Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a fundamental aspect of the design and market placement of household appliances and domestic-use equipment. In addition to functional safety, devices must be able to operate correctly in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances and must not generate interference that could compromise the operation of other equipment.
To ensure these requirements are met, compliance with specific international technical standards is essential. Among the most relevant are IEC 60335-1, for electrical appliance safety, and CISPR 14-1, for electromagnetic emissions. In this article, we examine the regulatory framework, required specifications, and testing needed to ensure EMC compliance of household appliances.
IEC 60335-1: General Safety of Electrical Appliances
IEC 60335-1 is the global reference standard for the safety of electrical appliances intended for domestic or similar use, powered by alternating current up to 250 V for single-phase appliances and up to 480 V for three-phase appliances.
The standard covers aspects such as:
Protection against electric shock
Mechanical and thermal resistance
Overheating and temperature control
Compatibility with integrated electronic components
Labelling requirements and technical documentation
Although IEC 60335-1 does not directly address electromagnetic emissions, it states that appliances must not cause unacceptable interference and refers to other specific EMC standards such as CISPR 14-1.
CISPR 14-1: Electromagnetic Emissions from Household Appliances
CISPR 14-1 is the reference standard for assessing conducted and radiated emissions generated by:
Household appliances
Power tools
Motor-operated equipment
Similar devices used in domestic environments
The emissions considered include:
Conducted emissions on power supply lines (cable-transmitted interference)
Radiated emissions (airborne-transmitted interference)
The standard sets strict emission limits, defined according to the type of appliance, supply voltage, and usage environment. Tests must be carried out in controlled environments such as anechoic or semi-anechoic chambers equipped with instrumentation that complies with the standard’s requirements.
CISPR 14-2: Immunity to External Interference
CISPR 14-2 complements CISPR 14-1 and defines the minimum immunity requirements to external electromagnetic interference. The tests focus on the ability of the appliance to:
Operate correctly in the presence of electrostatic discharges (ESD)
Withstand fast electrical transients (bursts) and voltage surges (surges)
Function without disruptions in the presence of radiated electromagnetic fields
These tests are often required in EU countries as part of the conformity assessment under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
Global Compliance: CB Certification and International Marks
For manufacturers aiming to access global markets, compliance with IEC 60335-1 and CISPR standards is a fundamental requirement. Through the IECEE CB Scheme, it is possible to obtain an internationally recognized test report, facilitating the certification process across member countries.
CB certification simplifies the path to obtaining marks such as:
CE (Europe)
UKCA (United Kingdom)
CCC (China)
PSE (Japan)
NOM (Mexico)
and many others
Our Support for EMC Compliance of Household Appliances
With extensive experience in testing and certification, we offer a comprehensive service for verifying the EMC compliance of domestic and similar equipment, including:
Emissions and immunity testing according to CISPR 14-1 and 14-2
CB certification and assistance for international market access
Technical consulting during the design phase to minimize non-compliance risks
Documentation support for CE marking and preparation of the Technical File
Electromagnetic compatibility is not optional — it is an essential requirement for the safe and legal commercialization of household appliances. Compliance with IEC 60335-1, CISPR 14-1, and CISPR 14-2 standards ensures product quality, prevents certification delays, and enables seamless access to major global markets.
Contact us via the form at the bottom of the page for personalized consulting or to schedule a testing session with our EMC specialists.
