Oświetlenie elektryczne to dziś nie tylko narzędzie codziennego użytku, ale zaawansowana technologia, której niezawodne działanie wymaga ścisłej zgodności z rygorystycznymi standardami technicznymi. Wymogi te są szczególnie istotne w kontekście normy PN-EN 55015, która definiuje dopuszczalne poziomy emisji zakłóceń elektromagnetycznych (EMC) w urządzeniach oświetleniowych. Spełnienie jej kryteriów nie tylko gwarantuje bezpieczeństwo użytkowników, ale również zapewnia, że oświetlenie nie zaburzy pracy innych urządzeń, co jest kluczowe w coraz bardziej złożonym środowisku elektromagnetycznym Unii Europejskiej.
What is PN-EN 55015 and why is it important?
PN-EN 55015 is a standard that regulates the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of lighting devices, whether used in buildings or industrial environments. EMC refers to a device's ability to function properly without causing interference to other electronic systems. The standard ensures that lighting products are tested to confirm they don't emit electromagnetic disturbances that could affect other equipment.
Failure to comply with the PN-EN 55015 standard can result in lighting that, instead of simply providing illumination, disrupts radio signals, television operation, or other electronic systems. In fact, over 90% of lighting products tested by the RCC Research and Development Center failed to meet the requirements of this standard.
Where do interference issues come from?
Electromagnetic disturbances in lighting often arise from the absence of appropriate interference filters. This is especially common in low-cost products imported from outside the European Union, where manufacturers sometimes cut corners to reduce costs by omitting crucial components. Without proper filters, turning on the lights may disrupt radios, TVs, or other nearby electronic devices.
Well-designed lighting devices should include filters to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI). LED lighting, for example, often causes issues. The LEDs themselves don't create disturbances, but their power supplies, which convert grid voltage to levels suitable for the LEDs, often do. These power supplies, especially in lower-quality products, tend to be poorly designed and lack necessary components for suppressing disturbances.
Consequences of failing to meet PN-EN 55015 standards
Brak zgodności z normą PN-EN 55015 może prowadzić do poważnych konsekwencji. Za nadzór nad rynkiem wyrobów pod względem kompatybilności elektromagnetycznej odpowiedzialny jest Urząd Komunikacji Elektronicznej, który może przeprowadzać kontrole i w przypadku stwierdzenia niezgodności, nakazać wycofanie produktu z rynku. W najgorszych scenariuszach producent lub importer może zostać zmuszony do odzyskania wadliwych produktów od konsumentów oraz zapłaty kar finansowych. Na stronie UKE pod adresem https://bip.uke.gov.pl/lista-produktow-niezgodnych-z-wymaganiami/ publikowana jest do powszechnej wiadomości lista wyrobów niezgodnych.
Additionally, non-compliant products are reported to RAPEX, a rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products in Europe. This means that consumers across the EU are made aware of the issue, potentially damaging the manufacturer’s reputation and trust in their brand.
Interference in LED lighting installations
Electromagnetic interference is a common issue with LED installations. Although LEDs offer benefits like high energy efficiency and long lifespans, they can interfere with the operation of other electronic devices, such as radios, televisions, and computers. These disturbances are primarily due to low-quality power supplies used in cheaper LED fixtures, especially the converters that transform AC power from the electrical grid into DC power for the LEDs.
If poorly designed or low-quality converters are used, they can emit electromagnetic disturbances that impact nearby devices, particularly radios.
Types of interference in LED installations
LED systems generate two main types of interference:
- Conducted interference – disturbances that travel through the power network and affect other devices connected to the same electrical grid.
- Radiated interference – disturbances that spread through the air and directly affect nearby sensitive devices without using power wiring.
How to prevent interference in LED lighting
The key to avoiding electromagnetic interference lies in the quality of the components used. To ensure that an LED installation is free from interference, it is essential to use high-quality power supplies and drivers equipped with built-in EMI filters. Selecting products from reputable manufacturers who comply with European EMC standards, including PN-EN 55015, is crucial.
In addition to choosing quality components, proper planning of the lighting installation is equally important. For larger installations, such as in warehouses or production facilities, it's advisable to involve specialists in the design and setup. A poorly designed LED installation can cause interference issues that affect other equipment within the building.
It is also worth considering additional protective measures, such as surge protectors, which can safeguard the LED installation from voltage spikes caused by power surges, lightning, or other electrical grid issues.
RCC's role in electromagnetic compatibility testing
Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy RCC Sp. z o.o. specjalizuje się w badaniach zgodności urządzeń oświetleniowych z normami kompatybilności elektromagnetycznej. W naszym laboratorium przeprowadzamy szczegółowe testy, które pozwalają producentom oraz importerom upewnić się, że ich produkty spełniają wymagania normy PN-EN 55015 oraz innych regulacji dotyczących EMC.
Our tests include both laboratory and real-world conditions, allowing us to detect potential issues with radiated and conducted interference. We aim to ensure that LED lighting on the market is safe for users and does not interfere with the operation of other electronic devices.
Additionally, using state-of-the-art equipment, we test the resilience of lighting devices to disturbances in the electrical grid, which they may encounter in real-world use. These requirements stem from other standards, but they are equally critical for lighting systems.
The importance of compliance with PN-EN 55015
The PN-EN 55015 standard plays a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of lighting systems in the European Union. Failing to meet its requirements can lead to serious consequences for both manufacturers and consumers. Lighting systems that emit electromagnetic disturbances can interfere with other devices in their surroundings, compromising the overall electromagnetic environment.
If you are a lighting device manufacturer or importer and want to ensure that your products meet the requirements of PN-EN 55015, contact RCC Research and Development Center. Our lab and expertise in electromagnetic compatibility testing will help you identify potential issues and ensure compliance with European standards.