Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: 82021804-a487-471b-a76c-095315525b53
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Guidelines for Evaluating Electromagnetic and Radio-Frequency Interference in Safety-Related Instrumentation and Control Systems (Rev. 2)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1628/ML16281A531.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-06
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.180
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
od of testing in which the electrode of the test generator comes into contact with the equipment under test and the discharge is actuated by the discharge switch within the generator. By contrast, air discharge refers to the method of testing in which the charged electrode of the test generator is moved towards the equipment under test until it discharges on it without actually touching the equipment. The test levels acceptable to NRC staff are 8 kV for direct contact discharge and 15 kV for indirect air discharge. These conditions correspond to environments with very low humidity and extensive use of synthetic fabrics (which promote generation of higher electrostatic charges by personnel). The focus for the test should be centered on discharges that may occur during normal operation and the test points should be based on accessibility. For example, components such as panel displays, keyboards and control/input devices are touched frequently during operational activities and, thus, should be tested. Specifically, touch points that are electrically isolated from ground should be tested. Cables that are accessible during normal operations or are in close proximity to touch points should be tested at their entry point to equipment or cabinets. During the performance of the test, the equipment under test should not exhibit any malfunction or degradation of performance beyond specified operational tolerances when subjected to the electrostatic discharges. Acceptable performance of the equipment under test should be defined in the test plan by the end user or testing organization according to the applicable equipment, subsystem, or system specifications. 7. Documentation Electromagnetic compatibility documentation should demonstrate that safety-related I&C equipment meets its specifications and is compatible with the projected electromagnetic environment, that the user adheres to acceptable installation practices, and that administrative controls have been established