EMC Directive: apparatus vs. fixed installations – what are the rules of the game?

Picture a modern production plant where several complex machines work in tandem. Suddenly, an unexpected interruption occurs – an inexplicable malfunction…

This could be the results of electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is why testing is essential. So far, so good, right? After all, we are certain that what we are looking at is a “fixed installation”, aren’t we? Well, it’s easy to be mistaken. That is why it is vital to shed some light on the matter.

In these cases (and beyond), the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU stands as a fundamental pillar for ensuring the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of equipment placed on the European market. It aims to protect both the equipment – ensuring it does not generate, nor is it affected by, excessive electromagnetic interference – and the end consumers, by guaranteeing the free movement of compliant products within the European Union.

The directive introduces a crucial distinction between “apparatus” and “fixed “installations“, which carries significant implications for compliance requirements and procedures.

Apparatus

Defined as any finished appliance, or combination thereof, made available on the market as a single functional units. These are intended for the end-user and are liable to generate electromagnetic disturbances or have their performance affected by such disturbances. Most machines, electronic devices and household appliances fail into this category.

Fixed installations

Defined as a particular combination of several types of apparatus and, where applicable, other devices, which are assembled, installed and intended to be used permanently at  predefined location. Typical examples include electrical distribution networks, power plants, railway networks, refineries and certain types of large-scale machinery.

Now that we have clarified the differences, let’s get practical: how do we ensure compliance with the EMC Directive? Which steps must be followed? Naturally, the procedure changes depending on what you are working on:

• Apparatus: for the EMC assessment, a formal verification of conformity is mandatory. This involves creating a technical file that documents compliance with the essential requirements of the Directive. Furthermore, the apparatus must bear the CE marking. The assessment can be based on the application of harmonized EMC standards, a specific EMC evaluation (when harmonized standards are not applied), or a combination of both. In this case, the manufacturer is responsible for drafting the EU Declaration of Conformity.
• Fixed installations: these do not require a Declaration of Conformity or the CE marking for EMC purpose, as they do not benefit from “free movement” within the EU (they are fixed in place). However, an EMC assessment is mandatory. The responsible person must document the correct application of good engineering practices.

There are certain components excluded from the scope of EMC Directive 2014/30/EU:

• Components intended solely for incorporation by a professional assembler, such as internal print units or dedicated power supplies built into PCs or printers by the manufacturer.
• “Inherently benign” components (e.g., induction motors) and “passive” components (e.g., connectors, cables, capacitors, filament lamps), as they are incapable of generating significant interference and are not susceptible to immunity issues.

The EMC Directive 2014/30/EU is an essential tool for guaranteeing the electromagnetic compatibility of equipment and the free movement of products within the European market. A correct understanding and application of the Directive – with particular attention to the distinction between “apparatus” and “fixed installation” – is vital to placing products on the market legally and safely.