Glossary · Electrical engineering and control panels
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Also known as: EMC
German: Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (EMV)
In electrical engineering, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is the ability of equipment or a system to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to other equipment in that environment.
- Control panels
- Standards
In one sentence
EMC is the ability of equipment to work in its electromagnetic environment without disturbing other equipment.
Example
After the frequency converter was installed without a shielded motor cable, the neighboring analog signals became noisy; a correct EMC installation solved the problem.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Engineering: EMC covers emission (disturbances a device sends out) and immunity (resistance to disturbances). Generic and product standards in the IEC 61000 series and product-family standards define limits and tests. Cabinet design uses zoning, Shielding, filters and short, low-impedance grounding.
- Compliance: In the EU, the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU applies to most electrical equipment, and harmonized standards give presumption of conformity; for fixed installations, good engineering practice must be documented. Meeting EMC standards doesn't cover other requirements such as machine safety.
- Documentation: Installation manuals must describe EMC-relevant installation (cable types, shield connection, filters, separation distances), because a compliant device can cause problems when installed incorrectly.
EMC vs. electrical safety
EMC concerns interference between devices. Electrical safety concerns protection of people from electric shock and fire. Both have separate standards and separate sections in documentation.