Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing checks that your product does not emit electromagnetic interference that could affect other devices, and that it can operate correctly in the presence of interference from other sources. EMC compliance is a legal requirement for placing most electronic products on the market, and forms part of regulations such as UKCA marking, CE marking, and FCC certification. Without it, your product cannot be legally sold in most regions.

Pre-compliance testing is an early-stage assessment, carried out in a controlled but less formal setting, to identify and resolve potential EMC issues before the official certification process. Full compliance testing is performed to the letter of the relevant standards and is the usual path taken by an accredited test laboratory. Pre-compliance can involve quicker over-testing and yet can still provide the documented evidence required for regulatory approval. Pre-compliance testing can significantly increase the likelihood of passing full compliance testing the first time, saving both time and cost.

EMC should be considered from the earliest stages of your design process. We recommend carrying out your first pre-compliance test once you have a working prototype representative of the final design. This allows any issues to be addressed before production. Additional testing should be carried out after significant design changes or before entering new markets; and we can help you assess just what is significant.

Yes. Our engineers provide troubleshooting and practical recommendations to address EMC failures. We can analyse the root causes, suggest targeted design modifications, and guide you through re-testing. For more complex issues, our design consultancy service offers in-depth support to improve EMC performance and compliance.

The timeframe depends on the complexity of your product and the type of testing required. A typical pre-compliance EMC test may take one to two days, whereas full compliance testing, the path usually taken by an accredited lab, can take several days or longer if multiple standards or product variants are involved. We work with you to plan testing efficiently and minimise delays.

Yes – for certain types of testing, we can provide on-site EMC assessments at your premises. On-site testing, also known as Open Air Test Site (OATS) testing, can be useful for early troubleshooting or when transporting the product is impractical. Full compliance testing or the quicker pre-compliance over-testing can be performed in an on-site (OATS) facility. For more specialist OATS EMC test services, we can organise additional test equipment hire to meet your particular test specification.

The applicable standards depend on the product type, its intended environment, and the markets where it will be sold. Common standards include EN 55032/35 for multimedia equipment, EN 61000-6-1/-6-2/-6-3 and 61000-6-4 for industrial and residential environments, EN 61326 for laboratory equipment, and FCC Part 15 for the US. We can help you identify the correct EMC standards for your product and ensure testing covers all relevant requirements.