New guidance on EMC and safety for machinery manufacturers

This paper introduces the new guidelines on EMC-related functional safety for machinery manufacturers, being developed by the EMC Test Labs Association (EMCTLA). Although the European Machinery Safety Directive requires all electromagnetic disturbances to be taken into account to achieve safe machinery, existing standards and guidance are weak on this issue, leading to conflicting interpretations and uncontrolled safety risks. This new guidance is based upon the IEE's guide on "EMC and Functional Safety" and is also valuable for machines supplied in non-European countries.