Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is a fundamental requirement for measuring instruments, control devices, and laboratory equipment. Their ability to perform in electromagnetically complex environments, without being affected by external disturbances or causing interference to other devices, is essential to ensure the reliability of collected data and the safety of operations.
Achieving this level of performance requires strict adherence to established technical standards. Among the most important references is IEC 61326-1, which defines the EMC requirements for measuring instruments, control equipment, and laboratory devices.
The IEC 61326-1 Standard
IEC 61326-1 sets out the requirements that measuring instruments must meet, including:
- Limiting both radiated and conducted emissions, to prevent interference with other devices.
- Ensuring high immunity to phenomena such as electrostatic discharges, electromagnetic fields, fast transients, and surges.
The standard differentiates requirements according to the operational environment, identifying three main categories:
- Controlled laboratory conditions
- Industrial environments
- Outdoor environments
This classification directly affects the emission limits and the severity of the immunity tests, making it crucial to define the intended environment of use from the early stages of product design.
Compliance with these requirements is essential for obtaining:
- CE marking under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU
- CB certification, facilitating international market access through the IECEE CB Scheme.
EMC Testing for Measuring Instruments
The tests required by IEC 61326-1 include:
Electromagnetic emission tests:
- Conducted emissions, disturbances transmitted through power supply cables
- Radiated emissions, disturbances transmitted through the air
Electromagnetic immunity tests:
- Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
- Radiated electromagnetic fields (RF)
- Electrical fast transients (burst)
- Surges (overvoltages)
- Voltage dips, short interruptions, and voltage variations
These tests are carried out in controlled environments, such as semi-anechoic chambers, to ensure maximum measurement accuracy and repeatability.
The Value of CB Certification
Obtaining a CB Test Certificate based on IEC 61326-1 offers several key advantages:
- International recognition of the test results
- Faster approval for national certifications such as CE (Europe), UKCA (United Kingdom), FCC (USA), and others
- Easier access to new markets without the need to repeat testing
Our Support for EMC Compliance
Ensuring EMC compliance for your measuring instruments requires technical expertise, appropriate infrastructure, and reliable support at every stage of the project.
We offer:
- Certified facilities: our semi-anechoic chamber and measurement equipment, compliant with international standards, ensure precise, repeatable, and recognised testing.
- Specialised expertise: Our team has extensive experience in managing electromagnetic compatibility for measuring, control, and laboratory equipment, including devices intended for industrial and critical applications, in accordance with IEC 61326-1:2020 (immunity, radiated and conducted emissions).
- Comprehensive support: we assist you throughout every stage, from pre-compliance to official testing and the issuance of the CB Test Report / IECEE Certificate. We also provide support in drafting the technical file required for CE marking.
- Speed and efficiency: we provide immediate test scheduling and fast turnaround times, helping you meet development deadlines and market entry targets.
Contact us using the form at the bottom of the page to request more information or to schedule a testing session with our EMC specialists.
