From CKC Laboratories, Inc. Broadband Newsletter dated May 2014
The latest version of EN61326-1 was published in July of 2013 and will become the only active version of EN61326-1 in August of 2015. As with previous versions, EN61326-1:2013 contains EMC requirements which apply to electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use. The scope also includes accessories that are intended to be used with the aforementioned equipment. In addition, the 2013 version clarifies that it applies to equipment intended for use in both industrial and non-industrial locations.
As compared with the 2006 or earlier versions of EN61326-1, the 2013 edition contains a number of significant changes. Typically, these changes do require new testing for any product which is still actively marketed in the European Union. In such cases, we recommends a thorough review of the test reports for these products. These reviews, known as ‘gap analysis,’ can be performed as a service, regardless of what laboratory performed the original testing. Once gap analysis is performed, we will provide you with a detailed list of recommended actions, including a quotation for testing and report generation.
The following is a list of changes in the testing requirements listed in the 2013 version versus the 2006 version.
Radiated Emissions and AC Conducted Emissions – CISPR 11:2009 is now the reference standard instead of CISPR 11:2003. Mains terminal and radiated disturbance limit lines were added for Group 1, class A equipment rated > 20kVA. The Group 2, class A mains terminal disturbance limit line has changed for equipment 75kVA. There is now a 3m radiated disturbance limit line for use when allowed. The Group 2, class A radiated disturbance limits below 30MHz has changed to a magnetic field. The Group 2, class A radiated disturbance limit line was added for frequencies above 1GHz.
Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) – the 2008 version of IEC 61000-4-2 is called out instead of the 2001 version. The basic EMC environment calls for an 8 kV air discharge instead of a 4 kV. Also, the rise time range changed from (.7 to 1ns) to (.6 to 1ns). There were other changes in the calibration procedures, the distance from the EUT to the lab wall and the isolation distance of the EUT from the test table or floor.
Radiated Immunity – IEC 61000-4-3:2010 is now referenced instead of IEC 61000-4-3:2002. In addition to the previous requirement that frequency dwell times should be greater than or equal to the time necessary for the EUT to be exercised and respond, a minimum dwell time of .5 seconds is now in place. Additionally, the “rate of sweep” requirement has been removed and the non-conducting support for floor standing equipment can now be in the range of .05 m to .15 m high, instead of exactly .10 m high.
Electrical Fast Transient Burst (EFTB) – IEC 61000-4-4:2006 with Cor. 2007 & A1 2010 in now called out instead of IEC 61000-4-4:2004. The only change of note primarily affects the test lab as the verification of each CDN output is mandatory, whereas in the previous version, such verification was only recommended.
Surge – IEC 61000-4-5:2005 with Cor. 2009 replaced IEC 61000-4-5:2001 and the reference standard. Phase positioning has been added along with output impedance tolerance of +/- 10%. Test equipment calibration is now required at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kV instead of verification only at 0.5 and 4.0 kV in the older version. CDN calibration now includes specific requirements for both L-L and L-G.
Power Frequency Magnetic Field – the reference standard has been updated to the IEC 61000-4-8:2010 from the 1993 version of the same standard. As in the 2006 version of EN61326-1, the magnetic immunity test is only required for the industrial environment. A GRP is no longer required when testing table top devices. The test generator is prohibited from being near the test coil, and the <3 m placement requirement has been removed. The standard no longer defines climatic conditions but rather these are defined by the EUT and the test equipment. Verification of output on standard coils, filed strength on inductive coils and total distortion factor is required. The 2006 version only required that output current and total distortion factor be verified.
It is important to note the companion standards to EN61326-1, EN61326-2-1, -2-2, -2-3, -2-4 and -2-5, have also been updated. These standards call our particular requirements for product subsets in the scope of EN61326-1. For example, EN61326-2-2 provides particular requirements for portable test, measuring and monitoring equipment used in low voltage distribution systems, which add to and potentially modify the requirements of EN61326-1.
Please contact G&M Compliance, Inc. at 714.628.1020 for more information!
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