Whether you are launching a new electrical or electronic product in Australia or you are searching for information on EMC testing, there are some basic things you should know about the structure of EMC standards. This will help you in enhancing the chances of your products clearing the EMC tests.

First and foremost, you should know that EMC standards are applicable all across the world. There are some basic differences in the standards applied in various geographical regions but the basics remain the same. 

EMC standards are designed to ensure that any device capable of generating electromagnetic phenomena is capable of performing well in the presence of electromagnetic phenomena. Also, it should not emit electromagnetic radiation to such an extent that it hampers the operation of other devices nearby. Understanding the structure will help you in developing products that are able to clear EMC tests right from the design stage.

In Australia, the agency that is responsible for EMC standards is known as the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). If you are planning to supply a product in Australia or New Zealand, you need to comply with the EMC standards as outlined by ACMA.

Important Things Should Know Structure EMC Standards

The Structure Of EMC Standards

First and foremost, it is critical for you to understand the importance of the structure of EMC standards. This is due to the reason that there are a number of documents that specify EMC requirements for different geographical regions and these are issued by a number of organisations and committees. 

This is why not many manufacturers are aware of the particular EMC standards that apply to their products. If you’re not sure about the standards that apply to your product, get in touch with Compliance Engineering today and we will help you navigate the complex maze of EMC standards. Following is a summary of the structure of EMC standards.

Basic Standards: These standards comprise the description of the electromagnetic phenomena and the test equipment needed for conducting the tests. The documentation also specifies how the EMC tests need to be performed and documented for compliance.

Generic Standards: These standards describe EMC tests for particular applications and these refer to the basic standards for general information. These standards are designed to provide minimum requirements. In terms of hierarchy, generic standards are above the basic standards.

Product Family Standards: These are the standards that are used for testing a particular category of products. These standards describe the performance criteria and test levels for a particular category of product.

Product Standards: These standards describe the test levels for a particular product. In addition to the EMC requirements, the standard also defines particular procedures for testing. These stand at the highest level in the hierarchy.

In addition to these, there are a number of national and international standards. Also, some manufacturers have their own standards. Take the example of the automotive industry where every manufacturer has their own EMC requirements and all the suppliers need to meet these requirements in order to be able to supply parts to them.

For instance, suppliers of automotive parts to car manufacturers outside Australia are required to comply with the specific EMC standards as outlined by the manufacturers such as Ford.

Important Things Should Know Structure EMC Standards

EMC Standards In Australia

As far as the EMC standards in Australia are concerned, the products are categorised into 3 different levels for demonstrating compliance. These levels are defined on the basis of interference risk expected from the product.

Level 1 is for products where the emissions are unlikely to have any impact on other devices. It typically applies to manually operated switches, resistive elements, conventional AC/AC transformers, and other similar devices.

Level 2 is for products where the emissions are likely to have a higher impact on other devices. Some of the examples include arc welding equipment, slip ring motor, microprocessor and other such products.

The Level 3 is for products where the emissions pose the highest risk of impact on other devices that use the radio frequency spectrum. Level 3 is typically for products in the industrial scientific and medical group 2.

There are different compliance requirements for each level. For instance, level 1 compliance is voluntary.

Summary

Different levels of compliance are designed to ensure that all products are able to meet minimum requirements regarding EMC. If you’re not sure about which EMC standard applies to your product or you want to know more about EMC compliance or EMC testing, get in touch with Compliance Engineering.

Compliance Engineering is the definitive source for all of your Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements. Please call us today on + 61 3 9763 3079 or contact us here.