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Jazzy 1100/RevJ/Feb03 www.pridemobility.com 15
III. EMI/RFI
Are all powered wheelchairs susceptible to EMI/RFI?
Each make and model of chair differs in its ability to resist electromagnetic interference. That is, each has a
particular level of immunity to interference, measured in volts per meter (V/m). A higher immunity level
offers greater protection. In other words, a powered wheelchair with a high immunity level is less likely to be
affected by a strong radio source than one with a low immunity level.
What is the FDA doing about the problem?
The FDA has written powered wheelchair manufacturers and requested that they test their new products to be
sure that they provide a reasonable degree of immunity against EMI/RFI. The letter states that powered
wheelchairs should have an immunity of at least 20 V/m. This provides a reasonable degree of protection
against the common sources of EMI/RFI.
The FDA has also requested that these manufacturers clearly label their products with the immunity level, or
state that the immunity level is not known. The labeling and informational material supplied with the powered
wheelchair must explain what the immunity level means, and the labeling or informational material must
warn users about the possibility of EMI/RFI and how to avoid it. In addition, the FDA has recommended that
manufacturers establish an educational program to inform powered wheelchair users and their caregivers
about the problems associated with EMI/RFI, and the actions they can take to minimize the risk. The FDA
requested that powered wheelchair manufacturers have these actions implemented by December 2, 1994.
What can I do to find out if my powered wheelchair is likely to be affected by EMI/RFI?
If youve had your powered wheelchair for a long time and havent experienced any unintended motion, it is
not likely that you will have problems in the future. But it is always possible that problems could arise if you
are close to a source of radio waves. Therefore, it is very important to be alert to this possibility. The Jazzy
meets or exceeds an immunity level of at least 20 V/m.
What can I do to reduce the risk that my powered wheelchair could be affected by EMI/RFI?
Here are some precautions you can take:
n Do not turn on or use hand-held personal communications devices, such as citizens band (CB) radios and
cellular phones, while the powered wheelchair is on.
n Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations and hand-held or mobile two-way radios,
and try not to come close to them. For example, if you are in a powered wheelchair with an immunity level
of 20 V/m, you should remain at least three feet from a hand-held two-way radio and ten feet from a
mobile two-way radio.
n Be aware that adding accessories and/or components, or modifying the powered wheelchair, may make it
more susceptible to interference from radio wave sources. There is no easy way to evaluate their effect on
the overall immunity of the powered wheelchair.
What should I do if my powered wheelchair moves unexpectedly?
If unintended motion or brake release occurs, turn the powered wheelchair off as soon as it is safe to do so.
If my powered wheelchair moves unexpectedly, where should I report this?
Call Pride at 1-800-824-8205 to report the incident.