IEC 61000-4-23:2016

Overview

IEC 61000-4-23:2016 - "Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-23" specifies test methods for protective devices and shielding against HEMP (high-altitude electromagnetic pulse) and other radiated disturbances. Primarily intended for HEMP testing, the standard is applicable to other externally generated radiated threats where appropriate. Edition 2 (2016) revises shielding effectiveness (SE) test methods and adds an inside-to-out test procedure (Annex F) to address facilities with limited external space. The standard provides theory, test set‑up (outside‑to‑in and inside‑to‑out), required equipment, procedures and data processing - but does not set pass/fail levels.

Key Topics

• Shielding effectiveness (SE) measurement concepts and updated test methods (Clause 5).
• HEMP test concepts for enclosures, buildings, shelters, cabinets, racks, cables and connectors (Clause 4).
• Field testing techniques: pulse field testing and continuous-wave (CW) field testing, including extrapolation and data analysis.
• Current injection tests and methods to characterize transfer impedance and transfer admittance of cable shields and connectors.
• Material and component testing: conducting gaskets, conducting sheets/screens, cut‑off waveguides and honeycombs.
• Test equipment guidance (Annexes C and D): sensors for pulse/CW measurements, antenna and amplifier requirements, TEM cell setups for small enclosures.
• Inside‑to‑out measurement method (Annex F) for cases where placing the transmitting antenna outside the barrier is impractical.
• Data processing and uncertainties: guidance on measurement analysis and interpretation (informative annexes).

Applications

IEC 61000-4-23 is used for practical EMC and EMP protection tasks including:

• Measuring shielding effectiveness of rooms, shelters, buildings and cabinets.
• Verifying performance of shielded cables, connectors and conducting gaskets against radiated disturbances.
• Designing and validating EMP protection facilities where external antenna placement is constrained (use of inside‑to‑out tests).
• Lab and field testing using pulse radiators, TEM cells, or CW facilities to characterize system vulnerability and mitigation.
  Typical users: EMC test laboratories, EMP protection designers and installers, critical‑infrastructure owners (telecom, power, defense), equipment manufacturers and compliance engineers.

Related Standards (applicable)

• Part of the IEC 61000 series of EMC standards; intended to be used alongside other IEC EMC test methods and national EMC/EMP guidance.
• Users should consult complementary IEC 61000‑4 documents for broader EMC test methodologies and instrumentation guidance.

Keywords: IEC 61000-4-23, HEMP testing, shielding effectiveness, EMC testing, inside-to-out, pulse field testing, CW testing, transfer impedance, shielded rooms, conducting gaskets.