Analysis of revised regulatory guidance on electromagnetic interference qualification for nuclear safety

Abstract

In this paper, we analyzed the revised guidance on electromagnetic (EM) interference qualification of Regulatory Guide 1.180 (Revision 2), which is published by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for electromagnetic compatibility qualification for nuclear safety, by comparing it with that of the previous version. We confirmed that the test methods and the acceptance criteria of both CE101 and CE102 tests for conductive emission and RE102 test for radiating emission are changed in the recently revised Regulatory Guide 1.180 (Revision 2). Furthermore, we found that the revised Regulatory Guide 1.180 provides flexibility in the use of alternative methods for EM interference (EMI) qualification, in that a mix of the various base-standards is technically allowed. In addition, the primary revision of the updated Regulatory. Guide 1.180 is that MIL−STD−461G is to be adopted as the latest base-standard, instead of MIL−STD−461E. To evaluate the influence on EMI qualification for nuclear safety due to the endorsement of MIL−STD−461G, we thoroughly analyzed the modifications in the acceptance criteria and test methods for EMI qualification, and then validated the analyzed effect on the EMI qualification, which is caused by the revision of MIL−STD−461, by performing electromagnetic simulation for equipment under RE102 test.

Keywords

• Acceptance criterion
• Electromagnetic interference
• Nuclear safety
• Regulatory guidance
• Test method