Ensure your products meet global electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference (EMI) standards with expert compliance testing from F2 Labs. We help manufacturers navigate regulatory requirements and bring their products to market with confidence.
F2 Labs is a Quality EMC/EMI Testing Lab
What is EMC/EMI Testing and why does my product need it? Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) or Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) testing deals with your products’ Radio Frequency (RF) emissions and immunity to RF. EMC testing ensures that your product will operate as intended in the intended environment and it won’t interfere with other products used in its same electromagnetic environment.
F2 Labs can perform the electrical product/EMC/EMI compliance testing required to get your product to market. Our technical staff can perform on-site electromagnetic compatibility testing at your facility or test your product at our state-of-the-art EMC/EMI testing lab, which includes our new 10m anechoic chamber. Feel free to witness the testing at our modern EMC/EMI facility where you can also learn more about the electromagnetic compatibility/electromagnetic interference testing procedures. Below are just some of the services that we provide:
- Preliminary Design Review – Remove any question as to whether a product will meet the EMC requirements, we will perform a pre-scan. This data cannot be used for formal approvals but will reduce the likelihood of surprises during the final testing phase in EMC/EMI testing lab. (Be sure to check out our EMC Design Guidelines to help you eliminate some common EMC headaches.)
- Testing Capabilities –Our technical experts can provide onsite or offsite testing services. F2 Labs offers you fully equipped testing laboratories for EMC/EMI compliance testing that provide a wide range of testing for the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Korea, and more.
- Debugging at F2 Labs – Not only do we identify the non-compliances found during an evaluation, but we also help you fix the problems. This decreases your turnaround time and gets your products to the market in the timeframe that you need.
- Documentation Preparation –Once we have completed testing in our EMC/EMI testing lab, F2 Labs can provide you with formal Test Reports. A Technical Documentation File (TDF) can also be constructed and submitted to a Notified Body, if necessary.
- EMC Consulting Services –Our electrical product compliance testing & consulting team is ready to help your product each phase of the way from prototype to shipment.
| Requirement | Country |
|---|---|
| EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, formerly 2004/108/EC | European Union |
| Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED), formerly R&TTE Directive | European Union |
| RCM Mark, formerly C-Tick | Australia/New Zealand |
| FCC | United States |
| ISED Canada (formerly Industry Canada, or IC) | Canada |
| DO-160, sections 21 and 25 | United States |
| NFPA 1982 | United States |
| Ohio Fire Code (OFC) § 510 for Emergency responder radio coverage, section 510.5.3. | United States |
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| Radiated Immunity (IEC 61000-4-3 / EN 61000-4-3) | This test introduces RF energy to all sides of the enclosure. This is to ensure the product will operate as it is intended when in the presence of any RF signals. |
| Conducted Immunity (IEC 61000-4-6 / EN 61000-4-6) | This test introduces RF energy to the power input port and any cable that can be 3 meters or longer when used by the end-user. This is to ensure the product will operate as intended when RF fields are present near cables that can act as antennas and carry the RF into the product. |
| Surge Immunity (IEC 61000-4-5 / EN 61000-4-5) | This EMI EMC test applies numerous surge pulses to the power input port of the product. This test simulates a nearby lightning strike, cloud to cloud lighting nearby, or power surges down the mains low voltage line supplied from the power company and is to ensure the product will continue to operate as intended after such a phenomenon should occur. |
| ESD Immunity (IEC 61000-4-2 / EN 61000-4-2) | Introduces static discharges to the product in multiple areas on the exterior and at different levels, to ensure the product will continue to operate as intended after any such static discharge should occur. Static discharges can come from walking on a carpet or rug or even from wearing a sweater or simply from wiping feet on a rug. |
| EFT Immunity (IEC 61000-4-4 / EN 61000-4-4) | This EMI EMC test introduces Fast Transient pulses to input power ports of the product and any cable that can be 3 meters or longer when used by the end-user. These fast transient pulses simulate any switching that may go on in the location of use. This type of transient pulse can come from just switching a light or fan on or off. |
| Voltage Dips/Interrupts (IEC 61000-4-11 /EN 61000-4-11) | This test reduces the input voltage to the product by different amounts and even up to 100% interruption to simulate a brown-out, a dip in supply voltage from the power company, and even a full power outage. |
| Magnetic Fields Immunity (IEC 61000-4-8 / EN 61000-4-8), if required | This test introduces Magnetic Fields on all sides of the enclosure of the product to ensure it will operate as intended when in the presence of Magnetic Fields. |
| Flicker/Voltage Fluctuation Emissions (IEC 61000-3-3 / EN 61000-3-3) | This test measures the amount of voltage fluctuations and voltage flicker caused by the product and being sent out to other devices and facilities. |
| Harmonic Current/Emissions (IEC 61000-3-2 / EN 61000-3-2) | This test measures the amount of Harmonic Emissions being produced by the product and then sent back down the input power port to other equipment or the low voltage network. |
| Radiated Emissions (CISPR 11 / EN 55011) | This test measures the amount of RF Emissions coming off or out of the product’s enclosure and any cable that could be acting as an antenna. Utilize F2 Labs for your EMI EMC testing lab needs and radiated emissions testing. |
| Conducted Emissions (CISPR 11 / EN 55011) | This test measures the amount of RF Emissions that are being produced and sent back to the mains Low Voltage Network, that could interfere with any other device or facility sharing the same mains power. |
- EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, formerly 2004/108/EC – EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, formerly 2004/108/EC, testing ensures the correct operation of equipment that responds to electromagnetic phenomena, is operated in the same electromagnetic environment and the avoidance of any interference effects.
- Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED), formerly R&TTE Directive – F2’s EMC/EMI testing lab can assist you with your Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED), wireless radio and EMC/EMI compliance testing needs.
- Medical Device Testing – With more than 25 years of experience, F2 Labs can provide you with the necessary medical device testing and certification to get your product in the hands of doctors and patients on a timely schedule.
- EMC/EMI Site Survey – An EMC/EMI site survey is performed in order to determine the types of electromagnetic (EMC/EMI) phenomena/Radio Frequency (RF) that are present in a certain location.
- FCC Testing – Manufacturers who sell electrical and/or digital products in the United States must have their products tested by an accredited EMC/EMI testing lab certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) along with ISED Canada (formerly Industry Canada, or IC).
- ISED Canada (formerly Industry Canada, or IC) – F2’s EMI EMC testing lab can provide you with ISED Canada (formerly Industry Canada, or IC) Certification and Verification testing.
- IEC Testing – F2 Labs can assist you in testing your electrical product(s) to the applicable International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.
- MIL-STD Testing – F2 Labs can assist you with EMC/EMI compliance pre-testing your products to United States Military Standards: MIL-STD 461.
- Automotive Transient Pulse Immunity Testing – F2 Labs’ EMC/EMI testing lab can perform the testing required for these transient immunity test pulses.
Contact one of our representatives today to inquire about a quote from F2 Labs or for more information about our EMI EMC testing requirements. Call us today at 877-405-1580
What is EMC/EMI Testing, and Why is it Important for My Product?
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) testing evaluate:
- A product’s RF emissions to ensure it doesn’t interfere with other devices
- Its immunity to RF interference to confirm it operates correctly in its environment
This testing ensures your product functions as intended and complies with regulatory standards, preventing interference with other products in the same electromagnetic environment.
What Testing Services Does F2 Labs Provide for EMC/EMI Compliance?
F2 Labs offers comprehensive EMC/EMI testing services, including:
- Onsite and in-lab testing
- Testing in a state-of-the-art 10m anechoic chamber
- Compliance testing for various markets, including:
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Australia/New Zealand
- South Korea
- Japan, and more
What is a Preliminary Design Review in EMC Testing?
A Preliminary Design Review is a pre-scan of your product to:
- Anticipate compliance with EMC requirements
- Identify potential issues early in the development process
This review is not used for formal approvals but helps reduce surprises during final testing, saving time and resources.
How Can Debugging Services at F2 Labs Help My Product?
F2 Labs offers debugging services to:
- Identify non-compliance issues during EMC/EMI testing
- Assist in resolving these issues quickly and efficiently
This support minimizes delays, ensuring your product can hit the market on schedule.
What Does the Documentation Preparation Service Include?
After testing, F2 Labs provides:
- Formal Test Reports
- A Technical Documentation File (TDF)
The TDF can be submitted to a Notified Body, simplifying the compliance and certification process.
Can F2 Labs Assist Throughout the Product Development Process?
Yes! F2 Labs offers EMC consulting services to support your product at every stage, from prototype to shipment. Their team provides expertise in electrical product compliance testing and guidance throughout the development lifecycle.
