Italy 04.10.2004
Electromagnetic
Fields Compliance (EMF)
The purpose of the new European Standard EN 50366:2003 is to
limit the electromagnetic fields produced by electrical household
appliances in order to protect human beings, animals and plants.
As requested by the EU Commission in February 2004 the European
Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) published
a new standard setting requirements for the evaluation and measurement
of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and the related operational
procedures. The new European Standard EN 50366:2003 Household
and similar electrical appliances Electromagnetic Field
Methods for Evaluation and Measurement is listed under the
Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) and will become mandatory
in February 2006.
As a consequence, electrical appliances showing emission levels
higher than the ones allowed by the EFM Standard will not be
in compliance with the Low Voltage Directive and therefore CE
marking will not be possible.
EMF and EMC
EMF should not be confused with EMC or electromagnetic compatibility.
Although EMF emissions are included in the field of electromagnetic
compatibility, they differ in the type of risks they pose. The
risks of electromagnetic fields are the typical risks described
in the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) as radiations, toxicity
and similar dangers whereas EMC deals with the electromagnetic
interferences generated by devices to other devices sharing
the same electromagnetic environment. Some of the effects caused
by EMF are irritation of muscles and nerves, shock, burns, increased
temperature of tissues, insomnia and even cancer.
How to proceed
In order to avoid the last-minute rush before the deadline,
it is advisable to verify the compliance of your products as
soon as possible. You can submit
your samples for testing according to
EN 50336 and the positive testing results will provide the
evidence that your product meets the requirements of
EN 50336.
Manufacturers of electrical appliances all over Europe will
be required to:
- Measure the electromagnetic fields of single types of products
or series
- Depending on results, decide on further measurements or
construction changes
- Draft the Declaration of Conformity for the Low Voltage
Directive based on the results of the measurement
Sicur Control S.r.l., a Division of UL International Italia,
is ready to assist European manufacturers by offering:
- EMF measurement at the Sicur Control laboratory or at the
manufacturers premises
- EMF compliance statement when the test results are within
the allowed limits
- Guidance if the test results are over the limits
Sicur Control will issue a Certificate of Compliance to EN
50336 and the associated technical report following successful
testing results.
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