IEC 61000-3-2:2018

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤16 A per phase)

IEC 61000-3-2:2018 deals with the limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public supply system. It specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which can be produced by equipment tested under specified conditions. It is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having a rated input current up to and including 16 A per phase, and intended to be connected to public low-voltage distribution systems. Arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment, with a rated input current up to and including 16 A per phase, is included in this document. Arc welding equipment intended for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded from this document and can be subject to installation restrictions as indicated in IEC 61000-3-12. The tests according to this document are type tests. For systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-neutral), the limits have not yet been considered.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) an update of the emission limits for lighting equipment with a rated power = 25 W to take into account new types of lighting equipment;
b) the addition of a threshold of 5 W under which no emission limits apply to all lighting equipment;
c) the modification of the requirements applying to the dimmers when operating non-incandescent lamps;
d) the addition of test conditions for digital load side transmission control devices;
e) the removal of the use of reference lamps and reference ballasts for the tests of lighting equipment;
f) the simplification and clarification of the terminology used for lighting equipment;
g) the classification of professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios under Class A;
h) a clarification about the classification of emergency lighting equipment;
i) a clarification for lighting equipment including one control module with an active input power = 2 W;
j) an update of the test conditions for television receivers;
k) an update of the test conditions for induction hobs, taking also into account the other types of cooking appliances;
l) for consistency with IEC 61000-3-12, a change of the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 from equipment with an input current = 16 A to equipment with a rated input current = 16 A.

Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) - Partie 3-2 : Limites - Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique (courant appelé par les appareils ≤ 16 A par phase)

L’IEC 61000-3-2:2018 traite de la limitation des courants harmoniques injectés dans le réseau public d’alimentation. Elle définit les limites des harmoniques du courant d’entrée qui peuvent être produits par les matériels soumis à l’essai dans des conditions spécifiées. La présente partie de l’IEC 61000 est applicable aux appareils électriques et électroniques ayant un courant d’entrée assigné dont la valeur est inférieure ou égale à 16 A par phase et qui sont destinés à être raccordés à des réseaux publics de distribution à basse tension. Le matériel de soudage à l'arc qui n’est pas du matériel professionnel, dont le courant d’entrée assigné est inférieur ou égal à 16 A par phase, relève du présent document. Le matériel de soudage à l'arc destiné à un usage professionnel, tel que spécifié dans l’IEC 60974-1, est exclu du domaine d'application du présent document et peut être sujet à des restrictions d'installation comme indiqué dans l'IEC 61000-3-12. Les essais effectués conformément au présent document sont des essais de type. Les limites applicables aux réseaux dont la tension nominale est strictement inférieure à 220 V (entre phase et neutre) n'ont pas encore été envisagées.
Cette cinquième édition annule et remplace la quatrième édition parue en 2014. Cette édition constitute une révision technique.
Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente:
a) une mise à jour des limites d’émission pour les appareils d'éclairage ayant une puissance assignée ≤ 25 W afin de tenir compte des nouveaux types d’appareils d'éclairage;
b) l’ajout d'un seuil de 5 W en dessous duquel aucune limite d’émission ne s’applique à l’ensemble des appareils d'éclairage;
c) la modification des exigences qui s’appliquent aux variateurs de lumière lorsqu'ils font fonctionner des lampes qui ne sont pas à incandescence;
d) l’ajout de conditions d'essai applicables aux dispositifs de commande d'éclairage par transmission numérique côté charge;
e) la suppression de l'emploi de lampes de référence et de ballasts de référence pour les essais des appareils d'éclairage;
f) la simplification et la clarification de la terminologie employée pour les appareils d'éclairage;
g) la classification en classe A des luminaires professionnels pour l'éclairage des scènes de théâtre et pour les studios;
h) une clarification de la classification des appareils d'éclairage de secours;
i) une clarification pour les appareils d'éclairage comportant un module de commande ayant une puissance active d’entrée ≤ 2 W;
j) une mise à jour des conditions d’essai des récepteurs de télévision;
k) une mise à jour des conditions d’essai des tables de cuisson à induction, tenant compte également des autres types d’appareils de cuisson;
l) en cohérence avec l’IEC 61000-3-12, une modification du domaine d’application de l’IEC 61000-3-2, qui couvrait les appareils ayant un courant d’entrée ≤ 16 A, et qui couvre maintenant les appareils ayant un courant d’entrée assigné ≤ 16 A.
Mots-clés: courants harmoniques

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 03-Mar-2024
• ICS: 33.100.10 - Emission
• Technical Committee: SC 77A - EMC - Low frequency phenomena
• Drafting Committee: WG 1 - TC 77/SC 77A/WG 1
• Current Stage: PPUB - Publication issued
• Start Date: 26-Jan-2018
• Completion Date: 02-Feb-2018

Relations

• Amended By: IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD2:2024 - Amendment 2 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Amended By: IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD1:2020 - Amendment 1 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤16 A per phase)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revised: IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD2:2024/ISH1:2025 - Interpretation Sheet 1 - Amendment 2 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)
• Effective Date: 08-Nov-2024
• Revises: IEC 61000-3-2:2014 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023
• Revises: IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD1:2020/ISH1:2021 - Interpretation Sheet 1 - Amendment 1 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤16 A per phase)
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Overview - IEC 61000-3-2:2018 (EMC) - Limits for Harmonic Current Emissions

IEC 61000-3-2:2018 is an international EMC standard that specifies limits and test methods for harmonic current emissions produced by electrical and electronic equipment with a rated input current up to and including 16 A per phase, intended for connection to public low-voltage distribution systems. The fifth edition (with Amendment 1 consolidated in 2020) is a technical revision that defines type-test procedures to limit the distortion that equipment injects into the mains supply.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability
  • Applies to single- and three-phase equipment connected to public low-voltage systems with input current ≤ 16 A per phase.
  • Includes non-professional arc welding equipment; professional welding equipment is excluded (see IEC 60974‑1 and IEC 61000‑3‑12).
• Classification and limits
  • Equipment is classified into Class A, B, C, and D, each subject to specific harmonic current limits (see standard for tables and flowchart).
• Measurement & testing
  • Type-test procedures cover test configuration, measurement procedure, observation periods, and POHC calculations.
  • Annexes define measurement circuits, supply source requirements and device-specific test conditions (TVs, lighting, induction hobs, ITE, appliances, etc.).
  • Guidance on measurement of phase angle and filtering of high-frequency components references IEC 61000‑4‑7 practices.
• Significant 2018/2020 technical changes
  • Updated emission limits for lighting equipment around the 25 W range and a new 5 W threshold below which lighting has no emission limits.
  • Modified requirements for dimmers and digital load-side transmission control devices.
  • Removal of reference lamps/ballasts for lighting tests and clarified lighting terminology and classifications.
  • Updated test conditions for TVs, induction hobs and other cooking appliances; scope wording aligned with IEC 61000‑3‑12.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Product manufacturers (lighting, appliances, ITE, TVs, cooktops) use IEC 61000‑3‑2 to design equipment that meets harmonic emission limits.
• Test laboratories and compliance engineers implement the specified measurement circuits and type-test procedures for certification.
• Regulatory bodies and utilities reference the standard to control mains distortion and grid compatibility.
• Certification bodies and conformity assessors rely on the standard’s limits and test conditions for EMC approval.

Related standards and references

• IEC 61000‑4‑7 (harmonics measurement techniques)
• IEC 61000‑3‑12 (professional equipment subject to installation restrictions)
• IEC 60974‑1 (professional arc welding equipment)
• Refer to the consolidated edition IEC 61000‑3‑2:2018 + AMD1:2020 for full normative text, annexes and tables of limits.

