EN 55032 EMC Test Standard for Multimedia Equipment

EN 55032 is a specialized EMC product standard that covers the electromagnetic compatibility testing (EMC) of multimedia equipment (MME) and replaces several other product standards, which will soon cease to assume compliance. This new standard will become the unified emission standard in accordance with the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.

The standard was approved in 2012 and subsequently published in the "Official Journal of the European Union." It fully replaced several emission testing standards for CE declarations of conformity after March 5, 2017.

What Standards Does EN 55032 Replace?

EN 55032:2012 replaces several currently accepted EU/CE product standards. Three product standards being phased out and replaced are EN 55022, EN 55013, and EN 55103-1. After March 5, 2017, EN 55013, EN 55022, and EN 55103-1 will no longer provide a presumption of conformity. Any products previously tested under EN 55013, EN 55022, or EN 55103-1, if shipped to the EU after March 2, 2017, must comply with EN 55032:2012 requirements.

Which Products/Product Categories Are Affected?

EN 55032 applies to multimedia equipment rated at R.M.S., with AC or DC voltage not exceeding 600 V. Multimedia equipment (MME) refers to information technology equipment (ITE), audio equipment, video equipment, broadcast receiver equipment, entertainment lighting control equipment, or combinations of these devices that were previously tested under EN 55013, EN 55022, or EN 55103-1. These devices will be required to comply after March 5, 2017, if entering the EU.

- EN 55022 covers the electromagnetic compatibility emission requirements for information technology equipment.

- EN 55013 includes the electromagnetic compatibility emission requirements for sound and television broadcast receivers and related equipment.

- EN 55103-1 covers the EMC emission requirements for professional audio, visual, and entertainment lighting control equipment for professional use.

Multimedia Equipment (MME):

- Information Technology Equipment (ITE): Devices that have the capability to enter, store, play, retrieve, translate, process, switch, or control data and/or telecommunication equipment, and may be equipped with one or more ports for transmission. (Examples: office equipment, electronic devices, and telecommunication equipment.)

- Audio Equipment: Devices with the ability to generally input, store, play, retrieve, convert, receive, amplify, process, switch, or control audio signals. (Examples: CD players, receivers, audio amplifiers, mixers.)

- Video Equipment: Devices capable of inputting, storing, playing, retrieving, converting, receiving, amplifying, or controlling video signals. (Examples: video players, cameras, television equipment.)

- Wideband Receiver Equipment: Equipped with a tuner for receiving broadcast users. (Examples: TV and radio sub-receivers, i.e., wideband broadcast receivers.)

Satellite Wideband and/or Cable Transmission Equipment

- Entertainment Lighting Control Equipment: Devices or equipment used to control the intensity, color, nature, or transparency of light, where light input is for artistic effects in stage, remote, or video processing.

What Impact Will EN 55032 Have on Products Compliant with EN 55022, EN 55013, and EN 55103-1?

On March 5, 2017, EN 55013, EN 55022, and EN 55103-1 will be withdrawn in favor of EN 55032. After March 5, 2017, these standards will no longer presume conformity, meaning that products sold after this date must now be tested to EN 55032. EN 55032 places more emphasis on interface ports, port types, and cable options (possible cable lengths and signal types on each port).