What Is EMC Testing? Why Your Product Has to Pass It
What electromagnetic compatibility testing is, which products are subject to it and what failing costs you.
3 min readOctober 7, 2026
What Does CISPR 32 Cover?
CISPR 32 is the international standard limiting the electromagnetic noise emitted by multimedia equipment. Computers, monitors, printers, network devices, televisions and audio systems fall within its scope. Its European equivalent is EN 55032, used for the CE mark.
The standard replaced the older CISPR 13 and CISPR 22. Thanks to this merger, both IT equipment and broadcast receivers are assessed under a single document.
Class A and Class B
The standard divides equipment into two classes by environment. Class A covers products for commercial and industrial environments, Class B products designed for homes. Class B limits are stricter, because in homes radio and TV receivers sit much closer to devices.
Which class your product is assessed in depends on the environment stated in your user manual. Class A testing isn't enough for a product that may be sold for home use.
Which Tests Are Performed?
There are two main measurements: conducted emission and radiated emission. Conducted emission measures the noise a device sends back into the grid through its power and communication cables. Radiated emission measures the field it emits into the air, using an antenna at a set distance.
Radiated emission tests are usually done in semi-anechoic chambers with 3 m or 10 m distance. The chamber must be validated to CISPR 16; otherwise the result isn't considered reliable.
Passing the First Time
The most common problem manufacturers face is emissions from switching power supplies and fast clock signals. If these are found after the product is finished, the board design has to be revisited.
Measuring regularly during design in a compact pre-test chamber is the most effective way to arrive at the certification lab ready. It reduces the risk of retest fees and delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CISPR 32 and EN 55032 the same?
Technically they are largely the same. EN 55032 is the European harmonized version of CISPR 32 and is the reference for the CE mark.
Does CISPR 32 include immunity testing?
No, it covers emissions only. The immunity of multimedia equipment is assessed under CISPR 35 (EN 55035).
Which test distance is used?
Both 3 m and 10 m can be used; limits are adjusted for distance. For small products a 3 m chamber is often enough.
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