EMC Testing for European CE Compliance
Radiometrics Midwest Corporation provides electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to help manufacturers demonstrate compliance with European Union requirements for CE marking.
Our A2LA-accredited EMC laboratory in Romeoville, Illinois, provides emissions and immunity testing for electronic and electrical equipment intended for European and international markets.
Radiometrics has provided EMC testing and engineering services since 1983. Our experienced EMC engineers can assist manufacturers in identifying applicable EMC requirements, developing an appropriate test program, performing the required testing, and resolving EMC problems encountered during product evaluation.
European EMC compliance typically requires evaluation of both electromagnetic emissions and immunity. Radiometrics provides CISPR / EN emissions testing and IEC 61000-4 immunity testing, allowing manufacturers to coordinate both portions of an EMC compliance program through one laboratory.
CE Mark EMC Testing
CISPR / EN EMC Emissions Testing
IEC 61000-4 EMC Immunity Testing
IEC 61000-4 EMC Immunity Testing
The IEC 61000-4 series contains basic electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity test methods referenced by many European and international product and generic EMC standards.
Radiometrics performs a broad range of IEC 61000-4 immunity testing, including the following:
Select the IEC 61000-4 EMC Immunity Testing section above for detailed information about Radiometrics’ immunity testing capabilities and individual IEC 61000-4 test methods.
IEC 61000-4-2 — Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Immunity
IEC 61000-4-2 evaluates the ability of electronic and electrical equipment to withstand electrostatic discharge (ESD) events that can occur when a person or charged object contacts or approaches the equipment.
Radiometrics performs contact discharge, air discharge, and indirect discharge testing as required by the applicable product standard and test plan.
IEC 61000-4-3 — Radiated RF Electromagnetic Field Immunity
IEC 61000-4-3 evaluates the ability of electronic and electrical equipment to operate correctly when exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields.
Radiometrics performs controlled radiated RF immunity testing using characterized EMC test environments over the frequency ranges and field strengths required by the applicable product standard or customer test plan.
IEC 61000-4-4 — Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity
IEC 61000-4-4 evaluates equipment immunity to repetitive fast electrical transients associated with switching inductive loads, relay contacts, and other switching events.
Radiometrics performs electrical fast transient/burst (EFT) testing on applicable AC and DC power connections and signal, control, and communication ports as required by the applicable standard.
IEC 61000-4-5 — Surge Immunity
IEC 61000-4-5 evaluates the ability of electronic and electrical equipment to withstand high-energy electrical surges associated with switching events, lightning-related disturbances, and other transient conditions.
Radiometrics performs surge immunity testing on applicable power and interconnection ports using the test levels and coupling methods specified by the applicable product standard or test plan.
IEC 61000-4-6 — Conducted RF Immunity
IEC 61000-4-6 evaluates equipment immunity to radio-frequency disturbances coupled onto power, signal, and control cables.
Radiometrics performs conducted RF immunity testing using calibrated RF injection methods appropriate for the equipment and cable configuration, over the frequency ranges and test levels required by the applicable standard.
IEC 61000-4-8 — Power Frequency Magnetic Field Immunity
IEC 61000-4-8 evaluates the ability of electronic and electrical equipment to operate correctly when exposed to power-frequency magnetic fields, such as those associated with electrical power systems, transformers, motors, and other current-carrying equipment.
Radiometrics performs power-frequency magnetic field immunity testing at the test levels required by the applicable product standard or customer test plan.
IEC 61000-4-11 — Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Voltage Variations
IEC 61000-4-11 evaluates how AC-powered equipment responds to voltage dips, short interruptions, and voltage variations that can occur on the AC power supply.
Radiometrics performs controlled voltage dip and interruption testing to determine whether equipment continues to operate or recovers as required by the applicable product standard and specified performance criteria.
Product-Specific European EMC Standards
In addition to the IEC 61000-4 basic immunity test methods, Radiometrics performs EMC testing to a variety of European product-specific standards. These standards define the emissions and immunity requirements applicable to particular types of equipment.
