EN61000-3-2  European standard regulating harmonic currents - a brief summary.
	The IEC standard 61000-3-2 imposes limits on the harmonic currents drawn from the mains supply. This standard requires that electrical appliances be type tested to ensure that they meet the requirements in the standard.  It is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having an input current up to and including 16A per phase and intended to be connected to public low-voltage distribution systems i.e. supply voltages nominally 230V ac or 415V ac 3 phase. The standard defines four classes of waveform according to the different types of equipment. For example, one of the Classes (Class B) applies to portable tools, whereas the typical switched mode waveform is generally in another Class (Class D). Each Class has different harmonic limits up to the 40th, which must not be exceeded. Some Classes have dynamic limits which are set according to the power drawn by the device.  The scope of the EN61000-3-2 standard includes products such as lighting equipment, portable tools, all electronic equipment, consumer products and appliances and industrial equipment. This standard does not cover equipment which has a nominal supply voltage less than 220V ac. No limits have been specified for professional equipment above 1kW. Although these requirements cover only products to be sold within EEC countries, a similar IEEE document exists for the USA and Japan is also considering similar legislation. BACK