UK/EU - CE Marking Electronic Device.

[Jason]

Hi,
I'm looking into designing an electronic device, that will contain a brought
in PCB (PC/104), a DC-DC (24-5V) converter and a small break-out PCB to
expose a few inputs.
These devices will be retro-fitted to in-service machines (pre-CE
regulation) and new machines which are sold in Europe.

What CE requirements should I be looking at - The low voltage directive is
covered, but do I need have the unit EMC tested?
This looks a bit of a minefield!

Any advice very welcome!
Jason

 

[CBarn24050]

The low voltage directive is

covered, but do I need have the unit EMC tested?
This looks a bit of a minefield!

You don't need to have it tested for emc but it still needs to comply. A bit of
common sence is usually sufficient unless you are working in some of the more
difficult areas.

 

[Richard Henry]

You don't need to have it tested for emc but it still needs to comply. A bit of
common sence is usually sufficient unless you are working in some of the more
difficult areas.

Penalties for failure to comply are significant.

Good advice is available on the web. For instance:

http://www.cebec.be/leaflets/ceemcdir.html

 

[Terry Given]

Hi,
I'm looking into designing an electronic device, that will contain a brought
in PCB (PC/104), a DC-DC (24-5V) converter and a small break-out PCB to
expose a few inputs.
These devices will be retro-fitted to in-service machines (pre-CE
regulation) and new machines which are sold in Europe.

What CE requirements should I be looking at - The low voltage directive is
covered, but do I need have the unit EMC tested?
This looks a bit of a minefield!

Any advice very welcome!
Jason

You can self-certify to CE, using a Technical Construction Folder - ie have
evidence to back up your claim. Such evidence is going to have to contain
things like creepage/clearance for LVD (easy with SELV , and the
inevitable EMC tests. If you dont use an accredited lab for your tests, but
say have your own (calibrated)agilent EMC analyser & shielded room, allow
another 3dB.

Invariably it is your competitors who will force you to provide your TCF, by
whining to the appropriate authorities, who will then demand to see your
TCF. CE compliance is quite strict, they have the ability to put people in
jail for non-compliance.....the AC motor control company I used to work for
had to have an agent in Europe whose name went on the relevant docs, and he
personally carried the risk of jail. Of course we really did design to, and
meet, all relevant CE standards.

I recently completed a design (600W of smps among other things), the EMC
test for which had to be 30dB below the limits.....alas, I only got 26dB.
For $$ most standards agencies will tell you which standards you need to
meet.

cheers
Terry