EMC Directives in the EU

EMC Directives in the EU

EMC guidelines The EMC directive for the EU passed in 1989 was used to achieve a harmonization of the regulations for electromagnetic compatibility for technical products in EU countries. The EMC directive was adopted in each EU country as a national EMC regulation.

Requirements The EMC directive requires that the devices function properly in the electromagnetic environment without causing electromagnetic disturbances which would could disturb the functions of other devices in this environment.

Harmonized Standards The requirements for protection are met if the devices follow the corresponding harmonized European standards.

Validity

The EMC regulation is valid for devices which can cause electromagnetic disturbances or which can be influenced by such disturbances. This includes all electrical and electronic devices and systems with electrical or electronic components. It defines the conditions of such devices for  sales,  distribution and  operation.

What are the corresponding European standards? Harmonized standards are standards that use the information published by the European community as the source. The term "corresponding" means that the standards provide information concerning the EMC requirements in general or specially for the product type being used.