BS EN 61000 is a standard series covering Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), which ensures that electrical and electronic devices function properly without causing electromagnetic interference (EMI) or being affected by external electromagnetic disturbances. The BS EN 61000 series is based on the international IEC 61000 standard and provides detailed guidelines and requirements for EMC testing and certification.
Key Areas of BS EN 61000
- Emission Standards:
- These guidelines define the limits for the electromagnetic emissions from devices to ensure they do not interfere with other equipment or communication systems.
- Common tests include conducted emissions (via power lines) and radiated emissions (via antennas).
- Immunity Standards:
- Defines how well electrical and electronic equipment can resist interference from external sources of electromagnetic fields, such as radio waves, power surges, and electrostatic discharges.
- Common tests involve immunity to electrostatic discharge (ESD), radiated electromagnetic fields, fast transient bursts, and voltage dips.
- Testing and Measurement Methods:
- BS EN 61000 outlines how to test devices for EMC performance in a standardized manner.
- It includes the use of specialized equipment like anechoic chambers and test benches to simulate real-world electromagnetic environments.
- Specific Standards Within the BS EN 61000 Series:
- BS EN 61000-3-2: Limits for harmonic currents emitted by equipment connected to low-voltage power systems.
- BS EN 61000-3-3: Limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems.
- BS EN 61000-4-2: Test methods for electrostatic discharge immunity.
- BS EN 61000-4-3: Radiated, radio-frequency electromagnetic field immunity test.
- BS EN 61000-4-4: Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test.
- BS EN 61000-4-5: Surge immunity test.
- BS EN 61000-4-6: Immunity to conducted disturbances induced by radio-frequency fields.
- BS EN 61000-4-11: Voltage dips, short interruptions, and voltage variations immunity tests.
- Purpose:
- The standard is primarily designed to ensure devices operate without causing or being susceptible to interference that could degrade performance or disrupt other devices.
- It aims to provide compatibility for equipment in diverse environments, such as residential, industrial, and medical settings.
- Conformance and Certification:
- Compliance with BS EN 61000 is often a requirement for placing electrical and electronic products on the market in Europe.
- Products are tested and certified by accredited labs, and the results are used to issue CE marking or similar certifications for specific markets.
Overall, BS EN 61000 ensures that products meet global EMC requirements, reducing electromagnetic interference and improving the reliability and safety of electrical equipment.
