Technical Guidance Note 36

TOPIC: Christmas Tree Light Bulbs

ISSUE: 1

REVISION DATE:

FIRST DRAFT DATE: 6.11.98

BACKGROUND: Question raised by BSi for the Trading Standards

PROBLEM: What is the appropriate standard for testing decorative light bulbs?

GUIDELINES: The primary interest is RF emissions. In this instance a strong case can be made that these lights fall within the scope of either EN 55014 (the domestic appliance standard) or else EN 55015 (the lighting equipment standard). On balance, it is considered that Xmas tree lights are not bought for the purpose of illumination hence they are not lighting equipment and should be treated as domestic appliances. The manufacturer the manufacturer could make reference to the light industrial generic standard EN 50081-1 which would refer him back to EN 55014 for conducted emissions. The problem is that neither of these standards cover the frequency range of TV broadcasts and it is interference with TV that is the most likely cause of complaint however it is not realistic to expect that a manufacturer will go beyond the provisions of EN 55014.

Immunity is not really an issue for this sort of apparatus but reference could be made to EN 55014-2 or else EN 61547.

However, a manufacturer cannot remove his responsibility to meet the requirements of the EMC Directive simply by using a reference to a standard that limits his testing. The Declaration of Compliance declares compliance to the EMC Directive and hence to the essential requirements set out in Article 4. If a set of Xmas lights, is found to interfere with a television then the product is failing to meet this requirement irrespective of the standards to which the manufacturer has made reference.

Disclaimer
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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.