Basics of EMC Testing Facilities

In this installment of our EMC Tips & Tricks series, facility testing is the name of the game. Assuming you’ve decided to forgo building an in-house testing system, the next step is finding a testing facility that will suit your needs. As you shop around for your ideal facility, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you commit to a contract with any particular firm.

Consider Three Major Factors

When choosing your ideal testing facility, location, testing capabilities and price are the three major components everyone should examine. Be sure all of the facilities on your short list are accredited, and call around to confirm that the specific tests you require can indeed be performed under one roof.

It’s important to be aware of red flags along the way as well. Watch out for any facility requiring extra conditions from you, since most above-board and accredited agencies will not ask for these things.

Transparency is Key

Once you’ve got your sights set on a facility, communication should be open and honest on all expectations. You’ll generally be given a list of parameters like hours, checklists, necessary components, ID requirements etc., so that you’re prepared for your first testing session. This is also a great time to ask any lingering questions you might have before things get rolling.

If you plan to stay present for the testing procedure, you’ll most likely receive hourly updates on how things are going. For any parties who can’t attend in person, you’ll usually receive a daily update on how your testing went.