Comparison of US. Military and International Electromagnetic Compatibility Guidance. Final report

Abstract

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been engaged by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research to assist in developing the technical basis for regulatory guidance on electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) immunity and power surge withstand capability (SWC). Previous research has provided recommendations on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design and installation practices, endorsement of EMII/RFI immunity and SWC test criteria and test methods, and determination of ambient electromagnetic conditions at nuclear power plants. These recommendations have been incorporated into the technical basis for guidance in addressing EMI/RFI and power surges in safety-related instrumentation and control (I&C) systems in nuclear power plants. The recommendations by the ORNL staff on test criteria, test methods, and operating envelopes were significantly influenced by the military standards issued by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). That is the case because until recently there were no comprehensive commercial standards that covered EMI/RFI immunity. The present research involves reviewing and assessing the commercial standards issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and endorsed by the European Union in the last few years. This document reports the results of a study performed by the ORNL staff comparing Regulatory Guide 1.180, themore » U.S. military standards, and international EMC guidance.« less