Elektromagnetiska Storningar Regeringsuppdrag Webb

Machine Translated by Google
Dnr 20EV4540
Electromagnetic
interference -
government assignment
Report produced as a basis for a government assignment
Fi2020/02994/SPN
december 2020
THE Ä KE RH ETS VE RKET TEL 010-168 05 00 EP OS Registrator@elsakerhetsverket.se O R G. N R 202100-4466

Box 4, 681 21 Kristinehamn F AX 010-168 05 99 W E B B www.elsakerhetsverket.se
Summary
The Swedish Electrical Safety Authority has evaluated whether electrical

installations can cause electromagnetic disturbances to activities within or adjacent to areas
of national interest for total defence: the assignment is limited to the installations and
measures that can be covered by the planning and building regulations. The report
mentions several types of interference sources. They are examples taken from reality
and have caused problems with radio interference for activities that, in our judgment, may
have similarities with the radio communications that the total defense might use.
In the last two years, certain types of solar cell installations have been added as
potential sources of interference. In our assessment, the EMC characteristics
of solar PV systems are very mixed. Some clear deficiencies are identified through
measurements. From a technical point of view, however, there are hardly any
problems in constructing products with good EMC properties that thereby reduce
the risk of interfering with radio communication, and we would like to emphasize that such products exist.
The investigation as a whole also shows that recurring supervision and

market control is necessary to ensure that market players meet the EMC requirements
for constituent components as well as for complete plants.
Supplements to the Swedish EMC regulations (for example regarding access and access)
may need to be made to ensure that the supervisory authority has the relevant
mandate to carry out the control.
The various examples reported in the report may pose a tangible threat to the use of
radio communication at the total defense facilities or otherwise limit the use of radio spectrum.
Total defense also includes the use of radio services by the emergency services
and aviation, as well as the ability to call 112 and receive important messages to the public
(VMA). Since the EMC requirements are not primarily designed to protect sensitive
radio communications, it will never be possible to guarantee that CE-marked equipment will
not interfere with such radio communications as the mission concerns. There may
therefore be reason to control the use in certain locations.
I
Content
1 Government assignment 1
2 Fundamentals of EMC and interference – an overview 2
2.1 Overall ................................................... ...................................2

2.2 What is EMC?............................................ ........................................2
2.2.1 The EMC Directive ............................................ ......................4
2.3 Requirements for the product .............................................. ........................5
2.3.1 Basic requirements (the protection requirement) ................................5
2.4 Fixed installations................................................... ..........................7
2.4.1 Simpler fixed installations............................................ .....8
2.4.2 Experience from supervision ............................................. .........9
2.5 Execution of the installation linked to the EMC characteristics ..........9
2.6 Electromagnetic Interference................................................... .............10
2.6.1 Different examples of interference ........................................... ....11
2.6.2 A valuable natural resource ............................................. ....14
2.6.3 Varying level of acceptance ............................................. ...15
2.6.4 Endurance, robustness of radio.......................................... ..16
2.6.5 Our different radio frequencies............................................ ...18
2.6.6 Radio interference from other radio transmitters .........................18
2.6.7 Line-related disturbances................................................ .18
2.6.8 Interference on mobile networks............................................ .......19
2.6.9 What is actually disturbing? ........................................20
3 Reported cases – sources of knowledge 22

3.1 Statistics on registered................................................... ........................22
3.1.1 Few cases - few problems?................................................ .22
3.2 Frequency ranges ............................................. ............................23
3.3 The most common reports to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority............................24
4 Trends 26
4.1 “Rakel problem” in the Netherlands ............................................. ......26
4.2 The technology in solar cell systems............................................... ................27
4.3 Comparison of different solar cell systems............................................ ...28
4.4 EMC Challenges with Switched Power Conversion ........................29
4.5 Avoiding interference problems................................................... ......................34
5 Experience from cases 5.1 5.2 36

Generally ................................................. ......................................36
Solar cell installations specifically................................................... .......36
6 Discussions and thoughts 38

6.1 EMC standards .............................................. ..............................38
6.2 Are the standard's requirements sufficient?............................................ .......38
6.2.1 DC cables forgotten? ..............................................39
6.3 What is reasonable level?................................................ ............................39
6.4 Aggregation is rarely handled ............................................... .......40
II
6.5 Radio interference the main risk................................................... .......40

6.6 The regulations................................................... ...................................41
6.6.1 The law and the regulation ............................................. .......41
6.6.2 The EMC Directive .......................................... ....................42
7 Definitions 43
8 References 46
9 Experiences from supervisory cases concerning solar cell installations 48

9.1 Solar cell plant 1 (shortwave and VHF)......................................48
9.2 Solar cell plant 2 (short wave)............................................. ..........49
9.3 Solar cell plant 3 (VHF 50 MHz).......................................... ..50
9.4 Solar cell plant 4 (shortwave and VHF) ...................................52
9.5 Solar cell plant 5 (mobile phone base disturbed) ...............................54
9.6 Solar cell plant 6, prototype ........................................... .........56
9.7 Mixed experiences from modified plants ..................58
10 Experiences from supervisory cases concerning other cases linked to disturbances

– a selection 59
10.1 Example 1, advertising sign that interfered with aviation radio...............................59
10.2 Example 2, demonstration with products from everyday life.................60
10.3 Example 3, market control of electric beaters ........................................61
10.4 Example 4, electric fence................................................ .......................62
10.5 Example 5, power lines ............................................. ................63
10.6 Example 6, ventilation system at school............................................64
10.7 Example 7, robotic lawnmower............................................ ...........65
11 Market control solar cell installations within EMC ADCO 68

11.1 Survey 2014 .............................................. ........................68
11.1.1 Results .............................................. ..............................68
11.1.2 Conclusions (a selection) from the campaign ..............................68
11.2 Survey 2019 ............................................... ........................68
III
1
Government assignment
According to the assignment, Fi2020/02994/SPN, the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Electrical Safety
Authority are to investigate the issue of electromagnetic interference in the operations of the total defence.
The assignment has been carried out in collaboration with the Fortifications Agency, the Defense
Materiel Works Total Defense Research Institute, the Defense Radio Institute and SEK Swedish Elstandard.
Consultations with the Housing Authority, the Building Permit Investigation (Fi 2020:1), the Norwegian Civil
Aviation Authority, the Norwegian Agency for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
and the Swedish Transport Agency have been carried out, and additional actors were given the opportunity to
take part in the report in connection with the consultation.
This appendix to the government mission reports the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority's view on the matter.
The Swedish Electrical Safety Authority is of the opinion that it is primarily the emissions that cause
electromagnetic interference in the form of radio interference that are the most interesting and has focused on
that area. Emissions are signals emitted from equipment, usually unintentionally, as a by-product of
operation. The reason is that the initial discussions have clearly shown that it is mainly these that make it difficult
to acquire or use the total defense facilities. We believe we have support in this, since the other parties in our
initial discussions also focused on radio interference in particular. In addition, radio interference has been
the dominant form of notifications of lack of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) received by the Swedish
Electrical Safety Authority over the years. Of course, other problems related to electromagnetic phenomena can
also arise.
Beyond the utility of this government mission, this investigation has great value as there are likely more than
the total defense who may be interested in a reasonable level of EMC so that our society and our need for
communication can function in the way we have come to take for granted . Functioning radio communication is a
prerequisite for that.
1
2 Fundamentals of EMC and interference

– an overview
2.1 Overall
The EMC Directive 2014/30/EU contains the overall requirements for
electromagnetic compatibility.
2.2 What is EMC?

Why does the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority work with EMC, and why are there
such requirements at all? Virtually all notifications of deficiencies in the EMC area, one of the
authority's supervisory areas, concern problems with radio interference.
A current observation is that the new technology for "renewable electricity production",
containing power electronics, can cause interference on radio frequencies. It has also been
shown that there are large differences in how different manufacturers have interpreted
the EMC directive. The positive thing is that there is no lack of technical solutions to avoid and
solve the problems: if the will is there, the EMC problems can be limited.
According to the directive:
electromagnetic compatibility: the ability of a piece of equipment to function

satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without introducing
unacceptable electromagnetic interference to other equipment in that
environment;
The book "EMC for product designers" by Tim Williams begins with
”Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is serious and increasing form of environmental

pollution. It ranges from minor annoyances due to crackles on broadcast
reception to potentially fatal accidents due to corruption of safety-critical
control systems”.
Electromagnetic compatibility is the property of a device, equipment or system to function

satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without unacceptably affecting anything in
this environment. The established abbreviation for electromagnetic
compatibility is EMC. Compatibility can also be expressed as compatibility. If all electrical and
electronic systems can exist side by side in harmony, they are electromagnetically compatible
(compatible). If another piece of equipment is added to the environment, without causing
interference or being interfered with, that equipment has properties that make it
electromagnetically compatible. EMC can thus also be considered a desirable condition,
something to strive for.
2
At EMC, we usually talk about normal use of equipment. Furthermore, EMC deals
exclusively with the interaction between different equipment and never with possible
impact on health; for those aspects there are other regulations (with, among others,
the Radiation Safety Authority and the Work Environment Agency).
An electrical device, almost regardless of the type, emits electromagnetic signals.

These signals may, under certain circumstances, adversely affect the operation of
other devices (or itself). Equipment also has varying resistance to interference.
EMC has its foundation in radio technology and the fight against radio interference. As
long as there has been radio, there has also been radio interference. Over time, other
phenomena have also come to be included in EMC. In this assignment we will
exclusively stick to radio interference which should be seen as a form of lack of EMC.
Some common terms in such contexts are the English RFI (radio frequency
interference) and EMI (electromagnetic interference). During the 1930s, it was realized
that standardization was needed to deal with the issue of radio interference, and the
IEC (international electrotechnical commission) formed CISPR, which began to
produce standards to protect radio from interference, something that is still being
worked on today. Other parts within the EMC standardization are mainly handled by
TC77 with two subgroups.
EMC is also an important part of EU legislation and has its own directive (the latest
is 2014/30/EU). For the standards related to the EMC directive, there is the CENELEC
group TC210 at the European level. In the EMC directive there are rules for
equipment (devices and fixed installations) and the very essence of the directive lies
in the so-called essential requirement (often called the "protection requirement") which
in short means that equipment must not interfere while at the same time having a
sufficient endurance. If that requirement is met, you can CE mark your device with
regard to EMC, or consider that a fixed installation can be used in its place.
Figure 1: The CE mark
For devices, they must comply with all applicable directives, and in order to be placed
on the market within the EU, the manufacturer (or its representative) must issue a so-
called EU declaration of conformity. The most common, and usually easiest, way to show
that you meet the requirements is to show that the product meets the requirements of
standards that are harmonized with the various EU directives.
3
Here it is important to know that it is not at all certain that, for example, a product will work
under all circumstances just because it meets the requirements of EMC standards. The
requirements for, for example, emitted interference are also not set in order to obtain total freedom
from signals, but for them to stay below a certain level that can be said to be acceptable. The
standards are always a compromise where probabilities, economic factors etc. have been taken into
account. Usually, the standards have suitable requirements for, for example, homes, offices, light
and heavy industry, etc.
Since the standards are compromises, one cannot always expect that a choice of CE-marked
products means any functional guarantee in reality. CE marking also assumes that the
manufacturer is serious and takes the regulations seriously.
As a manufacturer, you should have the ambition that the product you manufacture really works
in its intended environment, even if this entails stricter requirements than what the normally
prescribed standard states.
2.2.1 The EMC Directive

