New EMC Directive explained

A REO product story

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 1, 2007

Handbook aims to help engineers get to grips with the new EMC Directive 2004/108/EC that will replace the existing EMC Directive on 20th July 2007.

To help engineers get to grips with the new EMC Directive 2004/108/EC that will replace the existing EMC Directive on 20th July 2007, REO UK has published a new handbook which is available as a free download or can be ordered in hard copy.

One of the main changes is that the scope of the directive is more clearly defined and it makes a distinction between two types of equipment - apparatus (a finished appliance made commercially available as a single function unit and intended for the end user) and fixed installations (a combination of apparatus and other devices which is installed permanently at a predefined location).

Both types have to be designed and manufactured with regard to the state of the art (regard being the operative word here because it is not possible to define what state of the art is).

The levels of emissions remain the same as the previous directive and the requirement for immunity to disturbance is slightly relaxed in that the directive says without unacceptable degradation in the intended use.

However, fixed installations now have to be installed using good EMC engineering practice and with respect to the manufacturer's instructions for the intended use of their products.

The good EMC engineering practices have to be documented and this information must be held by a responsible person for as long as the fixed installation is in operation.

REO's new handbook, which is the latest addition to the company's library of technical handbooks, focuses on best practices for the design and construction of control panels, with the requirements of new EMC Directive in mind.