Since 2006, EN 61000-6-3 has been the generic European standard for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – setting limits for how much electromagnetic interference (EMI) many electronic devices can emit.
It’s frequently been the default or catch-all standard for products used in residential or commercial environments – whenever more specific legislation does not exist or apply.
Recently, updates were made to EN 61000-6-3 to differentiate between requirements for products used in residential or commercial and light-industrial environments.
As an independent and award-winning UKAS-accredited provider of EMC testing, certification and advisory, we’ve taken a look at what’s changed and why it matters…
What is EN 61000-6-3?
EN 61000-6-3 is the European harmonised generic standard for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emissions.
It’s “harmonised” as it creates an agreed standard across member states of the EU, similarly aligned states (like the UK) and anyone wishing to sell their products within them.
As a “generic” standard, it can be used by manufacturers and test labs whenever there is no specific, dedicated or product-family standard that would otherwise be applicable.
The legislation dictates how much electromagnetic interference (EMI) an electronic device can create. It prevents products unintentionally affecting other devices, particularly radio and communications technology.
The standard was originally applied uniformly across products intended for use in any residential, commercial and light-industrial environments.
It applies to equipment connected to the low-voltage public mains electricity (wall sockets) or a dedicated DC source designed to interface with the mains (a DC power supply).
Under the original framework, all products were required to meet Class B emission limits suitable primarily for residential environments.
What’s changed with EN 61000-6-3 and EN 61000-6-8?
The latest changes to the standard have seen the introduction of differing parameters for the permissible level of emissions, depending on the products intended use.
EN 61000-6-3:2021 now applies only to products intended for residential environments and ensures they meet Class B limits for EMC emissions.
It supersedes previous standards and includes some technical changes, such as more stringent limits for DC power ports and an alternative method for measuring their conducted emissions.
A new standard, EN 61000-6-8:2020, has been introduced for products intended specifically for commercial and light-industrial environments.
This is an important change because it allows commercial and light-industrial products to now be evaluated to lower Class A emission limits, which is more appropriate for those installation conditions.
What impact do changes to EN 61000-6-3 and EN 61000-6-8 have?
If your product was tested and certified to an earlier version of EN 61000-6-3 – but remains in production and available to buy – you may now need to amend your documentation to reference the latest applicable standard.
This is because Class A emission rules are less stringent than Class B.
Class A standards apply to working environments such as factories, offices and industrial or commercial zones. The emissions threshold is higher as commercial and industrial equipment is typically designed to tolerate a higher level of background radio frequency interference without being affected or failing.
As a result, Class A devices are legally required to carry a warning label stating that the equipment is not intended for residential use, as it may cause harmful interference.
Class B standards apply to residential homes, houses and apartments where the general public are likely to be in relatively close proximity. The emissions threshold is low as many homes contain devices which are particularly sensitive to electromagnetic interference – like Wi-Fi routers, televisions and radios.
Compliance with Class B standards is typically signified by standard consumer compliance markings (e.g. CE marks) to show it is safe for home use.
As a result of the change, products for a commercial environment can produce greater emissions than those for domestic use. However, as the legislation has changed, products must reference and comply with the latest harmonised version of the EN 61000-6-8 standard to maintain conformity.
How can ETS help you navigate changes to EN 61000-6-3 and EN 61000-6-8?
To help you address the changes to EN 61000-6-3 and the differences in Class B and Class A emissions thresholds, we offer a gap analysis service to assess the implications for your products.
We can determine the most efficient route to maintain or update your product’s compliance status, by assessing the differences between your current certification and the requirements of the latest standard version.
Powered by the NMi Group, ETS is an independent UKAS-accredited and award-winning provider of EMC testing, certification, advice and troubleshooting for the majority of product types.
To enquire about ETS EMC testing, visit: https://landing.etsemc.co.uk/perfect-partner-emc-testing
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