There is no space here to go into the EMC directive in detail, but the central point is the so-called
essential requirement which describes what the actual requirement is and is found in the directive's
Annex I:
1 General requirements
Equipment must, taking into account current applicable technology, be designed and manufactured in
such a way that
a) the electromagnetic interference it produces does not exceed the level above
which radio and telecommunications equipment or other equipment cannot function as
intended,
b) it has such immunity to the electromagnetic interference that can

expected in intended use that its intended function is not impaired to an unacceptable extent.
2. Special requirements for fixed installations
Installation and intended use of components:
A fixed installation shall be installed in accordance with good industry practice and in accordance
with the information on how its components are intended to be used to meet the essential requirements
of paragraph 1.
There are a number of different ways to achieve this. Requirements in so-called harmonized
standards are usually used to show that the essential requirement is met.
The handling is slightly different for products or fixed installations and this is because products enjoy
free movement within the EU while a fixed installation is made to be used only in a single location
and thus free movement is not applicable. The
4
however, the essential requirement applies regardless. An important idea with the various
directives was that the manufacturers would have great freedom to achieve the requirements.
Another purpose is that the EU directives should work for competition on equal terms. Finally,
they are also based on the fact that it is the manufacturers themselves who declare that they
meet the requirements. There is never any authority that approves products. However, an
authority can reject a product through market control.
2.3 The requirements for the product
2.3.1 Basic requirements (the protection requirement)

When manufacturers place their devices on the market, they must ensure that they have
been designed and manufactured in accordance with the essential requirements of the EMC
Directive Annex I, the protection requirement. Fulfilling the essential requirement is, apart
from a number of formal and bureaucratic requirements, the actual legal requirement. This
deserves attention, as it is often misunderstood.
A common way to show that the essential requirement is met is to show that
requirements in relevant EMC standards are met. However, that is not always enough.
Formal requirements:
• production of technical documentation (including risk analysis)
• production of declaration of conformity where the manufacturer declares all relevant

directives that the product must comply with
• necessary information for installation and use must be included

products.
• the product is provided with CE marking
Risk analysis
There is great freedom to show how the essential requirement is fulfilled, but it must be
based on a detailed analysis that must be documented. Good guidance can be found in the EU
Commission's "Blue guide" and it is also stated in the EMC directive:
"The manufacturer shall carry out an assessment of the

electromagnetic compatibility of the apparatus on the basis of relevant phenomena
so that the essential requirements set out in point 1 of Annex I are fulfilled."
The guide to the EMC directive describes it in more detail, in paragraph 4.2:
”The conformity assessment procedures for apparatus require the

manufacturer to establish technical documentation. This
documentation shall make it possible to assess the conformity of the apparatus

to the relevant requirements, and shall include an adequate
5
analysis and assessment of the risk(s). In EMCD the concept of risk refers
to risks in relation to the electromagnetic compatibility protection
aims specified in Annex I “Essential Requirements” and not to safety. On
basis of the knowledge of the relevant EMC phenomena for the
apparatus and its intended operating environments the EMC assessment
according to chapter 4.3 can be performed. This EMC assessment is
considered to be an adequate analysis and assessment of the risk(s).
See also Blue Guide section 4.1.1 "Definition of essential
requirements".”
Example of risk analysis for solar cell products

For solar cell products, a risk analysis could look something like this:
"The product is based on switched power electronics, known interference risks

are that harmonics are generated in large frequency ranges. Other
parts are connected to the product via long, unshielded electrical cables. Partly
to the electricity grid and partly to the solar cells. Such wires can radiate
interfering signals that can affect radio systems. This can very likely occur
nearby. The conclusion is therefore that the product must be designed
to avoid such radiation and it is important that the product is verified
against an EMC standard that has stated requirements for both the AC and
DC side wires. If the standard used lacks such requirements, a supplement
with additional requirements must take place to ensure that the essential
requirements of the EMC directive are met.
Electrical installation companies normally do not have such detailed EMC
knowledge plus it should be quick and easy to install. Therefore, the
product should have a filtered connection to both the mains and the solar cells.
This reduces the risk of problems and the product can be installed
easily without cumbersome instructions or additional parts.”
Experiences related to products

• The design of the product should, especially if it is a consumer product that is sold in large
numbers, allow for easy installation with regard to EMC and the design should also
allow for certain variations in execution.
•
The manufacturer must assume that the installer has no in-depth knowledge of
EMC.
• The EMC properties must be maintained throughout the product's lifetime.
6
2.4 Fixed installations

To begin with, this does not mean permanently connected according to the regulations for electrical installations.
(That regulation refers to physical fixed connection of voltage supply from

the electrical system as opposed to voltage supply via a plug from an electrical socket.)
A fixed installation according to the EMC Directive refers to a combination of appliances and
devices that are assembled, installed and intended for permanent use in a pre-
determined location. A typical example could be a production line in an industry. Even
a solar cell plant or a wind farm can be examples of fixed installations.
Figure 2: An example of what a fixed installation might look like.
As this is a pre-determined location, the free movement applicable to the products is not
applicable here. But the essential requirement of the EMC directive also applies to fixed
installations: they must also not cause interference and they must have a certain resistance.
Since free movement is not applicable, the fixed installation is not CE-marked with
regard to the EMC directive. The CE marking is replaced here by a documentation
that shows how the essential requirement is met. It is therefore not a simplification
simply because it is a fixed installation. Since the location is determined in advance
and you therefore have knowledge of the EMC conditions at that particular location, you can
(and should) adapt the installation to these conditions.
There is nothing that says that included parts must be CE-marked, but it is of course a
great advantage for planning, construction and not least the documentation of the fixed
installation if the EMC properties of the products are known. CE-marked products can
then provide guidance, provided that the products are suitable for the environment in
question.
7
Traditionally, a fixed installation has usually been industry-related and located in other places
than where private individuals and radio communication normally occur to any greater extent.
This has meant that they mainly risked disrupting their own operations in the event of EMC
problems. But the situation is about to change as larger installations begin to appear in offices,
schools, commercial premises and homes.
The practical execution of the installation is usually very important for the EMC properties and
it is referred to that "good practice" must be met. What is good practice is not clear, it can vary
considerably for different types of installations.
Guidance can be found in EMC literature, manufacturer's manuals and the like, but also practical
experience is of course useful.
2.4.1 Simpler fixed installations

The documentation required for a fixed installation quickly becomes extensive and
requires knowledge to produce. For smaller installations, which may only consist of CE-marked
parts, a simpler procedure can often be sufficient:
• Analyze the conditions (is it, for example, a residential environment or

industrial environment, are extra EMC requirements needed?).
•
Choose products that are intended for the current environment.
•
Install the products according to the respective manufacturer's instructions and according to
good practice. Also follow instructions in the Electrical Installation Rules or
other installation standards.
• Document the facility with analysis as well as the respective products' instructions
for use and care instructions.
• Hand over the documentation to the owner of the facility - this will then be done
the facility's EMC documentation.
Typical cases where a procedure like this should work, and often has done so in reality,
are control and regulation systems for property heating and ventilation.
Constituent parts are almost always CE-marked and the plant's owner generally expects
good documentation. However, a basic requirement for this to work is that the manufacturers
of the included products have done a complete job so that the essential requirement is
fully met.
For solar installations, it would be very valuable if this simplified way of managing fixed installations
could be used. In order to meet our climate goals, there are stated ambitions for large amounts
of solar cell installations to be installed. It would be of great societal value if it could be done
smoothly, without extensive analysis and documentation work for each individual solar cell
installation.
8
2.4.2 Experience from supervision

During the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority's supervision of solar cell installations, based on
reported disturbance problems as well as on self-initiated visits, certain included products have
noted:
• There are large variations in how different manufacturers have constructed their products.
• There are question marks about whether certain products meet the essential requirements of the
EMC directive.
• The simplified procedure for fixed installations may need to be evaluated when
it is about solar cell installations.
• There is potential for interference problems in very wide frequency ranges. A variety of radio-based
services can therefore risk interference
It should also be noted that the EMC requirements do not always guarantee complete
freedom from interference. The goal of the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority's
supervision and market control is for manufacturers to take responsibility for ensuring that the
products really meet reasonable EMC requirements. More about these experiences is described in
chapters 9 and 10.
2.5 Execution of the installation linked to the EMC

properties
When a facility is constructed and installed, the entire facility must comply with the regulations
for EMC. In the end, it is the owner who becomes responsible for his facility and that it works well
with its surroundings. According to the EMC directive, a solar cell installation becomes a "fixed
installation".
A number of years ago, the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority had a project on the installation
of motor drives with frequency converters, a product that technically has some similarities with the
inverters and optimizers of solar cell installations. The experience from there showed that the products
themselves were not bad in terms of EMC but they left a lot to the installers and their work for whether
the end result was good or not. If the person performing the installation had limited knowledge in EMC,
a lot of mistakes occurred that could negatively affect the result. The project thus showed that there
is a high risk of interference problems with products that are difficult to install.
When it comes to technology that is to be rolled out in large quantities in society, as we assume
that solar cell installations will be done, it is important that the products can be easily installed without
it being decisive exactly how it was done. The project pointed to a fact that may not be mentioned
very often; a very critical part of the installation is not always the included components but the
EMC knowledge of the person building a system.
9
Using exclusively CE-marked equipment in a system does not mean that the
installation automatically meets the protection requirement. One challenge is that
the installation consists of several parts that are not CE marked (which do not need to be)
but which can still have a significant impact on the final result. Examples of such are
cables and junction boxes (also device boxes). Another challenge is that it is not possible to
predict whether the person who will perform the installation has sufficient knowledge
of EMC.
The products for solar cell installations differ significantly from frequency converters as the
facilities are built completely differently. Products for solar installations have:
• a modular structure (solar cells, electronic units)
• DC side connected with quick connectors
• all DC wiring is unshielded single conductor
• a construction that means quick and easy assembly.
These facilities may be installed by people with a low level of EMC knowledge. They also
come out in large numbers in society. A big difference from
the frequency converter project is that the inspection cases do not indicate that
the solar cell installations have been carried out incorrectly. Supplied instructions appear
to have been followed during the installations. However, some products appear to
have questionable EMC characteristics, probably as a result of being designed to an EMC
standard that is not suitable for the product in this environment (vital requirements are
completely missing).
There can therefore be several different reasons why a facility has poor EMC properties.
However, it should be reasonably easy to do the right thing through clear instructions
from the manufacturer and through the products themselves being designed for the use
intended for the installation (in this case a solar cell system) to be made.
2.6 Electromagnetic interference

In this appendix we use the definition according to the directive:
electromagnetic interference: electromagnetic phenomenon that can

impair the function of a piece of equipment; an electromagnetic disturbance
can be electromagnetic noise, an unwanted signal or a change in the transmission
medium itself,
If you go by the definition strictly, any deviation from the desired function is a disorder. In
practice, however, there must be a limit to what is an unacceptable impact.
10
There are no concrete limit values in the regulations, but it must be decided on a case-by-
case basis. The limit will therefore be variable.
2.6.1 Different examples of interference

