Sterling 2 - Manual (Page 30)

27 Iss 1
EMC (EMI) WARNINGS
CAUTION:
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS INFORMATION REGARDING THE
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF ELECTRO MAGNETIC CONTAMINATION, (EMC) ON YOUR
MOBILITY SCOOTER. SOMETIMES THIS EFFECT IS ALSO KNOWN AS ELECTRO
MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI).
EMC (EMI) FROM RADIO-WAVE SOURCES.
Mobility scooters may be susceptible to EMC, which is interference from electromagnetic
energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur (HAM)
radio transmitters, two way radios and mobile phones. The interference (from radio
sources) can cause the mobility scooter to release its brakes, move by itself, or move
in an unintended way. Permanent damage can also be done to the mobility scooter’s
control system.
The intensity of the interfering EM energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m.).
Each mobility scooter can resist EMC up to a certain intensity.
This is known as the scooter’s “immunity level”.
The higher the immunity level, the greater the protection.
Current technology offers useful protection of at least 20 V/m. which provides protection
from the more common sources of radiated EMC.
There are a number of relatively strong electromagnetic fields present in the everyday
environment. Most of these sources are obvious and easy to avoid, others are not so
obvious and can be unavoidable.
By following the warnings listed, your risk of exposure to EMC will be minimised.
EMC sources can be broadly classified into three types:
1. Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitter-receivers with on-board antenna).
Examples are Walkie-Talkie, CB Radio, security, emergency services, Mobile
phones. Note that some cellular phones can transmit signals while they are switched
on but not being used.
2. Medium range mobile transmitters such as those used on emergency services
vehicles, taxis etc. These usually have antennae mounted on the outside of the
vehicle.
3. Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast
transmitters (radio and TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.
Note:
Other types of hand-held devices such as cordless phones, laptop
computers, AM/FM radios, TV sets, CD players, cassette players and
small appliances, such as electric shavers and hair dryers, are not
likely to cause any EMC problems to your mobility scooter.