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Jet 2/Rev F/Feb03 www.pridemobility.com 15
III. EMI/RFI
Are all electric mobility vehicles susceptible to EMI/RFI?
Each make and model differs in its ability to resist EMI/RFI. Each electric mobility vehicle has a particular level of
immunity to EMI/RFI. This immunity is measured in volts per meter (V/m). A higher immunity level offers greater
protection. In other words, a power chair 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 to electric mobility vehicle 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 electric mobility
vehicles should have an immunity level 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 or recommended that:
n Electric mobility vehicle manufacturers clearly label new products with their immunity level, or state that the
immunity level is not known.
n The labeling or informational material supplied with new electric mobility vehicles must explain what the
immunity level means and warn users about the possibility of EMI/RFI and how to avoid it.
n Electric mobility vehicle manufacturers undertake an educational program to inform users and their caregiv-
ers about the problems associated with EMI/RFI and about the actions they can take to minimize the risk of
EMI/RFI.
n While there is no exact way to tell if your electric mobility vehicle is totally safe from EMI/RFI, an immunity
level of 20 V/m is generally achievable and useful. Your Jet 2 has been tested and passed at an immunity
level of 20 V/m.
What can I do to find out if my power chair is likely to be affected by EMI/RFI?
If you have owned your power chair for a long time and have not experienced unintended motion, it is unlikely that
you will have problems in the future. However, it is always possible that problems could arise if your power chair
is close to a source of radio waves. Therefore, it is very important to be alert to this possibility. Your power chair
meets or exceeds an immunity level of at least 20 V/m.
What can I do to reduce the risk that my power chair 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 power chair 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 power chair 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 power chair may make it more
susceptible to interference from radio wave sources.
What should I do if my power chair moves unexpectedly?
If unintended motion or brake release occurs, turn the power chair off as soon as it is safe to do so. Call Pride at
800-424-8205 to report the incident.