Regarding IEC61000-3-2 Harmonic Current Regulations

AC/DC Power Adapter, This page explains the regulations on harmonic currents in switching power supplies. It also describes IEC610003-2-2018, etc.

What is IEC61000-3-2

IEC61000-3-2 EMC Part 3-2, Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment with input current up to and including 16A per phase), is an international standard established to suppress voltage distortion of the power supply by specifying the maximum allowable values of harmonic current components from the 2nd to the 40th order. It applies to equipment with a rated current of up to 16A. (Equipment exceeding 16A is specified in IEC 61000-3-12.)

The latest version of the standard is IEC 61000-3-2:2018 (5th edition), and the corresponding European standard is referred to as EN 61000-3-2.

Overview of IEC61000-3-2:2018

IEC 61000-3-2:2018, the 5th edition, is the standard for harmonic current regulation that replaces the 4th edition issued in 2014. This edition includes some technical revisions. The main technical changes from the previous edition are as follows:

a) Updated emission limits for lighting equipment with rated power ≤25W to take into account new types of lighting products.

b) Addition of a 5W threshold below which emission limits do not apply to any lighting equipment.

c) Changes to requirements applicable to dimmers operating non-incandescent lamps.

d) Addition of test conditions for digital load side transmission control devices.

e) Removal of the use of reference lamps and reference ballasts in lighting equipment testing.

f) Simplification and clarification of terminology used for lighting equipment.

g) Classification of professional stage and studio lighting equipment as Class A.

h) Clarification of the classification of emergency lighting equipment.

i) Clarification of lighting equipment that includes one control module with active input power ≤2W.

j) Updated test conditions for television receivers.

k) Updated test conditions for induction cookers, taking other types of cooking appliances into consideration.

l) To maintain consistency with IEC 61000-3-12, the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 has been changed from equipment with input current ≤16A to equipment with rated input current ≤16A.

Harmonic Current Regulations for AC/DC Power Adapter and Switching Power Supplies

Countermeasures against harmonic currents in power supplies refer to implementing PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuits. For standard AC/DC Power Adapter, this measure is required for Products with an output of 75W or more. However, for LED AC/DC Power Adapter specified under harmonic current regulations, this measure is required for Products of 5W or more.

While standard AC/DC Power Adapter without PFC circuits have a power factor of 0.5-0.6, the regulation specifies a power factor of 0.9.

Harmonic Current Regulations in Japan

In Japan, there is a standard called JIS C61000-3-2:2019. However, unlike in China and Europe, it is not legally enforced but is a standard whose compliance is requested by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Additionally, according to the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association (JLMA), all lighting equipment of 5W or more is subject to this standard. (Please refer to the JLMA website for details.)

UNIFIVE has completed the development of AC/DC Power Adapter and switching power supplies that comply with the regulations recommended by the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association.

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