Emc: guide available
March 1st 2007

As you are probably aware, the new EMC Directive – 2004/108/EC – will replace the existing EMC Directive on 20 July 2007.

However, do you know what the main changes will be? To help companies get to grips with the new Directive, REO UK has published a handbook which is available as a free download or can be ordered as a hard copy via the company's website – www.reo.co.uk.

One of the main changes is that the scope of the Directive is more clearly defined and it makes a distinction between two types of equipment – apparatus (a finished appliance made commercially available as a single function unit and intended for the user) and fixed installations (a combination of apparatus and other devices which is installed permanently at a predefined location.

The levels of emissions remain the same as the previous directive and the requirement for immunity to disturbance is slightly relaxed in that the Directive says 'without unacceptable degradation in the intended use'.

However, fixed installations now have to be installed using good EMC engineering practice and with regard to the manufacturer's instructions for intended use.

REO's new handbook focuses on best practices for the design and construction of control panels, with the requirements of the new EMC Directive in mind

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