Companies often need to be more diligent when considering introducing new products that require electrical testing for compliance & getting a deeper understanding of EMC testing and how this will save you time and money with your go to market plans.

The fact that you are here reading this page means that you are considering EMC testing.

Perhaps you have a new product which needs to meet the current standards and legislation or you may just be curious about how the whole system works.

Whatever the case, we have prepared a simple and concise guide to EMC standards and legislation to avoid the risk of the topic becoming too complex or overwhelming.

Let’s break the topic down into a few vital elements:

What Do We Mean By EMC Standards?
Why Do I Need To Comply With EMC Standards?
What Are The Basics Of EMC Legislation?

What Do We Mean By EMC Standards?

The design and development of a new device are key areas to the manufacturer.

However, before they are able to put their new product on the market for sale to consumers they must ensure that it complies with EMC standards.

These standards need to be complied with during the development, the design, and the manufacturer of the product.

EMC Standards relate to the frequency range and limit radiation which is not necessary.

This, in turn, stops the risk of broadcasting and telecommunication devices being interfered with.

Why Do I Need To Comply With EMC Standards?

The importance of EMC Standards being complied with is clear by taking one example of frequency range.

EMC standards play a key role in adjusting the frequency range assignment so that essential services such as police radio, as well as TV broadcasting, are able to operate smoothly and without any issues.

In addition, EMC standards ensure that devices are not damaged by things such as static electricity and lightning surges.

In the absence of EMC standards, we can only imagine the negative impacts and effects that the use of electronic and electrical devices would have and the serious health and safety risks that would arise.

What Are The Basics Of EMC Legislation?

EMC Law is rather complex and often interconnects with other legislation.

However, to keep things simple, we can say that for any electrical device to obtain CE certification it must comply with the EMC Directive.

While the laws on EMC testing has evolved in recent times, it is useful to note that a new EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) has become the UK’s Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006.

There exists one main way for a product to receive CE certification. A sample of the product is submitted to a lab which is recognised for EMC testing.

The lab carries out a number of tests and provides either proof of EMC compliance or shows areas where the manufacturer needs to make modifications and changes before resubmitting the product to be re-tested.

Once a product has been proven to meet EMC standards it will be provided with a Declaration Of Conformity.

This document is included with the product, sometimes as part of the instruction manual and other times as a separate leaflet.

The Declaration of Conformity is a formal declaration that a product meets all safety directives where they apply to the particular product.

As we can see, the world of EMC standard and legislation is quite complex.

However, understanding the basics of what EMC standards are, why they are important and the basic legislation does not need to be rocket science.

We hope that the clear and concise outline we have provided above has given you insight into what is involved in this essential part of product design and manufacture.

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 complete our online form