Specifications

FCS1362 Page 23 of 74 © Nov 2010
• Installers converting vehicles to the SVA Criteria must install to the SVA requirements using
equipment that complies with the Criteria
• Installers adding equipment to a SVA compliant vehicle must ensure that the additional equipment is
compliant with the SVA Criteria and take care that the changes to the vehicle undertaken when fitting
do not invalidate the vehicle’s SVA compliant status
Additional information on the Standard, the EsCAN, the SVA Criteria and the permitted range of
connectors can be obtained from the NPIA Automotive and Equipment Section, see Appendix C.
2.8. Antenna mounting safety
In accordance with the requirements of the Automotive EMC Directive, the vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions with regard to antenna positioning must be used as the prime source of guidance.
It is the responsibility of the installer to reasonably determine whether the manufacturer’s information is
available as per section 2.3.1. Should this information be unavailable, then the antenna manufacturer’s
information must apply. If, however, neither source of installation guidance is available, then the antenna
should be installed in accordance with this code of practice, see section 4.2.
2.8.1. Antenna physical hazards
To avoid any possibility of injury from RF burns, antennas should not be touched with the radio
equipment switched on. It may be worth informing the end customer of this as per section 6.2.
A hazard exists with whip antennas in relation to eye and facial injury; consideration should be given to
minimising this risk when choosing the antenna type, its mounting position and use.
2.8.2. Antenna location safety
The antenna must not be located where
• it could distract the driver when the vehicle is in motion
• the antenna whip can of its own accord hinge down and protrude from the vehicle thereby causing a
hazard to other road users and pedestrians.
o A whip antenna mounted on the boot lid will be horizontal when the boot is opened presenting
a danger of injury to the eyes or face. The vehicle’s end user(s) must be made aware of this
potential hazard.
2.8.2.1. Electromagnetic and radio frequency interference
Full consideration should be given to the positioning of mobile radio equipment to minimise
electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) between the mobile radio
equipment being installed and the vehicle electrical and electronic systems. This is particularly relevant to
the positioning of the antenna and routing of its coaxial cable.
2.8.2.2. Radiating antenna location safety
Care should be taken when locating radiating antennas so that the radiated field does not pose a risk to
the end user, occupants of the vehicle or those who may be in the vicinity of the antenna when the
vehicle is stationary.
For guidance refer to the equipment and antenna manufacturers guidelines as well as Health Protection
Agency’s ICNIRP guidance, see Appendix C.
Also refer to section 4.2.3.2 regarding refuelling areas on the vehicle.
2.8.2.3. Antenna height and length safety
The length of the antenna should be considered with regard to how it affects the overall vehicle height,
particularly where height restrictions may be encountered, for example car parks, overhead cables, trees
etc.
If the antenna contacts any low height object damage to the vehicle can be reduced by fitment of a shock
spring.