The International Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations (ITU RR) can provide some
guidance on what may or may not be considered acceptable. The ITU is a UN body and what
is written in the radio regulations is mainly about maintaining relations between the
countries. The RR is an important but not directly legally binding document in EMC matters.
It can be used as "good practice" in the field of radio and what can be accepted
from an interference point of view. Most of what is written in the radio regulations is about the
use of radio transmitters to achieve interference-free and efficient use of the radio
spectrum. Radio interference means a direct conflict with the ambition of interference-
free and efficient use of the radio spectrum.
The type of interference that is usually created from modern technical equipment
unfortunately usually has an interference spectrum that covers very large frequency ranges
(broadband interference) and usually has a very negative effect on radio communication.
When the interference is broadband, the probability that it affects a frequency where radio
communication is taking place is very high. If, on the other hand, the disturbance is
narrowband, only individual frequencies are affected and the probability of problems is not at all the same
big.
Figure 3 shows a narrowband interference (from a billboard) at "M1" that happened to spot
the calling frequency at an airport exactly. Had that interference existed on any other
frequency, perhaps no one would have noticed the interference.
11
Figure 3: A narrowband interference from a billboard.
In this particular case there was no practical possibility to circumvent the problem by
the airport changing frequency, they had an assigned frequency which was
part of an extensive planning work.
Figure 4 below shows a wide "interference carpet" with lots of signals from a
solar cell plant with optimizer. Interference is also present outside the
frequency range shown in the image.
12
Figure 4: A wide "interference carpet" with signals from a solar cell

plant with optimizer.
Here we can talk about large amounts of irrelevant signals that do not add anything
relevant but instead become disturbing. Even if you have the option, it does not help
to change the frequency of the useful signal as the new one will also be disturbed.
The above images are recorded with a spectrum analyzer which is basically a radio
receiver that presents the signals in image form. Frequency is on the X-axis and
amplitude (power) on the Y-axis. Here, the signals have been picked up with an
antenna, but other sensors can also be used. Such measuring equipment is
valuable when investigating interference problems, which we describe in more
detail later in the report.
Ur ITU RR, Del 1 ”Articles”:
1.59 safety service: Any radiocommunication service used

permanently or temporarily for the safeguarding of human life and
property.
1.166 interference: The effect of unwanted energy due to one or a

combination of emissions, radiations, or inductions upon reception in a
radiocommunication system, manifested by any performance
degradation, misinterpretation, or loss of information which could be
extracted in the absence of such unwanted energy.
13
1.169 harmful interference: Interference which endangers the

functioning of a radionavigation service or of other safety services or seriously
degrades, obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a
radiocommunication service operating in accordance with Radio
Regulations (CS).
The ITU's definition of a disturbance is similar to that of the EMC Directive. Assessment of
what is harmful interference differs whether it is security related communication or not and
it should be reasonable. Exactly what is safety-related is not specified, but flight radios
with associated navigation should belong there, as should Rakel for the blue
light operations. Mobile telephony (call 112) and SR P4 (important message to
the public) also fulfill important functions. FRA's signals intelligence to stay informed about
the activities of the outside world is also important. Then we cannot ignore how dependent
we as a society have become on almost everywhere having access to the internet via the
mobile phone. The technical systems of properties and industries are also increasingly
radio-based, for example smart homes.
15.12 § 8 Administrations shall take all practicable and necessary steps

to ensure that the operation of electrical apparatus or installations
of any kind, including power and telecommunication distribution networks,
but excluding equipment used for industrial, scientific and medical
applications, does not cause harmful interference to a
radiocommunication service and, in particular, to a radionavigation or any
other safety service operating in accordance with the provisions of these
Regulations.
It can be considered that this should be fulfilled through the EMC directive and its
incorporation into Swedish regulations. However, it assumes that responsible authorities,
for example the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority, have the opportunity to carry out
market control of products and supervision of electrical installations. It is something that must
be done proactively as it is very difficult to change what has arisen afterwards.
For radio communication, it does not matter what causes the interfering signal, it is
just as troublesome if the interference comes from another radio transmitter as an accidental
interference from some electrical equipment. Therefore, the ITU RR should be seen as an
important document when the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority assesses interference problems.
2.6.2 A valuable natural resource

Radio spectrum can generally be said to fulfill a socially important function. The importance
and value of radio spectrum is clearly stated in the introduction to PTS
spectrum strategy:
14
"The use of wireless technology is developing and the demand for radio
spectrum is increasing dramatically. We are facing a development where everything that
benefits from being connected will be. Many things will be connected using radio
spectrum.
Not least, wireless technology will become increasingly important for everyone to be able
to take part in the information society - regardless of where you live in the country.
At the same time, the radio spectrum resource is limited and has both economic
and social value. This calls for strategic spectrum management.”
The strategic spectrum management should include both the control of the use of radio transmitters and
the limitation of irrelevant signals that can act as a disturbance.
As the supervisory authority for the EMC directive, the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority has a major
responsibility to protect and manage the natural resource radio spectrum, which, in the same way
as other natural resources, should be preserved and kept free from unwanted interfering signals.
The importance of protecting radio communications is also evident in the introduction of the EMC
directive:
"Member States should be responsible for ensuring that radio communications, including
radio reception and amateur radio services carried out in accordance with the
International Telecommunication Union radio regulations, electricity and
telecommunications networks and equipment connected to these
networks are protected against electromagnetic interference."
The work of the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority includes:
• market control of products
• supervision of facilities (not infrequently involves feedback to market control)
• cooperation with other authorities
• environmental analysis
• participation in standardization
2.6.3 Varying level of acceptance

If we return to the question "what is interference", we can conclude that certain radio services may
accept a certain level or amount of interference. Broadcasting networks usually have several different
transmitters and here the listener is expected to receive from a transmitter within the intended coverage
area; there are usually several options. The networks are also dimensioned with the idea that
the receiver is equipped with a good antenna.
15
A radio user has a responsibility to keep his equipment in good condition, otherwise
the performance of a radio system can be significantly degraded, which can increase susceptibility
to interference.
Radio services within "freely" provided (license-free) radio services such as private radio,
short-distance radio around 433 MHz and the like usually have to accept that there may be
interference on certain frequencies (often you can choose from several), but it is hardly
acceptable if entire frequency ranges are disrupted.
For safety-related radio systems (for example, aviation radios), no interference is allowed in
principle.
The level of acceptance of the interfering signal also depends on its nature, such as
strength, occupied frequency ranges, etc.
2.6.4 Endurance, robustness of radio

A radio receiver is exposed to multitudes of signals and it is expected to be able to distinguish the
desired signal from the multitude of signals reaching its antenna. Different modulation
methods have differences in immunity and there can also be various additional circuits
and methods in receivers to increase immunity.
In the case of analogue modulation methods (e.g. AM or FM), the radio listener often gets a sense
of whether interfering signals are present, the reception deteriorates in a noticeable way which
happens gradually until a level is reached where reception is no longer possible. If, on the other
hand, digital transmission is used (e.g. GSM mobile telephony, DVB-T for terrestrial TV, Rakel),
the user rarely notices if the transmission is moderately disturbed. The transmission can cope
with fairly high interference levels until a limit is reached when the entire connection is abruptly
cut off - when the total interference level has exceeded a limit.
Usually, digital systems have error correction that complements and adds to what is likely
missing in a disrupted connection. It is also a big advantage that digital methods often become
more robust against interference, but this also means that there is not the same intuitive indication
of the presence of interference. This can make it difficult to determine if the connection is
interrupted or if the device is broken, especially if you are not familiar with this area of technology.
With analog transmission, it is also possible, with some experience, to draw conclusions about
what are likely sources of interference by, for example, listening to a disturbing sound or observing
deteriorations in an image.
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Figure 5: Radio receivers are exposed to both interference and useful signals.
An important characteristic of a radio receiver is to have high sensitivity for what you
want to receive, for weak signals on the receiver frequency. Typical levels to be received
can generate anything from a few to hundreds of millionths of a volt (microvolt) to the
receiver's antenna connection for weaker signals. However, the receiver must not be
sensitive to other signals, for example transmitters on other frequencies. If you want to
listen to radio P3, P2 or P4 should not be heard. The desired signal is the
utility signal.
An obvious prerequisite for functioning radio communication is that there is some form of
order in the use of radio transmitters. Since different devices can also unintentionally
leave disturbing signals, these signals must also be in order, and they have tried to
deal with that with the EMC regulations. The problem is that a radio system basically has
very limited immunity to interference on its receiver frequency, because the receiver is
supposed to be sensitive to receive signals.
If there are then interfering signals on the same frequency, there may be problems.
The situation can be likened to trying to hold a conversation in a noisy place. It works well
up to a certain limit as disturbing sounds drown out the other party's speech. The human
hearing, along with the brain, has good properties for suppressing distracting sounds and
automatically filling in the words that we expect to hear. Certainly it will be a little more
difficult to listen to, but it still works, up to a limit.
In military contexts, radio communication is often given a very high priority. Furthermore,
you have a greater opportunity to set demands on all constituent parts of the system so
that they do not have a negative impact. In a civilian environment, you will be surrounded
by products that hopefully meet EMC requirements for CE marking. In a civilian environment
it is also difficult or impossible to have any greater control over what is in the surroundings.
What is in the environment will also vary over time. Within total defence, there are
civilian functions that must be able to function throughout society
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and not just in and in connection with the designated areas of national interest, which is an additional
challenge.
2.6.5 Our different radio frequencies

The radio spectrum covers enormously large frequency ranges. Each frequency range has its own
unique characteristics and this means that they are used in very different ways. Since radio signals
are not limited by national borders, international regulation and standardization of products has also
become necessary. Many times extensive planning is required for our radio systems. Therefore, it
does not work for parts of the radio spectrum to become unusable - it is not just simply moving the
use to other frequencies.
Figure 6: A section of a very small part of the radio spectrum showing the use
(Post- och Telestyrelsen, PTS).
2.6.6 Radio interference from other radio transmitters

If radio reception is disturbed by other radio transmitters, it is handled by the Swedish Post
and Telecommunications Authority as the supervisory authority. If, on the other hand, devices (not
radio reception) are affected by any transmitter, it is covered by the Swedish Electrical Safety
Authority's mandate. However, these kinds of problems are quite rare these days. Further back
it was much more common. The reduction is probably due to modern technology becoming more durable.
If products meet the emission requirements (what comes out of the product), then the way into the
product has also been blocked relatively well.
At the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority, the percentage of cases that refer to the impact on
products caused by some form of radio transmitter is completely negligible. The matters that have
been reported, are being handled and are causing interference are all products that are not radio
transmitters. Therefore, we do not touch that issue more than that in this report.
2.6.7 Line-related disturbances

A slightly bigger problem, however, are the cases where grid-connected products or
facilities are affected by line-related disturbances via the power grid. About the signals on
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the lines are radio frequency, they can in some cases radiate from the lines. It is therefore
important to limit the levels of such signals. How big the risk is that there will be interference from
lines depends on the design, length, location, etc. of the lines. In the case of solar cell installations, it
has been shown that interference with lines is an important factor.
Some types of interference are sometimes transient in nature and can disrupt or sometimes
destroy equipment. In industry, there are problems where equipment is affected by so-called
voltage dips, which can be described as extremely short (millisecond) power interruptions.
Such voltage dips can cause, for example, motor drives to stop and have to be restarted.
A problem that increases as more and more equipment, both for electricity production and that
consumes electricity, is connected to the power grids is harmonics. Electronic loads are often non-
linear, unlike, for example, classic light bulbs or electric motors.
Much of this lies in a borderland between EMC and what is usually called electricity quality. This
government assignment does not touch on electricity quality issues and therefore we will stop at a
merely indicative description of the phenomenon.
2.6.8 Interference on mobile networks

The concept of mobile networks includes, for example, mobile telephony and TETRA ("Rakel").
The networks are divided into a large number of cells where a base station manages a cell in a
certain geographical area. It is not always advantageous for a base to cover a large area, in a
metropolitan environment you often have systems that cover rather small areas - you strive
to have a large number of mobile units in operation. Another important feature is to have low
transmitter power on mobile devices, partly to save on batteries and get a long operating time, but
also to not unnecessarily get a range that covers adjacent systems.
Communication between base station and mobile device is bidirectional.
The base stations are everywhere in society, on masts, on roofs, walls and more, but also inside
properties. The base stations are often co-located with other equipment and it can be expected
that they may sit close to solar cell installations on the same or adjacent roofs. The
greatest risk of interference is likely to be found on the uplink, where the base station's receiver can
be interfered with by a solar cell installation. Reports of such problems can be found,
among others, from the Netherlands. That the downlink, i.e. the mobile phone's receiver,
would be disturbed by a solar plant is probably less likely; mobile phone users are normally hardly
in the vicinity of solar cell installations on roofs.
The reception on the uplink involves pronounced weak signal communication
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(the mobile's transmitter power is low). Therefore, a sensitive receiver on the uplink and good
antennas with high antenna gain are required.
Figure 7: Two-way communication between mobile phone and base station.
The consequence of interference on the uplink can be difficult to assess. In

mobile phone systems, it is often possible to use other frequency ranges as
well, but the disturbed area is affected and ultimately it can get
financial consequences for the mobile operator. The user may not notice disturbances
immediately, perhaps it is perceived as poorer performance, that calls are disconnected or data
communication is slow.
2.6.9 What is actually disturbing?

