IEC/EN 61000-6-3: Testing & Compliance Guide for Manufacturers

As an electronics manufacturer, navigating the world of industry standards and compliance is as important as it is complex. 

One such industry standard is IEC/EN 61000-6-3. Created by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), this standard specifies electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for electrical devices used in residential environments, such as homes. 

Achieving compliance with IEC/EN 61000-6-3 is important if you manufacture a device used by consumers. Not only is it important for market access in many areas of the world, but it’s also a key indicator of your product’s quality and reliability.

As specialists in electronic device testing and regulatory compliance, our team can help you test your device and achieve IEC/EN compliance. To request a quote or ask a question about this or other standards, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 to speak directly with our team. 

You can also learn more about IEC/EN 61000-6-3 below, including what the standard specifies, why compliance is important, and the steps that you can take to complete testing and achieve certification for your device. 

What is IEC/EN 61000-6-3?

IEC 61000-6-3 is a standard produced by the International Electrotechnical Commission. It’s a part of the IEC 61000 series of industry standards, which establish minimum requirements for the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic devices. 

Electromagnetic compatibility refers to the ability of devices to function in a shared setting with little or no impact from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

One factor that can affect EMC is a device’s electromagnetic emissions — waves that a device may emit through air, power or signal lines. IEC 61000-6-3 establishes limits on emissions for devices to prevent them from affecting other devices within their environment. 

In Europe, IEC 61000-6-3 forms the base of the EN-61000-6-3 standard, which is a major part of European regulations for electrical device compliance. “EN” stands for Europäische Norm — the name for harmonized standards based on those created by the IEC.

Devices Affected By IEC/EN 61000-6-3

IEC 61000-6-3 sets minimum EMC requirements for devices and equipment used in residential, commercial and light industrial settings. These include:

• Consumer appliances, such as microwaves, refrigerators, blenders and other kitchen or home equipment.
  
• Entertainment systems, such as TVs, media players, stereo systems, gaming consoles, and smart devices.
  
• Computers and other IT devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, printers and other computer peripherals.
  
• Personal mobile devices, such as smartphones and cordless phones.
  
• Personal care appliances, such as hairdryers, electric shavers, hair styling equipment and other grooming devices.
  
• Power tools, such as electric saws, drills and domestic/light industrial machinery made for DIY projects.
  
• Office equipment, such as photocopiers, scanners, fax machines, office networking or telecommunications equipment, and other devices used in a commercial setting.
  
• Lighting equipment, including domestic lighting solutions, LED lights, lamps, portable lamps, and other light fixtures.
  
• Security systems and control devices, including residential security alarms, automation systems, thermostats and smoke detectors.

In order to comply with IEC 61000-6-3 and receive certification, these devices need to undergo testing and demonstrate acceptable levels of radiated emissions, conducted emissions, voltage fluctuations and harmonic current emissions. 

The focus of IEC 61000-6-3 is on residential, commercial and light industrial devices. Electrical devices used solely in an industrial or laboratory environment, for example, may not be subject to IEC 61000-6-3 and instead fall under different industry standards for EMC.

Why Compliance With IEC/EN 61000-6-3 is Important

Achieving compliance with IEC/EN 61000-6-3 is important for selling your product in many large markets. The standard is harmonized under the European EMC Directive, making compliance a key step towards selling your product throughout the European Union.

Many other countries also have their own EMC standards that use IEC standards as a reference point, meaning compliance with IEC 61000-6-3 can simplify the process of certifying your device as compliant in these markets.

However, achieving compliance with IEC 61000-6-3 is more than just overcoming a bureaucratic barrier regarding market access. IEC, EN and other standards are viewed by consumers as key indicators of your product’s quality, reliability and your trustworthiness as a brand. 

How to Achieve IEC/EN 61000-6-3 Certification

Understand the Standard and its Requirements

Achieving compliance with IEC/EN 61000-6-3 is significantly easier if you begin designing your device with an understanding of what the standard is and the requirements it sets.

You can access this information by buying a copy of the IEC 61000-3-3 standard, or by talking to an experienced testing and compliance team who can help you with understanding how the standard applies to your planned device.

As specialists in IEC/EN testing and regulatory compliance, our engineering team can explain how the different IEC standards work, as well as what benchmarks you’ll need to aim for while designing and developing your device.

Contact us to discuss IEC 61000-6-3 requirements and the steps that you can take throughout the design process to ensure your device passes testing and achieves certification.

Design With Compliance in Mind

After you understand the requirements of IEC 61000-6-3, design your device with testing and compliance in mind from the beginning of the process.

This may mean choosing specific components, incorporating shielding into the design of your device, or making other design-related changes to ensure your device passes testing and has few or no barriers to achieving certification.

Our engineers and compliance specialists can work with you to ensure your electrical device is designed and manufactured with IEC compliance in mind from the earliest stages.

Conduct IEC Testing and Achieve Certification

In order to achieve IEC certification, you’ll need to have your product professionally tested in an accredited laboratory.

As specialists in EMC testing and IEC/EN compliance, our team can conduct IEC/EN 61000-6-3 testing for your device. This process involves a series of tests to assess your device’s emissions and ensure it complies with the minimum requirements set by the IEC.

In some cases, we may recommend conducting IEC pre-testing during the design phase of your device to ensure it achieves compliance. 

Following testing, a technical file and declaration of conformity is prepared to demonstrate your device complies with IEC/EN 61000-6-3.

In the event that your device fails testing, our engineering team can help you make changes to your product’s design or components to achieve success in subsequent testing. 

Contact Us About IEC/EN 61000-6-3 Testing & Compliance

Achieving compliance with IEC/EN 61000-6-3 is a critical step in bringing your device to market, particularly in the European Union and other markets. 

As specialists in electronic device testing and compliance, our experienced team can help you achieve full compliance with IEC 61000-6-3 and other standards for your device.

To request a quote, ask a question about this or other technical standards, or simply to talk with our team about testing and compliance, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.