EMC Fact Sheet 09

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					                    FACT SHEET NO. 9

             Electromagnetic Compatibility
The Minister responsible for Telecommunications, by means of
the Telecommunications Unit is accountable for this policy,
which ensures that different telecommunication equipment can
operate in the same surroundings without causing interference.
In view of the large number of electronic systems in every aspect
of our daily lives, there inevitably comes the problem of

This Fact Sheet aims to explain EMC in a straightforward
question and answer manner.

Question: What is Electromagnetic Compatibility?

Answer:   Electromagnetic Compatibility, which is often
          shortened to EMC, refers to the capability of any
          electronic piece of equipment, or any installation
          containing electrical or electronic parts, to operate
          adequately without causing interference to other
          devices in the same surroundings. For instance:
          listening to the news on the radio whilst shaving using
          an electric razor should not pose a problem.

Question: Why do we need EMC?

Answer:   If EMC design practices are maintained by both the
          radio and the razor manufacturers, then using an
          electric razor, while listening to the radio should not
          pose any problems.          Furthermore, most global
          governmental policies disallow electronic devices from
          producing or being vulnerable to, Electro-Magnetic

Question: How do suppliers       meet    the   terms   of   EMC

Answer:   EMC can be handled in two ways: before the product is
          shipped (designing for EMC) or after the product has
          been sold to the public. To comply with regulations, it
          is essential for the product to be compliant before it
          reaches the market place. Nevertheless, sometimes
          even the "best" designs are not sufficient, and require
          some modification to ensure a completely finished and
          compliant product. This is the "ART" aspect of EMC.

Question: What are the main components of EMC?

Answer:   There are three main components of EMC;

             these are [unwarranted] Emissions,
             [inappropriate] Susceptibility
             and the [unintended] Path between them.

          The arcing of the electric razor's motor brushes arcing
          is a case of unwarranted Emissions and the radio's
          picking up the noise through the Path(s) (power line,
          and/or through the air), is the unnecessary

Question: What are the offenders we are trying to keep under

Answer:   EMI - Electro-Magnetic Interference
          RFI - Radio Frequency Interference
          TVI - Television Interference

          EMI is an electrical disturbance in a system due to
          natural phenomena, low-frequency waves from
          electromechanical devices or high-frequency waves
          (RFI) from chips and other electronic devices. Radiated
          EMI is most often measured in the frequency range
          from 30 Megahertz (MHz) to 10 GigaHertz (GHz).
          Emission sources include clocks, clock lines, data lines
          and switching power supplies. Conducted EMI is most
          often measured in the frequency range of several
          kilohertz (kHz) to 30 MHz. Emission sources include
          power supplies (switching), power rails, motors, relays.

          RFI can be defined as high-frequency electromagnetic
          waves that emanate from electronic devices such as
          chips and other electronic devices.

          TVI is high-frequency electromagnetic waves that
          emanate from electronic devices causing Interference
          to Television Reception.

Question: What are the EMC requirements?

Answer:   To ensure EMC compliance, four basic requirements
          must be satisfied:-

          (1) Establishing sound technical grounds for product
          (2) Making and holding a declaration of conformity;
          (3) Preparing and keeping compliance records;
          (4) Labeling the products as directed.

Question: Are there any EMC exemptions?

Answer:   The EMC requirements do not apply to the following:-

          (a) Telecommunication equipment which is intended for

          (b) Telecommunication equipment for use in a sealed
              electromagnetic environment so long as it is
              accompanied by instructions to that effect.

          (c) Radio-communication equipment which is covered
              by a different set of standards and compliance
              arrangements administered by the Ministry.

          (d) Equipment with a power consumption that does not
              go beyond six nanowatts or 6nW (1 nanawatt = one
              billionth of a watt).

          (e) A spare part intended for use in replacing parts of a

          (f) Military equipment of weapons systems of the
              Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Regional Security
              System (RSS) or the Royal Barbados Police Force

          (g) A prototype for demonstration or exhibition
              purposes, tests, or educational equipment

Question: Where can I find information on EMC Standards?

Answer:   A list of standards applicable to the USA can be found
          on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
          website at www.fcc.gov. A further list dealing with
          Commercial/Industrial can be found on the Institute of
          Electrical    and   electronics   (IEEE)   website   at

Question: What are the penalties for violation of EMC
          regulations under Section 23 Part XIV of the
          Telecommunications Act 2001-36?

Answer:   The penalties may include:-

          (a) Prohibiting the supply of        products   until   an
              interference problem is solved

          (b) Seizure and forfeiture of the stocks

          (c) Fines

Question: What is the effective date of implementation?

Answer:   The mandatory emission requirement as specified by
          the    Barbados     Policy      on     Electromagnetic
          Compatibility will become effective 1st April, 2005. A
          one-year grace period is given from 1st April, 2004.

Further information is contained in the Barbados
Policy on Electromagnetic Compatibility.

                 Issued by
Minister responsible for Telecommunications

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