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MG.30.A7.02 - VLT
®
is a registered Danfoss trademark
EMC installation
The purpose of CE-labelling is to avoid
technical obstacles to trade within EFTA
and the EU. The EU has introduced the
CE-label as a simple way of showing
whether a product complies with the
relevant EU directives. The CE-label says
nothing about the quality or specifications
of a product. Three EU directives relate to
frequency converters:
The machine directive (89/392/EEC)
All machines with critical, moving parts are
comprised by the machine directive which
came into force on 1 January 1995. Since
a frequency converter is largely electrical
by function, it does not fall under the
machine directive. However, if a frequency
converter is supplied for use in a machine,
we provide information about the safety
aspects relating to the frequency con-
verter. We do that by means of a manufac-
turer’s declaration.
The low-voltage directive (73/23/EEC)
Frequency converters must be CE-labelled
in accordance with the low-voltage direc-
tive, which will come into force on
1 January 1997.
This directive applies to all electrical
equipment and appliances used in the
voltage range of 50-1000 VAC and 75-
1500 VDC.
The EMC directive (89/336/EEC)
EMC is short for electromagnetic compat-
ibility. The presence of electromagnetic
compatibility means that the mutual
interference between different compo-
nents/appliances is so small that the
functioning of the appliances is not af-
fected. The EMC directive comes into
force on 1 January 1996. The directive
distinguishes between components,
appliances, systems and installations.
The EU “Guidelines on the Application of
Council Directive 89/336/EEC” outline four
typical situations of using a frequency
converter. For each of these situations,
explanations are offered as to whether the
situation in question is covered by the
EMC directive and must be CE-labelled.
1.
The frequency converter is sold direct
to the end-user. This applies for exam-
ple if the frequency converter is sold to
a DIY-market. The end-user is not an
expert. He installs the frequency
converter himself, e.g. for controlling a
hobby machine or a domestic appli-
ance. This frequency converter must
be CE-labelled in accordance with the
EMC directive.
2.
The frequency converter is intended for
use in a complete product. It is sold
e.g. to a professional machine builder
who has the technical knowledge it
takes to install the frequency converter
correctly. The frequency converter
need not be CE-labelled in accordance
with the EMC directive. Instead, the
frequency converter manufacturer must
be provide detailed guidelines on how
to carry out an EMC-correct installa-
tion.
3.
The frequency converter is intended for
use in an installation built up on the site
of use by a professional. This could be
e.g. a complete installation for manu-
facturing purposes or for the genera-
tion of heat/ventilation. The installation
is planned and made by a professional
installation builder. The complete
system is not to be CE-labelled in
accordance with the EMC directive.
The system must comply with the basic
requirements contained in the directive.
This is ensured by using components,
appliances and systems which are CE-
labelled in accordance with the EMC
directive.
4.
The frequency converter is sold as part
of a complete system, such as an air-
conditioning system. The complete
system must be CE-labelled in accord-
ance with the EMC directive.
What is CE-labelling?
