Iii. Emi/Rfi - Pride Jazzy 1120 Owner's Manual

Are all powered wheelchairs susceptible to EMI/RFI?
Each make and model of chair differs in its ability to resist electromagnetic interference. That is, each has a
particular level of “immunity” to interference, measured in volts per meter (V/m). A higher immunity level offers
greater protection. In other words, a powered wheelchair with a high immunity level is less likely to be affected by
a strong radio source than one with a low immunity level.
What is the FDA doing about the problem?
The FDA has written powered wheelchair manufacturers and requested that they test their new products to be sure
that they provide a reasonable degree of immunity against EMI/RFI. The letter states that powered wheelchairs
should have an immunity of at least 20 V/m. This provides a reasonable degree of protection against the common
sources of EMI/RFI.
The FDA has also requested that these manufacturers clearly label their products with the immunity level, or state
that the immunity level is not known. The labeling and informational material supplied with the powered wheelchair
must explain what the immunity level means, and the labeling or informational material must warn users about the
possibility of EMI/RFI and how to avoid it. In addition, the FDA has recommended that manufacturers establish an
educational program to inform powered wheelchair users and their caregivers about the problems associated with
EMI/RFI, and the actions they can take to minimize the risk. The FDA requested that powered wheelchair
manufacturers have these actions implemented by December 2, 1994.
What can I do to find out if my powered wheelchair is likely to be affected by EMI/RFI?
If you’ve had your powered wheelchair for a long time and haven’t experienced any unintended motion, it is not
likely that you will have problems in the future. But it is always possible that problems could arise if you are close
to a source of radio waves. Therefore, it is very important to be alert to this possibility. The Jazzy 1120 meets or
exceeds an immunity level of at least 20 V/m.
What can I do to reduce the risk that my powered wheelchair could be affected by EMI/RFI?
Here are some precautions you can take:
n Do not turn on or use hand-held personal communications devices, such as citizens band (CB) radios and
cellular phones, while the powered wheelchair is on.
n Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations and hand-held or mobile two-way radios, and try
not to come close to them. For example, if you are in a powered wheelchair with an immunity level of 20 V/m, you
should remain at least three feet from a hand-held two-way radio and ten feet from a mobile two-way radio.
n Be aware that adding accessories and/or components, or modifying the powered wheelchair, may make it
more susceptible to interference from radio wave sources. There is no easy way to evaluate their effect on the
overall immunity of the powered wheelchair.
What should I do if my powered wheelchair moves unexpectedly?
If unintended motion or brake release occurs, turn the powered wheelchair off as soon as it is safe to do so.
If my powered wheelchair moves unexpectedly, where should I report this?
Call Pride at 1-800-424-8205 to report the incident.
Jazzy 1120/RevE/Feb03
I I I . E M I / R F I
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