Choosing the Right EMC Standard Before You start!
- Francesco Poderico
- Aug 6
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Any electronic product must be compliant with the appropriate EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) therefore the designer engineer should select the right EMC standard right at the beginning. This increases your chances that your product will pass EMC testing and be legally placed on the market in regions like the UK, EU, and US.
Different product types require different standards - and the earlier you identify which ones apply to your product, the more efficient your development process will be. Using this guide, you can determine which product category your product belongs to.
The following are common product categories and what they cover:
Radio (EMC)
Products with built-in radios, like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile communications, must meet specific EMC requirements to ensure they don’t interfere with other wireless devices.
Radio (Verification)
In addition to EMC, this applies to radio performance. You should perform this test when you don't use a prequalified module. Design phases this way are usually expensive, but if you're doing high volume, it's probably the best method.
Mains Harmonics
Covers how your product affects the quality of power on the mains supply. Products drawing power in a “choppy” or non-linear way can distort the mains and need to be tested against harmonics limits.
Flicker
Looks at short-term variations in current draw that can cause visible flicker in lighting systems. Standards here protect against annoying or even harmful lighting disturbances.
Multimedia
Includes TVs, audio equipment, PCs, monitors, and similar devices.
Generic
For products that don't clearly fit into a specific standard. There are separate generic standards for residential and industrial environments. A good starting point if no product-specific standard applies.
Laboratory
Applies to lab instruments and test equipment. Covers EMC for precision equipment often used in controlled environments.
Lift
Standards for elevator (lift) control systems and motor drives. Ensures the electronics used in lifts operate reliably and safely under electromagnetic interference.
Alarm & accessory systems
Applies to security alarm systems (intruder alarms, fire alarms, etc.). EMC compliance ensures they continue to function correctly even in the presence of interference.
Hearing Aids
Ensures hearing aids are not affected by nearby electronic devices and also do not cause interference to other systems.
Medical
Strict EMC requirements for medical equipment to prevent malfunction that could endanger patient safety. These standards are more rigorous than for general devices.
Household
Applies to typical domestic appliances: vacuum cleaners, washing machines, kettles, etc. Ensures that everyday appliances don’t interfere with each other.
Railway
EMC standards for equipment used on trains or near railway infrastructure. Covers emissions and immunity to ensure train systems operate safely.
Lighting Luminaires
Covers EMC for lamps, LEDs, and their drivers or ballasts. Ensures lighting does not cause radio interference or get affected by other sources.
Alarm Gases & Automatic Burners
For gas detection systems and automated burners (like in boilers). EMC standards ensure these safety-critical devices work correctly in the presence of electrical noise.
Automotive
Applies to electronics used in vehicles, including engine control units, infotainment, and safety systems. Automotive EMC is a specialised area due to the harsh electrical environment.
ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical)
e.g. if you are designing product that needs to be used in one of any of the above industries/
Electricity Metering Equipment
Includes smart meters and electricity usage monitors. Standards ensure they communicate reliably and are not affected by household interference.
Arc Welding
Welding equipment generates strong electromagnetic fields. EMC standards in this category ensure these emissions are controlled and safe.
Traffic Signal
Applies to roadside electronics like traffic lights and signs. Ensures they remain visible and functional in high-interference environments.
Maritime
EMC requirements for ships, boat electronics, and communications. Maritime environments have unique challenges due to large metal structures and strong RF sources.
PowerDrive
Covers motor drives and variable speed drives. These can produce a lot of electrical noise, so strict EMC controls are needed.
Switchgear – Proximity Switches
For industrial control systems like contactors, relays, and proximity sensors. EMC testing ensures accurate and safe switching under noisy conditions.
RCD (Residual Current Devices)
Applies to protective devices that trip on leakage current. They must not be falsely triggered by EMC interference and must also not cause emissions themselves.
Low Voltage Power Supply
External and internal power supplies (AC-DC and DC-DC converters). EMC standards control emissions and immunity, especially important for switch-mode power supplies.
Basic Immunity Standa
Emission Basic Standard
These define the base methods for measuring radiated and conducted emissions. Used when a full product standard refers to them, or in custom testing setups.
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