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D. DISTANCE FROM THE SOURCE
EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as you get closer to the source. For this
reason, EMI from hand-held devices is of special concern. (See C.1) A person
using one of these devices can bring high levels of EM energy very close to your
chair/scooter without you knowing it.
E. IMMUNITY LEVEL
1. The level of EM energy is measured in volts per meter (V/m). Every power wheel-
chair/scooter can resist EMI up to a certain level. This is called its "immunity level".
2. The higher the immunity level, the less the risk of EMI. It is believed that a
20 V/m immunity level will protect the power wheelchair/scooter user from the more
common sources of radio waves.
3. The configurations tested and found to be immune to at least 20 V/m are:
a. Guardian Ruby power wheelchair with a right-hand mounted Penny & Giles VSI
integral controller, fish-on seat, flip-down armrests, solid flip-up footplate and
12AH battery pack.
b. Guardian Ruby 11 power wheelchair with a right-hand mounted Penny & Giles VSI
integral controller, highback seat, flip-back armrests, solid flip-up footplate and
12AH battery pack.
c. Guardian Garnet with a control pod, fish-on seat and 10AH battery pack.
Individuals with physical limitations requiring the use of a specialty control
input device known not to be immune to 20V/m, or not known, should exercise
extra care around known sources of EMI.
There is no way to know the effect on EMI if you add accessories or modify this
chair/scooter. Any change to your chair/scooter may increase the risk of EMI.
Parts from other suppliers have unknown EMI properties.
F. REPORT ALL SUSPECTED EMI INCIDENTS
You should promptly report any unintended movement or brake release. Be sure
to indicate whether there was a radio wave source near your chair/scooter at the
time. Contact: Sunrise Medical Customer Service Department at (800) 333-4000.
930705 Rev. B
E n g l i s h
V . E M I ( E l e c t r o m a g n e t i c I n t e r f e r e n c e )