[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/CE Marking Unintentional Radiators EMC DirectiveCE markingunintentional radiator # CE Marking for Unintentional Radiators: EMC Compliance for Non-Wireless Devices Most electronics guidance focuses on intentional radio products — Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular. But any digital device with a clock above 9 kHz generates radio frequency emissions as a byproduct of normal operation. These unintentional radiators — computers, switching power supplies, displays, industrial controllers, LED drivers — must comply with the EU EMC Directive and meet emissions and immunity standards before receiving CE marking. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fce-marking-unintentional-radiators) [Check my EMC compliance requirements](/platform/new) EMC Directive scope ## What the EMC Directive requires for non-wireless products EMC Directive 2014/30/EU covers all electrical and electronic equipment that could cause electromagnetic disturbance or could be affected by it — explicitly including products that do not intentionally transmit or receive radio. The two fundamental EMC essential requirements are: emissions (the product shall not generate electromagnetic disturbances exceeding levels that allow other equipment to operate as intended) and immunity (the product shall have a level of immunity to the electromagnetic disturbances expected in its intended use environment). For most non-wireless electronics, the primary applicable harmonised standards are EN 55032 (for multimedia equipment — computers, AV products, IT devices) covering conducted emissions from 150 kHz to 30 MHz and radiated emissions from 30 MHz to 6 GHz, and EN 61000-3-2 (harmonic current limits). Immunity standards from the EN 61000-4 series apply to product categories. Products covered by specific product-family standards (EN 61000-6-x series for generic industrial/residential equipment) use those standards instead. Key tests ## What EMC testing involves for non-wireless products Conducted emissions (150 kHz to 30 MHz): Measured at the product's mains input using a Line Impedance Stabilisation Network (LISN). This test measures noise currents that the product injects back into the power line. Radiated emissions (30 MHz to 1 GHz, and to 6 GHz for fast digital products): Measured in a semi-anechoic chamber at a specified distance from the Equipment Under Test (EUT). The product operates under representative worst-case conditions while an antenna measures field strengths across the frequency range. Harmonic current emissions (EN 61000-3-2): For mains-powered products, measurement of harmonic current content at 2nd through 40th harmonic. Particularly important for switching power supplies and LED drivers. Immunity tests: ESD (EN 61000-4-2), radiated immunity (EN 61000-4-3), electrical fast transient/burst (EN 61000-4-4), surge (EN 61000-4-5), conducted disturbances (EN 61000-4-6), and voltage dips (EN 61000-4-11) are the most commonly required. Self-certification ## CE marking process for EMC-only products Non-wireless electronic products that only require the EMC Directive can typically self-certify under Module A — no Notified Body involvement required. The process is: identify applicable harmonised standards, commission testing at an accredited laboratory, review test reports confirming all essential requirements are covered, compile the technical file, and issue the EU Declaration of Conformity. Key documentation for the EMC technical file: block diagram and schematic; photographs of internal construction; test reports with full measurement data and graphs; list of applicable standards and essential requirements covered; risk assessment addressing any untested configurations; user manual with required EMC information. The EMC Declaration of Conformity must reference the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) and list the harmonised standards applied. ## Learn this properly, not just for one product In-depth courses and books that teach the process — not a one-off answer you'll need to look up again next time. [Start the course — $149](/courses/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers)See your free roadmap [Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is EMC compliance required for products that don't use radio? Yes. The EU EMC Directive applies to all electrical and electronic products that could cause electromagnetic interference or could be affected by it — regardless of whether they contain radio transmitters. A laptop, desktop computer, switching power supply, LED driver, or industrial motor controller all require EMC CE marking under Directive 2014/30/EU. ### What is the difference between Class A and Class B EMC limits? Class A limits apply to equipment intended for commercial, industrial, or business environments. Class B limits are 6-10 dB tighter and apply to equipment intended for residential environments or that may be used there. Any product marketed through general consumer channels should be tested to Class B. Using Class A when Class B applies requires a full retest to correct. ### Can I use the same test reports for CE and UKCA EMC compliance? Generally yes. UK Designated Standards for EMC are technically identical to the corresponding EN standards. Test reports produced to EN 55032 or EN 61000 series are acceptable as the technical basis for both CE marking (EU EMC Directive) and UKCA marking (UK Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016). ### What laboratory accreditation is required for EMC testing? EMC test laboratories must be accredited by a national accreditation body that is a member of the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) for CE marking. Accreditation certificates must list the specific EMC standards (EN 55032, EN 61000-4-x) in the laboratory's scope — not just generic EMC accreditation. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇪🇺 CE Marking compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/01-ce-marking-for-electronics-engineers) Related guides * [ETSI Standards for Wireless ProductsETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) publishes the radio standards used for CE marking under the Radio Equipm…](/guides/etsi-standards-wireless) * [IEC/CENELEC Standards and CE MarkingIEC publishes international electrotechnical standards; CENELEC adopts them as EN standards for EU harmonisation.](/guides/iec-cenelec-standards-ce) * [EN 62368-1 ExplainedEN 62368-1 (Audio/Video, IT and Communications Technology Equipment) replaced EN 60950-1 and EN 60065 in 2019 and is now the pr…](/guides/en-62368-1-explained) * [EU Market Surveillance RegulationEU Regulation 2019/1020 strengthens market surveillance across all CE-marked product categories by expanding economic operator …](/guides/eu-market-surveillance-regulation) * [How to Work with a Test LabTest lab engagement strategy significantly affects CE, FCC, and global certification timelines and costs.](/guides/test-lab-engagement-guide) Educational resource only. Applicable EMC standards are product-category specific and subject to revision. Verify current harmonised standards with an accredited EMC laboratory before testing.