Electromagnetic Compatibility

What is Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing?

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing experimentally evaluates the interaction of electrical and electronic equipment with its environment and with other devices or systems. By conducting EMC testing, the objective is to ensure the correct functioning and operation of electrical and electronic equipment within an electromagnetic environment.

EMC testing evaluates for example the emission caused by a device. The Device must show in the tests, that the electromagnetic emission are below a level that ensures the correct functioning within its predefined environment. Another aspect of EMC testing is intended to ensure that the equipment under test funcions as intended in the presence of radio frequency interference (RFI) by evaluating the susceptibility or immunity of equipment.

EMC tests

In most markets such as the European Union (EU), the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Japan or China, there are strict regulations concerning EMC compliance.

In the EU as an example, the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) 2014/30/EU defines in detail the regulation on electromagnetic compatibility. It is worth mentioning that for some type of products, the EMC directive is overruled by specific other regulation, such as the Automotive Regulation (EC) 661/2009, the Radio Equipment directive (RED) 2014/53/EU or the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) 2017/745.

Which products need EMC-testing?

Electronic equipment from many application areas can potentially interfere with its environment or other devices and thus may be subject to EMC testing. Equipment that has to be EMC tested can e.g. include:

Consumer electronics such as household appliances like dish washers, washing machines, ovens, toasters etc. are tested e.g. according to the following standards:

  • EN 55014-1:2017: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus - Part 1: Emission
  • EN 55014-2:1997: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus - Part 2: Immunity - Product family standard
  • EN 61000-3-2:2014: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions
  • EN 61000-3-3:2013: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-3: Limits - Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems

Radio communications equipment, such as remote controls, telemetry devices, wireless audio devices (wireless speakers or microphones) etc. need EMC testing to for example these standards:

  • EN 301 489-1: Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 1: Common technical requirements
  • EN 301 489-17: ElectroMagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 17: Specific conditions for Broadband Data Transmission Systems; Harmonised Standard for ElectroMagnetic Compatibility

IT equipment and office equipment, such as printers, fax machines, projectors, copy machines, paper shredders etc. will be tested for EMC e.g. to

  • EN 55022:2010: Information technology equipment - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement, or to
  • EN 55024:2010: Information technology equipment - Immunity characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement

Telecommunications equipment, such as mobile phones, modems & routers, local area network equipment (LAN), multiplexers, digital switches, etc. are subject to testing e.g. to

  • EN 301 908-10 V4.2.2: Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Base Stations (BS), Repeaters and User Equipment (UE) for IMT-2000 Third-Generation cellular networks;

Multimedia devices, such as audio speakers, DVD & CD players, amplifiers, TVs, etc. need EMC testing to specific standards such as

  • EN 55032:2015: Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment - Emission Requirements or
  • EN 55035:2017: Electromagnetic compatibility of multimedia equipment - Immunity requirements

Where can I get EMC testing?

testxchange operates a global network of hundreds of labs specialized in EMC testing. We support OEMs, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers from anywhere in the world in their efforts for bringing EMC-compliant and safe products to different markets in the world.

Working with such an extensive network of testing labs, testxchange is able to provide EMC testing for practically all types of electrical products from product categories such home appliances, automotive component or connected consumer electronics.

Our inhouse project engineers can help you to exactly define and optimize your EMC testing and certification needs.

We are your reliable partner to get all necessary EMC testing and certification for your products done fast, efficient and at very competitive prices.

Via our network we can provide EMC testing including but not limited to:

  • EU Regulations (CE Mark or CE Certification) such as the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU or RED Directive 2014/53/EU
  • USA FCC, Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, FCC Part 15 and FCC Part 18
  • China Certification by CQC, ISCCC and CESI for China CCC Mark EMC Testing
  • Canada EMC requirements according to ISED
  • Testing according to a large number if industry standards such the standard for environmental testing of avionics (DO-160), the United States military standards (MIL-STD) or the UK defence standards (DEF-STAN) to name just a few