Introduction of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU

The EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) regulates Electrical and electronic products with a risk for causing electromagnetic disturbances in their environment. Electrical devices or installations influence each other to comply with the allowed adequate level of electromagnetic compatibility. In this regard, electrical products are tested according to the relevant international standards to verify compliance with the requirements. 

The purpose of the Electromagnetic Directive limits electromagnetic emissions from electrical equipment so that such equipment doesn’t disturb the activity of other equipment. The EMC aims to keep all side effects, appearing when electrical devices are interconnected or close to each other, thus tend to interfere with one another’s performance. For example, interference between TV sets, radios, electrical power lines, and others.

There are two objectives of the EMC Directive:

• All electronic equipment and electrical equipment (whether fixed installations or apparatus) that need to be placed on the EU market must comply with the Directive’s requirements correctly, maintained and utilized for its intended purpose;
• All fixed installations should be described with the use of good engineering practice.

The new EMC Directive 2014/30/EU has a similar scope from 2004/108/EC and covers a vast range of equipment.   

Also, any equipment which is required to confirm this directive includes those which do not work independently and/or are sub-components. For instance, an apparatus can be: 

• Plug-in cards for computers;
• Computer disk drives;
• Programmable logic controllers;
• Electric motors;
• Power supply units if used as autonomous appliances or sold separately for installation by the end-user;
• Electronic temperature controls;
• Mobile installations
• Industrial and power plants;
• Power supply networks;
• Telecommunication, cable TV and computer networks;
• Airport luggage handling installations and airport runway lighting installations;
• Automatic warehouses;
• Skating hall ice rink machinery installations;
• Wind turbine stations;
• Water pumping stations;
• Railway infrastructures;
• Air conditioning installations and many more.

1. Gap analysis

Gap Analysis is key to EMC compliance is to fill the gap analysis in the product design. EMC problems can be prevented by applying EMC compliant requirements and principles and measures such as adding shielding and filters.

2. Identification of Directive:

The EMC Directive 2014/30/EU needs the manufacturer to perform an electromagnetic compatibility assessment of equipment based on electromagnetic phenomena.

3. Identification of harmonized standard if any)

Manufacturers need to review all the Directives and judge the relevant EMC Directive suitable for the product as per standard requirements.

Specifically, they must verify:

• Electromagnetic waves do not generate electromagnetic waves from the equipment that interrupt the performance of the other equipment
• the equipment is immune to electromagnetic emissions from other products.

4. Testing of product

Look for and choose appropriate lab tests to certify your product’s conformity.

Therefore, testing is the only way to determine the best subcontracting the EMC Directive. Testing is performed following European harmonized standards.

5. Developing the Technical Construction File (TCF):

Manufacturers must compile a set of technical documentation for due diligence with the EMC directive. The Technical File will not only contain a test certificate and reports but also describes the production process and shows that it ensures consistent quality.

Product compliance shall be ensured with an importer/distributor or by an authorized representative for the conduct of the internal manufacturing process to comply with the EMC Directive. Thus, this helps in affixing the CE marking for your product.

Measure and penalties for non-conformity with EMC Directives:

First, it should be noted that the European Union enforcement agency or service requires CE marking on the product to get entry into the market. Enforcement of CE Marking legislation violation can result in fines and imprisonment.