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About harmonic current regulation in IEC61000-3-2
AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount, this page explains the regulations on harmonic current in switching power supplies. It provides an overview of standards such as IEC610003-2-2018.
What is IEC61000-3-2
IEC61000-3-2, EMC Part 3-2, Limits for Harmonic Current Emissions (for equipment with input current ≤16A per phase), is an international standard established to suppress voltage distortion in power supplies by setting maximum values for harmonic current components from the 2nd to the 40th order. It applies to equipment rated up to 16A. (For equipment exceeding 16A, IEC 61000-3-12 applies.)
The latest version of the standard is IEC 61000-3-2:2018 (5th Edition), and the corresponding European standard is called EN 61000-3-2.
Overview of IEC61000-3-2:2018
The 5th edition, IEC 61000-3-2:2018, replaces the 4th edition issued in 2014 and is a standard for regulating harmonic currents. This edition includes several technical revisions. Major changes from the previous edition include the following:
a) Updates to emission limits for lighting equipment with rated power ≤25W to accommodate new types of lighting.
b) Addition of a 5W threshold below which emission limits do not apply for all lighting equipment.
c) Changes to requirements for dimmers used with non-incandescent lamps.
d) Inclusion of test conditions for digitally controlled power transmission devices.
e) Elimination 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 lighting equipment for stage and studio use as Class A.
h) Clarification of classification for emergency lighting equipment.
i) Clarification regarding lighting equipment that includes a control module with effective input power ≤2W.
j) Updates to testing conditions for television receivers.
k) Updates to testing conditions for IH cookers to consider other types of cooking appliances.
l) Change in the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 to cover equipment with rated input current ≤16A instead of input current ≤16A, to maintain consistency with IEC 61000-3-12.
Harmonic Current Regulation in AC Adapters and Switching Power Supplies
Measures for harmonic current in power supplies refer to handling it through a PFC circuit (Power Factor Correction circuit). For general AC adapters, this measure is required for products with output power of 75W or more. However, for LED AC adapters regulated under harmonic current standards, this measure is necessary for products with output power of 5W or more.
While ordinary AC adapters without PFC circuits have a power factor of 0.5 to 0.6, under this regulation, a power factor of 0.9 is required.
Harmonic Current Regulation in Japan
In Japan, there is a standard called JIS C61000-3-2:2019. Although unlike in China or Europe it is not legally enforced, it is recommended for compliance by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In addition, all lighting equipment over 5W is subject to this standard according to JLMA and the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association regulations. (Please refer to the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association website for details.)
At Unifive, we have completed the development of AC adapters and switching power supplies compliant with the regulations recommended by the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association.