In-Situ EMC Testing

Misunderstanding the requirements of the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) could result in non-compliance. Ensuring that your machinery meets the necessary electromagnetic compatibility standards is critical to avoiding market restrictions and ensuring safe, reliable operation. In-situ EMC testing may be the most effective way to ensure compliance.

The Compliance Challenge for Large Machinery

The EMC Directive governs electromagnetic emissions and immunity for all electrical equipment in the EU. Large machinery, particularly equipment intended for fixed installations, falls under specific requirements. A common misconception is that machinery built for a specific location may be exempt from a full CE marking assessment. However, this assumption can lead to non-compliance and potential fines. Understanding when a full CE assessment is needed is crucial. In-situ EMC testing plays a vital role in such cases.

Misconceptions About Exemptions for Fixed Installations

It is often assumed that large machinery designed for a single, permanent location in the EU does not require full CE marking under the EMC Directive. However, this is not always the case. Any machine that can be sold, delivered, or installed at multiple locations is required to undergo full CE marking. Even if a machine is built for a specific site, unless it is part of a fixed installation, full compliance must be demonstrated. This is where In-situ EMC testing can help.

For equipment that is integral to a fixed installation, the CE marking may not apply to the individual machine, but the entire installation must still follow good engineering practices to ensure that emissions and immunity levels remain within acceptable limits. In-situ EMC testing ensures this compliance.

Technical Requirements for Large Machinery

For machinery intended for fixed installations, manufacturers must ensure that good engineering practices are followed, and the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) guidelines set by the manufacturer are adhered to. These practices help guarantee that the installation does not cause interference to surrounding equipment and is immune to external electromagnetic disturbances. In-situ EMC testing provides real-time, accurate results for complex environments.

On the other hand, if the machine is capable of being used in various locations, a full CE marking assessment is required. This involves testing emissions and immunity under real-world conditions. In some cases, due to the size and complexity of the machine, on-site EMC testing may be necessary instead of conventional laboratory testing. In-situ EMC testing can be used to verify compliance when standard lab testing is impractical.

Examples of EMC Compliance in Practice

Consider large industrial machines like wind turbine control systems or automated production lines. If these machines are permanently integrated into a site-specific installation, they may not require full CE marking. However, if the equipment is sold and delivered to different sites, it must be fully tested for electromagnetic compliance before it can be placed on the market. In-situ EMC testing can streamline this process.

Additionally, In-situ EMC testing becomes critical for large machinery that cannot be transported to a lab. On-site EMC testing ensures compliance with the EMC Directive in the actual installation environment. Standards such as EN 61000-6-1 and EN 61000-6-2 provide guidelines for testing in industrial environments.

A Practical Approach: On-Site Testing

Many assume that large, stationary machines are exempt from EMC testing, but this is not the case. On-site EMC testing offers a solution for machines that cannot be easily moved to a testing facility. Testing emissions and immunity allows for real-world assessment while ensuring compliance with the EMC Directive. In-situ EMC testing is essential for large-scale machinery installations.

Intertek’s In-situ EMC teams are fully equipped to support your on-site EMC testing needs with a complete suite of advanced EMC/EMI testing equipment. Whether you require in-situ EMC testing or other tailored compliance solutions, our teams are ready to meet your needs quickly and professionally.

Partner with Intertek for EMC Compliance

Intertek provides comprehensive solutions for ensuring that your large machinery meets EMC Directive requirements. Our services include:

• In-situ EMC testing for large and complex machinery
• Support in navigating the CE marking process
• On-site EMC testing tailored to your machinery’s unique requirements

Contact Us Today

Ensure your large machinery complies with the EMC Directive. Contact Intertek to understand the regulations and learn how to prepare for the on-site EMC assessment. Let us help you navigate the complexities of EMC for large machinery and fixed installations.