EN 55032 (CISPR 32)
EN 55032 is the European standard for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emission requirements for multimedia equipment (MME), published by CENELEC. EN 55032:2015 is based on CISPR 32:2015; European amendments, including A11:2020, supplement the European edition and its regulatory use.
The standard specifies emission limits and measurement methods intended to provide an adequate level of protection for radio services. Compliance demonstrates that emissions remain within the applicable limits under the assessed operating conditions; it is not a guarantee that interference can never occur.
Scope and application
EN 55032 covers a broad range of multimedia equipment, including:
televisions, set-top boxes and streaming devices
computers, monitors, peripherals and gaming consoles
audio and video equipment
broadcast receivers and integrated multimedia systems
The standard distinguishes two equipment classes:
Class B equipment meets the more stringent Class B limits and is generally suitable for use in residential environments.
Class A equipment comprises equipment within the scope that does not satisfy the Class B requirements. It is subject to Class A limits and may require a warning concerning use in residential environments.
EN 55035 (CISPR 35) addresses immunity of multimedia equipment. A complete EMC assessment also considers the applicable legislation, product characteristics, ports and any additional electromagnetic phenomena.
Selected Technical Requirements
The following values are a selected overview, not a complete test plan. Applicability depends on the equipment class, port, configuration, detector, measurement distance and the applicable edition of the standard.
| Parameter | Selected limits |
|---|---|
| AC mains conducted emissions (QP) | Range: 150 kHz–30 MHz Class A: 79 dBµV from 0.15–0.5 MHz; 73 dBµV from 0.5–30 MHz Class B: 66–56 dBµV from 0.15–0.5 MHz; 56 dBµV from 0.5–5 MHz; 60 dBµV from 5–30 MHz |
| Radiated emissions at 10 m | Range: 30–230 MHz Class A: 40 dBµV/m Class B: 30 dBµV/m |
| Radiated emissions at 10 m | Range: 230–1 000 MHz Class A: 47 dBµV/m Class B: 37 dBµV/m |
| Radiated emissions above 1 GHz at 3 m | Range: 1–3 GHz Class A: 76 dBµV/m peak; 56 dBµV/m average Class B: 70 dBµV/m peak; 50 dBµV/m average |
| Radiated emissions above 1 GHz at 3 m | Range: 3–6 GHz Class A: 80 dBµV/m peak; 60 dBµV/m average Class B: 74 dBµV/m peak; 54 dBµV/m average |
| Parameter | Frequency range | Class A | Class B |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC mains conducted emissions (QP) | 150 kHz–30 MHz | 79 dBµV from 0.15–0.5 MHz; 73 dBµV from 0.5–30 MHz | 66–56 dBµV from 0.15–0.5 MHz; 56 dBµV from 0.5–5 MHz; 60 dBµV from 5–30 MHz |
| Radiated emissions at 10 m | 30–230 MHz | 40 dBµV/m | 30 dBµV/m |
| Radiated emissions at 10 m | 230–1 000 MHz | 47 dBµV/m | 37 dBµV/m |
| Radiated emissions above 1 GHz at 3 m | 1–3 GHz | 76 dBµV/m peak; 56 dBµV/m average | 70 dBµV/m peak; 50 dBµV/m average |
| Radiated emissions above 1 GHz at 3 m | 3–6 GHz | 80 dBµV/m peak; 60 dBµV/m average | 74 dBµV/m peak; 54 dBµV/m average |
- Upper measurement frequency: the applicable upper frequency is determined under the standard from the equipment characteristics and its highest relevant internally generated frequency; 6 GHz is therefore not a universal endpoint for every product.
- Ports: EN 55032 contains separate requirements for applicable AC mains, DC power, wired-network, broadcast-receiver tuner and other ports. The AC mains values above must not be transferred to other port types.
- Methods: measuring equipment, detector characteristics, bandwidths, test-site validation and measurement procedures follow the referenced CISPR 16 series and the conditions in EN 55032.
Typical test arrangements
AC mains conducted emissions: a line impedance stabilization network (LISN) and a compliant EMI receiver; other port types use the coupling or impedance stabilization arrangement specified for that port
Radiated emissions: a validated test site with suitable antennas and a compliant receiver or analyzer; a semi-anechoic chamber is one common implementation
Operating modes: representative configurations and operating modes are investigated to identify the arrangement expected to produce the highest emissions, with the selection documented
Conformity and documentation
EN 55032:2015 together with A11:2020 is cited as a harmonized standard under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Correct application can provide a presumption of conformity for the essential requirements and emission phenomena covered by the cited reference.
EN 55035 may be used to assess multimedia-equipment immunity. A complete assessment identifies all applicable EMC requirements, which may also include phenomena such as harmonic-current emissions or voltage fluctuations and flicker. Test reports form part of the technical documentation, which manufacturers must retain for ten years after the apparatus has been placed on the market. The EU Declaration of Conformity identifies the relevant harmonized standards or other technical specifications, while detailed test reports remain in the technical documentation.
The EMC Directive permits internal production control. Independent laboratory testing can support the assessment, while responsibility for conformity remains with the manufacturer.
Lifecycle relevance
Use EMC pre-compliance during development to identify emission issues early.
Review product, hardware, software, firmware and configuration changes for their effect on emissions and the documented assessment.
Monitor applicable standards and their Official Journal references for ongoing production, and assess the implications for the affected product configuration.
Need help?
We support emission testing according to EN 55032 and other standards applicable to the product. Our services include pre-compliance measurements, test planning, formal EMC testing and technical documentation support. → Learn more about our EMC testing services and CE marking.
Further Reading & Official Resources
Standards and EU reference
-
DIN EN 55032/A11 (VDE 0878-32/A11):2021-03 – European amendment A11:2020 to EN 55032:2015
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CISPR 32:2015 – International emission standard for multimedia equipment
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Official EU harmonized-standards reference for EN 55032:2015 and A11:2020
This is a curated selection of key sources. For complete and current requirements, consult the applicable standard and the official portals of the relevant authorities. All references were verified as of September 2026.
Related Pages
Author: IBL-Editors Team
Technical Review: Andreas Bender - Deputy Managing Director | IBL-Lab GmbH Give feedback on this article