks.

EMC testing helps prevent such problems by ensuring that the electromagnetic interference produced or absorbed by the product under consideration does not present a risk of failure of the device or other devices in its intended area of operation.

Compliance

Due to the importance of maintaining the integrity of the finite electromagnetic spectrum as well as ensuring product quality and safety during use, the government has put in place various EMC regulations that must be satisfied by all manufacturers and importers of products containing electronic components.

EMC testing can be used to establish whether your product complies with these safety and quality guidelines.

Failure to comply with the necessary EMC guidelines, as set out by the relevant government authorities, before introducing your product into the market can lead to serious legal issues.

Conclusion

All electronic components produce electromagnetic interference when current flows through their circuits. This interference can affect the proper operation of other electronic devices within your device’s area of operation.

Alternatively, your device may also be affected by electromagnetic interference from other devices already in use. To guarantee electronic product operation, safety and compliance with the law, EMC testing is necessary.

If you would like these questions answered, or 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 contact us here.