Radio interference is nothing new. As long as there has been radio, there have
been interference problems. Great frustration was expressed in an issue of the magazine
Populär radio in the 1930s, see Figure 8. At that time, radio was mostly amplitude modulated
and more sensitive to interference. Some of the sources of disturbance still exist today, but
new ones have been added and, above all, the number of products in society has changed since
the 1930s.
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Figure 8: Illustration of radio interference, from the magazine Populär radio from the 1930s.
Much has of course improved since then. Broadcast radio switched to frequency modulation
in the 50s, it became much more resistant to interference.
The regulations around EMC have also been added. But challenges remain in a different form:
• the number of products in a given location many times more than before
• the range of products has also multiplied
• technology shift where analogue has become digital plus switched power electronics
• the radio interference has changed character
• almost all new technology is an EMC challenge
• strong price pressure
• quality issues, aging equipment causing problems
• electrical installers with limited knowledge of EMC
• fortune seekers sometimes appear on the market, selling equipment that does not meet the
requirements
• political pressure to introduce new technology
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3 Reported cases – sources of knowledge
3.1 Statistics on registered

The Swedish Electrical Safety Authority has not compiled any statistics as it probably only gives a
picture of reported cases and not of the situation with EMC as a whole, which should be more
interesting. If you put the number of products and installations of various types that are in operation out
in society against the number of reported cases over the years, you could easily conclude that this
EMC problem is completely negligible and something that can be easily ignored. How to produce
reasonable statistics that contain accurate information about EMC is a question that needs to be
looked at more closely.
3.1.1 Few cases - few problems?

Presumably, EMC problems are much more common, so it is not possible to claim that a small number
of reported cases is a sign that all is well out there in society. The problems that the Swedish Armed
Forces noted and also present some measurements on are not among the reported cases at the Swedish
Electrical Safety Authority, but still represent possible scenarios and have occurred in other countries.
When EMC problems are brought to the attention of the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority,
an evaluation is made of the likelihood of whether the problem could become a concern on a wider
front. Therefore, one cannot automatically claim that a problem would be trivial because the authority
has only had a few reports to date.
Why so few reported problems - hypotheses:
• The person who is disturbed does not always understand that he is actually disturbed. Many have not
technical knowledge to put all things in their context. Some systems (usually digital) do not show
signs of interference until it is so serious that the systems completely stop working.
• Weak incentives. When an industry disrupts itself, production is at risk.
Moving solar cell installations often affect someone else from the disturbance.
The owner of the source of the disturbance may not experience any disturbance and thus
gain nothing by getting to the bottom of it and ensuring that the problem is resolved.
• Economic factors. It can be expensive to fix the problems afterwards when
they show up.
• Relatively few private individuals use weak signal communication via radio.
• Some problems have been reported to PTS in the belief that it is radio transmitters that interfered.
PTS sometimes solves EMC problems while still on site.
• Knowledge of radio technology and EMC is insufficient.
• Fear of conflict.
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3.2 Frequency ranges

In these frequency ranges, there have been reported disturbances as well as potential
disturbance risks from solar cell installations where there may be reason to fear that an
impact may occur.
0,1-0,5 MHz Broadcast radio (long wave), military communications,

DGPS, aviation radio beacons (NDB), radio clocks, etc
0,5-1,6 MHz Broadcast radio (medium wave)
1,8-30 MHz *) Broadcast radio and Amateur radio, shortwave

(selected frequency bands) plus military use.
30-88 MHz Defense troop radio
88-108 MHz Radio "FM band"
108-137 MHz Aviation radio, navigation and voice communication
50-52 MHz*), Amateur radio VHF
144-146 MHz *)
137-174 MHz Different forms of communication radio (taxi,

guard company, marine VHF etc.)
223-240 MHz Digital broadcast radio "DAB" (sparing use i

Sweden)
380-395 MHz TETRA ("Rakel")
433-434 MHz Short-range radio (communication radio,

remote controls, car alarm, etc.)
470-790 MHz Terrestrial TV (DVB-T)
760-960 MHz *) Mobile telephony (LTE, UMTS, GSM)
Above 1 GHz the interference levels appear very limited.
From the cases reported by the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority, it can be seen that
disturbances are currently reported in star-marked frequency ranges (reported radio
interference), but it can also be clearly seen in the various cases that the nature of the
disturbance is such that it covers large frequency ranges, almost always significantly wider
than what notification included. The risks are mainly within approx. 100 kHz – 1 GHz. Moreover,
there is a clear trend in the emitted interference from the majority of modern
equipment: the signals mostly cover very large frequency ranges. It is
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a significant disadvantage from a radio interference point of view as the probability of something
being interfered with is greatly increased compared to if only a few single signals are emitted.
Based on the installations we have observed, the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority can note that
signals from some solar cell installations can be detected from longwave up to at least 1 GHz.
A complete frequency plan is available from the Swedish Post and Telecommunications Authority.
3.3 The most common reports to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority
Relatively few reports have been received by the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority, which
means that the basis available to start from is very limited. A notification does not automatically mean
that the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority initiates supervision or investigates the notification case.
Relatively small groups in society account for a disproportionately large number of cases with
notifications to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority if it is put in relation to the population
as a whole. A common denominator for these are users of various forms of more advanced or serious
radio-based communication as well as good technical knowledge. Below is a generalized
description of the different types of notifiers:
Radio amateurs
By far the largest group of notifiers. Uses parts of a large part of the radio spectrum for
activities that require weak signals to be received, often at the limit of what is technically possible.
Works in a residential environment in close proximity to others. Good radio skills and general technical
knowledge. A hobby business.
A good indicator of problems during unsealing.
Rundradiolyssnare ”DX”
This refers to listening to radio from other countries, often in other parts of the world. Operates in
principle under the same forms as amateur radio and suffers from the same problems.
Mobile phone operators
They also operate in residential environments as the base stations are often set up on or in close
proximity to households etc. You must receive weak signals from mobile phones where low transmitter
power is desired to save battery in the mobile phone and to be able to have many subscribers in the
systems. They have often dealt with interference problems on their own so the true number of problems
is probably significantly greater than we know.
Com radio users
Despite the mobile phone, there are still a lot of people who use it
communication radio. For example, security companies, taxis, delivery companies, etc. This is often
about mobile devices that must be in very different environments. Received signal strengths are
often quite weak. Users generally have quite moderately
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technical know-how, they use the radio primarily as a pure work tool. Marine VHF has an important safety
function at sea where ordinary mobile telephony does not always work.
Flight radio
Both communication radio and navigation. A very important safety feature in aviation. This group also
has radio as a working tool. An underlying organization takes care of the technical aspects.
Remote control
The car key is a common example. Here it seems mainly deliberate interference from criminal
jammers is the main problem and it is not EMC related. Also remote reading of electricity meters.
WLAN, general wireless technology
The use is very widespread, which means that many times it simply becomes crowded on the
frequencies, which is not an EMC problem. The use is permitted without frequency planning. Some
interference problems also occur. Some products have poor robustness against disturbances (cheap
construction). Used without requirements for technical knowledge.
Broadcast radio/TV
This refers to what private individuals normally use. Quite a few reports.
Moderate technical knowledge of users. Varying condition of antennas. Some receive transmissions
outside the intended coverage area, which results in unnecessary sensitivity to
interference.
License free radio
Simpler com radio type private radio and PMR. Wireless microphones/headphones.
Wireless weather stations. Radio controlled toys.
No reports have been received by the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority from the total defence.
As we can see in other parts of the report, this is not an indication that there are no disruptions to their
operations. The handling of occurring disturbances has been handled without reporting. It is
positive that problems are solved, but the disadvantage is that it does not become known and clarifies
the overall picture.
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4 Trends
A number of trends in the field of EMC interference are that
•
the number of notifications of interference problems has gradually increased
•
disturbances tend to reach higher and higher frequencies and also occupy larger frequency ranges
than before
•
the nature of disturbances has changed greatly due to technical product development
over the years.
4.1 "Rakel problem" in the Netherlands

According to the Netherlands counterpart to PTS, quite a number of base stations for their counterpart to Rakel –
C2000 – have been affected by interference from optimizer solar plants. Just as in the case of mobile
telephony that we describe further on, it is the reception on the uplink that is disrupted. The signal strength from the
portable Rakel units is relatively weak and thus sensitive to interfering signals in the same frequency range. The right-
hand image in figure 9 shows how the station's coverage area changes drastically. The deterioration during the
day means in a current case that the coverage area is reduced by approx. 80%.
Figure 9: A base station in the Netherlands. The coverage area of the base
station changes depending on whether it is day or night. Image: Agentschap Telecom NL
Data from the station shows how the disturbance varies over time. For example, it is visible when it becomes cloudy
for a while, the disturbance level decreases noticeably. The biggest difference is when the sun goes down, this
can be seen in figure 10. Dark blue in the image represents a low level of interference.
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Figure 10: Data from the Dutch base station shows how the interference varies over time.
For example, it is visible when it becomes cloudy for a while, the disturbance level decreases noticeably.
Image: Agentschap Telecom NL
There has not yet been a report to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority about a similar problem
in Sweden, even though the same type of radio system and solar cell products are available here.
The Defense Materiel Administration has made computer simulations based on measurement
results from two different solar cell installations, and for the worse of them, the simulation
shows a possible interference scenario corresponding to the Dutch "squeegee problems".
This is reported as a separate appendix in this government assignment.
4.2 The technology in solar cell systems

The solar cells, which produce direct current, are connected in series in a long loop (generally
called a string). In a facility there may be one or more such strings. Often it can be beneficial to
divide a plant into several strings. For example, it is considered to be a problem if parts of a
roof are shaded, it lowers the yield from the plant as shaded parts have a damping effect.
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Figure 11: A solar cell system
In order to adapt the energy yield from the solar cells, optimizers are generally used in
some form. The way to maximize the energy output from the solar cells is called "MPPT"
(Maximum Power Point Tracker). There may also be functions to shut down the electricity
production. The optimizer function can either be localized to units at the solar cell or be
integrated in the inverter. When separate optimizers are used, they usually serve either one
string per optimizer or one optimizer per solar cell (sometimes one optimizer for two solar
cells). Variants of this may occur. There have also been variants where optimizers are
integrated into the solar cells. Technically, an optimizer can be seen as a DC/DC converter,
which is an example of switched power electronics.
The direct voltage of the solar cells is converted to alternating voltage in the inverter.
Depending on the size of the facility, there may be one or more inverters. A typical
residential installation usually only has one (or a few) inverters. The inverter outputs the
energy to the grid. The inverter is a DC/AC converter, also an example of switched power
conversion.
4.3 Comparison of different solar cell systems

The comparison below focuses entirely on the EMC properties. Different main
principles:
•
no optimizers or optimizers integrated in the inverter
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• one optimizer per string (larger group of solar cells). Small number of separate
optimizers
• an optimizer for each individual/single solar cell. Large number of separate optimizers
• optimizers integrated into each individual solar cell (seems to be uncommon)
An embodiment where the optimization function is integrated in the inverter is beneficial from
an EMC point of view, as the filter function benefits both the inverter and the
optimizer part. It is, of course, an economic advantage, but also a practical one, as the
interference suppression components are in one and the same enclosure for the device.
Building the plant with separate optimizers that are placed up by the solar cells means that
each individual optimizer has filters (and possibly other EMC measures). The EMC measures
thus receive a larger share of the total cost for each individual product. It can also be physically
difficult to fit them in the product. Another factor with separate optimizers is that the
total number of optimizers in a facility becomes large, and here there can be an
aggregation effect that causes the total interference level to increase. Usually it is an optimizer
for one or two solar cells. There can also be operational advantages (completely aside from
the EMC properties) in having the optimizers placed up next to the solar cells instead of
integrated into the inverter. From the point of view of interference, there is a disadvantage
with electronic equipment on the roof as you get a spread of interference sources over a large
surface due to the free placement. In addition, the products are likely to end up closer to any
radio antennas in the surroundings.
4.4 EMC challenges with switched power conversion

