Explanatory note

These Regulations prescribe the requirements to be complied with in relation to certain ignition apparatus, for the purpose of ensuring that the apparatus will not cause undue interference with wireless telegraphy.

Regulation 3 applies to ignition apparatus forming part of an internal combustion engine (except an engine forming part of an aircraft) which, on or after the 1st October 1973, is to be sold or offered or advertised for sale (except for export) or let on hire or offered or advertised for letting on hire by an assembler or importer in the course of his business. In respect of such ignition apparatus, the assembler or importer is required, from the date stated, to comply with Regulation 5.

Regulation 4 applies to ignition apparatus (except ignition apparatus of engines in aircraft or foreign vessels) which is first assembled as part of a vehicle, vessel or engine, on or after the 1st October 1973. Users of such apparatus in the area referred to in paragraph (2) are required to comply with Regulation 5; but the user is deemed to comply with Regulation 5 if the manufacturer or builder of the vehicle, vessel or engine fitted suppressors and these remain fitted and in good condition and the ignition apparatus has not been altered, and in certain other circumstances also. Regulation 4 also applies to apparatus which is used for testing or demonstrating the operation of components of ignition systems.

Regulation 5 prescribes the requirement, in terms of the maximum permitted field-strength of the electro-magnetic energy radiated from the apparatus when in use and the description and specification of the measuring apparatus. The Schedule sets out the method by which the field-strength is to be measured and the conditions under which tests are to be made.