Invacare Recline Owner's Manual page 8

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, so far as we know, are not likely to cause EMI problems to your
powered wheelchair.
Powered Wheelchair Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
Because EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as one moves closer to the transmitting
antenna (source), the EM fields from hand-held radio wave sources (transceivers) are of
special concern. It is possible to unintentionally bring high levels of EM energy very close
to the powered wheelchair's control system while using these devices. This can affect pow-
ered wheelchair movement and braking. Therefore, the warnings listed are recommended
to prevent possible interference with the control system of the powered wheelchair.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources such as radio and TV stations, amateur
radio (HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular phones can affect powered wheel-
chairs and motorized scooters. Following the warnings listed below should reduce the
chance of unintended brake release or powered wheelchair movement which could re-
sult in serious injury.
1) Do not operate hand-held transceivers (transmitters receivers), such as citi-
zens band (CB) radios, or turn ON personal communication devices, such
as cellular phones, while the powered wheelchair is turned ON;
2) Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to
avoid coming close to them;
3) If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the powered wheel-
chair OFF as soon as it is safe;
4) Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the pow-
ered wheelchair, may make it more susceptible to EMI (Note: There is no
easy way to evaluate their effect on the overall immunity of the powered
wheelchair); and
5) Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to the pow-
ered wheelchair manufacturer, and note whether there is a source of EMI
nearby.
Important Information
1) 20 volts per meter (V/m) is a generally achievable and useful immunity
level against EMI (as of May 1994) (the higher the level, the greater the
protection);
2) The immunity level of this product is not known.
Modification of any kind to the electronics of this wheelchair as manufactured
by Invacare may adversely affect the RFI immunity levels.
WARNING