CLC/TR 50627:2015

Study Report on Electromagnetic Interference between Electrical Equipment/Systems in the Frequency Range Below 150 kHz

This Technical Report is based on two Study Reports of CLC/SC 205A, having been worked out by their Task Force EMI [1a][1b] and provides the results and findings of these documents. It was created with the help and input from a broad range of involved stakeholders: network operators, equipment manufacturers, universities, accredited test houses and consultants. Beside the actual standardization situation it reflects the current emission situation found in supply networks and installations and describes electromagnetic interference (EMI) cases from twelve countries; investigation and analysis of the latter show a wide range of different types of electrical devices to be considered as a source or a victim of related EMI. This Technical Report highlights the occurrence of high levels of non-intentional emissions (NIE) in the considered frequency range, including values up to and exceeding the standardized limits for intentional signals from mains communicating systems (MCS), which also implies a high potential to cause EMI to other electrical equipment. On the other hand, several types of equipment show susceptibility to related emissions, being insufficiently immune. The Technical Report addresses the following issues: - a number of different types of electrical equipment are generating such emissions and/or are susceptible, to such, thus representing EMI potential, as a source or a victim of such EMI; - the interaction of electrical equipment in a certain supply area respectively installation, with its complex and volatile impedance character, as having an additional EMI potential; that besides NIE from general electrical equipment and signals from MCS and technically being quite different from emissions; - the fact that besides the conducted interference also radiated interference from NIE or signals from MCS, through the magnetic H-field following to related currents on the mains, is to be considered, what is of some importance also for the interference-free operation of broadcast time-signal systems or electronic circuits controlled by such; - the ageing of electronic components in electric equipment, which causes increased emissions and EMI to other electrical equipment as a result of not showing the same EMC characteristics as before being placed on the market, therefore no longer being able to conform with EMC requirements; - the additional aspect of differential mode operation, which should be considered for related immunity and testing specifications. These findings confirm that EMI in this frequency range is not limited to single types of equipment like inverters or MCS; instead a more general electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problem concerning a larger spectrum of electrical equipment is identified. Although a case-by-case mitigation of related EMI cases might be seen as appropriate, the increasing application of technologies and systems with related EMI potential requires a more general solution, through standardization, taking a balanced viewpoint of EMC and economics into account. With regard to the actual standardization situation, a review of the actual EMC and Product standards based on the reported results seems to be advisable. After initiating the work in CLC/SC 205A, the now ongoing work in IEC SC 77A, as well as the publication of a related Technical Report on testing electricity meters [2] by CLC/TC 13 and of the new Immunity testing standard EN 61000-4-19 [99], appear as right steps into the right direction but needing further, extended efforts. As stated on European as well as on international EMC standardization level, the availability of compatibility levels for the considered frequency range appears as a key-requirement for future considerations on setting related emission limits and immunity requirements in various standards. A fundamental basis for the co-existence of intentional signals from MCS and NIE needs to be found.

Studienbericht über elektromagnetische Interferenz zwischen elektrische Betriebsmittel/Systeme im Frequenzbereich unter 150 kHz

Rapport d’étude sur les perturbations électromagnétiques entre les équipements / systèmes électriques entre eux dans la plage des fréquences inférieure à 150 kHZ

Študija elektromagnetnih interferenc med električnimi napravami/sistemi v frekvenčnem območju pod 150 kHz - 2. izdaja

To tehnično poročilo dokumentira obstoječe motnje v električnem omrežju, vključno v prostorih stranke. Zajema izdelke, ki se uporabljajo kot viri emisije, in izdelke, ki so dovzetni zanje, vključno s kumulativnimi učinki in učinki staranja komponent, ki so namenjene zmanjšanju emisij.  Zagotavlja tudi informacije o mehanizmih motenj in trenutnem stanju, kar zadeva standardizacijo. Poročilo je osnovano na rezultatih meritev in primerih elektromagnetnih motenj ter povezanih rezultatih preiskav iz dvanajstih držav, ki vključujejo omrežne operaterje, proizvajalce, univerze, akreditirane preskusne laboratorije in svetovalce.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 19-Nov-2015
• ICS: 33.100.01 - Electromagnetic compatibility in general
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 205A - Mains communicating systems
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 205A - Mains communicating systems
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 20-Nov-2015
• Due Date: 22-May-2015
• Completion Date: 20-Nov-2015
• Directive: 2004/108/EC - Directive 2004/108/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 December 2004 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility and repealing Directive 89/336/EEC
• Directive: 2004/108/EU - DIRECTIVE 2004/108/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 15 December 2004 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility and repealing Directive 89/336/EEC
• Directive: 2004/22/EC - Directive 2004/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on measuring instruments
• Directive: 2014/30/EU - Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (recast)
• Mandate: M/441 - Standardisation mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI in the field of measuring instruments for the development of an open architecture for utility meters involving communication protocols enabling interoperability
• Mandate: M/490 - Standardisation mandate to the European Standardisation Organisations (ESOs) to support European Smart Grid deployment
• Ref Project: SIST-TP CLC/TR 50627:2016 - Study Report on Electromagnetic Interference between Electrical Equipment/Systems in the Frequency Range Below 150 kHz Ed. 2