Keywords: IEC 61000‑3‑2:2018, harmonic current emissions, EMC limits, lighting equipment, measurement procedure, type test, 16 A per phase.

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.1 2020-07
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INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤16 A per phase)
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IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.1 2020-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input

current ≤16 A per phase)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.100.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-8679-1

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.1 2020-07
REDLINE VERSION
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inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤16 A per phase)
© IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
IEC 61000-3-2
Edition 5.0  2018-01
Amendment 1  2020-07
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤16 A per phase)

INTERPRETATION SHEET 1
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by subcommittee 77A: EMC – Low frequency
phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
The text of this interpretation sheet is based on the following documents:
DISH Report on voting
77A/1106/DISH 77A/1114/RVDISH
Full information on the voting for the approval of this interpretation sheet can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.

IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

___________
ICS 33.100.10
– 2 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD1:2020/ISH1:2021
© IEC 2021
Interpretation of the second set of requirements applicable to Class C equipment with a
rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W according to 7.4.3 of IEC 61000-3-2:2018 and
Introduction
The second set of requirements of 7.4.3 of IEC 61000-3-2:2018 and
that it reaches the 5 % current threshold before or at 60°, has its peak value before or at 65°
and does not fall below the 5 % current threshold before 90°, referenced to any zero crossing
of the fundamental supply voltage” and that “Components of current with frequencies above
9 kHz shall not influence this evaluation (a filter similar to the one described in 5.3 of
IEC 61000-4-7:2002 and IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008 may be used);”
Testing laboratories and Class C equipment manufacturers concluded that several harmonics
test systems with IEC 61000-4-7 compliant measurement equipment do not completely filter out
the components of current with frequencies above 9 kHz, thus resulting in a non-accurate
evaluation of the phase angles (see Figure 1). One of the reasons why filters are not used is
that they can alter the phase angle itself by introducing a phase delay.
Question
When applying the second set of requirements in 7.4.3, what method shall be used to measure
the phase angle in order to avoid the influence of components of current with frequencies above
9 kHz?
Interpretation
Given the issues reported by test laboratories, if the phase angle is measured with an
IEC 61000-4-7 test system that doesn’t remove the components above 9 kHz correctly, the
measurements with a digital oscilloscope shall prevail, where the components above 9 kHz
have been removed without affecting the phase angle at which the peak current occurs.
NOTE This can be achieved for example by using a synchronous averaging mode of the oscilloscope (see Figure 2).

© IEC 2021
Annex
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an incorrect and the correct evaluation of the phase angle.

Figure 1 – Incorrect measurement

Figure 2 – Correct measurement with averaged waveform

– 2 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General . 13
5 Classification of equipment . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Description of lighting equipment . 14
5.3 External power supplies . 14
6 General requirements . 15
6.1 General . 15
6.2 Control methods . 15
6.3 Harmonic current measurement . 17
6.3.1 Test configuration . 17
6.3.2 Measurement procedure . 17
6.3.3 General requirements . 18
6.3.4 Test observation period . 19
6.4 Equipment in a rack or case . 19
6.5 Multifunction equipment . 20
7 Harmonic current limits . 20
7.1 General . 20
7.2 Limits for Class A equipment. 21
7.3 Limits for Class B equipment. 22
7.4 Limits for Class C equipment . 22
7.4.1 General . 22
7.4.2 Rated power > 25 W . 22
7.4.3 Rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W . 23
7.5 Limits for Class D equipment . 24
8 Compliance with this document . 25
Annex A (normative) Measurement circuit and supply source . 26
A.1 Test circuit . 26
A.2 Supply source . 26
Annex B (normative) Type test conditions . 29
B.1 General . 29
B.2 Test conditions for Television receivers (TV) . 29
B.2.1 General requirements . 29
B.2.2 Measurement conditions . 29
B.2.3 Test report . 30
B.3 Test conditions for Audio amplifiers . 30
B.3.1 Conditions . 30
B.3.2 Input signals and loads . 30
B.4 Test conditions for Video-cassette recorders. 31
B.5 Test conditions for Lighting equipment . 31
B.5.1 General conditions . 31

© IEC 2020
B.5.2 Lamps Light sources . 31
B.5.3 Luminaires . 31
B.5.4 Lighting control gear . 32
B.5.5 DLT control devices . 33
B.6 Test conditions for Independent phase control dimmers for lighting
equipment . 33
B.7 Test conditions for Vacuum cleaners . 33
B.8 Test conditions for Washing machines . 34
B.9 Test conditions for Microwave ovens . 34
B.10 Test conditions for Information technology equipment (ITE) . 34
B.10.1 General conditions . 34
B.10.2 Optional conditions for measuring emissions of IT equipment with
external power supplies or battery chargers . 35
B.11 Test conditions for Cooking appliances . 35
B.11.1 Induction hobs and hotplates . 35
B.11.2 Hobs and hotplates other than induction cooking appliances . 36
B.12 Test conditions for Air conditioners . 36
B.13 Test conditions for Kitchen machines as defined in IEC 60335-2-14 . 36
B.14 Test conditions for Arc welding equipment which is not professional
equipment . 37
B.15 Test conditions for High pressure cleaners which are not professional
equipment . 37
B.16 Test conditions for Refrigerators and freezers . 37
B.16.1 General . 37
B.16.2 Refrigerators and freezers with VSD . 38
B.16.3 Refrigerators and freezers without VSD . 38
B.17 External power supplies (EPS) . 38
B.17.1 EPS designated for specific models of equipment . 38
B.17.2 EPS not designated for specific models of equipment . 38
Annex C (normative) POHC calculation . 40
C.1 General . 40
C.2 Calculation of the POHC from the final values of the harmonic currents,
averaged over the complete observation time . 40
C.3 Calculation of the final POHC from single POHC values for each DFT time
window . 40
Bibliography . 41

Figure 1 – Flowchart for determining conformity . 21
Figure 2 – Illustration of the relative phase angle and current parameters described

in 7.4.3 . 23
Figure A.1 – Measurement circuit for single-phase equipment. 27
Figure A.2 – Measurement circuit for three-phase equipment . 28

Table 1 – Limits for Class A equipment . 24
a
Table 2 – Limits for Class C equipment . 24
Table 3 – Limits for Class D equipment . 25
Table 4 – Test observation period . 25
Table B.1 – Conventional load for arc welding equipment tests . 37

– 4 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

FOREWORD
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This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been
prepared for user convenience.
IEC 61000-3-2 edition 5.1 contains the fifth edition (2018-01) [documents 77A/986/FDIS
and 77A/990/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2020-07) [documents 77A/1077/FDIS and
77A/1084/RVD].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content
is modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough
red text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this
publication.
© IEC 2020
International Standard IEC 61000-3-2 has been prepared by sub-committee 77A: EMC – Low
frequency phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
It forms part 3-2 of the IEC 61000 series. It has the status of a product family standard.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) an update of the emission limits for lighting equipment with a rated power ≤ 25 W to take
into account new types of lighting equipment;
b) the addition of a threshold of 5 W under which no emission limits apply to all lighting
equipment;
c) the modification of the requirements applying to the dimmers when operating
non-incandescent lamps;
d) the addition of test conditions for digital load side transmission control devices;
e) the removal of the use of reference lamps and reference ballasts for the tests of lighting
equipment;
f) the simplification and clarification of the terminology used for lighting equipment;
g) the classification of professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios under Class A;
h) a clarification about the classification of emergency lighting equipment;
i) a clarification for lighting equipment including one control module with an active input
power ≤ 2 W;
j) an update of the test conditions for television receivers;
k) an update of the test conditions for induction hobs, taking also into account the other
types of cooking appliances;
l) for consistency with IEC 61000-3-12, a change of the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 from
equipment with an input current ≤ 16 A to equipment with a rated input current ≤ 16 A.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61000 series, published under the general title, Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendment will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
 reconfirmed,
 withdrawn,
 replaced by a revised edition, or
 amended.
The contents of the Interpretation sheet of August 2021 have been included in this copy.
Apply to the English version only.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
INTRODUCTION
IEC 61000 is published in separate parts, according to the following structure:
Part 1: General
General considerations (introduction, fundamental principles)
Definitions, terminology
Part 2: Environment
Description levels of the environment
Classification of the environment
Compatibility levels
Part 3: Limits
Emission limits
Immunity limits (in so far as they do not fall under the responsibility of the product
committees)
Part 4: Testing and measurement techniques
Measurement techniques
Testing techniques
Part 5: Installation and mitigation guidelines
Installation guidelines
Mitigation methods and devices
Part 6: Generic standards
Part 9: Miscellaneous
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. Others will be published with the part number followed by a dash and a second
number identifying the subdivision (example: IEC 61000-6-1).

