Electromagnetic Interference (Emi) - Heartway Medical Products S26 User Manual

ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI)

The rapid development of electronics, especially in the area of communications, has saturated our environment with electromagnetic (EM) radio waves that are emitted
by television, radio and communication signals. These EM wave are invisible and their strength increases as one approach the source. All electrical conductors act as
antennas to the EM signals and, to varying degrees, all power scooters and scooters are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). The interference could result
in abnormal, unintentional movement and/or erratic control of the vehicle. The United States Food and drug Administration (FDA) suggests that the following statement
be incorporated to the user's manual for all power scooter like the S26. Power scooters may as susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is interfering
electromagnetic energy emitted from sources such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio (HAN) transmitter, two-way radios, cellular phones and alarm systems
of shops. The interference (from radio wave sources) can cause the power scooter to release its brakes, move by itself or move in unintended directions. It can also
permanently damage the powered scooter's control system. The intensity of the EM energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m).Each powered scooter can resist
EMI up to a certain intensity. This is called " immunity level". The higher the immunity level the greater the protection. At this time, current technology is capable of
providing at least 20 V/m of immunity level, which would provide useful protection against common sources of radiated EMI.
Following the warnings listed below should reduce the chance of unintended brake release or powered scooter movement that could result in serious injury:
1. Do not turn on hand-held personal communication devices such as citizens band (CB) radios and cellular phones while the powered scooter 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 scooter off as soon as it is safe.
4. Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the powered scooter, may make it more susceptible to interference from radio wave sources
(Note: It is difficult to evaluate the effect on the overall immunity of the powered scooter).
5. Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to the powered scooter manufacturer, and note whether there is a radio wave source nearby.
TURN OFF YOUR POWERED SCOOTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING:
• Unintentional scooter movements.
• Unintended or uncontrollable direction.
• Unexpected brake release.
The FDA has written to the manufacturers of power scooters asking them to test new products to be sure they provide a reasonable degree of immunity against EMI. The
FDA requires that a powered scooter should have an immunity level at least 20 V/m, which provides a reasonable degree of protection against more common sources of
EMI. The higher the immunity level the greater the protection. Your powered scooter has an immunity level of 20 V/m which should protect
against common sources of EMI.
WARNING
• The scooter itself can disturb the performance of the electromagnetic fields such as emitted by alarm systems of shops.
• The driving performance of the scooter can be influenced by electro magnetic fields.
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