Can I Witness the Testing Process at F2 Labs?
Absolutely! Clients are encouraged to witness the testing process at F2 Labs’ modern EMC/EMI testing facility. This experience:
- Offers insights into EMC/EMI testing procedures
- Allows clients to actively participate in the compliance process
What are the EMC Design Guidelines Offered by F2 Labs?
F2 Labs provides EMC Design Guidelines to help:
- • Identify and eliminate common EMC-related issues during the design phase
- • Improve compliance success rates
- • Reduce potential issues during final testing
These guidelines are an invaluable resource for ensuring your product meets EMC requirements efficiently.
How would you explain EMC testing to a first-time product developer?
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing ensures that a product functions properly in the real-world electromagnetic environment. Every electronic device generates and is exposed to electromagnetic energy – whether from radio waves, power lines, nearby electronics, or industrial equipment. EMC testing verifies two things:
1. That the product does not emit excessive interference that could disrupt other devices, and
2. That it can tolerate the electromagnetic disturbances it will encounter in normal operation.
In simple terms, EMC testing confirms that your product will behave as intended in the invisible electrical “noise” of the real world.
What is the difference between EMC testing and wireless coexistence testing?
Traditional EMC testing applies to all electronic devices and focuses on emissions and immunity. It ensures a product does not interfere with other equipment and can withstand environmental electromagnetic disturbances.
Wireless coexistence testing applies specifically to products with wireless functionality and evaluates whether the wireless feature continues to operate reliably in the presence of other wireless devices. Coexistence testing does not measure emissions; it functions as an immunity test for wireless communication. It is required for medical devices under FDA expectations because wireless performance can directly impact patient safety.
For non-medical products, wireless coexistence testing is typically not mandated but may still be strategically valuable.
Why do wireless devices face higher EMC risk than wired devices?
Wireless devices face greater EMC risks because they operate in open-air, shared radio-frequency environments. Wireless devices are constantly exposed to competing RF sources. Whereas wired devices operate within a contained or controlled network infrastructure. Interference from nearby devices, stronger transmitters, or the congested spectrum can degrade or disrupt communication. As wireless RF density increases in homes, cities, and industrial environments, the probability of interference rises accordingly.
What do customers most commonly misunderstand about EMC requirements?
Many manufacturers mistakenly assume EMC testing does not apply to their product. Exemptions under FCC rules are often misunderstood, particularly for appliances, machinery, or industrial equipment. Wireless functionality will frequently override exemption assumptions.
Another common misunderstanding is that immunity testing does not apply in the United States. While the FCC emphasizes emissions, immunity requirements often appear in product safety standards, such as UL standards, and are required for medical devices under FDA oversight.
Environmental classifications are also misunderstood, particularly the distinction between light industrial and heavy industrial environments, which affects testing levels and limits.
How do you determine which EMC standards apply to a device?
Determining the correct EMC standards begins with geography and product functionality. In the United States and Canada, the presence or absence of wireless functionality determines which parts of the FCC and ISED Canada rules apply. Non-wireless devices are generally evaluated as unintentional radiators under FCC Part 15 Subpart B, while wireless devices are evaluated under rule parts corresponding to their frequency bands.
In Europe, the product’s primary function determines the applicable product-specific standard. If none exists, generic standards are applied and environmental classification further influences limits and test levels. The main intended function, not simply communication features, drives standard selection.
When does a device require wireless coexistence testing (ANSI C63.27)?
Wireless coexistence testing is required when a medical device includes wireless functionality and must meet FDA regulatory expectations. The ANSI C63.27 standard defines how to evaluate whether the wireless function operates reliably in the presence of other wireless systems. For non-medical devices, regulators generally do not mandate coexistence testing, but it may be performed when uninterrupted wireless performance is essential to product functionality or customer expectations.
At what point in development should EMC and wireless testing begin?
EMC or wireless testing should begin as early in development as possible, ideally at the prototype or initial board stage. Pre-compliance testing at this phase allows engineers to identify and correct EMC issues before large-scale production begins. Early testing reduces redesign costs, shortens time-to-market, and prevents last-minute surprises during formal EMC evaluations.
What happens when EMC testing is delayed until late in development?
Delaying EMC testing until late in development sometimes results in failures that require costly redesign. Circuit board layouts may need modification, components may need replacement, and shielding solutions may need to be added. If production has already begun, inventory may need to be reworked, or replacement may need to be found. In addition to increased costs, regulatory approval timelines are delayed, which can impact product launch and revenue projections. Late-stage compliance transforms testing from a validation step into a business disruption.
