Specifying adjustable frequency drives for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) in Industrial Applications by ABB

(A review of EMC standards – and what drives specifiers for global OEMs should recommend)

By Control Engineering Staff August 2, 2006

(A review of EMC standards– and what drives specifiers for global OEMs should recommend)

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is the ability of electrical/electronic equipment to operate in its installation environment while neither causing nor experiencing electromagnetic interference (EMI).

EMI is any interference with normal equipment operation caused by abnormal energy entering the equipment either by conduction though wiring connections or by radiated wave reception. Radiated EMI is also called radio frequency interference (RFI). Conducted EMI is also called high-frequency line noise. Codes and Standards in the USA In the USA, there are no codes and standards that specifically and completely cover electromagnetic compatibility of adjustable frequency drives (AFDs).

ABB’s