A Beginners Guide to EMC Compliancy

What is EMC compliancy?

EMC (ElectroMagnetic Compatibility) testing is the process in which electrical devices are tested to ensure they do not emit a large amount of electromagnetic interference. These interferences are known as radiated and conducted emissions, and there are tests to prove the quality of both.

This is to establish that any device used or manufactured by us functions as expected around other electromagnetic phenomena, and vice versa.

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006 set out the regulations and standards to which electromagnetic equipment must be held.

This is to be certain electromagnetic disturbance does not reach levels that would prevent telecommunications, radio and other equipment from working properly, and to cement the equipment’s immunity from these effects also.

Why is EMC Testing Important?

Untested electromagnetic equipment can interfere with navigational equipment.

This could have dangerous implications to your craft whilst at sea, on a small-scale interfering with the ultrasound frequencies of fish finders, and on a larger scale affecting the radar, compass and transmissions on military sea craft.

Similarly, untested equipment can itself be affected by other equipment.

All the Hy-ProDrive marine pumps we manufacture are tested to the EMC Navigational standard  BS EN 60945:2002 (DC) for radiated and conducted emissions.

Radiated Emissions Testing

Radiated emissions testing measures the electromagnetic field strength of any unintentionally generated emissions. The overall purpose of radiated emissions testing is to measure the susceptibility of your device to surrounding electromagnetic interference.

So how to EMC labs test this? The device will be placed in a ‘semi-anechoic chamber’, or a shielded metal room, with an antenna directed at it.

This reduces the force of background radio signals, making it easier for the antenna to pick up the signals coming from your product in comparison to background emissions which are kept at a minimum.

This increases the chances of the final readings being considered quantifiable and accurate data.

Conducted Emissions Testing

Conducted emissions testing measures not the emissions the device itself creates, but rather the electromagnetic energy conducted out of the device, such as along any connecting cables like power, signal or data cables.

To reduce the amount of interference a device can have on a power supply, the emission levels are measured to ensure they comply with the limits specified by regulatory bodies.

The interference range tested is typically anywhere between 9kHz to 1GHz.

A LISN (Line Impedance Stabilization Network) will be placed between the equipment under test and a power source to isolate the radio frequency signals from the power source. It will also measure the radio frequency from the device.

Hy-ProDrive Pumps For Marine Autopilots

Hy-ProDrive Pumps (reversing and constant running) and combined actuator units will not affect electronic navigational equipment and will not be affected by other electrical devices.

Our products have undergone rigorous testing to EN 60945:2002 by an approved test house to verify their safety and compliance with UK and EU laws. Why not browse our selection?