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If you’re an electronics manufacturer, you’re likely familiar with the IEC standards for electrical devices. These standards set minimum performance requirements for the safety, performance, compatibility and other aspects of electrical devices.
IEC 61000-4-8 is one such IEC standard. This standard addresses the immunity of devices to magnetic disturbances at power frequencies of 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
Complying with IEC 61000-4-8 is an important part not just of demonstrating that your product offers reliability and functionality in normal operating conditions, but also accessing numerous major markets.
As specialists in IEC compliance, our team can help you carry out lab testing and ensure your device is compliant with IEC 61000-4-8 and other IEC standards
To learn more about IEC 61000-4-8 compliance, or to request a quote for testing your product, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287. You can also find out more about IEC 61000-4-8, including the standard’s scope, affected devices and how to achieve compliance, below.
What is IEC 61000-4-8?
IEC 61000-4-8 is a standard from the International Electrotechnical Commission, or IEC. As one of several parts of IEC 61000, IEC 61000-4-8 is focused specifically on the immunity of devices to magnetic disturbances that occur at power frequencies of 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
A variety of factors can cause or contribute to magnetic disturbances:
- Power lines and cables, which can generate a magnetic field when alternating current runs through them at 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
- Electrical equipment such as motors and transformers, which may generate magnetic fields while operating.
- Household appliances and industrial equipment, which may cause significant magnetic disturbances if they require a high current draw.
When magnetic fields are produced at 50 Hz and 60 Hz, they can have an impact on electrical equipment. The induced currents may cause incorrect readings in measurement equipment, or cause electrical devices to not function properly.
This can cause significant problems for industrial machines, consumer electronics and medical devices that are relied on for accurate reading and continuous function.
In some cases, magnetic disturbances may cause data corruption and data loss in computers and other devices that store and process data.
IEC 61000-4-8 testing involves exposing your device to magnetic disturbances to evaluate its performance and measure its level of immunity, ensuring it can continue to function normally if exposed to magnetic fields.
How to Achieve IEC 61000-4-8 Compliance
Assess the Standard’s Requirements
During the design phase of your product, make sure you’re familiar with IEC 61000-4-8 and the standard’s requirements. This information is available from the IEC, or you can contact our team to discuss IEC 61000-4-8, its requirements, and its applicability for your device.
Perform IEC 61000-4-8 Testing
IEC 61000-4-8 testing involves subjecting your device to power frequency magnetic fields and measuring its immunity. This involves using a magnetic field generator — typically a coil or loop — to produce a magnetic field in the proximity of your device.
Using specialized equipment, our team will observe your device’s function during exposure to magnetic fields while documenting the test conditions to ensure it complies with the standard.
As specialists in IEC testing, we provide a full analysis of your device’s performance and help you achieve compliance for your product.
If your device fails testing, it may be necessary to add shielding, make changes to the device design, or make other modifications to improve immunity. Our engineering team can help you with modifying your device to achieve compliance in the event that your device fails testing.
Contact Us About IEC Compliance for Your Device
Achieving IEC 61000-4-8 compliance demonstrates that your device has suitable immunity to magnetic disturbances. It’s an important indicator of your device’s quality and reliability, and in some regions, a key part of achieving market access.
As specialists in electrical device testing and compliance, we can help you carry out testing to achieve IEC 61000-4-8 compliance for your product.
For more information about IEC standards, to request a quote for your device, or to talk to our engineers, contact us online or call us on 866-540-5287.
