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About IEC61000-3-2 Harmonic Current Regulation
This page explains regulations on harmonic current in switching power supplies for AC/DC power adapters — desktop & wall-mount. 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 (Equipment input current ≤16A per phase) is an international standard established to suppress voltage distortion in power supplies by specifying maximum values for harmonic current components from the 2nd to the 40th order. It applies to equipment rated up to 16A. (For equipment rated over 16A, IEC 61000-3-12 is applicable.)
The latest version of the standard is the 5th edition, IEC 61000-3-2:2018, 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 released in 2014 and introduces updates to harmonic current regulations. This edition includes some technical revisions. Major technical changes from the previous version include the following:
a) Updates to emission limits for lighting equipment rated ≤25W to accommodate new types of lighting devices.
b) Addition of a 5W threshold below which emission limits do not apply to any lighting equipment.
c) Changes in requirements for dimmers used to operate non-incandescent lamps.
d) Addition of test conditions for digital load-side transmission control devices.
e) Discontinuation of use of reference lamps and reference ballasts in lighting equipment tests.
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 that lighting equipment includes a control module with effective input power ≤2W.
j) Updates to test conditions for television receivers.
k) Updates to test conditions for induction cooktops to consider other types of cooking appliances.
l) Change in scope from equipment with input current ≤16A to equipment with rated input current ≤16A to maintain consistency with IEC 61000-3-12.
Harmonic Current Regulations for AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount and Switching Power Supplies
Measures against harmonic current emissions in power supplies refer to countermeasures taken by PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuits. Generally, for standard AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount with outputs of 75W or more, these measures are required. However, for LED-specific AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount, these measures are necessary for products rated above 5W, as specified by harmonic current regulations.
While standard AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount without PFC circuits have power factors of about 0.5~0.6, this regulation requires a power factor of 0.9.
Harmonic Current Regulation in Japan
Domestically, the standard JIS C61000-3-2:2019 exists. Unlike China or Europe, it is not legally mandated, but it is a standard recommended for compliance by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Additionally, JLMA and the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association state that all lighting equipment rated over 5W is subject to this regulation. (Please refer to the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association website for more details.)
At Unifive, development has been completed for AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount and switching power supplies that comply with the regulations recommended by the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association.