EU Council Directives and adjustable speed electrical power drive systems

This guide’s purpose

The aim of this Technical guide No. 2 is to give a straight-forward explanation of how the various EU Council Directives relate to power drive systems (PDSs). For an explanation of the terminology of PDSs, see pages 21 and 22.

It is the intention of this guide to offer users of AC or DC power drive systems – whether machine builders, system designers, distributors, OEMs, end-users or installers – some clear practical guidelines and courses of action.

What are these EU Council Directives?

It is important to realise that EMC cannot be divorced from other European legislation. So before answering this question, we need to look at the other legislation and how it affects the purchase and installation of drives.

Quite simply there are three directives that mainly affect a drive’s safety against risks and hazards.

How does EMC affect me?

From January 1, 1996 the EU Council’s Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC and it’s successor 2004/108/EC) has been compulsory. It applies to all electrical and electronic equipment sold within the EU and affects virtually all manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic goods.