ICES-006 RF Testing of AC Wire Carrier Current Devices

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Summary of Wire Carrier Current Unintentional Radiators

The Interference-Causing Equipment Standard (ICES) sets limits and methods of radiated and conducted radio frequency emission produced by AC wire carrier current devices.

AC wire carrier current device is described as a device that transmits radio frequency signals by conduction, over electric power lines. This is used in commercial, business, light industrial and residential buildings.

A line impedance stabilization network (LISN) is used to measure emissions conducted back into the AC power line. The LISN complies with the requirement for the artificial main network at each frequency measurement.

Conducted emissions measurements on the AC mains wires are performed using LISN mentioned above. Measurements for conducted emissions testing are made between each power line and ground, at the power terminal of the EUT. 

On the other hand, radiated emissions are performed while using a measurement receiver. The EUT for radiated emissions is measured in the same orientation as used in actual installations. If the EUT cannot be installed in various orientations, it must comply with the radiated emission limits in all orientations.

Scope of ICES-006 Wire Carrier Current Devices and EMC Compliance Testing

AC wire carrier current devices can be classified into three categories:

• Interference-causing equipment: Where both the exciter (transmitter) and the receiver are connected to the AC wire line and any radiation of RF energy is unintentional. This includes in-house BPL devices. These devices are subject to ICES-006.

• AC wire carrier current devices operating in the AM broadcast band: of 535 – 1705 kHz and intended for AM broadcast receivers. These devices are intentional radiators. As such, they are out of scope of ICES-006 and are instead subject to BETS-1.
• AC wire carrier current devices of the intentional radiator type: Where the exciter is connected to the AC wire line but the receiver is not. These devices are classified as Category I radio apparatus. They are out of scope of ICES-006 and are subject to RSS-210.

Expert EMC and Wire Carrier RF Testing Lab

In addition to ICES 006 testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including environmental and package testing such as vibration, accelerated aging, and cold chain. Keystone Compliance can accommodate fixed, mobile and portable devices of all sizes. Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. 

If you are ready to start your unintentional radiator electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, please request a quote. Have a question about our RF laboratory or EMC compliance services? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.

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