- The Directive concerns equipment that can cause or be affected by electromagnetic disturbance.
- Apparatus and fixed installations are not treated identically.
- A documented EMC assessment forms part of the technical documentation.
What does the EMC Directive require?
Equipment must be designed and manufactured so that its electromagnetic disturbance does not prevent radio, telecommunications or other equipment from operating as intended. It must also have adequate immunity.
The assessment must consider intended operating conditions and representative configurations. Testing to harmonised standards is often the most practical route, but the strategy remains product-specific.
What belongs in the documentation?
The technical documentation must show how electromagnetic compatibility was assessed and demonstrated. It can include product descriptions, circuit and design information, applied standards, technical reasoning and test reports.
- EMC assessment for representative configurations
- Evidence for emissions and immunity
- Applied standards and any deviations
- Installation and use information relevant to EMC
- EU Declaration of Conformity and CE marking
Apparatus, fixed installation or radio equipment?
The Directive distinguishes apparatus from fixed installations, for which special requirements apply. EMC requirements for radio equipment are covered through the Radio Equipment Directive. Correct classification avoids unsuitable or duplicate procedures.
Sources & legal status
This overview is based exclusively on official legal and public-authority sources.
The applicable legislation cannot be determined from the product name alone. Relevant factors include design, voltage, drive system, radio functions, intended use and the date of placing on the market. This content provides general technical information and does not replace a product-specific assessment or legal advice.