Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

All electric devices or installations influence each other when interconnected or close to each other, e.g. interference between TV sets, GSM handsets, radios and nearby washing machine or electrical power lines. The purpose of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is to keep all those side effects under reasonable control. EMC designates all the existing and future techniques and technologies for reducing disturbance and enhancing immunity.

The electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU ensures that electrical and electronic equipment does not generate, or is not affected by, electromagnetic disturbance.

The EMC Directive limits electromagnetic emissions from equipment in order to ensure that, when used as intended, such equipment does not disturb radio and telecommunication, as well as other equipment. The directive also governs the immunity of such equipment to interference and seeks to ensure that this equipment is not disturbed by radio emissions, when used as intended.

The main objectives of the directives are to regulate the compatibility of equipment regarding EMC:

• equipment (apparatus and fixed installations) needs to comply with EMC requirements when it is placed on the market and/or taken into service
• the application of good engineering practice is required for fixed installations, with the possibility that competent authorities of EU countries may impose measures in instances of non-compliance.
  
  

 Before placing your electrical equipment on the market you, the manufacturer, must ensure that it has been designed and manufactured in accordance with the safety objectives of the Directive.

Manufacturers of EEE are required to:

• Compile the Technical Documentation (TD)
• Test product to applicable “harmonised standards” (EN)
• Issue the Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
• Affix the CE mark onto the product
  
  

Manufacturers are allowed to “self-certify” under certain conditions and involvement of a Notified Body (NoBo) remains voluntary under this Directive. It is however recommended for tests to ENs to be carried out in accredited (ILAC) testing facilities.

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