Know Your Electromagnetic Compatibility Requirements for Designing Industrial Drives
This white paper outlines electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electromagnetic interference (EMI), and isolation requirements for designing industrial drives. It explains that variable-speed drives must comply with IEC standards such as IEC 61800‑3 for EMC and IEC 61800‑5‑1 for safety, with requirements varying based on installation environment and drive category. The paper describes how EMC immunity tests—such as ESD, EFT, and surge—are applied to system interfaces and evaluated using performance criteria (A, B, C). It also covers EMI emission limits based on CISPR 11 standards. Emphasis is placed on component-level performance and proper design practices to ensure reliable operation in industrial environments.