Sunrise Medical V-521 What is EMI?, What Effect can EMI HAVE?, Sources of EMI, Immunity Level

V . E M I ( E L E C T R O M A G N E T I C I N T E R F E R E N C E )

Heed all warnings to reduce the risk of unintended brake release or chair movement:

1.Beware of the danger from hand-held transceivers. Never turn on or use a hand-held transceiver while power to your chair is on. Use extra care if you believe that such a device may be in use near your chair.

2.Be aware of nearby radio or TV stations, and avoid coming close to them.

3.If unintended movement occurs, turn your chair off as soon as it is safe to do so.

A. WHAT IS EMI?

1.EMI means: electromagnetic (EM) interference (I). EMI comes from radio wave sources such as radio transmitters and transceivers. (A “transceiver” is a device that both sends and receives radio wave signals).

2.There are a number of sources of intense EMI in your daily environment. Some of these are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are not, and you may not be able to avoid them.

3.Powered wheelchairs may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted from sources such as radio stations,TV stations, amateur radio (HAM) transmitters, two way radios, and cellular phones.

4.EMI can also be produced by conducted sources or electro-static discharge (ESD).

B. WHAT EFFECT CAN EMI HAVE?

1.EMI can cause your chair, without warning, to:

•Release its brakes

•Move by itself

•Move in unintended directions

If any of these occurs, it could result in severe injury to you or others.

2.EMI can damage the control system of your chair.This could create a safety hazard, and lead to costly repairs.

C. SOURCES OF EMI

The sources of EMI fall into three broad types:

1.Hand-Held Transceivers:

The antenna is usually mounted directly on the unit.These include:

•Citizens band (CB) radios

•“Walkie-talkies”

•Security, fire and police radios

•Cellular phones

•Lap-top computers with phone or fax

•Other personal communication devices

Note: These devices can transmit signals while they are on, even if not in use.

V . E M I ( E L E C T R O M A G N E T I C I N T E R F E R E N C E )

2.Medium-Range Mobile Transceivers:

These include two-way radios used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and taxi cabs.The antenna is usually mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

3.Long-Range Transceivers:

These include commercial radio and TV broadcast antenna towers and amateur (HAM) radios. Note: The following are not likely to cause EMI problems: Lap-top computers (without phone or fax), Cordless phones,TV sets or AM/FM radios, CD or tape players.

D. DISTANCE FROM THE SOURCE

EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as you get closer to the source. For this reason, EMI from hand-held devices is of special concern. (See C.1 above) A person using one of these devices can bring high levels of EM energy very close to your chair without you knowing it.

E. IMMUNITY LEVEL

1.The level of EMI is measured in volts per meter (V/m). Every power wheel- chair can resist EMI up to a certain level.This is called its “immunity level”.

2.The higher the immunity level, the less the risk of EMI. It is believed that a

20 V/m immunity level will protect the power wheelchair user from the more common sources of radio waves.

3.The configuration tested and found to be immune to at least 20 V/m is Quickie V-521 with a right hand mounted Penny & Giles Pilot integral controller, 18" seat width, 18" seat depth, single post armrests, swing-away hangers and 22NF gel cell batteries.

There is no way to know the effect on EMI if you add accessories or modify this chair. Any change to your chair may increase the risk of EMI. Parts from other suppliers have unknown EMI/RFI properties.

F.REPORT ALL SUSPECTED EMI INCIDENTS

You should promptly report any unintended movement or brake release. Be sure to indicate whether there was a radio wave source near your chair at the time.

Contact: Sunrise Medical Customer Service Department at (800) 333-4000.

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