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PLT development European Union

Power line communication technology (PLT) contributes to the development of the
Information Society and the Knowledge-based Economy. However, for more then ten
years PLT has been the subject of a controversial discussion in the EU. This is due to
the fact that this technology uses installed electrical cables that are not designed for
high speed data. This can cause radio interference that users of shortwave
frequencies consider unacceptable. Those interference are unstable and hardly
predictable since all electrical networks are different from each other. It is important
to understand that it is the networks which radiate radio waves, and not the PLT
devices themselves.
PLT are subject to Directive 2004/108/EC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC))1
relating to electromagnetic compatibility. Already in 2001 the Commission mandated
the European Standardisation Organisations to develop PLT harmonised standards
under this Directive. As of today, appropriate standards, whether at device level or
network level, are not yet really available. The only one proposed is considered by
many to be inadequate and gives rise to incompatible interpretations. Standardisation
is carried out by independent institutions - European or global organisations.
However, in 2008 substantial progress was made by standardisation bodies and the
Commission is now confident that adequate standards will emerge within the next two
years and will integrate the appropriate mitigation techniques recently developed by
PLT manufacturers.

In case of any further information regarding this issue or specific product approval consultancy, contact Telefication at
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