BS EN 61000-4-30:2015+A1:2021

What is BS EN 61000-4-30 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) about?

BS EN 61000-4-30 is a safety standard on Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). BS EN 61000-4-30 defines the methods for measurement and interpretation of results for power quality parameters in a.c. power supply systems with a declared fundamental frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Measurement methods are described for each relevant parameter in terms that give reliable and repeatable results, regardless of the method’s implementation. BS EN 61000-4-30 addresses measurement methods for in-situ measurements. Measurement of parameters covered by BS EN 61000-4-30 is limited to conducted phenomena in power systems. The power quality parameters considered in this standard are power frequency, the magnitude of the supply voltage, flicker, supply voltage dips, and swells, voltage interruptions, transient voltages, supply voltage unbalance, voltage harmonics and inter harmonics, mains signalling on the supply voltage, rapid voltage changes, and current measurements.

Emissions in the 2 kHz to 150 kHz range are considered in Annex C (informative) of BS EN 61000-4-30 and over-and-under deviations are considered in Annex D (informative) of BS EN 61000-4-30. Depending on the purpose of the measurement, all or a subset of the phenomena on this list is measured.

Note 1: Test methods for verifying compliance with BS EN 61000-4-30 can be found in IEC 62586-2.

Note 2: The effects of transducers inserted between the power system and the instrument are acknowledged but not addressed in detail in BS EN 61000-4-30. Guidance about the effects of transducers can be found IEC TR 61869-103.

Who is BS EN 61000-4-30 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for?

BS EN 61000-4-30 on Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is useful for:

• Electromagnetic engineers
• Electricians
• Electrical engineers
• Testing authorities
• Manufacturers of a test system
• Manufacturers of test equipment
• Manufacturers of transducers

Why should you use BS EN 61000-4-30- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)?

Power quality (PQ) is assessed by a comparison between the results of measured PQ parameters, and the limits (contractual values) given in a PQ contract.  IEC 61000 is published in separate parts according to the various structures. Each part is further subdivided into several parts, published either as International Standards or as Technical Specifications or Technical Reports, some of which have already been published as sections. BS EN 61000-4-30 is about the testing and measurement techniques of Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

For each parameter measured, two classes, A and S, are defined in BS EN 61000-4-30. For each class, measurement methods, and appropriate performance requirements are included.

• Class A:
• This class is used where precise measurements are necessary, for example, for contractual applications that may require resolving disputes, verifying compliance with standards, etc. Any measurements of a parameter carried out with two different instruments complying with the requirements of Class A, when measuring the same signals, will produce matching results within the specified uncertainty for that parameter
• Class S:
• This class is used for statistical applications such as surveys or power quality assessment, possibly with a limited subset of parameters. Although it uses equivalent intervals of measurement as Class A, the Class S processing requirements are much lower. Some surveys may assess power quality parameters of several measurement sites on a network; other surveys assess power quality parameters at a single site over a period of time, or at locations within a building or even within a single large piece of equipment
• Class B:
• For Class B information, see Annex E (informative) of BS EN 61000-4-30. Class B methods shall not be employed for new instruments. Class B is moved to Annex E on the basis that all new instrument designs will comply with either Class A or Class S. Class B may be relevant for legacy instruments that are still in use. Class B may be removed in the next edition of BS EN 61000-4-30

Overall, BS EN 61000-4-30 is useful as it provides guidance on the measurement of power quality (PQ) for contractual purposes.