Are you planning to introduce a new product in the market? Whether you are a manufacturer or an importer, you will need to ensure that the product complies with the relevant EMC standards. Every manufacturer/importer has to sign a Declaration of Conformity to ensure that the product complies with the appropriate standards.

Every accredited EMC testing laboratory usually requires an EMC test plan outlining details of the product that needs to be tested. Simply put, an EMC test plan is a document carrying all the details about the product, relevant EMC tests and the results. 

An EMC test plan ensures an organised process of conducting relevant tests. It also acts as a proper record of EMC testing and enables the EMC testing laboratory to provide an accurate quotation for the required testing.

EMC Test Plan Inclusions

Name and product description: Name and description of the product outlining what it does.

Physical dimensions and weight: This helps in ensuring that the test lab has the appropriate capability of testing a product of a particular dimension.

Power requirements: This should outline the type of power used by the product such as a DC powered product or an AC powered product with a particular voltage or powered by an internal battery or any other such source.

Product position: This describes the position in which the product is going to be used such as a standing appliance or as a tabletop appliance.

Ports: Every single board port on the product should be listed including the power input port, signals port, ethernet port, USB port or any other type of port. Any cable that is accessible to users is considered a port. Along with the port, the type of cable used for each port should also be specified. You also need to mention the length of the cable for each port.

Testing requirement: In most cases, only a single sample needs to be tested but there are cases where multiple samples need to be tested. This should be specified in the test plan.

How Write EMC Test Plan

Operational mode: If the product has multiple operational modes that change EMI, it should be mentioned in the test plan.

Expected setup time: This helps in preparing for the tests. This time should include the setup of the software, support equipment as well as the product itself.

Health and safety needs: If the product uses any hazardous materials, it should be declared in the test plan.

Wireless module: If the product has a wireless module, it should be mentioned in the test plan.

Frequencies: This part of the test plan should provide information on the lowest and highest frequencies used internally in the product.

Testing time: The minimum time for which the product must be tested in a particular operational mode.

Performance criteria: The test plan should include performance criteria as per the standard. In case it’s not defined in the standard, the method to define failure must be mentioned as part of the test plan.

Intended environment: This part defines the environment where the product is intended to be used.

Special requirements: If the product has any special testing needs that require the use of special equipment, it should be part of the test plan.

Applicable standards: The test plan should define the applicable standards and tests as per the type of product and the environment in which it is intended to be used.

Final Thoughts

Overall, product manufacturers or importers need to have a detailed EMC test plan to ensure a fruitful visit to the testing lab. The test plan should contain all the required information on the applicable standards and nature of the system. This helps the test lab in properly assessing and providing testing. If any special equipment is needed for testing, the test lab can arrange for that equipment to ensure testing without any issues.

Compliance Engineering offers accredited testing services for a broad range of products in particular compliance with EMC and EMI regulations in Australia. We provide the highest standard of environmental testing that measures the performance of specific products under particular environmental conditions.

Please call us today at Compliance Engineering on + 61 3 9763 3079 or request a quote.