When using alternating voltage, it can easily be converted from one voltage
level to another, this is done with a transformer. More challenging has been converting one DC
voltage to another DC voltage, or from DC to AC voltage. Here, however, switched power
technology has made great progress and it is now easier. Our everyday life is full of products
that use switched power electronics, e.g. chargers for mobile phones, power supplies for
computers and drivers for LED lights. The advantages of this technique are well known; high
efficiency, large control options and often very compact design. Nowadays, switch technology
has in practice beaten out the older so-called linear when it comes to power supply.
Perhaps the main disadvantage of the switch technology is the risk of electromagnetic
interference. Because of the way the conversion works, chopping up voltage for conversion,
you work with waveforms of the signals that are very angular.
Without going into details, here we have to content ourselves with passing on the fact that
"edgy" signals as a by-product give rise to a large amount of signals at higher frequencies,
so-called harmonics. Even though the fundamental frequency is low, here it usually is
29
be tens to hundreds of kilohertz, the harmonics will cover large frequency

ranges and it will be right up into radio frequency ranges, i.e. megahertz and up.
That is the explanation why something that is clearly not intended to be a radio
transmitter can still create radio frequency signals. These signals should be seen
as an unwanted by-product of normal function.
The proportion of high-frequency harmonics largely depends on how quickly the switch
components turn on/off. In order to reduce power losses (unwanted heat) in the
components, you want the conversion to take place as quickly as possible, but
this also means that the risk of interference increases. The image below (figure 12)
shows how a signal with sharp flanks (the red one) is matched by several signals with
different (increasing) frequency. If the red signal is rounded off, the proportion of signals
with a higher frequency will decrease accordingly.
Figure 12: If the red signal is rounded off, the proportion of signals with a
higher frequency will decrease accordingly. Image: R&S.
The signals can come out in several different ways, in the EMC literature they
speak of radiated and conducted emission. It is important to note that they are not
two completely separate things but they are related, usually conducted emission leads
to radiated emission, and vice versa. Therefore, in practice, it is just as important to
prevent signals from coming out wired via wires as directly radiating from the
device.
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Figure 13: Disturbance propagation (from the EMMA manual).
The signals inside the devices are needed for the function, but if they are prevented from
spreading to the surroundings, they do not cause problems. As it is, there are established
solutions for this, but it requires that the devices are designed appropriately. They talk
about shielding, filtering and zoning as methods and, simply put, it means creating a clear
barrier between the internal parts of the device and the surroundings and keeping the
signals in place.
An important part of the zoning is the separation distance that is assumed to exist
between the parts. Signal strength decreases rapidly with distance so one way to deal with
EMC is actually to keep your distance. It may be worth knowing that the EMC standards
requirements are generally based on there being a certain distance. For products intended for
residential environments, it is typically 10 meters, for industrial products 30 meters. Here we
must again remind you that the protection mainly refers to relatively strong radio signals
such as broadcast radio. For the protection of weaker signals, it is not at all certain that the
usual separation distances are sufficient as a protective barrier.
Figure 14: Example of zoning (from the EMMA manual).
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A shielding metal casing - "Faraday's cage" - becomes a clear zone boundary, but it is
also required that the lines do not carry signals in or out and that there are filters.
Figure 15: A shielding metal enclosure prevents signals from propagating -

called a "Faraday cage".
If the cables only pass through a hole in the zone boundary, no or negligible protective
effect is achieved, even if it is shielded. Furthermore, all the wires must be
handled, it is not possible to try to sneak a single one out without a filter. Because the
desired direct voltage (DC) or alternating voltage (AC) is so significantly different from
the unwanted harmonics (high frequency), it is no mean task to construct a
filter that only lets through the desired (very low frequency).
If for some reason you don't want to filter what is going out on a cable, you can
use a shielded cable instead, then the shielded cable will be a continuation of the
zoning. But a shielded cable assumes that the zone thinking continues at the end
of the cable as well. It therefore does not work for the solar cell products where the
DC side has contact with a completely open solar cell, nor for the AC side that goes
on to a power grid.
It is also possible to reduce the antenna effect from cables by twisting them. It is
advantageous to have the wires close together.
Figure 16: Untwisted and twisted wires.
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Another way to reduce interference from cables is to mount ferrite cores on the cables. This reduces the
interference current and thus the degree of radiation from the cable.
However, it requires that they be placed appropriately and selected for the frequency range where the
interference is present. Otherwise, the effect of the measure is reduced and, in the worst case, may be
completely absent.
Figure 17: Ferrites on cables.
Figure 18: Importance of cables as accidental transmitter antennas.
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The tactic of shielding, filtering and zoning has the great advantage that the device also becomes
resistant to disturbing signals that may be present in the environment. Even for that durability,
there are explicit requirements in the EMC directive.
4.5 Avoid interference problems

There are a number of basic methods to reduce interference. Some methods are briefly described
here with advantages and disadvantages.
Filtering: A basic method that involves electrical components stopping unwanted signals from
getting out on a wire. Through appropriate component selection, the filter effect can be
obtained at the desired frequencies. In practical terms, however, the components cost money and
take up space in the device.
Slower flanks: If the switching in the products takes place more slowly, the amount of harmonics
is reduced and the risk of EMC problems is reduced. The requirements for filters are also reduced.
The disadvantage is that the efficiency of the products deteriorates as there are more losses in the
switch components, something that can also be problematic to handle through increased heat
generation.
"Jitter" on signals: If the signals are constantly varied in frequency and intentionally made
somewhat "unstable", they will be measured weaker during EMC tests.
Depending on which radio systems are in the surroundings, the interference may be perceived as
weaker. However, it assumes that it is only a single source of interference, in reality the products
(especially optimizers) exist in large numbers and the interference levels from the signals are
added and the reduction of the interference level that on each individual frequency may not be
present in reality when aggregated. The method is known and much debated in the EMC context.
Installation measures: For example, twisted pair cabling, ferrite cores on cabling, extra filters. It
can work well, but the downside is that the measures require that the work really gets done
right. Important with detailed instructions from the manufacturer.
Ideally, a product should be able to be installed easily without complicated work, the product should
rather have margins for how it can be installed.
High transmitter power: Provides stronger useful signals for the receiver that better defends itself
against interference. For practical reasons, this cannot always be done. If the interference
level at the receiver site is high, it may turn out that a completely unreasonable increase in
the transmitter power is required to compensate for this.
More efficient antennas: Efficient on the transmitter side to get a strong useful signal.
If it is applied to the receiver (close to the interference source) it can be counterproductive as an
efficient antenna is as effective for the useful signal as for the interference. Can't always be done
for practical reasons.
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Distance: Since the strength of the signals decreases with distance, a protective distance can
be prescribed. The disadvantage is that it may make certain things difficult to place.
Furthermore, in some cases it may be practically impossible to fit in a given space. LFV
has issued a notice about a 3,000 meter distance between airports and solar installations.
Antenna placement: Sometimes antennas can be repositioned so that they are more favorable
in relation to a source of interference (usually this means a greater distance).
Requirement: If you know that radio communication must coexist with other electronic
equipment, especially on a small surface, this should be observed during procurement
through appropriately formulated requirements. Incidentally, it is also a requirement according
to the regulations for fixed installations according to the EMC directive.
35
5 Experience from cases

Examples of cases can be found in chapters 9 and 10.
5.1 General
• The Swedish Electrical Safety Authority has had various cases over the years in which various forms of
equipment, devices and fixed installations, have caused problems in the form of radio interference.
The reasons have varied: products that do not meet EMC requirements, incorrect installation, aging
or errors that have occurred.
• Equipment that is not clearly a radio transmitter can generate unintended radio frequency signals
that can interfere with, and in the worst case scenario completely eliminate, radio
communications.
• Several cases point to doubts as to whether the chosen EMC standards for the products
are really sufficient to fulfill the so-called essential requirements of the EMC directive for the use for
which they are then intended. The Directive's essential requirements are what are legally binding, not
the EMC standards themselves.
• We have seen in several cases that the requirements of EMC standards are insufficient to protect
more sensitive radio communications than broadcast radio and TV. Such communication
occurs widely, but the general public's awareness of it is low.
• Since several different types of radio services have been affected by interference in the cases handled by the
Electrical Safety Authority, there is reason to fear that the activities of the total defense
may also suffer from corresponding interference problems.
• If radio systems are to be co-located with other equipment, an investigation should generally be carried out
to determine what requirements should be set. CE marked products do not guarantee freedom
from interference.
• Electrical installers generally have limited knowledge of EMC.
• The understanding of EMC problems is generally low among owners of interfering equipment
as well as users of many radio systems.
• In most cases, it becomes very costly to solve EMC problems afterwards.
• Experience from interference cases should be used for possible market control with
the aim of removing unsuitable products from the market.
5.2 Solar cell installations specifically

• In recent years, problems have been reported where the source of the interference was found to be
solar cell installations. It is a completely new source of interference, even if the technology in detail
36
does not share in any way is new. The situation coincides with a strong increase in that type
of installation.
• In all cases that have led to supervision, it has been about facilities with so-called
optimizers up by the solar cells. The disturbances originate from high levels of interfering
signals on the DC cables.
• During the course of the work, we have drawn attention to deficiencies in EMC standards for
solar cell products. Mainly it has been about the lack of requirements for the DC lines
to the solar cells. Similar shortcomings are also found in EMC standards for other products.
• The EMC standards do not seem to deal with the situation of aggregation of signal levels from
products installed in large numbers.
• In all cases of interference problems, the owner states that the installation was carried out
by an electrical installation company and according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Interfering solar systems have in some cases been modified by the manufacturer. The
measures are considered to have been very extensive and the results have varied.
• Clear and relevant EMC requirements should be on products from the start
the products can be installed with greater safety regarding EMC.
• An increased requirement for documentation by handling all solar cell installations as "fixed
installations" and requiring extended documentation for individual
facilities will have major consequences on expansion and costs.

Probably an unwanted development.
• We have established that there are products on the market that appear to have good EMC properties
and where the risk of radio interference is likely to be small even in an erected facility. Typical
of these is that they have a low interference level on the DC lines.
• The installation practice of unshielded single conductor on the DC side laid in a long loop on the
ceiling is not optimal from an EMC point of view. However, it is an installation method
that has become widely accepted and is considered desirable in the market. Provided that
the products are designed with that in mind, you can install like this without major risks.
• One of the purposes of EU legislation is competition on fair terms. If CE-marked products

can have such different EMC characteristics, it means an unsatisfactory situation from
a competitive point of view if they do not at the same time meet the general protection
requirement according to the directive.
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6 Discussions and thoughts
6.1 EMC Standards

Identified issues:
• The standards rarely take into account aggregate effects from a large number of products in
the same location. It can be difficult to assess how the total interference
level will be, depending on the nature of the signals. A growing problem in our opinion.
• Standards may, which is a central issue, completely lack relevant requirements.

An example is the lack of requirements for conductive emissions on the DC side. For
many consumer products (e.g. power supply unit for laptop) there are DC cables, but
they are usually so short that they do not significantly contribute to the propagation
of signals. In the case of solar cell installations, however, the DC lines are very long,
many tens to hundreds of meters, and then one cannot ignore the fact that they can
spread signals. Compare with the AC side (towards the mains) where established
requirements already exist, precisely with the justification that there are long cables.
• Product standards with clear requirements are probably preferable to general

EMC standards as manufacturers receive clearer directives as to what applies.
• The requirement levels are mainly set to protect stronger radio signals, such as
broadcast radio and television, and thus provides poorer protection
for weak signal communication.
• Products are used more closely together in combination with wireless technology as both
strongly increasing in use.
• Because the harmonized standards in the EMC area have shortcomings
there is room for interpretation that can provide financial benefits at the expense of
the EMC properties.
CISPR within IEC, and also TC210 within CENELEC (EU level), working with EMC standards,
are aware of these deficiencies and are in the process of addressing it. However,
development is slow. In addition, a lot of things have been "declared" for a long time, for
example levels of the emission requirements, and will likely be difficult to change.
6.2 Are the standard's requirements sufficient?

