ICES-003 Testing — Canadian ITE

ICES-003 Testing — Canadian Information Technology Equipment

Compatible Electronics is NVLAP-accredited to test Information Technology Equipment (ITE) to ICES-003 Issue 7 (2020) and Issue 6 (2016) — the Canadian standard for digital apparatus emissions at three Southern California locations.

NVLAP Lab Code 200527-0 ICES-003 Issue 7 (2020) ICES-003 Issue 6 (2016) Lake Forest · Brea · Newbury Park

What is ICES-003?

ICES-003 (Interference-Causing Equipment Standard No. 3) is the Canadian standard governing radio frequency emissions from Information Technology Equipment (ITE) — also referred to as Digital Apparatus. It is issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and is mandatory for any ITE sold or imported into Canada. The standard sets Class A (commercial/industrial) and Class B (residential) emission limits for both radiated and conducted disturbances.

ICES-003 is closely aligned with FCC Part 15 Subpart B limits and measurement methods, allowing many products to be tested to both standards simultaneously. Products must also comply with Canadian ICES testing requirements and the broader ISED certification framework for wireless-enabled devices.

🔎 Class A vs Class B: Class B limits are stricter and apply to equipment intended for use in residential environments. Most consumer ITE must meet Class B. Class A applies to commercial and industrial equipment. The classification must be declared in the compliance documentation. Our EMC Design Consulting team can assist with classification and compliance planning.

ICES-003 Versions We Test To

Standard	Description	Locations
ICES-003 Issue 7 (October 2020)	Information Technology Equipment (Including Digital Apparatus) — current version. Updated limits and test methods aligned with CISPR 32.	Lake ForestBreaNewbury Park
ICES-003 Issue 6 (2016)	Information Technology Equipment — Limits and methods of measurement. Required for legacy compliance and transition products.	Lake ForestBrea

Products Covered by ICES-003

Computing Equipment

Computers & Peripherals

Desktop and laptop computers
Servers and workstations
Monitors and displays
Printers, scanners, and copiers
Storage devices and drives
Keyboards, mice, and input devices

Networking & Communications

Network Equipment

Routers, switches, and hubs
Network interface cards
Modems and gateways
Access points (unintentional radiator portion)
PBX and telecom equipment
Data centre infrastructure

Business & Consumer ITE

Other Digital Apparatus

Point-of-sale terminals
Medical ITE and monitors
Industrial control computers
Set-top boxes and streaming devices
Digital signage displays
Smart home controllers

Test Methods & Measurement Standards

ICES-003 references ANSI C63.4 measurement methods for radiated and conducted emissions testing. Issue 7 aligns test methods with the updated CISPR 32 / EN 55032 framework. Testing is performed at Compatible Electronics' NVLAP-accredited open area test sites (OATS) and semi-anechoic chambers.

Radiated Emissions

Radiated Emissions Testing

30 MHz – 1 GHz at 3 m or 10 m OATS / SAC
1 GHz – 6 GHz where applicable (Issue 7)
Class A and Class B limit verification
Peak and quasi-peak detector measurements
All three California locations

Conducted Emissions

Conducted Emissions Testing

150 kHz – 30 MHz via LISN on AC power port
Class A and Class B limits
Quasi-peak and average detector
All three California locations

Testing ICES-003 Alongside Other Standards

ICES-003 limits and methods are aligned with FCC Part 15B, making it straightforward to test both standards in a single visit. Compatible Electronics routinely tests products simultaneously to ICES-003, FCC Part 15B, and international standards including EN 55032 for EU CE marking.