All electric devices or installations influence each other when interconnected or close to each other. 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 main objective of the EMC Directive is 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;
- Good engineering practice is required for fixed installations, with the possibility for the competent authorities of Member States to impose measures if non-compliance is established.
In February 2014, the European Parliament and Council issued a new Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive aligned to the New Legislative Framework. This new Directive will be applicable from 20th April 2016.
Main changes
Some of the more significant changes in the recast relate to the operations of Notified Bodies and other practices that may not immediately impact manufacturers. Annex VII in the new Directive provides a helpful correlation table that relates requirements in 2004/108/EC to 2014/30/EC.
For the most part, compliance with the new directive 2014/30/EC will not significantly impact conformity assessment. The essential requirements listed in Annex I of the directive remain the same as before and continue to be stated in very general terms. The requirements limit electromagnetic emissions to a level that will not affect telecommunications or other equipment and require products to have immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.
The essential requirements become more clearly defined by way of specific technical details in harmonized EN standards. Just as before, these standards when applied in full provide the “presumption of conformity” with the directive and represent the primary form of due diligence for access to European markets.
List of EMC harmonised standards
Having provided European Authorized Representative and EU Regulations advisory services for over 26 years, Obelis has the necessary expertise and professional experience to guide you through the requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
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