Viglen, EMC and the ‘CE’ mark
CE Marking
European standards are being harmonised across borders. If products comply with the
same standards in all European countries, product exporting and importing is made
simple - paving our way to a common market. If you buy a product with a 'CE' mark on it
(shown below), on the box, in the manual, or on the guarantee - it complies with the
currently enforced directive(s).
Introduction to EMC
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) is the term used to describe certain issues with RF
(Radio Frequency) energy. Electrical items should be designed so they do not interfere
with each other through RF emissions. El.g. If you turn on your microwave, your
television shouldn't display interference if both items are CE marked to the EMC
directive.
If emitted RF energy is not kept low, it can interfere with other electrical circuitry - E.g.
Cars Automatic Braking Systems have been known to activate by themselves while in a
strong RF field. As this has obvious repercussions ALL electrical products likely to
cause RF related problems have to be 'CE' marked from 1st January 1996 onwards.
If a product conforms to the EMC directive, not only should its RF emissions be very low,
but its immunity to RF energy (and other types) should be high. The apparatus has to
resist many 'real world' phenomena such as static shocks and mains voltage transients.
