The new Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230), which replaces the Machinery Directive 2006/42/CE, introduces important updates for machinery compliance, with particular attention to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). One of the main innovations is the extension of responsibilities not only to company management, but also to technical designers, with possible consequences in case of non-compliance.
1. EMC Compliance: obligations and standards
According to the new regulation, manufacturers must ensure that their machinery complies with the essential health and safety requirements (EHSR), including those relating to electromagnetic compatibility.
Specifically, machinery must be designed and constructed to:
- Limit electromagnetic emissions, to avoid interference with other devices present in the operating environment.
- Ensure adequate electromagnetic immunity, ensuring correct operation even in the presence of external disturbances.
The absence of adequate EMC testing can lead to non-compliance, with resulting sanctions and possible market withdrawal.
For more information, consult the official text of the Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230) available at the following link: Regulation EU 2023/1230.
2. Responsibilities of manufacturers and technical designers
One of the most significant innovations introduced by the Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230) concerns the extension of responsibility to technical designers. In addition to company management, those responsible for the design and development of the system are jointly liable in case of EMC non-compliance.
The Regulation requires that:
- Designers must adopt verified technical solutions to ensure EMC compliance from the development phase onwards.
- Technical documentation must include compliance tests and simulations that demonstrate compliance with regulatory limits.
- In case of non-compliance, the machinery could be withdrawn from the market with consequent repercussions for both the manufacturer and the designer.
Further details on EMC requirements are available in the Standard EN 61000-6-4: Standard EN 61000-6-4.
3. The use of filters on inverters: is it a sufficient solution?
The application of filters on inverters is a common practice to reduce electromagnetic interference, but it is not always sufficient to ensure EMC compliance of the entire system. The Regulation requires that electromagnetic compatibility verification be performed on the entire machinery and not just on individual components.
To comply with regulatory requirements (for example EN 61000-6-4 for industrial environments), it is necessary to perform comprehensive tests, avoiding reliance exclusively on the adoption of filters.
4. How to ensure EMC compliance?
To avoid risks and sanctions, manufacturers and designers should:
- Perform comprehensive EMC tests on finished machinery.
- Document test results to demonstrate compliance in case of inspections.
- Integrate EMC verification in the design phase, selecting components and solutions that reduce the risk of non-compliance.
Conclusion
The new Machinery Regulation (EU 2023/1230) imposes a more rigorous approach to electromagnetic compatibility, increasing the responsibilities of manufacturers and designers. Performing accurate tests and documenting compliance becomes essential to ensure system safety and avoid legal consequences.
If you wish to deepen the topic and receive technical support on EMC compliance of your machinery, contact us for a consultation.
