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Jet 3/Rev I/Feb03 www.pridemobility.com 15
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 power chair 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 power chairs 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 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 power chair 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 power chair users, and their caregivers about the problems associated with EMI/RFI, and
actions that they can take to minimize the risk. The FDA requested that power chair manufacturers implement these
actions by December 2, 1994.
What can I do to find out if my power chair is likely to be affected by EMI/RFI?
If youve had your power chair for a long time and havent experienced any unintended motion, it is not likely 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. The Jet 3 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.
n There is no easy way to evaluate the effect of accessories or modifications upon the overall immunity of the
power chair.
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.
If my power chair moves unexpectedly, where should I report this?
Call Pride Mobility Products Corporation at 800-424-8205 to report the incident.
III. EMI/RFI