One or more EMC standards are usually used as a basis when the manufacturer issues
its declaration of conformity with the various EU directives that are
applicable to the product. Here it is very important to ensure that the chosen standard really
covers what the product can cause. It is not at all
38
sure a certain standard always does. For the EMC directive, it is about fulfilling the essential
requirement, often called the protection requirement, which is not to interfere and have a
certain tolerance. Regardless of what is stated in the standard chosen, it is always the
essential requirements of the directive that are the legal requirement. There is a clarification
here in the EU Commission's "Blue guide", paragraph 4.3, which means that the manufacturer
must make an analysis of how they have done to fulfill the directive's essential
requirements and this must be documented in writing in the technical documentation that must be available for
products.
6.2.1 DC cables forgotten?

A concrete example that quickly became apparent when the Swedish Electrical Safety
Authority began to investigate the issue of interference from solar cell installations is that
some manufacturers have completely missed wired interference on DC cabling from the
products (the path between solar cells to inverters). Here, the products have been
declared against a standard that did not contain any such requirements and interpreted as if
no requirements exist, which means that the facilities are at risk of causing disturbances that
way. As we have already mentioned, this type of product consists of switched power
electronics that have a known risk of causing radio frequency interference through their way of
working. Furthermore, the products are connected to long cables, also unshielded single
conductors, which can radiate signals that are on the cables. For the connection to the electricity
grid, such requirements have existed since ancient times and the reason is precisely that you
are dealing with long cables.
Thus, it should be clear that the same reasoning should also apply to the DC side. The
reason that DC side requirements are not found on products such as phone chargers
and laptop power supplies is that the DC side cabling for these is short, usually only a few
meters, and does not form an effective antenna so the risk of interference for such products
becomes small and then it has generally been considered unnecessary to measure. In practice
it has worked well. But that reasoning is not applicable to solar products because of the long DC
wires and how they are laid.
6.3 What is reasonable level?

The requirement levels are drawn up with guidance from CISPR Technical Report 16-4-4,
which sets a reasonable level for the requirements to be placed on emitted interference
from various products. From a purely technical point of view, you can have pretty much as
strict requirements as you like, but it is important to justify it, because stricter requirements can
make the product more expensive to manufacture and may also have impaired properties in
completely different areas (e.g. heavier, larger, lower efficiency) . It is quite possible that a
product that is intended for a larger market (such as consumer products) will be significantly overpriced with
39
"optimal" EMC properties and that the majority of consumers do not benefit much from the fine
properties.
For products with more specific use, intended for a narrower customer circle, the price
may not be of much importance, but the customer may prioritize reliability, fewer operational
disturbances and then it is certainly justified with high EMC requirements. This is how
people often think in industrial contexts, where a lack of EMC often manifests itself in
seemingly mysterious and costly operational disturbances. Here it is important that the
manufacturer is serious and realizes which requirements are suitable for their product and
that this may well mean that the standard's requirements may not be sufficient. It can be a
difficult balancing act.
There is guidance in the CISPR report and it is a complicated methodology based on a

lot of probability theory. However, it is a document intended for the developer of standards
and not for product manufacturers. You can see that the model is based on the proximity of
the parts, probability of interference and a lot of other factors. As our society is becoming
increasingly full of both electronic equipment and increasingly wireless technology, it may be
appropriate to question whether the requirements of the EMC standards are sufficient and
such discussions are ongoing.
6.4 Aggregation is rarely handled

When using a large number of identical products in the same installation, the emissions are
accumulated. The disturbance level for a number of people is always higher, but it is a bit
difficult to say how much it will be. The consequence is that the manufacturer should
design the products so that the level of interference from each individual product has such
a good margin that even an entire plant with many products meets reasonable EMC
requirements, otherwise there may be interference problems. The same problem can also be
found in, for example, lighting.
6.5 Radio interference the main risk

Here, the focus has been entirely on interference with radio communication. Is there a risk
that other devices are also affected if the level of interference around them is high? If
you compare the requirement levels for emitted emissions from products with the durability
requirements, it quickly becomes clear that the levels are in completely different areas. The
tolerance requirements for radiated electromagnetic fields for consumer products
are normally 3 V/m and for industrial products 10 V/m. The emission limits for products are in
the order of tens to hundreds of microvolts per meter. The difference is very large and it
may seem strange. The explanation is that the requirements exist to protect two completely different things.
The emission requirements exist primarily to protect radio reception, while the
endurance requirements exist to protect the product from the influence of nearby radio
transmitters. In practice, there is little risk that something that is not intentional is one
40
radio transmitters can give rise to such large electromagnetic fields that a product is directly
negatively affected. This is also confirmed by the fact that the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority
had, by and large, no such reported cases compared to the proportion of
reported radio interference problems.
6.6 The regulations
6.6.1 The law and regulation

According to the regulation (2016:363) on electromagnetic compatibility, the Swedish
Electrical Safety Authority is the supervisory authority for the facilities to which the government
mandate relates and the market control authority for equipment. The regulation also gives
the authority the task of reporting insufficient compliance with the protection requirement
and incorrect use of equipment. In the law (1992:1512) on electromagnetic compatibility,
the authority is given the right to demand that deficiencies be remedied.
Recurring supervision and market control is necessary to ensure that market players meet
the EMC requirements for constituent components as well as for complete plants. Supplements
to the Swedish EMC regulations (e.g. concerning access and access) may need to be made
to ensure that the supervisory authority has the relevant mandate to carry out the control.
However, the most effective way to deal with electromagnetic interference is to prevent, as far
as possible, defective products from being placed on the market. In this way, the authority
does not have to act afterwards and demand from the owner that the interference from the
equipment or the fixed installation is rectified.
An important detail is also that the third section of the law does not allow access to homes where a
large proportion of sources of disturbance have been found over the years. It can therefore be
difficult to deal with problems in a residential environment and this should be seen as a very strong
argument for products to have good EMC properties from the start. Through the Swedish Electrical
Safety Authority's market control, products with defects can, for example, be
banned from co-selling because the essential requirements of the EMC directive are not
met.
In many other cases (for example, dangers due to electrical safety deficiencies) it is possible to
convince a home owner to take action. It can be easy even for a layman to understand that
electrical safety deficiencies are often directly dangerous to life or can pose a fire risk. There is
then a clear incentive to remedy the deficiencies. The matter is not nearly so clear when it
comes to EMC. Very often, an EMC problem affects someone else, for example interference with
the neighbour's radio reception. The owner himself may not be affected at all. There are
numerous examples where owners of interfering equipment have refused to remedy or
require the person affected by the interference to stand
41
for measures to remedy the disturbance problem. Furthermore, it has often been difficult to explain
what EMC is about, to a person who does not have an electrical engineering background.
The owners of disruptive facilities often find it difficult to understand that they have done something wrong.
Most often, facilities are built with CE-marked parts. In the cases of disturbing solar cell
installations, all equipment has been CE-marked in all cases. Furthermore, the manufacturer's
installation instructions have been followed and the installation is carried out by someone who meets
the requirements to be allowed to carry out electrical installations.
Upon investigation, we see that the facilities still emit high levels of disturbing signals. It may also
be the case that the products meet the requirements of a certain EMC standard but the selected
standard is not suitable for this type of product.
The manufacturer has thus designed the products based on the standard's requirements, which are
therefore insufficient to fulfill the essential requirements of the EMC directive.
6.6.2 The EMC Directive

The harmonized standards have a very strong position in the directive. One can read, among other things,
in chapter 3, article 13:
"Equipment conforming to harmonized standards or parts thereof, references to which
have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union, shall be presumed
to conform to the essential requirements of Annex I covered by those standards or
parts thereof."
This is at the same time as it is stated elsewhere (Appendix II) that the manufacturer must make an
analysis of whether the selected standard is really sufficient to fulfill the essential requirement
in Appendix I. This means that the manufacturer may have difficulty understanding his obligations.
In addition, it is called "risk", which some probably interpret as risks of the type fire, health and the like.
However, "risk" has a completely different meaning depending on which directive it is, and "risk" means
that the essential requirements of the directive are not met. It also appears in the introduction that the
EMC directive does not deal with safety-related risks at all.
A complete and documented analysis must always be carried out. The consequence of both the
complexity of the regulatory framework and the strong position of the harmonized standards means
that it is often difficult for an authority to reject products during market control when it has been
established that the product in question does not meet the essential requirement in reality, even though
the requirements of the harmonized standard are met .
42
7 Definitions
AM Amplitude modulation, common
modulation type for radio
ADCO Administrative Cooperation Working

Group, cooperation between
market controlling authorities within the EU
Device Complete device, or a combination of such

devices, which is available on the
market as a functional unit and is
intended for
the end user and who can generate
electromagnetic interference, or whose

operation may be affected by such
interference
"The Blue Guide" Guiding documents from the EU

Commission on how the various EU
the directives work
CE marking Marking by which the manufacturer

demonstrates that the device complies
with the applicable requirements
of harmonized Union legislation providing
for CE marking
CENELEC Body within the EU to produce

electrotechnical standards
CISPR Comité international spécial des

perbutations radioélectriques, body
within the IEC that works for the
development of EMC standards to
protect radio communications from interference
IEC International Electrotechnical
Commission, standardization body
THAT International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations
organ
43
ITU-RR International Telecommunication

Union Radio Regulations
Electromagnetic compatibility The ability of a piece of equipment

to operate satisfactorily
in its electromagnetic environment
without introducing
unacceptable electromagnetic interference
to other equipment in that environment
Electromagnetic environment The total electromagnetic phenomena
that can be observed at a particular
location
Electromagnetic interference An electromagnetic phenomenon in the
form of a noise, an unwanted signal,
a change in the transmission medium
itself or something else that can impair
the function of a piece of equipment
I Electro Magnetic Interference,
electromagnetic disturbance in Swedish
Emission Electromagnetic energy emitted
from a piece of equipment
can be conducted (go in
connected wires) and radiated (through the air)
EMC Electromagnetic compatibility
Fast installation A particular combination of different

types of appliances and, where
applicable, other devices that are
assembled, installed and intended for
permanent use at a predetermined
location. May not be placed on the market.
Article 19 of 2014/30/EC.
Filter Electronic circuit that lets the desired
signals through and blocks others
FM Frequency modulation, common technique
for radio
FMV Defence Materiel Administration
FROM The Defense Radio Institution
Harmonized standard Harmonized standard as

defined in Article 2.1 ci Regulation
(EU) No 1025/2012
Radio frequencies 3 – 30 MHz
KV, short wave
Civil Aviation Authority

LFV
Modulation Variation of a broadcast radio wave

to relay a message
MSB The authority for social security and
preparedness
44
PTS Mail and telephoneboard
Radio spectrum Radio frequencies, a natural resource
TC210 Group within CENELEC that develops

EMC standards for the EMC Directive
TK Technical committee in Sweden,

standardization group that works with a
certain subject area. Managed by the
Swedish Electrical Standard in Sweden.
Equipment Both appliances and fixed installations
UHF Radio frequencies 300 – 3000 MHz
VHF Radio frequencies 30 – 300 MHz
Inverter In this report: electrical device that converts

DC voltage from solar cell
systems into AC voltage that can be sent
out onto the power grid for
consumption
Overtones Frequencies, in this context unwanted by-
products, formed by non-sinusoidal
(“edgy”) signal shapes. Harmonics have
frequencies that are two, three, etc. times the
original frequency.
45
8 References
• "Assignment to the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority and the Swedish Armed Forces to investigate
electromagnetic disturbances to the activities of the total defence", the Government,

