BS EN IEC 55015:2019

What is IEC 55015 -  Measurement of radio disturbance characteristics about?

IEC 55015 discusses limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance. when in the radio frequency spectrum, is a disturbance generated by an external source that affects an electrical circuit by electromagnetic induction, electrostatic coupling, or conduction. IEC 55015 applies to the emission (radiated and conducted) of radiofrequency disturbances from:

• Lighting equipment
• The lighting part of multi-function equipment where this lighting part is a primary function
• Uv and irradiation equipment for residential and non-industrial applications
• Advertising signs
• Decorative lighting
• Emergency signs

The frequency range covered is 9 kHz to 400 GHz. No measurements need to be performed at frequencies where no limits are specified in IEC 55015.

Note: Excluded from the scope of IEC 55015 are:

• Components or modules intended to be built into lighting equipment and which are not user-replaceable
• Lighting equipment operating in the ism frequency bands (as defined in resolution 63 (1979) of the ITU radio regulation)
• Lighting equipment for aircraft and airfield facilities (runways, service facilities, platforms)
• Video signs
• Installations
• Equipment for which the electromagnetic compatibility requirements in the radio-frequency range are explicitly formulated in other CISPR standards, even if they incorporate a built-in lighting function

Who is IEC 55015 - Measurement of radio disturbance characteristics for?

IEC 55015 on limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics is useful for:

• Telecommunication sector
• Radio stations
• Scientific labs
• Design engineers
• Quality control personnel

Why should you use IEC 55015 - Measurement of radio disturbance characteristics?

The radio disturbance may degrade the performance of the circuit or even stop it from functioning. In the case of a data path, these effects can range from an increase in error rate to a total loss of the data.

IEC 55015 describes the disturbance limits which are specified for specific types of detectors, i.e., quasi-peak or average detectors (see the specification of the CISPR receiver in CISPR 16-1-1). If the applicable limits over a specific frequency range are specified for both quasi-peak and average detectors, provided the disturbance levels of the EUT are measured using the quasi-peak detector and are found to meet the average limits, then, the EUT shall be deemed to meet both limits and the measurement with the average detector need not be carried out for that frequency range.

IEC 55015 gives limits and measurement methods for radio disturbance characteristics are given as a function of the frequency range. No measurements need to be performed at frequencies where no limits are specified.

Using IEC 55015 you can understand the limitation and the methods of measuring radio disturbance characteristics of electrical lighting and similar equipment.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN IEC 55015:2019 supersedes BS EN 55015:2013+A1:2015. BS EN IEC 55015:2019 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 55015:2013+A1:2015. These include:

• Full editorial revision and restructuring
• The restriction to mains and battery operation is deleted in the scope
• Radiated disturbance limits in the frequency range 300 MHz to 1 GHz have been introduced
• The load terminals limits and the CDNE (alternative to radiated emissions) limits have changed
• Deletion of the insertion-loss requirements and the associated Annex A