What is EMC meaning?

EMC is called “Electromagnetic Compatibility”.

According to EMC instruction,it means the ability of a device to operate normally in an electromagnetic environment without causing intolerable interference to other devices.

Electromagnetic compatibility issues must be taken into account during the planning phase of equipment and systems. 

This includes defining EMC zones, determining which types of cables to use and how these cables should be routed, and providing filters and other interference suppression measures where appropriate.

1. EU norms

EU norms are published in the Official Journal of the European Union and must be incorporated into the national legislation of the EU member states to promote free trade and the movement of goods within the European Economic Area.

Two EU standards have been published for variable speed low voltage drive systems:

• Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC (Legal regulations of the EU member states on electrical equipment)

• EMC Directive 2004/108/EC (Legal regulations of the EU member states on electromagnetic compatibility)

2. CE

The CE marking is a declaration of conformity for all EC norms to be implemented. The responsibility for obtaining the CE marking lies with the equipment manufacturer or system integrator. A prerequisite for the CE marking is the manufacturer's self-confirmation (or declaration) that the device in question complies with all applicable European standards. This declaration (factory certificate, manufacturer's declaration or declaration of conformity) must include only the standards listed in the Official Journal of the European Union.

3. EMC norms

All electrical or electronic equipment and systems that may cause electromagnetic interference or whose operation may be affected by this interference must comply with the provisions of the EMC norms.

Compliance with EMC specifications can be certified by relevant EMC standards, so product standards take precedence over general standards.

4. EMC product standard EN 61800-3

The inverter is applicable to the EMC product standard EN 61800-3 for variable speed electric drive systems (Power Drive Systems, PDS for short). This standard not only applies to the inverter itself, but also involves a complete variable speed drive system, which includes motors and additional equipment in addition to the inverter.

Installation and power drive system (PDS) defined according to EMC product standard EN 61800-3

The EMC product standard uses the following terms:

• PDS = Power Drive System (complete drive system including inverter, motor and additional equipment)

• CDM = Complete Drive Module (complete inverter equipment, such as Siemens G150 inverter cabinet)

• BDM = Basic Drive Module (such as Siemens G130 inverter device)

Depending on the installation location, a distinction is made between the "first" and "second" environments.

In the "first" environment (i.e. the domestic environment), the permissible interference levels are lower. Therefore, devices designed for use in the "first" environment must have low interference emissions. But at the same time, they only require relatively low interference immunity.

In the "second" environment (i.e. the industrial area), the permissible interference levels are higher. Devices designed for use in the "second" environment are allowed to have relatively high levels of interference emissions, but they also require a high level of interference immunity.

EN 61800-3 defines four different categories C1 to C4 depending on the installation location and output current of the variable speed drive:

• C1

Drive systems with rated voltage < 1000 V for unrestricted use in the "first" environment.

• C2

Drive systems with rated voltage < 1000 V for use in fixed locations in the "second" environment. The drive system may be used in the "first" environment if it is installed and used by qualified professionals. The warnings and installation information provided by the manufacturer must be observed.

• C3

Rated voltage <1000V, unrestricted drive system used in the "second" environment.

• C4

Rated voltage ≥1000V or rated current ≥400A, drive system for complex systems in the "second" environment.