Overview

CLC/TR 50627:2015 - Study Report on Electromagnetic Interference between Electrical Equipment/Systems in the Frequency Range Below 150 kHz - is a CENELEC Technical Report that compiles practical measurements, EMI case studies and stakeholder input on electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the 2 kHz–150 kHz band. It summarizes investigations from a wide range of contributors (network operators, manufacturers, universities, accredited test houses and consultants) and documents EMI cases from twelve countries. The report highlights high levels of non-intentional emissions (NIE), interactions with mains communicating systems (MCS) (powerline communication, PLC) and gaps in existing EMC standardization.

Key topics

• Frequency focus: 2 kHz to 150 kHz - a region where conducted and magnetically coupled interference can affect many devices.
• Sources and victims: Many types of equipment can be both sources of NIE (e.g., power electronics, inverters, lighting drivers) and victims due to insufficient immunity.
• Emission mechanisms: Conducted emissions on the mains and radiated interference via magnetic H‑field from mains currents.
• System interaction: Complex, variable supply-network impedance can increase EMI potential through equipment interaction.
• Ageing and differential mode: Component ageing can increase emissions over time; differential‑mode disturbances need consideration for immunity testing.
• Measurement & cases: Field and lab measurements, including lighting, inverters, power supplies, meters and telecom/medical impacts.
• Mitigation & standardization needs: Options such as filtering, notching, frequency migration for PLC, and the need for compatibility levels and updated EMC/product standards are discussed.

Practical applications and users

This Technical Report is intended for:

• Distribution network operators (DNOs) and utilities planning smart grid or smart metering rollouts
• Equipment and inverter manufacturers designing compliant power electronics and lighting drivers
• Test houses and accredited labs performing EMC emission and immunity testing in the 2 kHz–150 kHz band
• Standards developers and regulators evaluating emission limits, immunity requirements and compatibility levels
• Consultants and researchers diagnosing EMI cases and designing mitigation measures

Practical uses include root‑cause analysis of EMI incidents, guidance for EMC test planning (including differential‑mode considerations), selection of mitigation strategies (filters, notching, frequency planning), and input for updating product and EMC standards.

Related standards & initiatives

• EN 61000-4-19 (new immunity testing standard referenced)
• CLC/TC 13 Technical Report on electricity meter testing
• Ongoing work in IEC SC 77A (EMC standardization)
• Recommendation: development of compatibility levels for 2 kHz–150 kHz to support coherent emission and immunity requirements

Keywords: electromagnetic interference, EMI, 2 kHz–150 kHz, non-intentional emissions, NIE, mains communicating systems, MCS, powerline communication, PLC, EMC, immunity testing, EN 61000-4-19, compatibility levels, smart meters.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2016
âWXGLMDHOHNWURPDJQHWQLKLQWHUIHUHQFPHGHOHNWULþQLPLQDSUDYDPLVLVWHPLY
IUHNYHQþQHPREPRþMXSRGN+]L]GDMD
Study Report on Electromagnetic Interference between Electrical Equipment/Systems in
the Frequency Range Below 150 kHz Ed. 2
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CLC/TR 50627:2015
ICS:
33.100.01 Elektromagnetna združljivost Electromagnetic compatibility
na splošno in general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT CLC/TR 50627

RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
November 2015
ICS 33.100.01
English Version
Study Report on Electromagnetic Interference between Electrical
Equipment/Systems in the Frequency Range Below 150 kHz
Rapport d'étude sur les perturbations électromagnétiques Studienbericht über elektromagnetische Interferenz
entre les équipements / systèmes électriques entre eux zwischen elektrische Betriebsmittel/Systeme im
dans la plage des fréquences inférieure à 150 kHZ Frequenzbereich unter 150 kHz

This Technical Report was approved by CENELEC on 2015-11-02.

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2015 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. CLC/TR 50627:2015 E
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 General . 6
3 The frequency range from 2 kHz to 150 kHz . 8
3.1 Challenges in terms of EMI . 8
3.2 Frequency utilization . 10
3.3 The impact of voltage / current shapes . 12
3.4 Interaction of equipment . 16
4 Emissions, measurement and test results . 16
4.1 General . 16
4.2 Noise measured in a block of flats . 17
4.3 Lighting equipment . 17
4.3.1 General . 17
4.3.2 Compact lamps . 17
4.3.3 Fluorescent lamps . 18
4.3.4 LEDs . 19
4.4 Portable mains powered tools . 20
4.5.1 General . 21
4.5.2 Austrian lab tests on inverters . 22
4.5.3 Active Infeed Converters . 22
4.5.4 PV inverters . 24
4.5.5 Italian lab and field measurements . 25
4.5.6 Power electronics in an Intelligent Distribution Station . 27
4.6 Power supplies. 28
4.6.1 General . 28
4.6.2 Power supply with PLC signal on DC side . 28
4.6.3 Power supply of a TV receiver . 28
4.6.5 Power supplies in communication technology . 29
4.7 Other equipment — Rectifier in a cell tower . 31
5 EMI cases, measurement and test results . 32
5.1 General . 32
5.2 EMI due to conducted emissions . 33
5.2.1 EMI to lighting equipment . 33
5.2.2 EMI to electricity meters . 33
5.2.3 EMI to mains communicating systems (MCS) . 34
5.2.4 EMI to medical equipment . 50
6 Standardization for the frequency range 2 kHz to 150 kHz. Conformity and time . 57
6.1 Standardization situation . 57
6.2 Conformity and time . 62
7 Options for improved safeguarding EMC . 62
7.1 For equipment / systems in general . 62
7.1.1 Filter application . 62
7.1.2 Move from PLC to RF . 63
7.1.3 Frequency allocation management. 63
7.1.4 Move to broadband lines . 64
7.1.5 Notching on transmitter side vs. selectivity on receiver side . 65
7.2 For PLC in particular — Move to higher frequencies. 67
8 Conclusions . 69
9 Recommendations . 74
Annex A (informative) Acronyms and abbreviations . 77
Bibliography . 80

European foreword
This document (CLC/TR 50627:2015) has been prepared by CLC/SC 205A "Mains communicating systems".
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CENELEC by the European Commission and
the European Free Trade Association.
This Technical Report provides useful information for standards related to the following European Mandate(s):
M/441, M/490.
This Technical Report is based on the Study Report “Electromagnetic Interference between Electrical
Equipment / Systems in the Frequency Range below 150 kHz” of SC 205A (SC 205A/Sec0339/R:April 2013)
(second edition) [1b], with some update according to the developments that have taken place since.
Introduction
1)
In April 2010, CLC/SC 205A published their first Study Report on “Electromagnetic Interference between
Electrical Equipment in the Frequency Range below 150 kHz” [1a]. Related studies had been made and
information gathered due to first cases of EM interference, with Touch-dimmer lamps (TDLs) as an EMI victim,
an inverter as an EMI source, and automated meter reading systems using powerline communication (AMR-
PLC) figuring as EMI victims as well as sources.
Following this first CLC/SC 205A Study Report, its second edition [1b] and, based on it, this Technical Report
aims at:
a) highlighting the broad relevance of recognized electromagnetic interference for safeguarding EMC
also in the frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz;
b) extending knowledge about:
1) EMI cases having been observed between electrical equipment in the frequency range
2 kHz to 150 kHz, with an emphasis on interference between:
i) electrical equipment and its non-intentional emissions (NIE);
ii) mains communicating systems (MCS) using (powerline
communication) PLC technology with intentional signal injection for the
transmission of information over the electricity supply network;
2) different mechanisms causing interference to electrical equipment due to non-intentional
or intentional voltage/current components in the considered frequency range;
as a basis for evaluating the need for closing the recognized gap in standardization as highlighted in the
first edition, and considering the recent developments; that:
c) without evaluating certain types of electrical equipment concerning applied technology or priority;
d) and with regard to:
1) problems having occurred with operational equipment of distribution network operators
(DNOs), in particular related to smart metering and smart grids control and monitoring
equipment;
2) complaints by network users to deliverers and subsequently by deliverers to DNOs or by
network users directly to their DNO, about degradation or loss of function of certain
electrical equipment;
3) in both cases network users as well as deliverers are primarily annoyed by the troubles
they are experiencing with electrical equipment they have traded or bought, trusting in its
interference-free operability, which they expect due to the CE mark.
This TR is based on:
e) reports on EMI cases and, following related complaints, investigations performed by an accredited
test house, universities, DNOs, manufacturers and consultants;
f) measurements performed by an accredited test house, universities, DNOs, manufacturers and
consultants. In both cases to extend knowledge of emissions from different equipment in the
considered frequency range, in case of the occurrence of EMI:
1) to identify the actual interference source;
2) to clarify the interference mechanism;
3) to evaluate mitigation measures;
g) the present standardization situation and its actual development.

1) CLC/SC 205A Mains communicating systems.
1 Scope
This Technical Report is based on two Study Reports of CLC/SC 205A, having been worked out by their Task
Force EMI [1a][1b] and provides the results and findings of these documents. It was created with the help and
input from a broad range of involved stakeholders: network operators, equipment manufacturers, universities,
accredited test houses and consultants.
Beside the actual standardization situation it reflects the current emission situation found in supply networks
and installations and describes electromagnetic interference (EMI) cases from twelve countries; investigation
and analysis of the latter show a wide range of different types of electrical devices to be considered as a
source or a victim of related EMI.
This Technical Report highlights the occurrence of high levels of non-intentional emissions (NIE) in the
considered frequency range, including values up to and exceeding the standardized limits for intentional
signals from mains communicating systems (MCS), which also implies a high potential to cause EMI to other
electrical equipment. On the other hand, several types of equipment show susceptibility to related emissions,
being insufficiently immune.
The Technical Report addresses the following issues:
a number of different types of electrical equipment are generating such emissions and/or are susceptible,
−
to such, thus representing EMI potential, as a source or a victim of such EMI;
the interaction of electrical equipment in a certain supply area respectively installation, with its complex
−
and volatile impedance character, as having an additional EMI potential; that besides NIE from general
electrical equipment and signals from MCS and technically being quite different from emissions;
the fact that besides the conducted interference also radiated interference from NIE or signals from MCS,
−
through the magnetic H-field following to related currents on the mains, is to be considered, what is of
some importance also for the interference-free operation of broadcast time-signal systems or electronic
circuits controlled by such;
the ageing of electronic components in electric equipment, which causes increased emissions and EMI to
−
other electrical equipment as a result of not showing the same EMC characteristics as before being
placed on the market, therefore no longer being able to conform with EMC requirements;
the additional aspect of differential mode operation, which should be considered for related immunity and
−
testing specifications.
These findings confirm that EMI in this frequency range is not limited to single types of equipment like
inverters or MCS; instead a more general electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problem concerning a larger
spectrum of electrical equipment is identified.
Although a case-by-case mitigation of related EMI cases might be seen as appropriate, the increasing
application of technologies and systems with related EMI potential requires a more general solution, through
standardization, taking a balanced viewpoint of EMC and economics into account. With regard to the actual
standardization situation, a review of the actual EMC and Product standards based on the reported results
seems to be advisable.
After initiating the work in CLC/SC 205A, the now ongoing work in IEC SC 77A, as well as the publication of a
related Technical Report on testing electricity meters [2] by CLC/TC 13 and of the new Immunity testing
standard EN 61000-4-19 [99], appear as right steps into the right direction but needing further, extended
efforts.
As stated on European as well as on international EMC standardization level, the availability of compatibility
levels for the considered frequency range appears as a key-requirement for future considerations on setting
related emission limits and immunity requirements in various standards. A fundamental basis for the co-
existence of intentional signals from MCS and NIE needs to be found.
2 General
When talking about EMI in the frequency range 2 kHz to 150 kHz it is appropriate to highlight the development
of electricity application respectively the use of the electricity supply network during the past decades, which is
characteristic for the today’s given situation; this development has led to:
a) a thorough increase of comfort in the application of electrical energy, including the realization of
some energy saving effects, in particular through the application of power electronics, and with that,
a somehow changed use of the electricity supply network;
b) the deployment of smart metering, in Europe using in the large majority of cases PLC for data
transmission, with at present:
1) more than 50 m PLC endpoints in Europe, from some ten thousand AMR-PLC in
Austria to 36 m in Italy;
2) an expected amount of such smart meters of around 85 m by 2013, 155 m smart
meters by the end of 2016 and 250 m smart meters by the end of 2020 [3], [4];
3) an intermediate status of related projects from beginning of rollout (Spain) to 99 %
(Italy);
c) a further extended use of the supply network for operational electricity suppliers’ information
transmission purposes, in particular with regard to the intended deployment of smart metering and
smart grid solutions [5], [6], comprising the installation of about 200 m smart meters in the next
5 years – 7 years with a cumulative investment of up to 40 bn € for smart meters and about 280 bn €
for other measures to realize smart grids [7];
that technically accompanied by the superposition of additional voltage components on the practically pure
sine wave of the mains voltage.
As a consequence, dependant on the different types of connected equipment/systems at a certain time,
− apparatus/systems using electric energy;
− distributed generation units (DGU) with its ancillary systems;
− MCS;
the original sine wave of the supply develops towards a somehow different shape, which shall be considered
for its possibly disturbing effect on the operation of electrical equipment; with regard to the different types of
such emissions, figuring as disturbances causing EMI, i.e.
− intentional emissions, i.e. signals;
− non-intentional emissions or
− a combination of both ones;
and following to the cumulative effect of the additional voltage components, for ensuring EMC, the need for
appropriate setting of compatibility levels as well as of emission limits and immunity requirements (see also
[64]) is given.
Apart from the technical aspects, but connected with it to a certain extent, several EU Directives and
Standardization Mandates (see e.g. [5] – [12]) figure as a background for these changes in the use of
electricity supply networks. This has also been expressed by the Communication of the Commission on Smart
Cities and Communities – European Innovation Partnership [13], which aims at catalyzing progress in areas
where energy production, distribution and use, mobility and transport and information and communication
technologies (ICT) are intimately interlinked and offer new interdisciplinary opportunities to improve services;
that mainly with regard to the global energy situation which, exceeding the primary and basic goal of supplying
electrical energy by far, requires measures for ensuring a future-proof energy supply including:
− the efficient use of electrical energy in general;
− increased use of renewable energies, with its ancillary systems for coupling to the supply network,
for decentralized generation;
− improved information to the network user about energy consumption together with actual tariffs as
well as extended information for the energy supplier about the actual operational and quality status
of his network, by extensive information exchange from and to smart meters;
− considerations for the realization of smart grids;
− the realization of appropriate IT infrastructure, as the basis for the aforementioned projects.
3 The frequency range from 2 kHz to 150 kHz
3.1 Challenges in terms of EMI
2) 3)
Regarding EMC (see definition in the EMCD [14] and the IEV [15]), on principle:
− unintentional emissions from non-mains-communicating equipment / systems (NCE) or communication
equipment, or
− communication signals, both figuring as “emissions” and having some potential for causing EMI, or
− a combination of both ones
shall be considered, according to the classical viewpoint in terms of voltage/current levels, that together with:
− the cumulative effect of voltage components from all emitting equipment connected to a supply
network;
− different proliferation of different types of electric equipment and its different times and durations of
operation;
− utilization of the frequency range below 150 kHz (see also 3.2).
To ensure EMC and to meet the Essential Requirements (ERs) of the EMCD, a balanced co-existence of
appropriately set emission limits, appropriately realized equipment immunity to emissions (non-intentional and
signals) and to the supply network characteristics is necessary (see also [16]).
Besides the numerical values of voltage/current levels, at least for the frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz, the
voltage/current shape is a character which has some impact on the sensitivity of electrical equipment to EM
disturbances and should therefore be considered when dealing with EMC requirements for this frequency
range in general and with related immunity in particular (see 3.3).
Depending on the levels of such emissions as well as on the voltage shapes of these emissions, the resulting
modification of the supply voltage’s sine wave through NCE or communication equipment can be followed by:
− degradation of function, maloperation or damage of network users’ or energy suppliers’ equipment;
− degradation of performance of MCS, e.g. AMR-PLC;
− display of wrong meter register values.
Table 1 gives an overview of a somehow more detailed grouping of EMI effects (see also [17] – [19]).

Table 1 — Main groups of EMI effects
(Non-intentional) Emissions from network users’ equipment at or close to frequencies
used for MCS interfere with intentional MCS signals, leading to disturbance or loss of
MCS communication
Multiples of (non-intentional) emissions from network users’ equipment, being close to
frequencies applied for MCS may cause interference with the MCS resulting in failed
communication
Distortion of the supply voltage due to discontinuous (non-intentional) currents/
voltages from network users’ equipment or signal voltages from MCS may lead to
degraded performance or maloperation of network users’ equipment
Network users’ equipment representing a low-impedance path at frequencies used for
MCS lead to an attenuation of the intentional MCS signal which might disturb or
interrupt communication (“shunting effect”)
(Non-intentional) emissions from network users’ equipment or (intentional) MCS signal
voltages may result in somehow higher currents, leading to overheating and
accelerated ageing of components in network users’ equipment

2) Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
3) International Electrotechnical Vocabulary.
For the frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz, at first sight, it appeared that mainly touch-dimmer-lamps (TDLs),
inverters and AMR-PLC were involved in related interference [1a]. Anyhow, already in Study Report I,
− EMI cases have been mentioned with other types of equipment having been involved as a source
or victim;
− the assumption has been expressed, that somehow more types of equipment could be needed to
be considered as EMI sources or victims.
Summarizing information having been gathered from 12 countries (AT, BE, DE, FI, FR, GB, HU, IT, JP, NL,
4)
NO, SE) about related measurements and investigations on EMI cases and measurement results being
described in Clauses 4 and 5, Tables 2 and 3 give an overview of types of equipment showing high level
emissions in the related frequency band or having already been recognized as a source or victim of such EMI
(see also [1a], [20 – 23]).
Table 2 — Equipment figuring as a source of EMI, Examples
Inverters (e.g. in PV installations) and variable speed drives (VSD),
(e.g. in elevator drives, ski lift drives, heating system circulation pumps, ventilation
systems, household equipment)
Switch-mode power supplies
(e.g. in lighting equipment, PCs, consumer electronic/home entertainment equipment
(e.g. TV, DVD), ICT equipment, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS),
charging devices)
Lighting equipment
(e.g. fluorescent lamps, compact lamps, LEDs)
Household equipment
(e.g. induction cookers, washing machines, electric shavers)
Portable mains operated tools
AMR-PLC
Table 3 — Equipment figuring as an EMI victim, Examples
AMR-PLC
Solid state meters
Electronic control (e.g. touch-controlled equipment like Touch Dimmer lamps (TDL),
alarm systems, traffic control systems, traffic lights, in heating systems, street
lighting, in urinals, for doors, in kitchen appliances (e.g. steam irons, coffee
machines, ceramic hobs)
Communication systems (e. g. Ethernet-system, ISDN-, ADSL-modems, IP network
branch exchange, routers, LAN)
Telephone systems including inductive train radio systems
Earth leakage circuit breakers (ELB)
Contactless magnetic card readers, credit card terminals
Notebooks (cursor position)
Broadcast standard time-signal systems (e.g. DCF77, Japanese system)
Road vehicle smart keys
TV and radio receivers
Mobile radio
Amateur radio
Tables 2 and 3 may need further amendments in future, following further investigations.
Table 4 provides information about different effects of EMI to certain equipment in the considered frequency
range.
4) Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway,
Sweden.
Table 4 — Effects of EMI to equipment in the frequency range 2 kHz– 150 kHz, Examples
TDLs Unintentional switching (between light steps, OFF, also ON)
Street lighting Unintentional switch-on and –off
Traffic lights Malfunction
Traffic control system for public Malfunction
transportation buses
Solid state meter Displaying wrong meter register values
MCS Temporary or quasi-permanent loss of data transmission
function
Heat control with time basis through Malfunction
DCF77 signal
Heating systems Incorrect alarms due to sensor faults
Contactless magnetic card reader Malfunction of reading function
ADSL modem Loss of link, CRC error
Routers Loss of synchronization (40, 50 and 70 kHz) to the network
Notebooks Disturbed cursor position (37 kHz)
Inductive Train Radio System Audible noise
Ceramic hobs Incorrect relay switching
Coffee cooker Incorrect control lamp function
Steam irons Insufficient heat, water loss, incorrect control lamp blinking
Washing machines Self-restart (some hours) after end of operation phase
Automatic urinal water control switching to permanent operation
Broadcast standard time-signal Electronic clocks: being fast (gaining up to 15 mins per day),
systems
Malfunction of control circuits fed by the time-signal
TV and radio receiver Audible noise (up to 20 kHz)
Amateur radio Disturbed reception of distant transmitters
With this overview of potential EMI sources/victims as well as EMI effects together with the measurement and
investigation results in Clauses 4 and 5 of this Technical Report it may be taken as a fact, that the EMI
potential in the frequency range below 150 kHz, already mentioned in Recommendation Com-1 of the Report
“Standards for Smart Grids” published by the CEN/CENELEC/ETSI SG-CG in 2011 [24] (see also [25]), is not
restricted to PLC devices and domestic appliances but shall be seen as having a quite larger dimension. This
will need to be resolved by creative approaches taking into account the installed base, i.e. products on the
market, and future technology development.
3.2 Frequency utilization
When considering the utilization of the frequency range below 150 kHz for different purposes, there is to be
distinguished between:
a) conducted voltage/current components representing:
1) non-intentional emissions (NIE), stemming from:
i) NCE as a consequence of the applied technology and being a more or less unavoidable
waste product of its application of electrical energy;
ii) from MCS as spurious emissions from such, i.e. unwanted signals, both types of
emissions to be considered as disturbances in the sense of the IEV [15] definition of
“electromagnetic disturbances” (see also Recommendation 13. in Clause 9);
2) voltage/current components
i) stemming from NIE (see above) or MCS signals (see below),
ii) being induced from wires in an installation via the magnetic H-field to another installation
or an electronic circuit
3) communication signals from MCS, being intentionally impressed on the 50-Hz-supply voltage
for the purpose of transmitting information, e.g. for smart metering/smart grid systems in the
public supply area or for network users’ purposes within their installation, e.g. for data
transmission within their premises or for home automation.
Figure 1 shows the frequency ranges designated to applications using (narrow-band) MCS:

Figure 1 — Frequency band designations according to EN 50065-1 [26]

All the aforementioned voltage/current components have some potential for causing EMI, for which also a
combination of the different types shall be considered; that together with:
− the cumulative effect of voltage components from all emitting equipment connected to a supply
network;
− different proliferation of different sorts of electric equipment and its different durations of operation.
The aforementioned cumulative effect represents some criterion for dealing with both types of emissions, as:
− NIE are generated from a lot of different equipment operated in a certain supply area and there-fore
contributing to a certain cumulative load of such emissions at a certain instant, which varies over time;
− MCS signals, in any case in CENELEC-band A (Figure 1), are normally present in a certain supply
area only from one MCS, therefore not experiencing any accumulation.
That leads also to the recognition, that – e.g. concerning setting immunity requirements – signals need to
be treated different from NIE.

b) radiated magnetic fields stemming from
1) non-intentional currents due to the operation of electronic circuits, as explained above;
2) signal currents from MCS, intentionally impressed on the supply voltage as explained above.
Also these magnetic fields, resulting from non-intentional or signal currents, have some EMI
potential, by causing conducted voltages getting induced to installations or electronic circuits
(see 5.3.1, List Entry a)).
c) radio applications for services, like broadcast time-signal services.
Concerning the first-mentioned group a):
− contrary to the frequency range up to 2 kHz, where normative specifications exist for harmonics
[27] and voltage fluctuations [28] in a LV supply network and up to 3 kHz, where emission levels
for intentional signalling from ripple control are standardized (Meister curve) by EN 61000-2-2
[29];
− besides the subject areas of:
i) lighting equipment and induction cookers [30], [31];
ii) the Basic standard EN 61000-4-16 [32] specifying test conditions for electric and
electronic equipment concerning immunity to conducted asymmetrical
disturbances in the frequency range 0 kHz – 150 kHz;
iii) narrow-band MCS technology, where emission limits and immunity requirements
have been standardized for the frequency range 3 kHz – 148,5 kHz, by the
EN 50065 series [26], [33] – [35] on from 2001 (see also IEC 61000-3-8 [36] and
IEC 61334-3-1 [37] concerning frequency bands and output levels and [38] – [45]
for additional normative specifications (filters, couplers, equipment impedance).
this frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz, up until now, has not been considered for setting limits for NIE (see
6.1). Recently, some developing situation is given in the field of power electronics, where first proposals for
recommending emission values for Active Infeed Converters (AICs) have been approved in IEC/TS 62578
([46] (see 6.1)).
Concerning radiated magnetic fields no standardized limits exist for this frequency range; that likewise as
recently no technical specifications are available for evaluating an EMI situation with EMI to broadcast time-
signal systems, although to be seen as protected, in any case in terms of radio interference (see 5.3.1).
With regard to the recognized co-existence problems between equipment generating NIE and MCS in the
frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz, it is of some interest whether:
− concerning EMC, standards need to consider existing products/technologies on the market
− the intended operation of MCS were to be seen as being protected by the EMCD.
(See also Clause 6.)
The primary status of a standard shall be considered as voluntary, which could be changed if a standard
becomes part of a contract
Concerning the EMCD, related discussions resulted in the recognition, that with the inclusion of
telecommunication systems/networks in its scope, the EMCD and its ERs are protecting the intended
operation also of MCS.
3.3 The impact of voltage / current shapes
From Study Report I [1a] it is known, that besides the numerical values of voltage/current levels, at least for
the frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz, also the voltage/current shape is a character which has some impact
on the sensitivity of electrical equipment to EM disturbances -- what should therefore be considered when
dealing with EMC requirements for this frequency range in general and with related immunity in particular.
When having reported about the first investigation results, having been achieved during measurements
concerning EMI from AMR-PLC to TDLs, it was shown, that, for the considered frequency range, interference
is also a matter of rise (or fall) time of the amplitude/envelope of voltage/current components.
For example, Figure 2 shows the rise of sine wave signal components in the supply voltage with a frequency
of 55 kHz respectively 90 kHz, by which a TDL has been switched on. The instant of time of switch-on of the
TDL can be recognized through the start of network disturbances from the TDL’s triac-controller (see
sequences of narrow spikes outside the envelope of the test signal).
Figure 2 — Sine wave components in the supply voltage, ((test signal) frequency: 90 kHz), leading to a
switch-on of a TDL
Additional investigations have been made by an accredited test house [47], with a (modulated) test voltage
according to Figure 3 applied to a TDL.
Figure 3 — Test voltage for rise time investigation
The time and the voltage value of the envelope of the modulated test voltage until the EUT appeared as being
disturbed (TDL: switched on) were measured with all waveshapes shown in Figure 3 (ramp characteristic,
repeating interval times).
It can be recognized as being typical, that the resulting EMI is somehow dependent on the level of the applied
test voltage. For testing the impact of rise time for each rise time (1 ms, 5 ms, 20 ms, 50 ms 200 ms, 500 ms),
the disturbance voltage was adjusted to that level causing switch-on of the TDL with a probability of 95 %, due
to a simulated interference.
To evaluate this probability, a sequence of 100 rises and falls of a test voltage with a frequency of 50 kHz was
applied.
In case of simulating an MCS signal, a rise time of about 0,5 s is not applicable because of the resulting loss
of bandwith.
As results from these tests, Figures 4 and 5 show the achieved dependence of the test voltage level on the
rise time and the rise speed.
Figure 4 — Rise time tests with a TDL 95%-dependence of threshold on the rise time of an emission / a
test level
Figure 5 — Rise time tests with a TDL 95%-dependence of threshold on the rise speed of an emission /
a test level
The frequency of the periodic rise or fall did not show any impact on the threshold values.
These test results:
− proved the relevance of the rise/fall time of the envelope of an emission/signal respectively a test
voltage for the threshold of a control circuit and therefore the relevance of the envelope of a
discontinuous voltage for the sensitivity of electronic circuits to such and following to that to related
immunity requirements;
− showed, that for a slower rise/fall of the envelope of a modulated emission / signal, the threshold
moves to higher values what allows higher emission levels respectively less stringent immunity
requirements.
As already mentioned in Study Report I [1a] (5.2), dependent on the coupling method (CM, DM), different EMI
effects and thresholds have been observed. Therefore, for comprehensive immunity testing, both coupling
methods were to be considered in related tests.
Based on that, it might be deductible, that:
− a solely numerical setting of compatibility levels, emission limits and immunity requirements might not
be sufficient in that frequency range;
− leaving consideration of quasi-stationary conditions as the sole basis for setting EMC requirements
would offer additional room for ensuring EMC for the considered frequency range.
Combined specification of levels and other characteristics of emissions like (maximum) rise or fall edge of
the envelope of a disturbance/signal appears to may offer a technically more appropriate basis for setting
related compatibility levels as well as requirements (emissions, immunity) in EMC and Product standards.
3.4 Interaction of equipment
Interactions between different types of NCE connected to the grid, e.g. heat pumps, induction cookers and
fluorescent lamps, as well as between such equipment and MCS have been analyzed e.g. in [48], [49], [118].
The effect of such interactions and resulting interference appears as not being predictable due to the
permanently changing situation of connected equipment, i.e. sites, power different technologies and duration
of connection of loads.
From the related analyses follows, that:
− interaction between connected equipment in the frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz differs from the
interaction taking place in the frequency range below 2 kHz. That with regard to high frequency
emissions flowing between devices and not upstream to the transformer;
− due to technological development of electrical devices, resonances in this frequency range between
connected equipment which is simultaneously in operation, e.g. an induction cooker and a heat pump,
may increase in future;
− the impact of connected NCE on MCS is much stronger than the impact from the grid itself, such as
damping in wires;
− the signal limits for MCS are the highest ones compared with emissions from other equipment;
therefore, immunity standards for this frequency range should be based on the standardized signal
limits for MCS.
4 Emissions, measurement and test results
4.1 General
This clause provides results of measurements on different types of electrical devices without having been
involved in EMI cases before. Related information and measurement results have been provided from Austria,
Belgium, Great Britain, Japan, Sweden and IEC SC 77A/WG 8 (see also related contributions to CIRED 2013
[50], [117]) .
With regard to the assumption already made in Study Report I [1a], that some additional types of equipment
might need to be considered as potential sources of EMI in the frequency range 2 kHz to 150 kHz, the goal of
these measurements was to get more knowledge of the given EMI potential and to better clarify assumed EMI
potential between certain types of equipment.
As concerns also the investigation results on EMI cases described in chapter 4, related measurements have
been made on site as well as under laboratory conditions, using a wide variety of test methods; therefore, the
results cannot be taken as exactly comparable but may fulfil the task of providing an overview of the existing
situation.
4.2 Noise measured in a block of flats
Austrian measurements of the noise potential in distribution racks in the frequency range 10 kHz – 100 kHz
showed without presence of a PC signal quasi-stationary broadband noise with levels from ~40 dBµV to
66 dBµV, additionally partly with peaks up to 80 dBµV, with a dynamic up to 23 dB. The source of this noise is
unknown.
Here, at the lines from the transformer station, currents on single frequencies up to 4 mA peak and with
broadband measurement up to ~1 mA have been measured. Also here, time-signal systems like DCF77 could
get disturbed (see also 5.3.1).
Source of disturbance unknown.
4.3 Lighting equipment
4.3.1 General
When starting investigations on EMI in the frequency range 2 kHz – 150 kHz, TDLs appeared as one of the
initiating elements being involved as an interference victim. As already reported in Study Report I [1a], during
laboratory tests in Hungary, disturbances to narrow-band PLC communication have been experienced with
different equipment, besides UPS’s and inverter drives also with compact fluorescent lamps – this time as a
source of interference
In the following, results of measurements on related emissions from lighting equipment are described.
4.3.
...