RFI happens when electromagnetic signals from one device disrupt the normal operation of another. These signals can be intentional (like a radio transmitter) or accidental (like electrical noise).
Common Sources Include:
– Cell Phones & Wi-Fi Routers
– Power Lines & Electrical Motors
– LED Lights & Switching Power Supplies
– Computers, Monitors, USB cables
– Vehicle Ignition Systems
– Radio/TV Transmitters
– EV Car Chargers
– Solar Inverters
Interference occurs when unwanted radio-frequency signals disrupt the use of your television, radio, or cordless telephone. Interference may prevent reception altogether, cause only a temporary loss of signal, or affect the quality of the sound or picture produced by your equipment.
How Can I Reduce It?
– Shielding (metal enclosures, braided cables)
– Filtering (ferrite beads, line filters)
– Better grounding
– Physical separation between noisy and sensitive devices
– Good cable routing and design
Sometimes you can take all of the above steps and STILL have RFI issues. When in doubt, check out additional resources from the American Radio Relay League or file a report with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
