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IEC 61326-1 EMC Compliance TestingIEC 61326 EMC Testing Electrical Equipment for RF Laboratory Use

IEC 61326-1 determines electrical equipment immunity and emission test requirements. As a leader in electromagnetic compatibility, EMC, regulatory compliance testing, Keystone Compliance assists electronic equipment manufacturers with EMC testing. Meeting the IEC, EN, and other EMC testing requirements can be challenging. Not only do we understand the challenges, but we help guide companies through the process.

Keystone takes pride in providing the peace of mind that all of your unintentional radiator testing needs will be met. Additionally, we tailor each test plan to individual customer needs minimizing unnecessary costs and over-testing. 

Request a quote to see why we are one of the fastest-growing EMC testing labs in the country. Contact us to discuss your product and how we can assist you in achieving IEC 61362 radio equipment certifications.

Summary of IEC 61326 Electrical Equipment for Laboratory Use

IEC 61326 specifies the minimum requirements for immunity and emissions. This is only with regards to electromagnetic compatibility for electrical equipment. The EMC electrical equipment must operate from a supply of less than 1,000 V a.c. It may also operate from a supply less than 1,500 V d.c. or from the circuit being measured. This includes RF test lab equipment and computing devices for:

  • Measurement and test
  • Control
  • Laboratory use
  • Accessories intended for use with the above. Also, intended to be used in industrial and non-industrial locations

Computing devices, assemblies, and similar equipment within the scope of information technology equipment and complying with applicable standards can also be used without additional testing.

This RF compliance standard applies to three main types of equipment:

  • Equipment for use in industrial locations.
  • Equipment for use in laboratories or test and measurement areas with a controlled electromagnetic environment.
  • Test and measurement equipment that is portable and powered by a battery or from the circuit being measured.

Scope of IEC Testing Capabilities of Electrical Laboratory Equipment

Equipment and systems within this scope can be subjected to various kinds of electromagnetic disturbances. These disturbances can be conducted by power, measurement, or control lines, or radiated from the environment. The types and levels of disturbances depend on the particular conditions in which the equipment is installed and operated.

Equipment and individual devices are sources of electromagnetic disturbances over a wide frequency range. These are conducted through the power and signal lines. They may even be directly radiated. The disruptions affect or influence the performance of other equipment.

Specific requirements are needed for the immunity and emission portion of this EMC test.

Unintentional Radiator EMC Immunity Testing Requirements

For input/output circuits where the manufacturer specifies that shielded cables must be used, the conducted immunity requirements are omitted within the frequency range of 150 kHz to 80 MHz. This is also true for cables that are located on conductive cable trays or in conduits.

Dedicated protection earth ports are tested as a.c. power ports. Functional earth connections are tested as I/O-ports. If higher levels or tests of other phenomena under system aspects are necessary, the immunity is increased. Mitigating measures in the installation can also be applied.

Performance criteria are grouped into four different categories.

Criteria A: is conducted as normal performance within the specification limits.

Criteria B: during testing, temporary degradation, or loss of function or performance which is self recovering.

Criteria C: during testing, temporary degradation, or loss of functionality or performance which requires operator intervention.

Criteria D: degradation or loss of function which is not recoverable. This is due to damage to equipment, components, software, or to loss of data.

IEC 61326 EMC/EMI Testing

Unintentional Radiator EMC Emission Testing Requirements

Measurements are made in the operating mode by the EMC test plan.

Emission limits include values for class A equipment and class B equipment. These include the frequency ranges of class A equipment between 30 and 230 MHz and 230 to 1000 MHz. Class B equipment ranges in the same frequency. However class B equipment limits range from 30 to 37 dB rather than 40 to 47 dB.

Expert IEC 61326-1 RF Device Testing

Keystone Compliance can accommodate fixed, mobile and portable devices of all sizes. In addition to IEC 61326 testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including environmental and package testing such as temperature, vibration, and accelerated aging.  Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling.

Request a quote to find out for yourself about the Keystone difference. For more information on why so many companies partner with Keystone Compliance, contact us. 

Keystone also conducts related IEC standards such as:

IEC 61326-2-1 – EMC Testing of Unprotected Applications

This IEC standard specifies more detailed test configurations, optional conditions, and performance criteria for equipment. These are used for equipment not being EMC protected for operational and/or functional reasons, as specified by the manufacturer.

IEC 61326-2-2 – EMC Testing of Low-Voltage Distribution Systems

IEC 61326-2-2 specifies more detailed test configurations for equipment used for testing, measuring, or monitoring protective measures in low-voltage distribution systems. It also specifies equipment powered by a battery and/or from the circuit measured.

IEC 61326-2-3 – EMC Testing of Integrated or Remote Signal Conditioning

IEC 61326-2-3:2020 specifies more details for transducers with integrated or remote signal conditioning. This document applies only to transducers characterized by their ability to transform, with the aid of an auxiliary energy source, a non-electric quantity to a process-relevant electrical signal, and to output the signal at one or more PORTS.

IEC 61326-2-6 – EMC Testing of Vitro Diagnostic Medical Equipment

This IEC testing standard specifies the minimum requirements for immunity and emissions regarding electromagnetic compatibility. This is strictly for Vitro diagnostic medical equipment. It also takes into account the particularities and specific aspects of this electrical equipment and its electromagnetic environment.