Standardization

When planning market entry, it is essential to identify the organization responsible for setting EMC standards in the target sales areas. The most well-known organizations involved in setting EMC standards include the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which specify international EMC standards, the International Special Committee on Radio Interference (CISPR), which is subcommittee of the IEC focused on radio-frequency interferences, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which sets EMC regulations for devices sold within the United States, and the European Union, whose EMC directive requires that the product meets the specific standards needed to carry out the CE mark and to be sold within the EU.

Types of equipment covered by EMC standards

EMC standards categorize equipment based on their operational environments, with each type of equipment subject to specific EMC requirements that consider its usage context, potential sources of interference, and the criticality of its functions.

The primary categories of equipment include consumer electronics, industrial and manufacturing equipment, medical devices, automotive and transportation equipment, IT and telecommunications equipment, aerospace and defense equipment, lighting and LED products, and household appliances. Based on the operational environment, EMC standards specify the appropriate tests and limits applicable to each product category.

Steps for ensuring EMC compliance

Achieving EMC compliance is not always a straightforward process. Attaining full compliance for an EMC device requires several steps, starting from the design phase and progressing through testing and certification. A well-prepared EMC test plan reduces risks and helps to go through the entire process.

The first step is to identify the relevant standards for the product. Following this, it is essential to select an accredited test lab capable of performing the specified tests. Accredited test labs provide detailed test reports, including all relevant information of the tests and the product’s compliance with specific standards. Once certified, the product can be labeled with compliance marks and allowed for legal sale and distribution in the specified regions.

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