© IEC 2020
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61000 deals with the limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public
supply system.
It specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which can be produced by
equipment tested under specified conditions.
This part of IEC 61000 is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having a rated
input current up to and including 16 A per phase, and intended to be connected to public
low-voltage distribution systems.
Arc welding equipment, which is not professional equipment, with a rated input current up to
and including 16 A per phase, is included in the scope of this document. Arc welding
equipment intended for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded from this
document and can be subject to installation restrictions as indicated in IEC 61000-3-12. All
other arc welding equipment is excluded from the scope of this document; however, the
harmonics emission can be evaluated using IEC 61000-3-12 and relevant installation
restrictions.
The tests according to this document are type tests.
For systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-neutral), the limits
have not yet been considered.
NOTE The words apparatus, appliance, device and equipment are used throughout this document. They have the
same meaning for the purposes of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-161:1990, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 161:
Electromagnetic compatibility (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60107-1:1997, Methods of measurement on receivers for television broadcast
transmissions – Part 1: General considerations – Measurements at radio and video
frequencies
IEC 60155:1993, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60268-1:1985, Sound system equipment – Part 1: General
IEC 60268-1:1985/AMD1:1988
IEC 60268-1:1985/AMD2:1988
– 8 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
IEC 60268-3:2018, Sound system equipment – Part 3: Amplifiers
IEC 60335-2-2:2019, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-2:
Particular requirements for vacuum cleaners and water-suction cleaning appliances
IEC 60335-2-14:2016, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-14:
Particular requirements for kitchen machines
IEC 60335-2-24:2010, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-24:
Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers
IEC 60335-2-24:2010/AMD1:2012
IEC 60335-2-24:2010/AMD2:2017
IEC 60335-2-79:2016, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-79:
Particular requirements for high pressure cleaners and steam cleaners
IEC 60598-2-17:2012, Luminaires – Part 2-17: Particular requirements – Luminaires for stage
lighting, television and film studios (outdoor and indoor)
IEC 60598-2-17:2012/AMD1:2015
IEC 60974-1:2017, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 61000-4-7:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7: Testing and
measurement techniques – General guide on harmonics and interharmonics measurements
and instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment connected thereto
IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008
IEC 62756-1:2015, Digital load side transmission lighting control (DLT) – Part 1: Basic
requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
portable tool
electrical tool which is hand-held during normal operation and used for a short time (a few
minutes) only
Note 1 to entry: Hand-held means that no part of the tool, except the power cord, rests on the floor during normal
operation.
3.2
lamp
source intended to produce an optical radiation, usually visible
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this document, a lamp can also be a solid state lighting module which can
contain further components, for example optical, electrical, mechanical and/or electronic components.
light source provided with at least one cap

© IEC 2020
Note 1 to entry: For products that have the same physical characteristics as lamps for general lighting but that
are built to emit optical radiation mainly in the IR or UV spectrum, the term IR lamp or UV lamp is often used.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-008, modified – existing notes 2 and 3 have been
removed, the term “electric” has been removed from the term and the definition]
3.3
self-ballasted integrated lamp
unit which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, is provided with a lamp
cap and incorporates a light source and the lighting control gear necessary for the operation
of the light source
electric lamp which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, incorporating
lighting control gear, and all additional elements necessary for starting and stable operation of
the light source, designed for direct connection to the supply voltage
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-009]
3.4
luminaire
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from one or more lamps
and which includes, except the lamps themselves, all the parts necessary for fixing and
protecting the lamps and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for
connecting them to the electric supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-10-01, modified – the existing notes have been
removed]
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from at least one source
of optical radiation and which includes, except the sources themselves, all the parts
necessary for fixing and protecting the sources (IEV 845-21-032) and, where necessary,
circuit auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them to the power supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845: 845-30-001:2020, modified – existing note has been removed]
3.5
input current
current directly supplied to an equipment or a part of equipment by the AC distribution system
3.6
circuit power factor void
ratio of the measured active input power to the product of the RMS supply voltage and the
RMS supply current
3.7
active input power
mean value of the instantaneous power, taken over 10 (50 Hz systems) or 12 (60 Hz systems)
fundamental periods and measured in accordance with IEC 61000-4-7:2002 and IEC 61000-4-
7:2002/AMD1:2008 at the input supply terminals of the equipment under test
Note 1 to entry: The active input power is the active power measured at the input supply terminals of the
equipment under test.
3.8
balanced three-phase equipment
equipment having rated line current modules which differ by no more than 20 %
3.9
professional equipment
equipment for use in trades, professions or industries and which is not intended for sale to the
general public, as designated by the manufacturer

– 10 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-05-05, modified – the existing Note has been replaced
by the text added at the end of the definition]
3.10
total harmonic current
THC
total RMS value of the harmonic current components of orders 2 to 40, expressed as:
THC = I
h
∑
h=2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.11
total harmonic distortion
THD
ratio of the RMS value of the sum of the harmonic components (in this context, harmonic
current components I of orders 2 to 40) to the RMS value of the fundamental component,
h
expressed as:
 I 
h
 
THD =
∑
 
I
 1 
h =2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.12
partial odd harmonic current
POHC
total RMS value of the odd harmonic current components of orders 21 to 39, expressed as:
POHC = I
h
∑
h=21,23
Note 1 to entry: Details for the calculation of the POHC are given in Annex C.
Note 12 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.13
lighting equipment
equipment with a primary function of generating and/or regulating and/or distributing optical
the radiation emitted by a light source
Note 1 to entry: See also 5.2.
3.14
stand-by mode
non-operational, low power consumption mode (usually indicated in some way on the
equipment) that can persist for an indefinite time
3.15
repeatability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with the same test
system, at the same location, under identical test conditions

© IEC 2020
3.16
reproducibility
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with different test
systems under conditions of measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
3.17
variability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on different samples of the same type of equipment under test, having
no intentional differences, carried out with different test systems under conditions of
measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
Note 2 to entry: In the context of this document, the meaning of the terms can be summarized as follows:
Term Meaning
Repeatability Same equipment under test (EUT), same test system, same test conditions, repeated tests
Reproducibility Same equipment under test (EUT), different but normative test systems, different but
normative test conditions
Variability Different equipments under test (EUTs) of the same type, having no intentional differences,
different but normative test systems, different but normative test conditions

3.18
variable speed drive
VSD
equipment, based on power electronics, which enables the speed and/or torque of a motor to
be continuously controlled
3.19
lighting control gear
device connected between the supply and one or more lamps, enabling the lamp(s) to operate
as intended
Note 1 to entry: The lighting control gear can consist of one or more separate components. It can include means
for dimming, correcting the power factor and suppressing radio interference, and further control functions.
Note 2 to entry: The lighting control gear can be partly or totally integrated in some lamps, such as in the case of
self-ballasted lamps. Any references to lighting control gear include any such integrated lamps.
Note 3 to entry: Examples of lighting control gear are ballasts or electronic control gear for discharge lamps,
step-down converters for incandescent lamps, drivers for solid state lighting modules.
Note 4 to entry: For the purposes of this document, independent phase control dimmers as defined in 3.23 and
3.24 are not considered to be lighting control gear.
Note 5 to entry: Mechanical switches and relays, and other simple devices providing on/off control only, do not
produce distorted currents and are not considered to be lighting control gear.
unit inserted between the power supply and at least one light source, which serves to supply
the light source(s) with the voltage and/or current required for its (their) intended operation,
and which can consist of one or more separate components.
Note 1 to entry: The lighting control gear can include means for igniting, dimming, correcting the power factor and
suppressing radio interference, and further control functions.
Note 2 to entry: The lighting control gear can be partly or totally integrated in the light source.

