Requirements relating to Open Area Test Sites (OATS) during measurements of radiated electromagnetic disturbances are precisely defined in standard PN-EN 50121-3-1. A significant problem arises during tests of public transport traction vehicles, such as trams and trolleybuses. In these cases, the choice of test site, with some exceptions, is limited to city agglomerations, where most of the tracks and catenaries are located. For this reason, choosing a test location that fulfils general requirements and is exposed to low levels of electromagnetic disturbance emissions from external sources can be difficult. It often requires an analysis of the emission sources and their potential elimination. The article looks at the requirements of applicable standards regarding correct measurements of radiated disturbance emissions. Selected examples of actual results of electromagnetic background emission with their interpretation are also presented.

Requirements relating to Open Area Test Sites (OATS) during measurements of radiated electromagnetic disturbances are precisely defined in standard PN-EN 50121-3-1. A significant problem arises during tests of public transport traction vehicles, such as trams and trolleybuses. In these cases, the choice of test site, with some exceptions, is limited to city agglomerations, where most of the tracks and catenaries are located. For this reason, choosing a test location that fulfils general requirements and is exposed to low levels of electromagnetic disturbance emissions from external sources can be difficult. It often requires an analysis of the emission sources and their potential elimination. The article looks at the requirements of applicable standards regarding correct measurements of radiated disturbance emissions. Selected examples of actual results of electromagnetic background emission with their interpretation are also presented.