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.

Standards

The EMC Directive includes a list of harmonized standards that, if followed, shall help importers and manufacturers to comply with the technical requirements set out by the directive. . Below we list some harmonized standards for your reference.

EN 61000 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

EN 61000 represents one of the most important EN standards harmonized under the EMC Directive, as it contains specifications for electromagnetic compatibility of electrical and electronic systems, including the following:

Emission standards

Immunity

Installation

Testing

Measurement techniques

EN 61547 – Equipment for general lighting purposes – EMC immunity requirements

EN 61547 lays out the electromagnetic immunity requirements for lighting equipment, including lamps and modules. The requirements of this standard follow the ones of standard EN 61000-6-1, for both domestic and industrial environments.

EN 55014 – Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements for household appliances, electric tools, and similar apparatus

EN 55014 applies to most household appliances that contain motors (eg. refrigerators, dishwashers).

This standard specifies the immunity requirements in the frequency range from 0 Hz to 400 GHz, conducted and radiated electromagnetic disturbances, and electrostatic discharges.