EN 61000-6-3
EN 61000-6-3 is the European harmonized generic standard for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emissions in residential, commercial, and light-industrial environments. It is published by CENELEC and based on the IEC 61000 series of EMC standards.
The standard specifies emission limits and test methods for electrical and electronic equipment intended to operate in environments where radio and communication services must be protected from electromagnetic disturbances.
Scope and Application
EN 61000-6-3 applies to a broad range of products that:
Are intended for use in homes, offices, retail environments, and light-industrial facilities
Do not have a dedicated product-specific EMC emission standard
May generate electromagnetic disturbances affecting nearby radio, TV, or communication receivers
Typical products include household appliances, lighting equipment, office machines, IT equipment, and consumer electronics without a dedicated EMC product standard.
Key Technical Requirements
| Parameter | Limit & Frequency Range |
|---|---|
| Conducted emissions (Quasi-Peak, QP) |
66–56 dBµV decreasing with log of frequency Range: 150 kHz – 30 MHz |
| Radiated emissions @ 10 m |
30 dBµV/m Range: 30 – 230 MHz |
| Radiated emissions @ 10 m |
37 dBµV/m Range: 230 – 1,000 MHz |
| Radiated emissions >1 GHz (3 m) |
70 dBµV/m (peak), 50 dBµV/m (average) Range: 1 – 6 GHz (typical) |
| Parameter | Limit | Frequency Range |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted emissions (Quasi-Peak, QP) | 66–56 dBµV decreasing with log of frequency | 150 kHz – 30 MHz |
| Radiated emissions @ 10 m | 30 dBµV/m | 30 – 230 MHz |
| Radiated emissions @ 10 m | 37 dBµV/m | 230 – 1,000 MHz |
| Radiated emissions >1 GHz (3 m) | 70 dBµV/m (peak), 50 dBµV/m (average) | 1 – 6 GHz (typical) |
- Measurement distances: typically 3 m, 10 m, or 30 m depending on equipment size and test site.
- Limits: represent stricter requirements suitable for sensitive environments such as residential and office spaces.
- Measurement methods: aligned with the CISPR 16 series for instrumentation and procedures.
Typical Test Setup
Conducted emissions: Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN) connected to an EMI receiver
Radiated emissions: Semi-anechoic chamber, spectrum analyzer or EMI receiver, bilog or horn antennas
Test environment: Equipment Under Test (EUT) operated under worst-case conditions to capture maximum emission levels
Certification and Compliance
Under the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU), EN 61000-6-3 is a harmonized standard that can be used to demonstrate conformity with emission requirements in Article 5.
It is applied when no product-specific EMC emission standard exists.
Test reports according to EN 61000-6-3 form part of the technical documentation and the EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
Lifecycle Relevance
Supports pre-compliance testing during R&D to detect emission issues early.
Provides the framework for final EMC certification in the absence of a product-specific standard.
Remains relevant for product modifications or when updated harmonized versions are cited in the Official Journal of the EU.
Need Help?
We support EMC testing according to EN 61000-6-3 and related standards. Our accredited laboratories provide pre-compliance evaluations, full certification testing, and CE marking support. → Learn more about our EMC Testing Services
Further Reading & Official Resources
Official IEC Standard (Purchase Required)
-
EN 61000-6-3:2021 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Generic standards – Emission standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
This is the official source. For full and up-to-date regulatory documentation, please refer to the official portals of the relevant authorities. All references were verified as of September 2025.