Can you walk through a typical EMC evaluation from start to finish?
A typical EMC test begins with engineer-customer coordination to confirm product setup and operation. Once the device is functioning properly, applicable EMC tests are applied in sequence per the requirements of the applicable standard.
If a company has a history of emissions issues, emissions testing may be prioritized to identify problems early as to avoid costly retesting after design changes. If failures occur, the engineer immediately contacts the customer to discuss next steps. If the device passes, testing proceeds through all required testing, which typically takes 1.5-2 days. Preliminary results are shared promptly, and a final report is issued within about two weeks from the start of testing.
What are the most commonly failed EMC tests?
The most common EMC failures are radiated emissions and conducted emissions, affecting roughly 35–40% of products. These failures involve excessive RF energy leaving the device. Many of the issues can be mitigated during testing by using practical techniques such as ferrites, filtering, shielding, or grounding. ESD failures are less common and typically occur in battery-powered or ungrounded devices. That said, it is possible for surge testing to be destructive, which may cause damage to components.
What causes wireless performance issues even when EMC tests pass?
Wireless testing failures are typically due to output power limits or band-edge compliance. When devices exceed allowed output power or fall outside authorized frequency bands, the solution is often to reduce transmit power or disable certain channels. Unlike EMC failures, wireless issues cannot usually be fixed with shielding or filtering since they involve direct transmitter outputs. Power reductions may slightly reduce device range, but in most Bluetooth and Wi-Fi applications, users rarely notice performance impact.
How do multi-radio devices create internal interference and desensitization?
The primary regulatory concern with multi-radio devices is not necessarily internal interference but rather overall RF exposure. For example, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth channels may coexist adaptively while regulators focus on cumulative RF exposure when multiple transmitters operate simultaneously. Exposure ratios must remain below defined thresholds when combined. The testing procedures ensure both coexistence performance and compliance with RF exposure limits.
What does the FDA typically look for in EMC data?
The FDA reviews EMC data to confirm that appropriate tests were performed in accordance with recognized consensus standards (such as IEC 60601-1-2) and that the correct test levels and operational modes were applied. While the FDA does not mandate specific standards, manufacturers must scientifically justify device immunity and emissions performance. Using recognized standards is the most efficient and cost-effective path to acceptance. F2 Labs is an FDA ASCA accredited test lab.
How does wireless coexistence testing support FDA submissions?
For devices with wireless functionality, the FDA requires demonstration of wireless coexistence. Testing confirms that the device can operate reliably in environments with other wireless devices and maintain data integrity and security. Coexistence testing is mandatory when wireless features are present and directly supports FDA premarket submissions.
What EMC gaps most often delay FDA 510(k) clearance?
The most frequent recent delay involves immunity to “common EM emitters,” a requirement specified in FDA guidance but not covered by formal consensus standards. Many manufacturers overlook this until the FDA requests additional data. F2 Labs has developed proprietary test methods for common emitters and is reportedly the only lab performing the full scope routinely. Other delays stem from improperly defined essential performance, failure to test appropriate operating modes, and overlooking charging-mode testing.
Describe a challenging EMC or wireless issue you helped resolve.
F2 Labs has resolved real-world interference cases, including hospital imaging artifacts, infusion pump interference, LED billboard network disruption, and equipment blocked at international customs.
These examples demonstrate how applied expertise goes above and beyond laboratory compliance testing and how our expertise in EMC interference investigation can identify and mitigate EMC interference sources.
What early design decisions most often lead to EMC failures?
EMC failures often stem from a lack of planning to incorporate solid EMC principles into the design phase to account for a quality EMC design. Common mistakes include a lack of filtering, poor grounding strategies, improper PCB trace routing (e.g., sharp angles), and cost-driven design shortcuts.
What differentiates high-quality EMC testing from minimum compliance testing?
High-quality EMC testing goes beyond checkbox compliance. While F2 Labs performs required testing correctly, it often applies more stringent conditions when appropriate (e.g., testing to Class B limits, performing magnetic immunity even when not strictly required). Engineers actively troubleshoot failures rather than issuing immediate failing reports. The team prioritizes worst-case validation, customer education, and practical mitigation strategies, without unnecessarily destructive over-testing.