– 12 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
Note 3 to entry: For the purposes of this document, independent phase control dimmers as defined in 3.23 and
3.24 are not considered to be lighting control gear.
3.20
digital load side transmission lighting control device
DLT control device
device to control lighting parameters of electronic lighting equipment, such as light level and
light colour, using data transmission over its load side mains wiring in accordance with
IEC 62756-1:2015
Note 1 to entry: A DLT control device is wired like a phase control dimmer, but does not directly make the supply
power delivered to the connected dedicated lighting equipment vary. It transmits digital signals over the power
cable on the load side to the dedicated lighting equipment, which contains means for receiving and interpreting
control signals as well as built-in means for dimming, colour variation, etc and other operating features.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.21
dimmer
device to control the light output level of lighting equipment for varying the luminous flux from
light sources
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845: 845-28-063:2020, modified – the existing note has been removed]
3.22
built-in dimmer
dimmer which is either contained within the enclosure of a luminaire or mounted in its supply
cable
3.23
independent dimmer
dimmer other than a built-in dimmer
3.24
phase control dimmer
electronic switch producing a leading edge (forward phase) or a trailing edge (reverse phase)
AC waveform
Note 1 to entry: This AC waveform is supplied to one or more loads and its conduction angle is adjustable.
3.25
universal phase control dimmer
phase control dimmer which is capable of switching, automatically or manually, between
producing a leading edge or a trailing edge AC waveform
3.26
professional luminaire for stage lighting and studios
luminaire (outdoor or indoor) for stage lighting or for television, film or photographic studios
within the scope of IEC 60598-2-17:2012 and IEC 60598-2-17:2012/AMD1:2015 and which is
professional equipment
3.27
light source
surface or object emitting light
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-001, modified – the existing notes have been
removed]
3.28
instructions for use
information that is provided by manufacturers or distributors for users of the product

© IEC 2020
3.29
external power supply
EPS
equipment which converts power supplied by the mains into power at a different voltage,
which has its own physical enclosure, and which is intended for use with separate equipment
that constitutes the load
Note 1 to entry: The output voltage of the EPS can be either AC or DC.
Note 2 to entry: The output of the EPS can be either detachable from, or permanently connected to, the separate
equipment being powered.
Note 3 to entry: See also 5.3.
4 General
The objective of this document is to set limits for harmonic emissions of equipment within its
scope, so that, with due allowance for the emissions from other equipment, compliance with
the limits ensures that harmonic disturbance levels do not exceed the compatibility levels
defined in IEC 61000-2-2.
Professional equipment that does not comply with the requirements of this document can be
permitted to be connected to certain types of low voltage supplies, if the instruction manual
contains a requirement to ask the supply utility for permission to connect. Recommendations
concerning this aspect are contained in IEC 61000-3-12.
5 Classification of equipment
5.1 General
For the purpose of harmonic current limitation, equipment is classified as follows:
Class A:
Equipment not specified as belonging to Class B, C or D shall be considered as Class A
equipment.
Some examples of Class A equipment are:
– balanced three-phase equipment;
– household appliances, excluding those specified as belonging to Class B, C or D;
– vacuum cleaners;
– high pressure cleaners;
– tools, excluding portable tools;
– independent phase control dimmers;
– audio equipment;
– professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios.
NOTE 1 Equipment that can be shown to have a significant effect on the supply system might be reclassified in a
future edition of this document, taking into account the following factors:
– number of pieces of equipment in use;
– duration of use;
– simultaneity of use;
– power consumption;
– harmonic spectrum, including phase.

– 14 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
Class B:
– portable tools;
– arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment.
Class C:
– lighting equipment.
Class D:
Equipment having a specified power less than or equal to 600 W according to 6.3.2, less than
or equal to 600 W, of the following types:
– personal computers and personal computer monitors;
– television receivers;
– refrigerators and freezers having one or more variable-speed drives to control compressor
motor(s).
NOTE 2 Class D limits are reserved for equipment that, by virtue of the factors listed in note 1, can be shown to
have a pronounced effect on the public electricity supply system.
5.2 Description of lighting equipment
In this document, lighting equipment as defined in 3.13 includes:
– light sources, lamps, integrated lamps and luminaires;
– the lighting part of multi-function equipment where one of the primary functions of this is
illumination;
– independent lighting control gear;
– ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation equipment;
– illuminated advertising signs;
– independent dimmers, other than phase con
...

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
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REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
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Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤ 16 A per phase)
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IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.0 2018-01
REDLINE VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input

current ≤ 16 A per phase)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
ICS 33.100.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-5332-8

– 2 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 General . 14
5 Classification of equipment . 14
5.1 General . 14
5.2 Description of lighting equipment . 15
6 General requirements . 16
6.1 General . 16
6.2 Control methods . 16
6.3 Harmonic current measurement . 17
6.3.1 Test configuration . 17
6.3.2 Measurement procedure . 17
6.3.3 General requirements . 18
6.3.4 Test observation period . 20
6.4 Equipment in a rack or case . 20
7 Harmonic current limits . 20
7.1 General . 20
7.2 Limits for Class A equipment. 21
7.3 Limits for Class B equipment. 22
7.4 Limits for Class C equipment . 22
7.4.1 General . 22
7.4.2 Rated power > 25 W . 22
7.4.3 Rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W . 23
7.5 Limits for Class D equipment . 24
Annex A (normative) Measurement circuit and supply source . 26
A.1 Test circuit . 26
A.2 Supply source . 26
Annex B (normative) Requirements for measurement equipment .
Annex B (normative) Type test conditions . 30
B.1 General . 30
B.2 Test conditions for television receivers (TV) . 30
B.2.1 General conditions requirements . 30
B.2.2 Conditions for Measurement conditions . 30
B.2.3 Test report . 31
B.3 Test conditions for audio amplifiers . 31
B.3.1 Conditions . 31
B.3.2 Input signals and loads . 32
B.4 Test conditions for video-cassette recorders . 32
B.5 Test conditions for lighting equipment . 32
B.5.1 General conditions . 32
B.5.2 Lamps . 32
B.5.3 Luminaires . 33

Ballasts and step-down converters .
B.5.4 Lighting control gear . 33
B.5.5 DLT control devices . 34
B.6 Test conditions for independent and built-in incandescent lamp phase
control dimmers for lighting equipment . 34
B.7 Test conditions for vacuum cleaners . 34
B.8 Test conditions for washing machines . 35
B.9 Test conditions for microwave ovens . 35
B.10 Test conditions for information technology equipment (ITE) . 35
B.10.1 General conditions . 35
B.10.2 Optional conditions for measuring emissions of IT equipment with
external power supplies or battery chargers . 36
B.11 Test conditions for induction hobs cooking appliances . 37
B.11.1 Induction hobs and hotplates . 37
B.11.2 Hobs and hotplates other than induction cooking appliances . 37
B.12 Test conditions for air conditioners . 38
B.13 Test conditions for kitchen machines as defined in IEC 60335-2-14 . 38
B.14 Test conditions for arc welding equipment which is not professional
equipment . 38
B.15 Test conditions for high pressure cleaners which are not professional
equipment . 39
B.16 Test conditions for refrigerators and freezers . 39
B.16.1 General . 39
B.16.2 Refrigerators and freezers with VSD . 39
B.16.3 Refrigerators and freezers without VSD . 40
Bibliography . 41

