I I I . E M I / R F I
Are all electric mobility vehicles susceptible to EMI/RFI?
Each make and model differs in its ability to resist EMI/RFI. Each electric mobility vehicle has a particular level of immunity to EMI/RFI. This immunity is measured in volts per meter (V/m).Ahigher immunity level offers greater protection. In other words, a power chair with a high immunity level is less likely to be affected by a strong radio source than one with a low immunity level.
What is the FDA doing about the problem?
The FDA has written to electric mobility vehicle manufacturers and requested that they test their new products to be sure that they provide a reasonable degree of immunity against EMI/RFI. The letter states that electric mobility vehicles should have an immunity level of at least 20 V/m. This provides a reasonable degree of protection against the common sources of EMI/RFI.
The FDA has also requested or recommended that:
νElectric mobility vehicle manufacturers clearly label new products with their immunity level, or state that the immunity level is not known.
νThe labeling or informational material supplied with new electric mobility vehicles must explain what the immunity level means and warn users about the possibility of EMI/RFI and how to avoid it.
νElectric mobility vehicle manufacturers undertake an educational program to inform users and their caregiv- ers about the problems associated with EMI/RFI and about the actions they can take to minimize the risk of EMI/RFI.
νWhile there is no exact way to tell if your electric mobility vehicle is totally safe from EMI/RFI, an immunity level of 20 V/m is generally achievable and useful. Your Jet 2 has been tested and passed at an immunity level of 20 V/m.
What can I do to find out if my power chair is likely to be affected by EMI/RFI?
If you have owned your power chair for a long time and have not experienced unintended motion, it is unlikely that you will have problems in the future. However, it is always possible that problems could arise if your power chair is close to a source of radio waves. Therefore, it is very important to be alert to this possibility. Your power chair meets or exceeds an immunity level of at least 20 V/m.
What can I do to reduce the risk that my power chair could be affected by EMI/RFI? Here are some precautions you can take:
νDo not turn on or use
νBe aware of nearby transmitters such as radio or TV stations and
νBe aware that adding accessories and/or components or modifying the power chair may make it more susceptible to interference from radio wave sources.
What should I do if my power chair moves unexpectedly?
If unintended motion or brake release occurs, turn the power chair off as soon as it is safe to do so. Call Pride at
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