What is the EN 50385:2017 Test?

EN 50385:2017 is a European standard under the Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU).

Description of EN 50385:2017

This standard specifies the exposure limits for electromagnetic fields (EMF) from wireless communication and electronic equipment. It focuses on health and safety requirements related to public exposure to electromagnetic fields. It is used to demonstrate that base station equipment complies with radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field exposure limits (110 MHz - 100 GHz) to ensure that the public is exposed to safe levels of electromagnetic radiation.

Products Covered by EN 50385:2017

- Mobile and wireless communication equipment (e.g., mobile phones, radio stations, wireless routers)

- Fixed and portable electronic devices

Purpose of EN 50385:2017

1. The standard addresses human exposure to RF electromagnetic fields emitted by base station equipment in the frequency range of 110 MHz to 100 GHz.

2. The aim is to assess whether such equipment complies with the basic restrictions for the general public (directly or indirectly through compliance with reference levels) and the exposure limits for workers (directly or indirectly through compliance with action levels) when placed on the market.

3. For low power equipment, the applicable product standard is EN 50663:2017.

EN 50385:2017 Test Items

The standard test items typically include but are not limited to:

1. Electromagnetic Field Strength Measurement: Measuring the intensity of electromagnetic fields generated by the equipment during operation to ensure it is within the specified limits.

2. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Test: Measuring the electromagnetic energy absorbed by human tissue when the equipment is used, especially during close contact with the body (e.g., mobile phones near the head).

3. Antenna Radiation Pattern Test: Analyzing the radiation pattern of the device's antenna to ensure it complies with relevant radiation safety standards.

4. Device Operating Frequency Range and Output Power Measurement: Ensuring the equipment operates within the specified frequency range and the output power is within safe limits.

References for EN 50385:2017

- EN 62232: Methods for determining radio frequency field strength, power density, and SAR near radio communication base stations for evaluating human exposure. Published by CEI on March 1, 2018.

- EN 50663: General standard for evaluating low-power electronic and electrical equipment related to human exposure limits for electromagnetic fields (10 MHz - 300 GHz). Published by CENELEC on October 1, 2017.

- EC 2014/53/EU: Directive by the European Parliament and Council concerning the harmonization of laws relating to the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC. Published by EEC on April 16, 2014.

Laboratory Qualification Requirements

Testing to the EN 50385:2017 standard must be conducted in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. JJR Laboratory in China is an ideal choice, offering specific electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing equipment and environments, including shielded rooms, antenna measurement equipment, and SAR testing devices. Located in China, JJR Laboratory can help you save 30% on testing costs.