Figure 1 – Flowchart for determining conformity . 21
Figure 2 – Illustration of the relative phase angle and current parameters
described in 7.4.3 . 23
Figure A.1 – Measurement circuit for single-phase equipment. 27
Figure A.2 – Measurement circuit for three-phase equipment . 28

Table 1 – Limits for Class A equipment . 24

Table 2 – Limits for Class C equipment . 25
Table 3 – Limits for Class D equipment . 25
Table 4 – Test observation period . 25
Table B.1 – Conventional load for arc welding equipment tests . 38

– 4 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
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This redline version of the official IEC Standard allows the user to identify the changes
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has been made. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough red text.

International Standard IEC 61000-3-2 has been prepared by sub-committee 77A: EMC – Low
frequency phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
It forms part 3-2 of the IEC 61000 series. It has the status of a product family standard.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2014. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) an update of the emission limits for lighting equipment with a rated power ≤ 25 W to take
into account new types of lighting equipment;
b) the addition of a threshold of 5 W under which no emission limits apply to all lighting
equipment;
c) the modification of the requirements applying to the dimmers when operating
non-incandescent lamps;
d) the addition of test conditions for digital load side transmission control devices;
e) the removal of the use of reference lamps and reference ballasts for the tests of lighting
equipment;
f) the simplification and clarification of the terminology used for lighting equipment;
g) the classification of professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios under Class A;
h) a clarification about the classification of emergency lighting equipment;
i) a clarification for lighting equipment including one control module with an active input
power ≤ 2 W;
j) an update of the test conditions for television receivers;
k) an update of the test conditions for induction hobs, taking also into account the other
types of cooking appliances;
l) for consistency with IEC 61000-3-12, a change of the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 from
equipment with an input current ≤ 16 A to equipment with a rated input current ≤ 16 A.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
77A/986/FDIS 77A/990/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61000 series, published under the general title, Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC), can be found on the IEC website.

– 6 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
INTRODUCTION
IEC 61000 is published in separate parts, according to the following structure:
Part 1: General
General considerations (introduction, fundamental principles)
Definitions, terminology
Part 2: Environment
Description levels
Classification of the environment
Compatibility levels
Part 3: Limits
Emission limits
Immunity limits (in so far as they do not fall under the responsibility of the product
committees)
Part 4: Testing and measurement techniques
Measurement techniques
Testing techniques
Part 5: Installation and mitigation guidelines
Installation guidelines
Mitigation methods and devices
Part 6: Generic standards
Part 9: Miscellaneous
Each part is further subdivided into sections which are to be published either as international
standards, technical specifications, or as technical reports.
These standards and reports will be published in chronological order and numbered
accordingly (for example, 61000-6-1).
This part is an international standard which gives emission limits for harmonic currents from
equipment having an input current up to and including 16 A per phase.
This part is a Product Family Standard.
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. Others will be published with the part number followed by a dash and a second
number identifying the subdivision (example: IEC 61000-6-1).

– 8 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61000 deals with the limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public
supply system.
It specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which may can be produced by
equipment tested under specified conditions.
Harmonic components are measured according to Annexes A and B.
This part of IEC 61000 is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having an rated
input current up to and including 16 A per phase, and intended to be connected to public
low-voltage distribution systems.
Arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment, with a rated input current up to
and including 16 A per phase, is included in this document. Arc welding equipment intended
for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded from this document and may
can be subject to installation restrictions as indicated in IEC/TR 61000-3-4 or IEC 61000-3-12.
The tests according to this document are type tests. Test conditions for particular equipment
are given in Annex C.
For systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-neutral), the limits
have not yet been considered.
NOTE The words apparatus, appliance, device and equipment are used throughout this document. They have the
same meaning for the purposes of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-131, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 131: Electric and
magnetic circuits
IEC 60050-161, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 161: Electromagnetic
compatibility (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60107-1, Methods of measurement on receivers for television broadcast transmissions –
Part 1: General considerations – Measurements at radio and video frequencies
IEC 60155, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60268-1:1985, Sound system equipment – Part 1: General

IEC 60268-3, Sound system equipment – Part 3: Amplifiers
IEC 60335-2-2, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-2: Particular
requirements for vacuum cleaners and water-suction cleaning appliances
IEC 60335-2-14, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-14: Particular
requirements for kitchen machines
IEC 60335-2-24:2010, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-24:
Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers
IEC 60335-2-79, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-79: Particular
requirements for high pressure cleaners and steam cleaners
IEC 60974-1, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 61000-2-2, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2-2: Environment – Compatibility
levels for low-frequency conducted disturbances and signalling in public low-voltage power
supply systems
IEC/TR 61000-3-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-4: Limits – Limitation of
emission of harmonic currents in low-voltage power supply systems for equipment with rated
current greater than 16 A
IEC 61000-3-12, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3-12: Limits – Limits for
harmonic currents produced by equipment connected to public low-voltage systems with input
current > 16 A and ≤ 75 A per phase
IEC 61000-4-7:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7: Testing and
measurement techniques – General guide on harmonics and interharmonics measurements
and instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment connected thereto
IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008
Recommendation ITU-R BT.471-1, Nomenclature and description of colour bar signals
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
portable tool
electrical tool which is hand-held during normal operation and used for a short time (a few
minutes) only
Note 1 to entry: Hand-held means that no part of the tool, except the power cord, rests on the floor during normal
operation.
3.2
lamp
source for producing light intended to produce an optical radiation, usually visible

– 10 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this document, a lamp can also be a solid state lighting module which can
contain further components, for example optical, electrical, mechanical and/or electronic components.
3.3
self-ballasted lamp
unit which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, is provided with a lamp
cap and incorporating incorporates a light source and any additional element the lighting
control gear necessary for starting and stable the operation of the light source
3.4
luminaire
apparatus (other than a lamp) which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from
one or more lamps and which includes, except the lamps themselves, all the parts necessary
for supporting, fixing and protecting the lamps and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries
together with the means for connecting them to the electric supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-10-01, modified – the existing notes have been
removed]
3.5
ballast
device connected between the supply and one or more discharge lamps which serves mainly
to limit the current of the lamp(s) to the required value. It may include means for transforming
the supply voltage and/or frequency, correcting the power factor and, either alone or in
combination with a starting device, provide the necessary conditions for starting the lamp(s)
3.6
step-down converter for lighting equipment
unit inserted between the supply and one or more tungsten halogen or other filament lamps
which serves to supply the lamp(s) with its (their) rated voltage, generally at high frequency.
The unit may consist of one or more separate components. It may include means for dimming,
correcting the power factor and suppressing radio interference
3.7
reference lamp
lamp selected for testing ballasts which, when associated with a reference ballast, has
electrical characteristics that are close to the objective values given in the relevant lamp
specification
3.8
reference ballast
special inductive-type ballast designed for the purpose of providing comparison standards for
use in testing ballasts and for the selection of reference lamps. It is essentially characterized
by a stable voltage-to-current ratio, which is relatively uninfluenced by variations in current,
temperature, and the magnetic surroundings
3.5
input current
current directly supplied to an equipment or a part of equipment by the AC distribution system
3.6
circuit power factor
the circuit power factor is the ratio of the measured active input power to the product of the
RMS supply voltage and the RMS supply current
3.7
active power
mean value, taken over one period, of the instantaneous power, taken over 10 (50 Hz
systems) or 12 (60 Hz systems) fundamental periods and measured in accordance with
IEC 61000-4-7
Note 1 to entry: The active input power is the active power measured at the input supply terminals of the
equipment under test.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-131:2013, 131-11-42]
3.8
balanced three-phase equipment
equipment having rated line current modules which differ by no more than 20 %
3.9
professional equipment
equipment for use in trades, professions or industries and which is not intended for sale to the
general public. The designation shall be specified, as designated by the manufacturer
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-05-05, modified – the existing Note has been replaced
by the text added at the end of the definition]
3.14
total harmonic
3.10
total harmonic current
THC
total RMS value of the harmonic current components of orders 2 to 40, expressed as:
THC = I
I
∑ h
∑ n
h=2
n=2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.11
total harmonic distortion
THD
ratio of the RMS value of the sum of the harmonic components (in this context, harmonic
current components I of orders 2 to 40) to the RMS value of the fundamental component,
h
expressed as:
 I 
h
 
