Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU

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.

The EMC Directive limits electromagnetic emissions from equipment in order to ensure that, when used as intended, such equipment does not disturb radio and telecommunication, as well as other equipment. The Directive also governs the immunity of such equipment to interference and seeks to ensure that this equipment is not disturbed by radio emissions, when used as intended.

The main objectives of the Directives are 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
• the application of good engineering practice is required for fixed installations, with the possibility that competent authorities of Member States may impose measures in instances of non-compliance.
• The electromagnetic disturbance generated by the apparatus does not exceed a level specified in harmonised EMC Standards. This level is that above which radio and telecommunications equipment or other equipment may not be able to operate as intended.
• It has a level of immunity to the electromagnetic disturbance to be expected in its intended use, which allows it to operate without unacceptable degradation of its specified performance.