IEC 62479-2010 PDF

Full title and description

IEC 62479:2010 — Assessment of the compliance of low‑power electronic and electrical equipment with the basic restrictions related to human exposure to electromagnetic fields (10 MHz to 300 GHz). The standard provides simplified conformity‑assessment methods and decision routes for showing that low‑power equipment does not produce EMF exposures above basic restriction limits.

Abstract

This International Standard gives practical procedures for assessing whether low‑power electrical and electronic equipment complies with human exposure limits for electromagnetic fields from 10 MHz to 300 GHz. It defines a low‑power exclusion level, describes four routes to demonstrate compliance (inherent compliance, input/output power limits, product‑standard limits, or measurements/calculations), and sets out requirements for an EMF assessment report and use of measurement uncertainty. The document includes informative annexes on derivation of exclusion levels, close‑to‑body devices, pulsed fields and relevant ISO/IEC 17025 topics.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 16 June 2010.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.220.20; 35.020.
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2010).
• Number of pages: 38.

Scope

The standard applies to low‑power electronic and electrical equipment and gives simple, reproducible conformity‑assessment methods to determine whether such equipment is unlikely to produce exposures exceeding the basic restrictions for human EMF exposure (10 MHz–300 GHz). If an item cannot be shown compliant using the simplified methods, other EMF product standards (for example IEC 62311) or full measurement/calculation procedures should be used.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and calculation of a low‑power exclusion level (Pmax) used to screen equipment for likely compliance.
• Four compliance routes: inherently compliant designs; input/output power limits below exclusion thresholds; product‑standard limits; or measurements/calculations demonstrating compliance.
• Requirements for an EMF assessment report including equipment description, test conditions, and uncertainty treatment.
• Guidance on exposure from multiple transmitting sources and on pulsed fields.
• Informative annexes: derivation of exclusion levels from ICNIRP/IEEE exposure limits and special treatment for close‑to‑body wireless devices.

Typical use and users

Used by product designers, EMC/EMF test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, and regulatory/compliance engineers to screen low‑power consumer, IT and multimedia equipment (including some wireless devices) for compliance with EMF basic restrictions. Also used by notified bodies and manufacturers preparing technical documentation for market access.

Related standards

Normatively and practically linked standards include IEC 62311 (assessment of electronic/electrical equipment related to human exposure to EMF 0 Hz–300 GHz) and relevant product‑specific EMC and safety standards. EN/IEC regional adoptions (EN 62479:2010) exist and replace earlier national standards such as EN 50371:2002 for the same subject area.

Keywords

EMF, electromagnetic fields, low‑power equipment, exposure assessment, low‑power exclusion level, Pmax, SAR, IEC 62479, IEC 62311, conformity assessment, measurement uncertainty.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62479:2010 is an international standard that provides simplified assessment procedures to determine whether low‑power electronic and electrical equipment complies with basic human exposure restrictions for electromagnetic fields (10 MHz–300 GHz).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers decision routes and screening methods (including a low‑power exclusion level), reporting requirements for EMF assessments, treatment of measurement uncertainty, and informative guidance on deriving exclusion levels and assessing pulsed and close‑to‑body exposures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of low‑power consumer/IT products, test and calibration laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, regulatory authorities and EMC/EMF engineers use it to screen products and prepare technical documentation for compliance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of 25 February 2026, IEC 62479:2010 is the published edition (Edition 1.0, 2010) and remains in force; no later IEC edition has replaced it. The IEC metadata lists a stability date in the standards catalogue. Users should check national adoptions or harmonized‑status updates for regulatory use.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the IEC family of EMF‑related assessment standards and is often used alongside IEC 62311 and applicable product EMC/safety standards; regional/adopted versions exist (EN IEC adoptions) that may include national modifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low‑power exclusion level, EMF assessment, SAR, exposure limits, conformity assessment, measurement uncertainty, close‑to‑body devices, pulsed fields, IEC 62479, IEC 62311.