Certain electronic products such as medical gadgets and devices, cell phones and electrical motors are required to undergo EMC testing before being released into the market.

However, there are other products like wristwatches that may not need to undergo EMC testing because of their inherent nature and mode of operation. 

In this article, we will take a quick look at some of the products that need to undergo EMC testing. We will also highlight some products that are exempted from EMC testing and compliance altogether.

Overview Of EMC Testing

EMC testing involves evaluating and analysing electronic products for electromagnetic compatibility. Each and every electronic device made gives off some kind of electromagnetic field. When they are created, electronic gadgets are not meant to interfere with other gadgets in the vicinity.

Negative interference can cause devices to either malfunction or operate at limited capability. This is caused by Electromagnetic Interference by nearby electronic devices.

Importance Of Testing

When products are tested and proved to be compliant with existing EMC standards, they can safely operate in an environment where there are other electronic devices without instances of interference.

For example, a typical living room may have numerous gadgets like TVs, thermostats and mobile phones operating at the same time. It is important to ensure that no device compromises the functionality of nearby devices in the vicinity. 

Product Exempt EMC Testing Compliance

Products That Need To Undergo EMC Testing

The concept of radiated emissions is said to have been discovered in the early 1900s. Radiated emissions are basically electrical noises that emanate from electronic or electromechanical devices.

Certain electronic products that are manufactured today have the potential to emit excess quantities of electromagnetic energy that creates radiated emissions. 

EMC standards were put in place to ensure that device manufacturers make products that meet the set electromagnetic compatibility rating.

Because of the prevalence of electronic gadgets all over the world, EMC standards have become extremely important in regulating the global electronics goods industry.

Some of the most popular products that come under EMC testing include computers, mobile phones, speakers, stereos, kitchen appliances, medical equipment, electric cars and many others.

What Does EMC Testing Check For?

EMC testing checks for various things such as:

  • Electrostatic discharge
  • Conducted susceptibility
  • Conducted emissions
  • Radiated susceptibility
  • Radiated emissions

EMC testing and compliance is carried out in 3 stages. The first stage is verification that the electronic product complies with existing EMC standards.

Next, a declaration is made by the manufacturer and the equipment is registered with relevant bodies. This is done to officially state that the product has passed EMC testing.

Finally, an approved laboratory will carry out comprehensive tests to ensure that the electronic gadget does not interfere with other equipment in the surrounding environment.

Product Exempt EMC Testing Compliance

Products Exempted From EMC Testing And Compliance

Products that are exempted from EMC testing and compliance are considered inherently benign. This means that they do not include any active electrical components that can produce significant amounts of electromagnetic energy. 

With that said, not all electrical products are required to undergo EMC testing and compliance in order to be allowed into the market. Some products that may be termed as ‘electronic’ like headphones, corded speakers, passive antennas, cables and wristwatches are exempted from EMC testing and compliance. 

Summary

It is now clear that not all electronic or electrical products need to undergo EMC testing and compliance. Certain ‘unique’ products are exempted from this regulation due to their inherent nature or structure.

However, almost all other electronic gadgets we use in our day to day lives need to comply with EMC standards in order to be deemed safe for use by consumers.

If you would like to know more about 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.