Electro-pneumatic components i.e. solenoid valves, solid-state cylinder autoswitches, electro-pneumatic regulators, electric actuators and controllers etc. all need to comply with the EMC directive. The directive is similar in scope to that of the Machinery directive in that now the definition of apparatus is ‘a finished product having an intrinsic function which is intended for the end user or intended for supply or taken into service as a single commercial unit’.
On behalf of it’s member companies, CETOP (Comité Européen des Transmissions Oléohydrauliques et Pneumatiques) has issued a position statement on the EMC directive as it specifically relates to Pneumatics and Hydraulics companies. This definition states that the EMC directive only applies to pneumatic components which use circuit boards incorporating “active” components. |
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The position taken by SMC Pneumatics is that this interpretation is too limited in scope. Many pneumatic devices with electrical elements which fall outside the CETOP definition may still emit or be affected by electromagnetic energy within the scope of the EMC directives. SMC will therefore certificate and CE mark many pneumatic components which have an electrical content but fall outside the CETOP definition.
While it is acknowledged that building a machine or system wholly from CE marked components does not mean that the machine or system can be CE marked without final testing, the use of CE marked components can greatly simplify the process of certificating a finished product. This is particularly applicable when the Technical Construction File (TCF) route is followed for final certification. |
