Apparatus
The new EMC Directive 2004/108/EC defines Apparatus and any finished appliance or combination thereof made commercially available as a single functional unit. For apparatus, there is only one route to compliance: self declaration with internal production control. This requires the manufacturer to:
Perform an EMC Assessment
If the manufacturer has not applied Harmonised Standards in full, he must perform an EMC assessment on the basis of the relevant phenomena with a view to meeting the essential requirements.Produce Technical Documentation
All manufacturers must produce Technical Documentation which provides evidence that the apparatus meets the essential requirements. It must cover the design and manufacture of the apparatus.
Provide Additional Information
Additional information concerning type, batch, and serial number for identification of the apparatus is also required.At his discretion, the manufacturer may involve a Notified Body to assess all or part of his Technical Documentation.
Below there is a diagram that illustrates the route to conformance for apparatus.
Mobile Installations
Mobile Installations are also deemed to be apparatus in the new Directive. A mobile installation is defined as a combination of apparatus and, where applicable, other devices, intended to be moved and operated in a range of locations (e.g. Rolling Stock).Rolling stock tends to have unique power supply characteristics and low frequency emissions can interfere with signalling. Furthermore, modern rolling stock uses a wealth of communication and control electronics which must perform reliably and safely. Much of this new technology is tried and tested and available as commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment. The drive to use COTS equipment is based on functional performance and price but typically at the expense of a lower EMC performance than that specified for rail use.
Poor EMC management and control can result in operational problems and in extreme cases can have a direct effect on the safety of a rail vehicle.