THD =
∑
 
I
 1 
h=2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.12
partial odd harmonic current
POHC
total RMS value of the odd harmonic current components of orders 21 to 39, expressed as:
39 39
2 2
I POHC = I
n h
∑ ∑
n =21,23 h=21,23
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.

– 12 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
3.13
lighting equipment
equipment with a primary function of generating and/or regulating and/or distributing optical
radiation by means of incandescent lamps, discharge lamps or LED's
Included are:
– lamps and luminaires;
– the lighting part of multi-function equipment where one of the primary functions of this is
illumination;
– independent ballasts for discharge lamps and independent incandescent lamp
transformers;
– ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation equipment;
– illuminated advertising signs;
– dimmers for lamps other than incandescent.
Excluded are:
– lighting devices built in equipment with another primary purpose such as photocopiers,
overhead projectors and slide projectors or employed for scale illuminating or indication
purposes;
– household appliances whose primary function is not for generating and/or regulating
and/or distributing optical radiation but which contain one or more lamps with or without
separate switch (e.g. a range hood with a built-in lamp);
– dimmers for incandescent lamps.
Note 1 to entry: See also 5.2.
3.14
stand-by mode
sleep-mode
non-operational, low power consumption mode (usually indicated in some way on the
equipment) that can persist for an indefinite time
3.15
repeatability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with the same test
system, at the same location, under identical test conditions
)
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-394:2007, 394-40-38, modified ]
3.16
reproducibility
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with different test
systems under conditions of measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-394:2007, 394-40-39, modified]

1)
IEC 60050-394:2007, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 394: Nuclear instrumentation –
Instruments, systems, equipment and detectors

3.17
variability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on different samples of the same type of equipment under test, having
no intentional differences, carried out with different test systems under conditions of
measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
Note 2 to entry: In the context of this document, the meaning of the terms can be summarized as follows:
Term Meaning
Repeatability Same equipment under test (EUT), same test system, same test conditions, repeated tests
Reproducibility Same equipment under test (EUT), different but normative test systems, different but
normative test conditions
Variability Different equipments under test (EUTs) of the same type, having no intentional differences,
different but normative test systems, different but normative test conditions

3.18
variable speed drive
VSD
equipment, based on power electronics, which enables the speed and/or torque of a motor to
be continuously controlled
3.19
lighting control gear
device connected between the supply and one or more lamps, enabling the lamp(s) to operate
as intended
Note 1 to entry: The lighting control gear can consist of one or more separate components. It can include means
for dimming, correcting the power factor and suppressing radio interference, and further control functions.
Note 2 to entry: The lighting control gear can be partly or totally integrated in some lamps, such as in the case of
self-ballasted lamps. Any references to lighting control gear include any such integrated lamps.
Note 3 to entry: Examples of lighting control gear are ballasts or electronic control gear for discharge lamps,
step-down converters for incandescent lamps, drivers for solid state lighting modules.
Note 4 to entry: For the purposes of this document, independent phase control dimmers as defined in 3.23 and
3.24 are not considered to be lighting control gear.
Note 5 to entry: Mechanical switches and relays, and other simple devices providing on/off control only, do not
produce distorted currents and are not considered to be lighting control gear.
3.20
digital load side transmission lighting control device
DLT control device
device to control lighting parameters of electronic lighting equipment, such as light level and
light colour, using data transmission over its load side mains wiring in accordance with
IEC 62756-1
Note 1 to entry: A DLT control device is wired like a phase control dimmer, but does not directly make the supply
power delivered to the connected dedicated lighting equipment vary. It transmits digital signals over the power
cable on the load side to the dedicated lighting equipment, which contains means for receiving and interpreting
control signals as well as built-in means for dimming, colour variation, etc.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.21
dimmer
device to control the light output level of lighting equipment

– 14 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
3.22
built-in dimmer
dimmer, including the user control, which is entirely either contained within the enclosure of a
luminaire or mounted in its supply cable
3.23
independent dimmer
dimmer other than a built-in dimmer
3.24
phase control dimmer
electronic switch producing a leading edge (forward phase) or a trailing edge (reverse phase)
AC waveform
Note 1 to entry: This AC waveform is supplied to one or more loads and its conduction angle is adjustable.
3.25
universal phase control dimmer
phase control dimmer which is capable of switching, automatically or manually, between
producing a leading edge or a trailing edge AC waveform
3.26
professional luminaire for stage lighting and studios
luminaire (outdoor or indoor) for stage lighting or for television, film or photographic studios
within the scope of IEC 60598-2-17 and which is professional equipment
4 General
The objective of this document is to set limits for harmonic emissions of equipment within its
scope, so that, with due allowance for the emissions from other equipment, compliance with
the limits ensures that harmonic disturbance levels do not exceed the compatibility levels
defined in IEC 61000-2-2.
Professional equipment that does not comply with the requirements of this document may can
be permitted to be connected to certain types of low voltage supplies, if the instruction manual
contains a requirement to ask the supply utility for permission to connect. Recommendations
concerning this aspect are contained in IEC/TR 61000-3-4 or IEC 61000-3-12.
5 Classification of equipment
5.1 General
For the purpose of harmonic current limitation, equipment is classified as follows:
Class A:
Equipment not specified in one of the three other classes as belonging to Class B, C or D
shall be considered as Class A equipment.
Some examples of Class A equipment are:
– balanced three-phase equipment;
– household appliances, excluding equipment identified those specified as belonging to
Class B, C or D;
– vacuum cleaners;
– high pressure cleaners;
– tools, excluding portable tools;
– independent phase control dimmers for incandescent lamps;
– audio equipment;
– professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios.
NOTE 1 Equipment that can be shown to have a significant effect on the supply system may might be reclassified
in a future edition of this document, taking into account the following factors:
– number of pieces of equipment in use;
– duration of use;
– simultaneity of use;
– power consumption;
– harmonic spectrum, including phase.
Class B:
– portable tools;
– arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment.
Class C:
– lighting equipment.
Class D:
Equipment having a specified power according to 6.3.2, less than or equal to 600 W, of the
following types:
– personal computers and personal computer monitors;
– television receivers;
– refrigerators and freezers having one or more variable-speed drives to control compressor
motor(s).
NOTE 2 Class D limits are reserved for equipment that, by virtue of the factors listed in note 1, can be shown to
have a pronounced effect on the public electricity supply system.
5.2 Description of lighting equipment
In this document, lighting equipment as defined in 3.13 includes:
– lamps and luminaires;
– the lighting part of multi-function equipment where one of the primary functions of this is
illumination;
– independent lighting control gear;
– ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation equipment;
– illuminated advertising signs;
– independent dimmers, other than phase control types, for lighting equipment;
– DLT control devices.
In this document, lighting equipment as defined in 3.13 excludes:
– lighting devices built in equipment with another primary purpose, such as photocopiers,
overhead projectors and slide projectors, or employed for scale illumination or indication
purposes;
– household appliances whose primary function is not for generating and/or regulating
and/or distributing optical radiation but which contain one or more lamps with or without a
separate switch (e.g. a range hood with a built-in lamp);
– independent phase control dimmers;

