The NMO News

 

The latest edition of the NMO news shows that the range of responsibilities of the NMO just seems to get bigger and bigger!

The NMO News

 

10v/m Immunity- Important changes to the process

As you will hopefully be aware, some member states and the EU Commission have been attempting to implement the change to an EMC immunity level of 10v/m by effectively revoking the relevant clauses in the existing EN45501 (1992) standard (Clause B.3.4).

This procedure has been unexpectedly stopped and there will be no attempt to effectively revoke these clauses.

It is very important to note that it is very unlikely this administrative change of direction will alter the eventual transition to 10v/m for EMC immunity. At some point in the future, the revised version of EN45501 will be bought into effect and it is almost certain that this will contain the immunity level of 10v/m. This will mean that when the new standard becomes effective instruments will need to meet the requirements of that standard.

What is not clear at the moment is when the new standard will be implemented and what, if any, transition period will be given to allow the new and old standards to run together. The information from the commission suggests that the new standard may be published by August 2012.

It is felt that the administrative processes that will need to take place before this is finally resolved will take many months, and it will be paramount that we ensure an appropriate transition time is ensured.

In the absence of more detail I would strongly advise that you continue to ensure that your instruments will meet the new higher levels of EMC immunity by the 1st January 2014. If it appears that the time period is shorter than this I will let you know immediately.

I am sure this will raise a large number of questions. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to give me a call.

Ian Turner

Legal Metrology Updates

There has been a new version of Part 1 of the OIML Document R106 on rail-weigbridges

 

The main changes to the previous version are:

3.2.7.4   There are new requirements with regard to the stability of automatic zero-setting device
3.3.5.3   There are more detailed requirements with regard to the stable requirements
3.5          New requirements with regard to data storage devices
3.8          New requirements with regard to software: These reflect the requirements of the WELMEC Guide 7.2
3.9          Further requirements with regard to general securing requirements, including interfaces and pre-sets
5.1.4       Requirements with regard to modules
6.1.1       Requirements with regard to control instruments.

A copy of the document can be found on the OIML website

I would also like to take the opportunity to remind you that the most recent advice, that all type approvals must meet the new higher immunity levels by the 1st January 2014 remains unchanged