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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Conformance
Products displaying the CE mark are in conformity with European Community Council Directive of 15 Dec 2004 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility, 2004/108/EC. It was manufactured in conformity with a national standard that implements a harmonized standard: EN
Introduction
All electrical equipment generates small amounts of electromagnetic emission. Electrical emission may be transmitted through power lines or radiated through space, similar to a radio transmitter. When emissions are received by other equipment, electrical interference may result. Electrical emissions may affect many kinds of electrical equipment; other nearby welding equipment, radio and TV reception, numerical controlled machines, telephone systems, computers, etc. Be aware that interference may result and extra precautions may be required when a welding power source is used in a domestic establishment.
Installation and Use
The user is responsible for installing and using the welding equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If electromagnetic disturbances are detected then it shall be the responsibility of the user of the welding equipment to resolve the situation with the technical assistance of the manufacturer. In some cases this remedial action may be as simple as earthing (grounding) the welding circuit, see Note. In other cases it could involve construction of an electromagnetic screen enclosing the power source and the work com- plete with associated input filters. In all cases electromagnetic disturbances must be reduced to the point where they are no longer troublesome.
Note: The welding circuit may or may not be earthed for safety reasons according to national codes. Changing the earthing arrangements should only be authorized by a person who is competent to access whether the changes will increase the risk of injury, e.g., by allowing parallel welding current return paths which may damage the earth circuits of other equip- ment.
Assessment of Area
Before installing welding equipment the user shall make an assessment of potential electromagnetic prob- lems in the surrounding area. The following shall be taken into account:
a)other supply cables, control cables, signaling and telephone cables; above, below and adjacent to the welding equipment;
b)radio and television transmitters and receivers;
c)computer and other control equipment;
d)safety critical equipment, e.g., guarding of industrial equipment;
e)the health of the people around, e.g., the use of pacemakers and hearing aids;
f)equipment used for calibration or measurement
g)the immunity of other equipment in the environment. The user shall ensure that other equipment being used in the environment is compatible. This may require additional protection measures;
h)the time of day that welding or other activities are to be carried out.