Fi2020/02994/SPN, dated 2020-06-25
• "EMC for Product designers", Tim Williams 5th edition, ISBN 9780081010167
• FMV "EMMA handbook", edition 2, M7773-000750
• “Communication from the Commission – 2016 Blue Book on the implementation of

EU Product Regulations”, 2016/C 272/01
• DIRECTIVE 2014/30/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL by
of 26 February 2014 on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States on electromagnetic
compatibility, L 96/79
• REPORT ON THE 6TH JOINT CROSS-BORDER EMC MARKET
SURVEILLANCE CAMPAIGN (2014) SOLAR PANEL INVERTERS

(Grid-connected PV inverters and optimisers intended to be used by consumers)
• Guide for the EMCD (Directive 2014/30/EU), March 2018
• Act (1992:1512) on electromagnetic compatibility
• Ordinance (2016:363) on electromagnetic compatibility

•
"Electrical installations for low voltage - Execution of electrical installations for low
voltage" Swedish standard SS 436 40 00, edition 3
•
"Solar cells Advice and rules for the electrical installation," Swedish Electrical Standard
(SEK), SEK Handbook 457, Feb. 2019
• CISPR Technical report 16-4-4

•
The Electrical Safety Authority's cases:
- Market surveillance case 11EV766
- Disturbing equipment at a school, 14EV972
– Disturbing robotic lawnmower, 16EV2852
- Project on frequency converter EMC, 15EV95
– Project on solar cell installations, 19EV254
• EMC-related cases with solar cell installations : 16EV1277, 18EV3012,

18EV4815, 19EV2763, 20EV834, 20EV835, 20EV836, 20EV2496,
20EV6824, 20EV6825
46
• The magazine "Popular radio": https://www.aef.se/Amatortidningar/Popular

Radio/Popular_Radio_oversikt.htm
•
"Information letter - LFV takes measures regarding electromagnetic
coexistence issues regarding solar energy installations and wireless
energy transmission," LFV, tech. rap. D-2020-188086, 2020
• “EMC aspects of PV installations”, Agentschap Telecom (Nederländernas

telekommyndighet)
• FMV measurement reports from two solar cell installations "S" and "T", 20FMV5518-
3:1, 20FMV5518-2:1
• "Simulation of range limitation from radio interference", 20FMV5518-10:1
• ITU radio regulations, edition of 2020, Volume 1
• “Handbook on Radio Frequency Spectrum Requirements for Civil Aviation”

Volume I. ICAO Doc 9718 AN/957
• “Spectrum Analysis Basics” Agilent Technologies application note 150
• “Radio Engineer’s Handbook” F E Terman. McGraw-Hill Book Company

Ltd. 1943
• "Guidance for the identification of socially important activities", MSB1408
• "Radio spectrum use in the future", the government's

committee directive, Dir.2017:99
•
”Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge”, FAA-H-8083-25B, US DoT FAA.
Can be freely downloaded as PDF.
• PTS Spektrumstrategi
• PTS-FS 2019-1 The Swedish frequency plan (also as e-service)

•
”In-Situ Measurement of High Frequency Emission Caused by Photo Voltaic
Inverters”, Proc. of the 2014 International Symposium on Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC Europe 2014), Gothenburg, Sweden, September 1-4, 2014
47
9 Experiences from regulatory matters concerning solar
cell installations
In this section, some examples of regulatory cases concerning solar cell

installations are shown. Supervision and measures have in most cases focused on the
notification and the disturbed frequency range. Interference may remain on other
frequencies even after measures (as described in an example).
9.1 Solar cell plant 1 (shortwave and VHF)

Here, the person who was affected by disturbances was also the owner of the
disturbing solar cell installation. The facility consists of an inverter in the basement and
solar cells with optimizers on the roof. As can be seen from the picture, the antennas
are mounted immediately next to the solar cell installation, which is disadvantageous
from an interference point of view. The shortwave antennas were mounted on the roof
and immediately adjacent to the house. On a stand in the garden was a directional antenna
for 144 MHz. The owner was aware of the disadvantageous proximity of the antennas to the
equipment but had intended to deal with it by turning off the inverter if reception was
disturbed. However, it turned out that the optimizers, likely the main source of interference,
continued to interfere even when the inverter was turned off.
Figure 19: The antennas are mounted immediately next to the solar cell plant.
48
This was the Swedish Electrical Safety Authority's first case with a solar cell plant.
During on-site measurements, we were able to observe an interference spectrum that
turned out to be typical for this manufacturer of inverters/optimizers: narrow-band signals at
200 kHz intervals and an intermediate "noise mat" with slightly weaker signals.
The manufacturer modified this plant by twisting the wiring between solar cells,
optimizer and inverter and providing a number of ferrites. Additionally, all optimizers were
changed to a different type.
The measure was successful for frequencies on shortwave but proved to provide no
improvement on 144 MHz (the notification referred to KV and 144 MHz but interference was
also found in other areas).
For an installation of this type, with radio antennas located immediately next to the equipment,
it should not be expected that requirements for CE marking will provide completely
interference-free radio reception without special installation measures or special selection of
equipment may be required.
9.2 Solar cell plant 2 (short wave)

The above picture was taken from the antenna position of a radio amateur who reported
problems on shortwave. The source of the disturbance was a solar cell plant with
optimizers at the solar cells. Despite the relatively large distance (120 meters), there was
interference over large frequency ranges on shortwave.
Circled in red in Figure 20 is the level, "S7", which the interference gives rise to on the
radio's signal strength meter. It is a relatively high signal strength compared to the desired
radio signals.
Figure 20: A relatively high signal strength compared to the desired radio signals.
The same type of interference as the previous case and it turned out that the inverter and
optimizer were from the same manufacturer. It would appear that this particular manufacturer
49
returned in almost all cases. This plant was modified by the manufacturer in the same way as the
previous one and the noise level dropped to acceptable levels. At this particular location, the
complainant only used shortwave communication.
9.3 Solar cell plant 3 (VHF 50 MHz)
Figure 21: The interference level varies when the reporter's antenna is rotated one turn on two
different occasions.
On figure 21, you can see how there were disturbances mainly at 50 MHz. The circular diagram
shows how the level of interference varies when the reporting antenna is rotated one turn on two
different occasions, during the day and at night. For a large part of the lap the difference is quite
insignificant, but for a certain part of the lap the difference is significantly larger, it is about a 10 dB
increase during the day. Through radio sounding in the area, the disturbances could be localized
to a property with a newly installed solar cell system.
In figure 22, the notifier shows how the interference situation looks on the receiver equipment with a
spectrum display. The left one is at night and free of interference, the one on the far right shows
maximum interference during the day.
Figure 22: At night there is no interference (left) and during the day the interference is maximized
(right).
Figures 23 and 24 show measurement at the solar cell plant where the same type of disturbance was
measured. This one was also rebuilt like the previous ones, but the difference in interference
level in notified frequency ranges (VHF) became insignificant.
50
Figure 23
Figure 24
51
9.4 Solar cell plant 4 (shortwave and VHF)
Figure 25: Solar cells with optimizers on either side of the roof.
Figure 25 shows solar cells with optimizers on either side of the roof. Affected
receiver antennas are circled. There is a relatively small distance between the two houses.
This interference spectrum is recorded with a spectrum analyzer connected to the

notifier's antenna for 50 MHz. Figure 26 shows disturbing signals that have proven to
be significant for this make of solar cell equipment, narrowband signals with
200 kHz intervals and an intermediate "noise carpet".
52
Figure 26: Interfering signals.
What the notifier finds most disturbing is the broadband noise carpet that drowns out most of
the weak radio signals that are desired to be received. The stronger narrowband signals are
relatively few on a typical amateur band and can in this context be considered more
acceptable (less disturbing).
The solar cell system was modified like the others. The result was acceptable on shortwave while
it did not help at all for VHF frequencies.
In all cases of disturbance, there was initially only a single solar cell installation on site.
However, the ambition from a political point of view is for this to be spread on a large scale
with perhaps facilities on most of the rooftops. During the course of the cases, it has been reported
in two cases that more facilities of the same type as the original one have been set up - whereby
the level of disturbance is perceived to have increased.
53
9.5 Solar cell plant 5 (mobile phone base disturbed)
Figure 27: View from the solar cell plant.
Figure 28: Variation of the disturbance over the day.
The disturbance's day/night variation is clearly visible. At night, it is completely undisturbed when
it is dark. Then when the sun rises, the disturbances come. The mobile operator logged the
disturbance level and there was a clear connection between the rising and setting of the sun at the site.
It is about 75 meters between solar cells and the mobile base at the nearest place. Interference
is mainly found on frequencies for LTE 800 MHz, but to some extent also on frequencies for
GSM 900 MHz. Other operators' frequencies are also affected, but as no one else has
equipment at this location, there are no more reports.
54
Figure 29: Interference level measured with antenna next to solar cells with integrated optimizers.
Figure 29 shows the interference level measured with an antenna on the roof next to
the solar cells with integrated optimizers. The disturbance appears as a compact "noise
mat" and covers the operator's entire frequency range for the uplink, i.e. where the
base station listens for mobile phone signals.
These signals are likely within the levels applicable to residential, office and
commercial equipment. But the proximity to the antennas means that the level of
interference still becomes troublesome.
The antennas used by the mobile phone operator are directed in this direction
because coverage is sought in that area, including a large shopping center and a major
thoroughfare. It is a paradox that the antenna's good properties in the form of its
antenna gain make it effective both for the useful signals (from the mobile
phones) as well as for the disturbing signals from the solar cells with integrated
optimizers.
The consequence of the disruptions will be noticeably reduced

performance in the mobile phone network with disconnected calls and lower data
transfer speeds. The affected frequency areas have been
assigned to mobile phone operators as so-called block licenses for which license
fees are paid. Each cell phone site of this type represents a significant investment
plus rental costs, which must be weighed against the solar plant.
55
It will probably be very difficult to try to modify a solar plant like this where the optimizers are integrated into the
solar cells. The disturbing signals are likely to come out both via the cabling and directly from the solar cells
themselves.
9.6 Solar cell plant 6, prototype

Solar cells with optimizers integrated in the solar cells. According to information, it must be some form of
prototypes. Obviously, the EMC properties were something that would be handled a bit further down the line.
Figure 30: Solar cell plant with a very high level of interference.
The level of interference from this facility is very high, so high that you reach levels that can make it difficult to
receive regular broadcast radio on the FM band, i.e. even extremely strong signals will be disturbed. It will
undoubtedly be devastating to radio communications at the site.
The following pictures (figures 31 and 32) show the interference level measured with a measuring antenna
according to the picture above:
56
Figure 31
Figure 32
Thankfully, we have not measured such high signal levels from any
other facility and it is hardly representative of what is on the market now.
57
It is nevertheless interesting to note as a discouraging example of what it can look like from a plant
where EMC properties seem to have been completely neglected.
9.7 Mixed experiences from modifieds

facilities
As we previously wrote, a number of solar cell systems with interference problems have been
modified by the manufacturer. The results have been highly variable. In the event of
rectification, the installations have been carried out in a different way than the instructions
included. The extended instructions are based on classic EMC measures which are not in themselves
inappropriate except, on the contrary, commonly occurring in many contexts.
In short, the modification means that all DC cabling must be twisted in pairs, thereby reducing
radiation and antenna effect from the cabling. In addition, ferrite cores are placed on
the DC cables at the optimizers, which reduces radio frequency interference current from
the optimizers. According to information, the optimizers have also been replaced with another version,
it is unclear what the difference is.
In the cases where there were problems with interference on shortwave, i.e. below 30 MHz, the
measures have given good results. It hasn't always been completely disturbance-free, but a level
has been reached that can probably be considered acceptable for a typical residential
environment in cities.
Above 30 MHz, for VHF frequencies, however, these measures have not worked particularly
well according to the notifiers. In some cases, you can report a slightly reduced level of
interference, in other cases it has produced no results at all. No explanation for the lack of
improvement has been provided. One possibility could be that those who performed the
modification did not place interference components optimally.
The modification work is very extensive. Here are some examples of what needs to be done
according to a manufacturer:
•
In principle, the facility is demolished to be rebuilt.
• When the DC cabling is twisted in pairs, the existing cabling is not sufficient in terms of length, but
must be replaced. Some parts may be reusable.
• A large amount of ferrite cores are required and they represent a large additional cost
working hours.
• The optimizers replaced to some updated version with supposedly different

