FAQ

Q1. What is EMC testing?

EMC testing measures the electromagnetic waves (radio frequency) from a product and the effect of other products that emit electromagnetic waves (radio frequencies in the environment) on the product.

Q2. What kinds of tests are done?

There are two basic kinds of EMC tests. Immunity testing and Emission Testing

Q3. What is Immunity testing?

In these kinds of tests, we measure the effect of electromagnetic waves from other sources on the performance of a product.

Q4. What is emission testing?

Emission testing measures the electromagnetic from a product. A product can be classified as unintentional radiator (generating radio frequency as a by product of normal operation-like a tv or a computer) or an intentional radiator (where a device is meant to generate a radio frequency  like a cell phone or a radio).

Q5. How do various international markets differ in their EMC laws and regulartions?

USA

Emissions: Most electrical and electronic devices that are used or sold in the USA must meet specified limits for electromagnetic emissions. As the number of devices proliferate, it is becoming important for manufacturers both from a marketing and performance point of view to distinguish their products and to ensure their optimal performance. Especially for non-intentional radiators such as personal computers that are used in industrial environments certifying the level of emissions by a third party can give a strategic advantage in addition to meeting the CFR 47 requirements. With regards to domestic environments, standards for  intentional radiators or non-intentional radiators may require manufacturers to follow procedures for certification, type acceptance, notification or registration under FCC. Immunity: Even though US lags behind in terms of immunity requirements, U.S, but U.S manufacturers or exporters to U.S may want to add voluntary testing to ensure product performance. Standards Followed in the USA: The governing body in the USA is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). FCC provides rules and standards under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 47. Standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) define most of the operating conditions for emission testing.

Canada

Emissions: In Canada, all electrical and electronic equipment are required to operate within specified limits for electromagnetic emissions. Similar to USA non-intentional radiators are subject to self-certification by the manufacturer or by a lab appointed by the manufacturer. After testing, a report is prepared and a bilingual notice (French or English) or label is included in the user’s manual or inserted in the carton, indicating compliance to Class A (non-domestic) or Class B (domestic low-voltage) requirements. The manufacturer or importer must keep a copy of the report or test record on file for five years, and must be prepared to show it to Industry Canada upon request. Intentional radiators and receivers (including telecommunications devices) must be formally certified by an accredited testing organization. Immunity: As in the U.S., electromagnetic immunity is not a mandatory requirement for devices sold in Canada. However, a growing number of manufacturers and importers are opting for this testing because it can lead to improved product performance and greater acceptance in the marketplace. The governing body is Industry Canada.

Europe

In the European Union (EU), electrical and electronic devices must meet specified limits for both emissions and immunity.  The requirements are documented in EU directives. Each member country is required to restrict the sale and transport of goods that do not comply with the directives. Standards Followed in Europe: EU directives and standards referenced in the directives are published in the Official Journal of the European Communities. The role of the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) is to ensure that EMC requirements and other electrotechnical standards are harmonized among member countries.