Radiometrics’ testing capabilities include requirements associated with the following standards:
- EN 12184 — Electrically powered wheelchairs, scooters and their chargers
- EN 50130 — EMC immunity requirements for components of fire, intruder and social alarm systems
- EN 50199 — EMC requirements for arc welding equipment
- EN 55014-2 — EMC immunity requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus
- EN 60601-1-2 — EMC requirements for medical electrical equipment
- EN 61326-1 — EMC requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use
- EN 300 386 — EMC requirements for telecommunications network equipment
European EMC Emissions Testing
Radiometrics provides CISPR and EN emissions testing for European CE compliance, including radiated and conducted emissions testing for applicable product standards and equipment classifications.
CISPR / EN EMC Emissions Testing
European EMC compliance frequently requires emissions testing in addition to immunity testing. Radiometrics performs radiated and conducted emissions measurements for electronic and electrical equipment to applicable European and international EMC standards.
Our emissions testing capabilities include requirements associated with CISPR and EN standards for industrial, scientific, medical, commercial, information technology, and other electronic equipment.
- EN 55011 / CISPR 11 — Industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment
- EN 55032 / CISPR 32 — Multimedia equipment emissions
- EN 61000-6-3 — Generic emissions standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
- EN 61000-6-4 — Generic emissions standard for industrial environments
Harmonic Current and Voltage Fluctuation Testing
Radiometrics also performs power-line disturbance testing applicable to many products intended for the European market, including:
- EN 61000-3-2 — Limits for harmonic current emissions
- EN 61000-3-3 — Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker
Generic European EMC Standards
When a product does not have a specific EMC product or product-family standard, a generic EMC standard may be applicable based on the environment in which the equipment is intended to operate.
Radiometrics performs testing associated with the following generic European EMC standards:
- EN 61000-6-1 — Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
- EN 61000-6-2 — Immunity for industrial environments
- EN 61000-6-3 — Emissions for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
- EN 61000-6-4 — Emissions for industrial environments
How the IEC 61000-4 Tests Are Used
The IEC 61000-4 standards define the methods used to perform individual EMC immunity tests. The applicable product, product-family, or generic EMC standard determines which tests are required, the test severity levels, and the performance criteria the equipment must meet.
For example, a product subject to an industrial immunity standard may require several IEC 61000-4 tests, such as electrostatic discharge, radiated RF immunity, electrical fast transient/burst, surge, conducted RF immunity, and voltage dips and interruptions.
Not every product requires every IEC 61000-4 test. Radiometrics can review the applicable standard or customer test specification to help determine the appropriate EMC test program.
Which European EMC Requirements Apply to My Product?
Determining the applicable EMC requirements depends on the type of product, its intended use, operating environment, power source, interfaces, and intended markets.
If you already have an applicable EN, IEC, CISPR, or product-specific standard, Radiometrics can review the requirements and develop an appropriate test program.
If you are uncertain which EMC requirements apply, provide us with a description of the product, its intended use, and the markets in which it will be sold. Our engineering staff can help identify the applicable EMC testing requirements and the information needed to prepare a quotation.
Pre-Compliance Testing and EMC Troubleshooting
EMC problems discovered during final compliance testing can delay product introduction and result in costly redesigns. Radiometrics provides pre-compliance testing that allows manufacturers to evaluate emissions and immunity performance before beginning a formal compliance test program.
If a product experiences an emissions or immunity problem during testing, our experienced EMC engineers can work with your engineering team to help identify the source of the problem, evaluate potential corrective measures, and retest the product as changes are made.
For products requiring European EMC compliance, see our CE Mark EMC Testing capabilities for information about applicable emissions and immunity testing, including IEC / EN 61326 requirements.
Request a European EMC / CE Testing Quote
To request a quotation, send Radiometrics the applicable standard or customer specification when available, along with a description of the equipment, power requirements, external cables, operating modes, required peripherals, and any special monitoring requirements.
If you do not have a complete EMC test plan, contact Radiometrics. We can review your product information and help determine the testing requirements needed for your application.
Radiometrics Midwest Corporation has provided EMC testing and engineering services since 1983 from our laboratory in Romeoville, Illinois.
CE / European EMC Compliance Quote Request – Radiometrics Midwest Corporation
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