Is Your Farming Equipment Likely to Cause Interference ?
Making sure that everyone gets maximum benefit from wireless communication technologies and services in part depends on electrical and radio products complying with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. These exist to reduce the potential for interference to both radio and non-radio equipment.
The Radio Spectrum Management Group (RSM), a business unit of the Ministry of Economic Development, works to prevent interference and maintain a clean radio spectrum. Recent cases of interference investigated by RSM Radio Inspectors were caused by:
- VFD (variable frequency drives) or VSD (variable speed drives) used to control high power motors, which are sometimes installed without the required suppression;
- pressure switches on water pumps;
- electric fences;
- motor controller on rotary cow sheds;
- water pumps; and
- chiller equipment (dairy sheds, cool stores, etc).
When investing in electrical equipment for the farm, look for the C-tick
. Non-compliant products may interfere with radio and television reception, phone line, Internet access and, potentially, the communication systems of emergency services such as fire, police and ambulance. Non-compliant equipment can impose costs in terms of both time and money and prevention is better than cure.
The Ministry of Economic Development has published several information brochures to assist you in reducing the potential of interference:
- "Buying an electrical or electronic product? Look for the C-tick": www.rsm.govt.nz and
- "Is an electric fence causing a problem with your phone line or Internet connection?": http://www.med.govt.nz/templates/MultipageDocumentPage____9733.aspx
For more information on electro-magnetic compliance and standards, click on www.rsm.govt.nz, or dial 0508RSMINFO |
Thanks to Ministry of Economic Development
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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