EMC characteristics.
The conclusion is that modification in this way can be a costly measure with an uncertain end
result. The uncertainty is mainly at higher frequencies (above 30 MHz).
58
10 Experience from supervisory cases

concerning other cases linked to
disturbances – a selection
The following pages show some varied real-life examples that illustrate how seemingly trivial
things can cause a lot of problems. When you look at these interference problems, you
might be surprised that this radio communication thing works at all. Since the government
assignment concerns more than just solar cell installations, other examples
are included.
10.1 Example 1, billboard that interfered with aeronautical radio

At one of the country's airports, the pilots began to complain about radio interference at a
certain location in connection with take-off and landing. After some searching, it was discovered
that a large advertising sign on the ground was causing interference - right on the
airport's calling frequency.
Figure 33: Advertising sign that caused disturbances
In the name of honesty, you can say that they were unlucky to manage to spot that particular
frequency. The reason was several construction errors that caused internal signals from
the sign to leak out and reach the receiver in the aircraft when passing above the sign.
Here there were radio signals from something that was not supposed to be a radio transmitter
at all. This sign did not meet the EMC requirements for CE marking despite the
manufacturer's assurance.
When reporting radio interference, it can often be difficult to assess the

consequence of the interference, but here it became clear that the interference was a threat
59
against aviation safety, so the holder was banned from using the sign until the
interference problem was fixed.
Statistics (in figure 34) clearly show that take-off and landing are the most critical
situations in flight. The statistics are from the USA and refer to private flights.
Figure 34: Statistics on when in-flight accidents occur. From the "Pilot's handbook of
Aeronautical knowledge”, US FAA.
10.2 Example 2, demonstration with everyday

products
Figure 35: Everyday objects that can cause disturbances.
An old worn-out electric beater, a bad LED lamp that does not meet the requirements, a
power supply that has aged and a small electric motor that has been connected completely
incorrectly. All of these interfered with radio reception but seemed to function perfectly
normally otherwise. It also shows a fairly typical situation where the user of the products has
no idea that they are causing interference and continues to use them.
60
There are also several examples where owners have actually interfered themselves but did not have the
technical knowledge to understand the connection between interference and the use of products.
10.3 Example 3, market control of electric whisks

The product was sold by a well-known Swedish chain of stores and was subject to the
Swedish Electrical Safety Authority's market control. Here it turned out that even a completely new product
can cause problems.
Figure 36: Disturbing electric beater.
The Elvis pen failed the tests as it left high levels of interference to the power grid. The noise level was
between 10 – 20 dB above the requirement, which poses a risk of radio interference in its vicinity because
the power grid becomes an unintended transmitter antenna that radiates the signals from the electric
beater.
61
Figure 37: The level of interference was between 10 – 20 dB above the requirement, which
entails a risk of radio interference in its vicinity.
The store chain found it strange because they themselves checked that the product met the
EMC requirements when it was to be included in the range. When the electric beater was examined,
it was found that the manufacturer had not fitted the necessary interference suppression
components. This shows the importance of quality control during production, which is also
mentioned in Article 7 of the EMC Directive.
10.4 Example 4, electric fence

A fence that is well maintained and consists of "healthy" parts rarely causes radio interference.
The problems arise when vegetation reaches the wires or when there is a poor connection
somewhere. When that happens there are sparks and a spark emitter has been created.
Figure 38: The grass thrives and reaches up to the electric fence.
62
Figure 39: Bad contact due to rusty contact surfaces.
Spark transmitters were used in radio's infancy and were simple but had the disadvantage that they
broadcast on basically all frequencies at the same time. Therefore, they were finally banned.
A poorly maintained electric fence interferes in exactly the same way and the fence itself
becomes the transmitting antenna which can become unpleasantly effective due to its size.
Therefore, these disturbances can have a long range.
Some electric fence devices are marketed with the function of "burning away plants" that reach
the wires. A healthy maintenance is then replaced with the increased risk of disturbance due
to the formation of sparks when the vegetation is burned. To ensure that function, the
energy content of the pulses has been increased.
10.5 Example 5, power lines

If everything is as it should be, power lines are rarely a problem, but errors can occur.
Typical faults are a loose contact or broken insulators and then sparks occur, which gives
the same interference situation as with electric fences.
Figure 40: The interference from a power line is generally very broadband, so large
frequency ranges are disturbed.
63
Not infrequently it is a difficult disturbance to locate as the disturbance is often intermittent.
Sometimes random, sometimes depending on the weather so the troubleshooting can be patient. At
lower frequencies, the interference can be carried over huge distances, miles are not unusual, along the
power line which becomes an excellent antenna. At higher frequencies, the interference becomes
more local, which can be used to locate where the interference source is along the line.
One advantage is that the owner is often very keen to fix the problems because it can be a precursor to a
total breakdown. A defective insulator that initially causes disturbances can eventually break mechanically
so that the line falls down.
The same type of interference can occur at substations and railway contact lines.
10.6 Example 6, ventilation system at school

A good example of how a radio system can be affected by interference in an urban area and prompts
some reflection on how important it is to keep clear of interfering signals. Here, communication
radios were affected by interference. The disturbances came and went somewhat randomly. After a great
effort, the victim managed to find the source of the disturbance, a school in the area.
Figure 41: The source of the disturbance was almost 300 meters away.
It turned out that the source of the disturbance was a number of actuators for the ventilation system in
the school's gymnasium. At a certain operating mode, the disturbances appeared. The reason was that
64
components in the actuators had aged. The distance to the affected radio
installation was almost 300 meters as the crow flies.
Figure 41 shows one of the disturbing actuators. The owner was ordered to repair the facility to
remove the disturbances. Their solution was to replace the offending actuators.
Figure 42: An actuator in the school's ventilation system caused disturbances.
This is an example of how seemingly harmless parts can cause serious interference
even at fairly large distances. Also consider how many potential sources of interference
there may be in the area.
10.7 Example 7, robotic lawnmower

The lawnmower itself is usually not a problem when it is out working on the lawn. It's a
pretty small product that isn't connected to anything when it's running. However, it turned out that
some makes could cause serious radio interference via the border loop. This loop
is laid along the lawn to keep the mower on the lawn. A signal is sent out on the loop which the
mower senses, if it passes the loop it turns back.
Figure 43 shows how there were strong disturbances at a distance of about 150 meters.
65
Figure 43: Robotic lawnmowers can cause electromagnetic interference.
Figure 44: Robotic lawnmower, charging station and radio.
In the cases of robotic lawnmowers, it turned out that several models were improperly
designed with regard to the signals that the charging station sent out on the boundary loop.
The useful signal is generally very low frequency but a number of models caused
66
disturbances in very large frequency ranges. The problem was, as in so many cases, ambiguities in
EMC standards that could be interpreted in varying ways by different people

manufacturer.
67
11 Market control solar cell installations

in the EMC ADCO
Authorities within the EU cooperate regularly and conduct, among other things, campaigns in market
control where participating authorities purchase a large number of products which are then
examined. The purpose is to get an idea of whether a current product type meets the
requirements. For most EU directives there is a corresponding ADCO group, in addition to
EMC there are: LVD (electrical safety), the machinery directive, toys and radio equipment to take a
few examples. Control is carried out for both technical and purely formal requirements. Examples of
formal requirements are that the product is CE-marked and that a manufacturer's declaration is
available.
All ADCO reports are freely available and can be downloaded from the EU Commission's website.
11.1 Survey 2014

In 2014, EMC ADCO conducted a survey of solar cell products, which was presented in a
report. 14 EU countries participated, including Sweden.
11.1.1 Results
The overall result, taking into account all the requirements for the product, can be considered very
poor. Only one tenth of the products met the requirements.
If one settles for meeting the technical requirements (EMC-related), they were met by a third. This
includes requirements for radiated emission and conductive emission towards the electricity grid.
Conducted emission towards the DC side is not included here.
If you only look at requirements for conductive emission on the DC side, the requirements are
met by 40%.
11.1.2 Conclusions (a selection) from the campaign

• The majority of products did not meet the essential requirements of the EMC directive.
• One observation was that they managed to get a good selection of products from
market but that the poor result indicates "that much remains to be done by the manufacturers".
• The result should be shared with the standardization body for appropriate updating of standards.
11.2 Survey 2019

This campaign has not yet been officially announced. What remains is to present a report. Given the
unsatisfactory performance from 2014, it should be interesting to note if the market has improved.
68
Since 2014, a lot of work has been done internationally in standardization. As far as
Sweden is concerned, the market for solar cell products has expanded very strongly.
As we have already mentioned, this has resulted in some interference problems.
69

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Machine Translated by Google

THE Ä KE RH ETS VE RKET TEL 010-168 05 00 EP OS Registrator@elsakerhetsverket.se O R G. N R 202100-4466

The Swedish Electrical Safety Authority has evaluated whether electrical

The investigation as a whole also shows that recurring supervision and

2 Fundamentals of EMC and interference – an overview 2

2.1 Overall ................................................... ...................................2

3 Reported cases – sources of knowledge 22

5 Experience from cases 5.1 5.2 36

6 Discussions and thoughts 38

6.5 Radio interference the main risk................................................... .......40

9 Experiences from supervisory cases concerning solar cell installations 48

10 Experiences from supervisory cases concerning other cases linked to disturbances

11 Market control solar cell installations within EMC ADCO 68

take part in the report in connection with the consultation.

prerequisite for that.

2 Fundamentals of EMC and interference

2.2 What is EMC?

According to the directive:

electromagnetic compatibility: the ability of a piece of equipment to function

”Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) is serious and increasing form of environmental

Electromagnetic compatibility is the property of a device, equipment or system to function

An electrical device, almost regardless of the type, emits electromagnetic signals.

Figure 1: The CE mark

2.2.1 The EMC Directive

b) it has such immunity to the electromagnetic interference that can

2. Special requirements for fixed installations

Installation and intended use of components:

2.3 The requirements for the product

2.3.1 Basic requirements (the protection requirement)

• production of technical documentation (including risk analysis)

• production of declaration of conformity where the manufacturer declares all relevant

• necessary information for installation and use must be included

• the product is provided with CE marking

"The manufacturer shall carry out an assessment of the

”The conformity assessment procedures for apparatus require the

documentation shall make it possible to assess the conformity of the apparatus

Example of risk analysis for solar cell products

"The product is based on switched power electronics, known interference risks

Experiences related to products

• The EMC properties must be maintained throughout the product's lifetime.

2.4 Fixed installations

(That regulation refers to physical fixed connection of voltage supply from

Figure 2: An example of what a fixed installation might look like.

2.4.1 Simpler fixed installations

• Analyze the conditions (is it, for example, a residential environment or

2.4.2 Experience from supervision

it is about solar cell installations.

services can therefore risk interference

2.5 Execution of the installation linked to the EMC

EMC knowledge of the person building a system.

• a modular structure (solar cells, electronic units)

• DC side connected with quick connectors

• all DC wiring is unshielded single conductor

• a construction that means quick and easy assembly.

2.6 Electromagnetic interference

electromagnetic interference: electromagnetic phenomenon that can

2.6.1 Different examples of interference

Figure 3: A narrowband interference from a billboard.

Figure 4: A wide "interference carpet" with signals from a solar cell

Ur ITU RR, Del 1 ”Articles”:

1.59 safety service: Any radiocommunication service used

1.166 interference: The effect of unwanted energy due to one or a

1.169 harmful interference: Interference which endangers the