Approvals for vehicle radio interference changed

The Commission Directive 2005/83/EC causes changes in the type approval process, relating to the radio interference (electromagnetic compatibility) of vehicles.

The Commission Directive 2005/83/EC causes changes in the type approval process, relating to the radio interference (electromagnetic compatibility) of vehicles.

Since October 1995 most electrical and electronic devices fitted to road-going vehicles have been required to comply with the Automotive EMC Directive (95/54/EC).

In 2006, a new Automotive EMC e/E mark directive (2005/83/EC) comes into force, which changes the type approval process in particular for aftermarket equipment.

The directive now provides specific standards to allow testing to be carried out by ISO 17025 accredited EMC testing facilities.

These results may then be submitted through a Technical Service for certification.

Furthermore it includes additional requirements for "transient" emission and susceptibility testing.

Moreover the immunity requirements laid down in the new requirement covering "new technologies" are more stringent than 95/54/EC, which did not require immunity testing at all if equipment did not affect the driver's direct control of the vehicle.

Aside from the mentioned modifications there are other detailed issues which should not be overlooked.

Particularly for vehicle manufacturers, "The vehicle manufacturer must provide a statement of frequency bands, power levels, antenna positions and installation provisions for the installation of RF-transmitters, even if the vehicle is not equipped with RF transmitter at time of type-approval.

This should cover all mobile radio services normally used in vehicles.

This information must be made publicly available following the type-approval.

Vehicle manufacturers must provide evidence that vehicle performance is not adversely affected by such transmitter installations.

The issue of after-market fitment of radio transmitters (not just mobile cell phones) is clearly a live one.

Whilst on the surface the new directive appears to create some new obstacles to the manufacturer, with the correct guidance the transition from the old to new directives can be smooth and trouble free.

SGS United Kingdom, Durham, currently a Technical Service to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) has been accredited to 2005/83/EC to provide e/E11 approval and certificates in conjunction with the United Kingdom VCA.

Furthermore for automotive product and equipment manufacturers and suppliers, SGS United Kingdom offers extensive testing services such as EMC, Safety and Environmental, providing a single route to e/E11 marking approvals under the highest quality, cost effective and efficient procedures.

Moreover SGS United Kingdom, as part of a worldwide network of laboratories, constitutes a fully equipped, competent body specifically providing testing services and approvals to European and International Standards and access to recognised International certification marks.

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