– 16 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 RLV © IEC 2018
– professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios;
– emergency luminaires that emit light only during emergency mode.
6 General requirements
6.1 General
The restrictions specified in 6.2 also apply even to the categories of equipment listed in 7.1
for which no harmonic current limits apply.
The requirements and limits specified in this document are applicable to the power input
terminals of equipment intended to be connected to 220/380 V, 230/400 V and 240/415 V
systems operating at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Requirements and limits for other cases are not yet
considered specified.
A simplified test method is permitted for equipment that undergoes minor changes or updates,
provided that, in previous full compliance tests, it has been shown to have current emissions
below 60 % of the applicable limits and the THD of the supply current is less than 15 %. The
simplified test method consists of verifying that the updated equipment has an active input
power within ±20 % of that of the originally tested product, and that the THD of the supply
current is less than 15 %. Products that fulfill these requirements are deemed to comply with
the applicable limits, but in case of doubt the result of a full compliance test according to
Clauses 6 and 7 takes precedence over this simplified method.
6.2 Control methods
Asymmetrical controls according to IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-07-12, and half-wave
rectification directly on the mains supply may only be used in the following circumstances:
a) where they are the only practical solution permitting the detection of unsafe conditions, or
b) where the controlled active input power is less than or equal to 100 W, or
c) where the controlled appliance is a portable equipment fitted with a two-core flexible cord
and is intended for use for a short period of time, i.e. for a few minutes only.
If one of these three conditions is fulfilled, half-wave rectification may be used for any
purpose, whereas asymmetrical controls may only be used for the control of motors.
NOTE 1 Such equipment includes, but is not limited to, hair dryers, electrical kitchen appliances and portable
tools.
th
Symmetrical control methods which are prone to can produce harmonics of low up to the 40
order (n ≤ 40) in the input current may be used for the control of the power supplied to heating
elements provided that the full sine-wave input power is less than or equal to 200 W, or that
the limits of Table 3 are not exceeded.
Such symmetrical control methods are also allowed for professional equipment provided that
either
a) one of the above conditions is fulfilled, or
b) the relevant emission limits according to Clause 7 are not exceeded when tested at the
supply input terminals and in addition both the following conditions are fulfilled:
1) it is necessary to control precisely the temperature of a heater whose thermal time
constant is less than 2 s, and
2) there is no other technique economically available.
Professional equipment whose primary purpose, considered as a whole, is not for heating,
shall be tested against the relevant emission limits according to Clause 7.

NOTE 2 An example of a product whose primary purpose is not heating is a photocopier, whereas a cooker is
considered to have heating as its primary purpose.
Domestic equipment with symmetrical control used for a short time (for example hair dryers)
shall be tested under Class A.
Even though asymmetrical cont
...

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.0 2018-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤ 16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –
Partie 3-2: Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique
(courant appelé par les appareils ≤ 16 A par phase)
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IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.0 2018-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input

current ≤ 16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –

Partie 3-2: Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique (courant

appelé par les appareils ≤ 16 A par phase)

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.100.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-5250-5

– 2 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 © IEC 2018
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General . 11
5 Classification of equipment . 12
5.1 General . 12
5.2 Description of lighting equipment . 12
6 General requirements . 13
6.1 General . 13
6.2 Control methods . 13
6.3 Harmonic current measurement . 14
6.3.1 Test configuration . 14
6.3.2 Measurement procedure . 15
6.3.3 General requirements . 15
6.3.4 Test observation period . 17
6.4 Equipment in a rack or case . 17
7 Harmonic current limits . 17
7.1 General . 17
7.2 Limits for Class A equipment. 18
7.3 Limits for Class B equipment. 19
7.4 Limits for Class C equipment . 19
7.4.1 General . 19
7.4.2 Rated power > 25 W . 19
7.4.3 Rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W . 20
7.5 Limits for Class D equipment . 21
Annex A (normative) Measurement circuit and supply source . 23
A.1 Test circuit . 23
A.2 Supply source . 23
Annex B (normative) Type test conditions . 26
B.1 General . 26
B.2 Test conditions for television receivers (TV) . 26
B.2.1 General requirements . 26
B.2.2 Measurement conditions . 26
B.2.3 Test report . 27
B.3 Test conditions for audio amplifiers . 27
B.3.1 Conditions . 27
B.3.2 Input signals and loads . 27
B.4 Test conditions for video-cassette recorders . 28
B.5 Test conditions for lighting equipment . 28
B.5.1 General conditions . 28
B.5.2 Lamps . 28
B.5.3 Luminaires . 28
B.5.4 Lighting control gear . 28

B.5.5 DLT control devices . 29
B.6 Test conditions for independent phase control dimmers for lighting
equipment . 29
B.7 Test conditions for vacuum cleaners . 29
B.8 Test conditions for washing machines . 29
B.9 Test conditions for microwave ovens . 30
B.10 Test conditions for information technology equipment (ITE) . 30
B.10.1 General conditions . 30
B.10.2 Optional conditions for measuring emissions of IT equipment with
external power supplies or battery chargers . 31
B.11 Test conditions for cooking appliances . 31
B.11.1 Induction hobs and hotplates . 31
B.11.2 Hobs and hotplates other than induction cooking appliances . 32
B.12 Test conditions for air conditioners . 32
B.13 Test conditions for kitchen machines as defined in IEC 60335-2-14 . 32
B.14 Test conditions for arc welding equipment which is not professional
equipment . 32
B.15 Test conditions for high pressure cleaners which are not professional
equipment . 33
B.16 Test conditions for refrigerators and freezers . 33
B.16.1 General . 33
B.16.2 Refrigerators and freezers with VSD . 33
B.16.3 Refrigerators and freezers without VSD . 34
Bibliography . 35

Figure 1 – Flowchart for determining conformity . 18
Figure 2 – Illustration of the relative phase angle and current parameters described in
7.4.3 . 20
Figure A.1 – Measurement circuit for single-phase equipment. 24
Figure A.2 – Measurement circuit for three-phase equipment . 25

Table 1 – Limits for Class A equipment . 21
a
Table 2 – Limits for Class C equipment . 21
Table 3 – Limits for Class D equipment . 22
Table 4 – Test observation period . 22
Table B.1 – Conventional load for arc welding equipment tests . 33

– 4 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 © IEC 2018
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

