Technical Guidance Note 33

Technical Guidance Note 32

TOPIC: EN55020

ISSUE: 27.1.98

PREVIOUS REVISION DATE: 26.3.96

BACKGROUND: All immunity tests in EN55020 are listed as "Under Consideration" for "Associated Equipment", and no tests are specified for broadcast receivers without an antenna terminal. Furthermore, mains transients and electrostatic discharge are not covered by the standard.

PROBLEM: Would compliance with EN55020 (i.e. no assessment or testing at all) for the equipment described above be acceptable within a Technical Construction File?

GUIDELINES: A Competent Body would not consider "compliance" with EN55020 where all relevant tests are "under consideration" or where no tests are applied as being acceptable within a TCF for such equipment.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION: A Competent Body must assess a TCF against the essential requirements of the EMC Directive (article 4). A TCF which only refers to EN55020 as evidence for the immunity of such equipment does not adequately address article 4.

The Competent Body might use EN50082-1 as a basis for compliance, with a relaxation for radiated immunity requirements at relevant frequencies as specified in ETS 300 339 (whilst complying with failure criterion A)

It should be noted that it is legally possible (but not recommended) for manufacturers to self certify on the basis of compliance with EN55020 above.

Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability can be accepted by the EMC Test Laboratories Association or any of its officers or members for the contents, specifications and/or advice referred to or contained in this Technical Memorandum and/or action taken as a result of information contained in this Technical Memorandum. Note that:
1. The Association is not by supplying this Technical Memorandum providing professional advice or guidance to any specific party on any specific matter and no legal relationship is created by the provision of this Technical Memorandum.
2. Parties should take specific advice when dealing with specific situations and consult their own professional advisors in this regard.
3. Members are free to deviate from the above guidelines where they think it appropriate, unworkable, or not commercially viable. Under these circumstances, the EMCTLA Secretariat should be informed of the reasons for the deviation so that the matter can be reviewed.