D.L.S.
Electronic Systems, Inc. has added a new full-automated, state-of-the-art,
semi anechoic 3-meter chamber to its Wheeling, IL testing facility. This
chamber, listed with the FCC, allows for a streamlined measurement process,
at frequencies that excced 1 GHz. More products currently have clock/crystal
frequencies >108 MHz, and the FCC requires these frequencies to be tested
beyond the former 1 GHz limit. D.L.S. offers global compliance programs
for EMC and Product Safety, providing a one-stop shop.
May
31 , 2007
HHA Safety Standard 60335-1's new EMC requirements
significantly increase severity of immunity testing.
A
recent amendment to the IEC/EN 60335-1 Standard, which covers household
and similar appliances, added EMC requirements to this safety standard.
These requirements apply to electrical appliances which incorporate protective
electronic circuits, those which have a switch with an off position obtained
by electronic disconnection and those with a switch that can electronically
be placed in a stand-by mode. The new requirement significantly increases
the IEC 61000-4-x severity levels mandated in the EMC standard EN 55014-2.
Some of these requirements became mandatory on October 1, 2006, while the
rest are currently scheduled to become mandatory on October 1, 2007. For
more information, go to www.dlsemc.com/1005.
These
new requirements were added to address the increased use of electronically
controlled switching in these types of products. This type of switching
has a potential to be interfered with which may cause inadvertent operation,
and related safety hazards.
The new requirements significantly increase
the IEC 61000-4-x severity levels mandated in the EMC Standard EN 55014-2.
As an example, products without protective/standby electronic switches
are required to meet EN 61000-4-5 Surge levels of:
+ 1kV Differential Mode (line-to-line)
+ 2kV Common Mode (line-to-ground)
For products with these electronic switches,
the levels are increased considerably to:
+ 2kV Differential Mode (line-to-line)
+ 4kV Common Mode (line-to-ground)
In addition to the surge test example
above, there are many other immunity tests affected, including radiated
susceptibility and ESD.
Since there is no grandfather provision,
manufacturers of household and similar appliances should have their products
evaluated, and potentially tested, immediately. This will assure they
are prepared for the new IEC/EN 60335-1 EMC mandates becoming mandatory
in October 1, 2007. For more information call Steve Grimes at 847-537-6400.
