Electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters are crucial for a wide range of equipment and devices. Installing an EMI filter helps them function as intended and prevent them from interfering with other devices. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is also a key component of meeting the compliance requirements of global regulations and many industry standards. For EMI filters to provide desired performance, they must be installed correctly. Following best practices for installing EMI filters helps in optimizing their performance and ensures safe compliance margins for the devices.

While certain best practices apply to almost all EMI filter installations, the installation process for each filter can be slightly different. Because of this variation, be sure to consult the product literature for the EMI filter when installing it or contact application engineering. With that in mind, here are some of the most important recommended installation practices for EMI filters.

The following tips can help ensure proper EMI grounding:

• Use low impedance connections to connect the various parts of the ground system. Flat wires, for instance, offer lower HF impedance than round wires do.
• Ensure that all the ground connections are as short as possible. Consider using a flat, braided ground strap, as these components provide increased surface area.
• Use the largest available area as the ground conductor. The cabinet wall is often a suitable surface.
• Removing paint from mounting surfaces of the cabinets can help achieve a low impedance bond.
• To ensure safety and proper performance, make sure the power system ground is connected to the filter ground termination point before connecting any wires.
• Be sure to research and follow all relevant safety regulations related to grounding.
• Examine all the connections in your low impedance grounding systems as part of your routine maintenance checks.