BS EN 61000-3-3:2013+A2:2021

What is BS EN 61000-3-3 - Limitation of voltage changes about?

This international electrotechnical standard gives guidance on acceptable levels of voltage variation and voltage flicker produced by electrical and electronic equipment when tested under specified conditions to limit fluctuations and subsequent flicker on public low-voltage systems.

In response to user feedback, BS EN 61000-3-3:2013+A2:2021 contains some revised and some new test conditions.  

Who is BS EN 61000-3-3 - Limitation of voltage changes for?

• EMC test laboratories
• IT equipment manufacturers (design managers or regulatory/compliance engineers)
• Manufacturers of lighting and electrical appliances
• Electrical utilities
• Regulatory and certification bodies

What does BS EN 61000-3-3 - Limitation of voltage changes cover?

It specifies limits of voltage changes which may be produced by electrical and electronic equipment tested under specified conditions and gives guidance on methods of assessment.

It applies to equipment having an input current equal to or less than 16 A per phase, intended to be connected to public low-voltage distribution systems of between 220 V and 250 V line to neutral at 50 Hz, and not subject to conditional connection.

BS EN 61000-3-3 has the status of a product family standard within the BS EN 61000 series.

Why should you use BS EN 61000-3-3 - Limitation of voltage changes?

• It helps manufacturers to check efficiently that the voltage changes produced by their electrical and electronic equipment don’t cause unacceptable levels of voltage variation and flicker on public networks. As such it helps manufacturers ensure that their electronic products continue to meet the demands of a smart energy environment.
• It gives buyers more confidence in equipment and thereby facilitates trade
• This amendment, made in response to user feedback, has revised some test conditions to make tests more practical (see below)
• This amendment adds new tests for equipment not previously covered (see below)

NOTE: It is intended that this standard will cover the essential requirements of the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, so that manufacturers of products complying with this standard will be able to claim compliance with these Directives and with the equivalent UK legislation. However, as of July 2021, approval for listing under the Directives is pending.

What’s changed since the last update?

The changes in BS EN 61000-3-3:2013+A2:2021 are to Annex A: “Application of limits and type test conditions for specific equipment” that contains revised test condition requirements for some types of equipment to increase the repeatability of the measurement results within a reasonable test time. These revised test conditions apply to:

• Microwave ovens
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Hairdryers and similar hair care equipment
• Air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, and commercial refrigerating equipment

This amendment also specifies test conditions for the following equipment, not previously mentioned in Annex A:

• Coffee and tea machines
• Portable fan heaters
• Comfort fans and similar equipment

This 2021 version supersedes BS EN 61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019 which will nevertheless not be withdrawn for three years, during which time both versions will be current.

BS EN 61000-3-3:2013+A2:2021 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure.