Should EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Testing be performed In-House

[Marcelo Antunes]

Do you want to test which standards? I really cannot see how any emc standards, as easier as it is, needs equipment which costs only $ 20,000.

The last two labs that I know for medical device EMC in Brazil cost more than millions. They serve other purposes, also, but EMC equipment is fairly expensive (for example, you will need an aneichoic chamber. Depending on the size, only the EMC isolator material will cost you much more than $ 20,000)

[CharlieUK]

You can't build a suitable facility for $20k.
$200k might get you something usable 2nd hand - but who is going to operate it / maintain it / keep it all caibrated and working.

Ways you can save money on testing are:
- do some pre-testing in-house - this can be done relatively inexpensively
- plan your testing - don't just ask the lab what to do, review the requirements yourself - or hire someone to write you a test plan - the directives require you to "apply standards" not "test against standards" - you can reduce test costs by putting more effort in else where.
- get multiple quotes from different labs - prices can vary by 50% for same tests.

[Bunny]

Great advice. Thanks.