European EMC requirements

[Oaklander]

I'm sure there are people familiar with European EMC requirements. I need some advice.
I have developed a product which is almost ready for market. I just need to meet the EMC requirements.
The device consists of a main unit, hand controller, junction box and a power supply. According to the EMC directive it seems to be an apparatus since it is a single functional unit intended for the end user.
However, it will be tailored for each application with required cable lengths etc. but the main components are always the same. Therefore it might be a device intended for specific installation.

How do I know whether it is an apparatus or a device intended for specific installation?
In case it is an apparatus and needs testing, how is this kind of system tested? The parts of the system have no specific locations relative to each other but are located however the end user has placed them.

[Giaime]

Hi, in those cases you agree with the test lab / certification body for a "typical" system installation, they might ask you which is the theoretically "worst case" installation from EMC point of view, so be prepared to know well your system, discuss with them with schematics/block diagrams at hand.

[jkostb]

I don't think that your product falls under category specific installation. These usually apply to large fixed installation which can't be easily moved to other location. In your case you first have to determine if your product falls under product specific standards (i.e. medical device directive , If not then your product falls under the EMC directive and in that case EN61000 is applicable. Your product has to pass emission (radiated and conducted) and immunity (radiated, EFT, ESD, Surge, voltage dips etc etc) tests. The cable length also determines which tests are applicable or not! In Europe EMC is based on self certification i.e. you need only to perform the EMC tests/measurements at a certified lab. The report is then sufficient proof that your product meets the EMC directive

[Oaklander]

I remember reading somewhere that if the highest clock speed in the device is under some limit value, no radiated emission measurement is needed. Now I can’t find that claim anywhere.

Is that true?

My device would almost certainly work just fine with a ridiculously low clock speed. Would any clock speed be so low that it would be almost certain to pass the requirements?

[jfiresto]

I remember reading somewhere that if the highest clock speed in the device is under some limit value, no radiated emission measurement is needed....

Yes, 9 khz.

[Oaklander]

I remember reading somewhere that if the highest clock speed in the device is under some limit value, no radiated emission measurement is needed....

Yes, 9 khz.

It seems that the limit is a misinterpretation of the EMC directive guide. See comments on that post.
Also, information about the 9 kHz limit can be found nowhere else than the EMC Fast Pass web page.

[nuno]

I think I remember seeing 9KHz but for the American regulations...
Anyways, that means 9KHz clock with 100ps raise time is exempt?....

[jfiresto]

You are right, Oaklander, and thank you: I had not been paying attention. The EMC Fast Pass web page is not the only one still listing the 9 khz exemption.

I see the lower limit was eliminated with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) of 2014. See the Guide for the EMCD (Directive 2014/30/EU), section 1.4.2.1 Radio equipment, and change 2 listed in annex 4.

[Gyro]

I think I remember seeing 9KHz but for the American regulations...
Anyways, that means 9KHz clock with 100ps raise time is exempt?....

No, unfortunately that would mean that you were radiating at RF (with a 9kHz repetition rate).

[nuno]

I think I remember seeing 9KHz but for the American regulations...
Anyways, that means 9KHz clock with 100ps raise time is exempt?....

No, unfortunately that would mean that you were radiating at RF (with a 9kHz repetition rate).

Exactly my point.