Icon for EMCE, which symbolizes electromagnetic fields

EMCE Testing

EMCE tests - Measurements
of electromagnetic environmental compatibility

In order to ensure the safety of devices, prevent possible damage to health and comply with valid limit values, technical devices are subjected to EMCE tests. At cetecom advanced, these measurements are carried out in our own certified laboratories according to national and international standards.

EMCE tests – Determining Electromagnetic Environmental Compatibility

Technical equipment for conducting EMC tests

In particular, the establishment of mobile communication raises the question of how exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF) affects people. In order to check the development of emissions and comply with defined EMCE limit values, a metrological determination through EMCE tests is essential. In view of the progressive development and spread of wireless technologies, monitoring the emissions that affect people is becoming increasingly important. This is particularly true with regard to the almost nationwide expansion of mobile networks to include LTE, the widespread introduction of 5G and the increase in body-worn transmitters.

The main effects can be summarized as follows: Based on the definition of electric field strength, forces are exerted on charges wherever an electric field can be detected. What is crucial for the area of EMCE is whether there are also effects on the body tissue

 

Thermal effect

The heat input from the electromagnetic fields in the tissue takes place by means of dielectric heating. The polarized (water) molecules in the cells are rotated at the frequency of the applied field and their friction against one another creates heat. The thermal limit values relevant for an EMCE measurement always refer to this cell heating. The heat input into biological tissue depends on numerous factors:

  • Power flux density of electromagnetic fields
  • Power and directivity of the radiation source
  • Absorption, reflection, diffraction and scattering of the rays between the radiation source and the radiation receiver
  • Distance
  • Duration of action

 

Non-thermal effects

A distinction must be made here between non-thermal effects that occur at higher radiation intensities (although relevant heating has been prevented by cooling) and those that occur at low radiation intensities and do not cause any relevant temperature increases. Non-thermal effects do not occur in the entire high frequency range, but only at specific resonance frequencies.

 

In general, low-frequency electric fields hardly penetrate a conductive body, but end up as a result of the influence on its surface, for example on the surface of the human body, plants or buildings. Field strengths from around 1 kV/m can be perceived by sensitive people as a harmless tingling or vibration of the hair, but in the body the field strength remains well below the threshold of 2 V/m, above which damage to health can occur. Low-frequency magnetic fields, on the other hand, penetrate buildings and the body. High-frequency electric fields generate a displacement current that penetrates the body and flows as a conduction current through the blood vessels and bloodstreams, primarily in the upper layers of the skin.

Our EMCE testing services

We use our certified testing procedures to determine the electromagnetic environmental compatibility of devices. Our EMCE tests ensure that people and systems are not exposed to risks in electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic fields. This applies to the following areas:

  • Public: Assessment of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in the low and high frequency range with regard to the exposure of the general population, e.g. B. according to 26th BImSchV – Twenty-sixth Ordinance for the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (Ordinance on Electromagnetic Fields)
  • Employer: Occupational health and safety in the presence of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields in controlled environments in the world of work – EMFV – OCCUPATIONAL PROTECTION REGULATION on electromagnetic fields (formerly BGV/BGR B11, DGUV15/16)

As part of an EMCE measurement, we cover frequency ranges between 0 Hz and 6 GHz, and in individual cases also higher frequencies. We record and evaluate frequencies up to 250 MHz for magnetic fields. We check the following systems and devices, among others:

  • Energy production facilities
  • Energy transfer facilities (overland lines, also HVDC)
  • Electrical machines and systems
  • Intentional radio devices (radios, cell phone base stations, radar stations, etc.)
  • Other field-emitting devices and systems