What is BS EN IEC 61000-3-2 EMC limits for harmonic current emissions about?
This amended international standard helps limit the harmonic currents injected into the public low-voltage mains electricity supply system by a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment. The amendment introduces many technical updates and clarifications.
Who is BS EN IEC 61000-3-2 EMC limits for harmonic current emissions for?
- EMC test laboratories and electrical testing laboratories;
- product testers;
- manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment with a mains input current ⩽ 16A;
- manufacturers in the instrumentation, industrial and telecommunications sector;
- inspectors and quality assessors;
- regulatory and certification bodies.
What does BS EN IEC 61000-3-2 EMC limits for harmonic current emissions cover?
BS EN IEC 61000-3-2 deals with how to limit harmonic currents injected into the public low-voltage mains electricity supply system by electrical and electronic equipment having a rated input current up to and including 16 A per phase.
NOTE: Arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment, with a rated input current up to and including 16 A per phase, is included in this document. Arc welding equipment intended for professional use, as specified in BS IEC 60974-1, is excluded from this document and can be subject to installation restrictions as indicated in BS IEC 61000-3-12.
Why should you use BS EN IEC 61000-3-2 EMC limits for harmonic current emissions?
- BS EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A2:2024 protects public low-voltage mains distribution networks from harmonic currents that can cause overheating of electrical distribution system wiring, transformer overheating and shortened transformer service life.
- BS EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A2:2024 helps manufacturers achieve specifications that will keep the supply network reliable, and it helps them demonstrate the compatibility of their equipment.
- BS EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A2:2024 includes technical amendments that update it to the latest state of the art technologies. The 2024 amendments also improve the clarity of test descriptions and the practicality of testing state of the art technology.
What has changed?
BS EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019+A2:2024 is the second amendment of BS EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019. In comparison with the previous edition, the following significant technical changes have been made:
a) inclusion of new terms and definitions reflecting actual luminaires on the market and adaptation of their test conditions;
b) revision of test conditions for washing machines;
c) clarification of references in clause B.17;
d) improved specification for repeatability;
e) new specification for measurement uncertainty and decision rule;
f) new definition for an independent function;
g) new definitions for symmetrical control, asymmetrical control and phase control;
h) clarification that special test conditions in Annex B have precedence over the general test conditions in clause 6.3.1 29;
i) clarification for the calculation of THC, THD or POHC (The disregarding of currents less than 0,6 % of input current or less than 5 mA applies only to individual harmonics.);
j) clarification for the application of class D limits;
k) clarification for the requirements on the test voltage in A.2, bullet d);
l) addition of an informative Annex D “Symmetry of mains current waveforms”.