Is EMI Dangerous?

Professionals in a number of industries and settings have to be aware of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the dangers it presents to the safety of people and the functionality of equipment.
 

Navy Accident Due to EMI

In 1967, 134 sailors lost their lives on the U.S.S Forrestal to a fire. It is believed that EMI played a role in this otherwise avoidable accident. The fire started when a rocket was accidentally launched and hit a fuel tank, resulting in an enormous fire and detonation of a damaged bomb. While there were several factors that led to this disaster, it is thought that radar-related electromagnetic interference (EMI) played a large role. An unwanted signal may have resulted in the rocket’s launch, which begs the question "is EMI dangerous?"
 

Is EMI Dangerous?

Electromagnetic interference occurs when a source, often an electrical component or device using radio frequency, interacts and disturbs an electrical circuit in another system. For example, radar being disturbed in a military setting or even radio jamming can have deadly results.
 

Examples of EMI

Less serious examples of EMI are television and AM radio interference. Our cell phones also present a potential threat, which might explain why airlines always ask customers to turn off their personal phones before takeoff. While there are now devices used to determine if a system is responding appropriately to its electromagnetic environment, EMI still continues to be a problem for people in a variety of industries. As a result, EMI testing is an important industry practice. 

Industries That Test For EMI

• Military
• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Industrial Manufacturers
• Medical

ATEC’s EMI Tester Rentals

ATEC offers a range of test equipment, including devices for detecting EMI, EMC, and UAVs. We carry equipment from industry-leaders, such as Haefely, Rohde & Schwarz, and Keysight. Reach out today to learn more about our cost-effective and user-friendly rental options.