List of Products Covered by the EMC Directive: An Overview

The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive covers most electronic products sold in the European Union, with some exemptions. In this guide, we list LED displays, kitchen appliances, machines, and other products within the scope of the EMC Directive.

We also list some products classified as inherently benign, meaning that the EMC Directive is not applicable.

What is the EMC Directive?

The EMC Directive limits electromagnetic interference from electronic devices. The purpose of the EMC directive is to prevent electronic products from interfering with other electronic equipment. For example, LED displays and other electronic devices can interfere with radio communication in its vicinity. Further, CE marking is mandatory for all products covered by the EMC Directive.

Lighting Products

Lighting products are often required to be tested with the EMC Directive. The EMC Directive mainly concerns the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical and electronic products, including lighting products. For instance, lighting products that cause influence when placed close to each other, are covered by the EMC Directive.

Lighting products can also cause interference with other electric devices and installations, such as TV sets, washing machines, and other electrical products. As such, it is also covered under the scope of the EMC Directives.

In addition, there are some standards that served as a great reference point for lighting products’ electromagnetic compatibility, such as EN 55015, EN 61000 and EN 61547.

EN standards

• EN 55015 – Methods of measurement of electrical lighting’s radio disturbance
• EN 61000 – Electromagnetic compatibility emission standards
• EN 61547 – Electromagnetic immunity requirements for lighting equipment

Examples

• LED lighting
• Stage lighting
• High bay lighting
• Low bay lighting
• High-intensity discharge lighting

LED Displays

LED displays are commonly used in TVs, computer monitors, and mobile devices’ screens – and large LED advertising displays. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) sources can be identified in the part of the printed circuit board (PCB) and, as such, these products are covered by the EMC Directive.

LED displays shall not exceed the required EMI level and disturb other equipment when placed and used as intended. Further, the application of good engineering practice (e.g. shielding) is required for fixed installations including LED displays under the EMC Directive. –

EN standards

• EN 55022 – Information technology equipment – Radio disturbance characteristics
• EN 61000 – Electromagnetic compatibility emission standards

Examples

• LED Advertising Displays
• LED TVs
• LED Computer Monitor

Kitchen Appliances

The EMC Directive applies to some kitchen appliances containing motors, switches or thermostats that cause disturbances (e.g EMI) to other electrical devices. Therefore, the electromagnetic compatibility of such kitchen appliances must be assessed under the EMC Directive.

For instance, microwave ovens and refrigerators can interfere with radio navigation and TV broadcasting, hence affect the performance of equipment placed nearby.

In addition, EN standards such as EN 55014, 55013, 61000 provides guidance for emissions of kitchen appliances.

EN standards

• EN 1116 – Coordinating sizes for kitchen appliances
• EN 60335 – Specification for safety of the household kitchen appliances

Examples

• Blenders
• Coffee makers
• Dishwashers
• Electric knives
• Fans
• Microwave ovens
• Refrigerators

E-Bikes

Most of the E-bikes’ requirements are covered by EN 15194, and it has been harmonized under the EMC Directive. With that said, the EMC Directive also regulates the EMI of E-bikes that placed in the EU market.

E-bikes are required to keep all electromagnetic side effects under reasonable control and ensure that it does not disturb radio and telecommunication such as a cellphone.

In addition, the EMC Directive also requires an identification label for E-bikes, with information such as type, batch, and serial number.

EN standards

• EN 15194 – E-bike safety standard requirements

Examples

• Pedal-assisted electric bike
• Speed pedelec electric bike
• Throttle electric bike

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are designed with high-frequency impedance and electromagnetic interference, due to the rapidly changing current and voltage. Therefore, lithium batteries must comply with the EMC Directive as it could cause significant disturbance to other electrical devices.

EN standards

• EN 60086-4 – Safety of lithium batteries
• EN 62133 – Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary cells

Examples

• Lithium-ion battery product
• Lithium-ion polymer battery product
• Lithium metal battery product

AC Adapters

The main source of EMI missions in power converters comes from the high switching frequency of voltages. Therefore, AC adapters are also regulated by the EMC Directive, in order to reduce the harm for the electrical system and the electromagnetic compatibility.

Further, AC adapters are almost connected to electrical devices, hence, non-EMC-compliant AC adapters might cause significant electromagnetic disturbances and affect other devices’ performance.

EN standards

• EN 62684 – Interoperability specifications of common external power supply for use with data-enabled mobile telephones
• EN 63002 – Identification and communication interoperability method for external power supplies used with portable computing devices

Examples

• AC adapter for laptops
• AC adapter for mobiles
• AC adapter for home appliances
• AC adapter for printers

Electrical Motors

The EMC Directive also concerns the electromagnetic compatibility of electrical motors, as it can produce EMI to other electrical devices placed nearby, due to its changing currents and voltages.

AC/DC motors are commonly used in many products from toys to electric tools, which cause a certain level of EMI to other devices.

EN standards

• EN 50632 – General requirements for electric motor
• EN 45510 – Guide for the procurement of electrical equipment motors

Examples

• AC brushless motors
• DC brushed motors
• Servo motors
• Stepper motors
• Linear motors
• Reluctance motors
• Universal motors

Products Exempted from the EMC Directive

Meanwhile, the EMC Directive does not apply to certain kinds of electrical products classified as “inherently benign”, assuming they don’t include any active electronic components. Here are some examples:

• Quartz watches
• Cables
• Passive antennas
• Corded speakers or headphones

Additional Resources

1. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

2. List of EMC Directive Testing Companies

3. Electronic Product Regulations in the European Union