EMC 2014/30/EU

Electromagnetic Compatibility

The EMC directive (Electromagnetic Compatibility) 2014/30/EU aims to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment operates correctly without disturbing other equipment - and without being adversely affected by electromagnetic fields. All electrical products within the EU, from machine controls and PLC systems to sensors, frequency converters, and robots, are covered.

Pedagogical Overview - The Basics of EMC

1. What is electromagnetic compatibility?

Electromagnetic compatibility means that the equipment:

• Does not disturb other electronics (limited emissions)

• Tolerates disturbances from the environment (sufficient immunity)

In short: Your machine must not disturb - and it must not be disturbed.

2. Who does the EMC directive apply to?

The directive applies to all electrical products that can cause or be affected by electromagnetic disturbances, for example:

• Industrial robots

• Multi-axis control systems

• Frequency converters

• Operator panels

• Communication modules

Exceptions: products covered by specific directives (e.g., vehicles, aircraft, radio).

3. CE marking according to EMC

To CE mark according to EMC, the manufacturer must demonstrate that the product:

1. Meets the essential requirements in Article 5:

   • Electromagnetic disturbances must not exceed permitted levels.

   • The product should have sufficient immunity to disturbances.

2. Has performed relevant testing according to harmonized standards.

3. Has established technical documentation with test protocols.

4. Has issued EU declaration of conformity

Examples of standards:

• EN 61000-6-2: Immunity in industrial environments

• EN 61000-6-4: Emission in industrial environments

• EN 55011: Industrial, scientific and medical products

4. Documentation Requirements

The technical file should include:

• Product description

• Schematic of electrical circuits

• EMC test protocols (laboratory results)

• Risk assessment of EMC-related hazards

• EU declaration of conformity

5. Example - Frequency Converter in a Machine

A frequency converter controls an electric motor in a production line. If it is not properly filtered, it can cause:

• Disturbances in nearby sensors (incorrect signals)

• Radio disturbances in other equipment

• Overheating or downtime

Solutions:

• Shielded cables (reduce emissions)

• Filters on the power supply

• Grounding and EMI filters

• EMC testing in complete machine configuration

Good practice: Test the entire system - not just components. The EMC requirements apply to the final product.

Technical Overview - EMC for Industry Professionals

Article 2: Definitions

• Emission: Electromagnetic energy emitted by a product.

• Immunity: The ability to withstand the influence of electromagnetic disturbances.

• Apparatus: Complete product intended for end-users.

Fixed installation: Combination of apparatus permanently mounted (e.g. machine line).

Note: Even "partially completed machines" with electrical components are included if they can be put into operation separately.

Articles 7-9: Responsibilities of the Manufacturer and Importer

The manufacturer shall:

• Perform conformity assessment according to Annex II.

• Document test results, component choices, and protective measures.

• Label the equipment with the CE symbol.

The importer shall:

• Check that documentation exists.

• Ensure correct labeling and storage.

Testing Methodology and Measurement

EMC testing is conducted in shielded chambers or in laboratories with standardized test equipment.

Two main parts:

1. Emission tests: measure disturbances the product emits.

   • Conducted emission (150 kHz - 30 MHz)

   • Radiated emission (30 MHz - 1 GHz)

2. Immunity tests: measure how the product reacts to external disturbances.

   • Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

   • Fast transients

   • Radiated RF

Reference: EN 61000 series (parts -4-2 to -4-6) specify detailed test procedures.

EMC in Machine Integration

When multiple CE-marked products are combined into a system, the following applies:

• You are responsible for the overall EMC performance

• Each component may be approved, but the combination must be tested again.

• Use risk analysis and measurement to demonstrate that the machine operates within limits.

Consequences of Noncompliance with EMC

• Operational disturbances and production losses

• CE marking becomes invalid

• Market surveillance can halt sales

• Liability for accidents caused by improper control

Example: A control system in a sawmill was stopped in 2022 when radio transmission from a mobile mast caused unexpected emergency stops - the system lacked sufficient EMC immunity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Testing only components - not the entire machine.

• Lack of documented measurement results.

• No follow-up after software changes.

• Using long unshielded cables.

• Underrating the importance of grounding.

Remember: EMC is both electrical design and installation practice - not just testing.

FAQ EMC 2014/30/EU

1. What does EMC stand for?
   Answer: Electromagnetic compatibility - the ability to function without creating or being affected by electromagnetic disturbances.

   
   

2. Must all products be EMC tested?
   Answer: Yes, if they contain electrical or electronic components. Testing can be based on calculations, simulations, or laboratory measurements.

   
   

3. Is a component certificate sufficient?
   Answer: No, the entire machine must meet EMC requirements as a whole.

   
   

4. What happens if EMC requirements are not met?
   Answer: The CE marking becomes invalid and market surveillance can require a sales stop.