FOREWORD
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61000-3-2 has been prepared by sub-committee 77A: EMC – Low
frequency phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
It forms part 3-2 of the IEC 61000 series. It has the status of a product family standard.
This fifth edition cancels and replaces the fourth edition published in 2014. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) an update of the emission limits for lighting equipment with a rated power ≤ 25 W to take
into account new types of lighting equipment;
b) the addition of a threshold of 5 W under which no emission limits apply to all lighting
equipment;
c) the modification of the requirements applying to the dimmers when operating
non-incandescent lamps;
d) the addition of test conditions for digital load side transmission control devices;
e) the removal of the use of reference lamps and reference ballasts for the tests of lighting
equipment;
f) the simplification and clarification of the terminology used for lighting equipment;
g) the classification of professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios under Class A;
h) a clarification about the classification of emergency lighting equipment;
i) a clarification for lighting equipment including one control module with an active input
power ≤ 2 W;
j) an update of the test conditions for television receivers;
k) an update of the test conditions for induction hobs, taking also into account the other
types of cooking appliances;
l) for consistency with IEC 61000-3-12, a change of the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 from
equipment with an input current ≤ 16 A to equipment with a rated input current ≤ 16 A.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
77A/986/FDIS 77A/990/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61000 series, published under the general title, Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 © IEC 2018
INTRODUCTION
IEC 61000 is published in separate parts, according to the following structure:
Part 1: General
General considerations (introduction, fundamental principles)
Definitions, terminology
Part 2: Environment
Description levels
Classification of the environment
Compatibility levels
Part 3: Limits
Emission limits
Immunity limits (in so far as they do not fall under the responsibility of the product
committees)
Part 4: Testing and measurement techniques
Measurement techniques
Testing techniques
Part 5: Installation and mitigation guidelines
Installation guidelines
Mitigation methods and devices
Part 6: Generic standards
Part 9: Miscellaneous
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. Others will be published with the part number followed by a dash and a second
number identifying the subdivision (example: IEC 61000-6-1).

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61000 deals with the limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public
supply system.
It specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which can be produced by
equipment tested under specified conditions.
This part of IEC 61000 is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having a rated
input current up to and including 16 A per phase, and intended to be connected to public
low-voltage distribution systems.
Arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment, with a rated input current up to
and including 16 A per phase, is included in this document. Arc welding equipment intended
for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded from this document and can be
subject to installation restrictions as indicated in IEC 61000-3-12.
The tests according to this document are type tests.
For systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-neutral), the limits
have not yet been considered.
NOTE The words apparatus, appliance, device and equipment are used throughout this document. They have the
same meaning for the purposes of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-161, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 161: Electromagnetic
compatibility (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60155, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60268-3, Sound system equipment – Part 3: Amplifiers
IEC 60335-2-24:2010, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-24:
Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers
IEC 61000-4-7:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7: Testing and
measurement techniques – General guide on harmonics and interharmonics measurements
and instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment connected thereto
IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008
– 8 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 © IEC 2018
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
portable tool
electrical tool which is hand-held during normal operation and used for a short time (a few
minutes) only
Note 1 to entry: Hand-held means that no part of the tool, except the power cord, rests on the floor during normal
operation.
3.2
lamp
source intended to produce an optical radiation, usually visible
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this document, a lamp can also be a solid state lighting module which can
contain further components, for example optical, electrical, mechanical and/or electronic components.
3.3
self-ballasted lamp
unit which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, is provided with a lamp
cap and incorporates a light source and the lighting control gear necessary for the operation
of the light source
3.4
luminaire
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from one or more lamps
and which includes, except the lamps themselves, all the parts necessary for fixing and
protecting the lamps and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for
connecting them to the electric supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-10-01, modified – the existing notes have been
removed]
3.5
input current
current directly supplied to an equipment or a part of equipment by the AC distribution system
3.6
circuit power factor
ratio of the measured active input power to the product of the RMS supply voltage and the
RMS supply current
3.7
active power
mean value of the instantaneous power, taken over 10 (50 Hz systems) or 12 (60 Hz systems)
fundamental periods and measured in accordance with IEC 61000-4-7
Note 1 to entry: The active input power is the active power measured at the input supply terminals of the
equipment under test.
3.8
balanced three-phase equipment
equipment having rated line current modules which differ by no more than 20 %
3.9
professional equipment
equipment for use in trades, professions or industries and which is not intended for sale to the
general public, as designated by the manufacturer
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-05-05, modified – the existing Note has been replaced
by the text added at the end of the definition]
3.10
total harmonic current
THC
total RMS value of the harmonic current components of orders 2 to 40, expressed as:
THC = I
∑ h
h=2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.11
total harmonic distortion
THD
ratio of the RMS value of the sum of the harmonic components (in this context, harmonic
current components I of orders 2 to 40) to the RMS value of the fundamental component,
h
expressed as:
 I 
h
 
THD =
∑
 
I
 
h =2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.12
partial odd harmonic current
POHC
total RMS value of the odd harmonic current components of orders 21 to 39, expressed as:
POHC = I
∑ h
h=21,23
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.13
lighting equipment
equipment with a primary function of generating and/or regulating and/or distributing optical
radiation
Note 1 to entry: See also 5.2.

– 10 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 © IEC 2018
3.14
stand-by mode
non-operational, low power consumption mode (usually indicated in some way on the
equipment) that can persist for an indefinite time
3.15
repeatability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with the same test
system, at the same location, under identical test conditions
3.16
reproducibility
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with different test
systems under conditions of measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
3.17
variability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on different samples of the same type of equipment under test, having
no intentional differences, carried out with different test systems under conditions of
measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
Note 2 to entry: In the context of this document, the meaning of the terms can be summarized as follows:
Term Meaning
Repeatability Same equipment under test (EUT), same test system, same test conditions, repeated tests
Reproducibility Same equipment under test (EUT), different but normative test systems, different but
normative test conditions
Variability Different equipments under test (EUTs) of the same type, having no intentional differences,
different but normative test systems, different but normative test conditions

3.18
variable speed drive
VSD
equipment, based on power electronics, which enables the speed and/or torque of a motor to
be continuously controlled
3.19
lighting control gear
device connected between the supply and one or more lamps, enabling the lamp(s) to operate
as intended
Note 1 to entry: The lighting control gear can consist of one or more separate components. It can include means
for dimming, correcting the power factor and suppressing radio interference, and further control functions.
Note 2 to entry: The lighting control gear can be partly or totally integrated in some lamps, such as in the case of
self-ballasted lamps. Any references to lighting control gear include any such integrated lamps.
Note 3 to entry: Examples of lighting control gear are ballasts or electronic control gear for discharge lamps,
step-down converters for incandescent lamps, drivers for solid state lighting modules.
Note 4 to entry: For the purposes of this document, independent phase control dimmers as defined in 3.23 and
3.24 are not considered to be lighting control gear.

Note 5 to entry: Mechanical switches and relays, and other simple devices providing on/off control only, do not
produce distorted currents and are not considered to be lighting control gear.
3.20
digital load side transmission lighting control device
DLT control device
device to control lighting parameters of electronic lighting equipment, such as light level and
light colour, using data transmission over its load side mains wiring in accordance with
IEC 62756-1
Note 1 to entry: A DLT control device is wired like a phase control dimmer, but does not directly make the supply
power delivered to the connected dedicated lighting equipment vary. It transmits digital signals over the power
cable on the load side to the dedicated lighting equipment, which contains means for receiving and interpreting
control signals as well as built-in means for dimming, colour variation, etc.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.21
dimmer
device to control the light output level of lighting equipment
3.22
built-in dimmer
dimmer which is either contained within the enclosure of a luminaire or mounted in its supply
cable
3.23
independent dimmer
dimmer other than a built-in dimmer
3.24
phase control dimmer
electronic switch producing a leading edge (forward phase) or a trailing edge (reverse phase)
AC waveform
Note 1 to entry: This AC waveform is supplied to one or more loads and its conduction angle is adjustable.
3.25
universal phase control dimmer
phase control dimmer which is capable of switching, automatically or manually, between
producing a leading edge or a trailing edge AC waveform
3.26
professional luminaire for stage lighting and studios
luminaire (outdoor or indoor) for stage lighting or for television, film or photographic studios
within the scope of IEC 60598-2-17 and which is professional equipment
4 General
The objective of this document is to set limits for harmonic emissions of equipment within its
scope, so that, with due allowance for the emissions from other equipment, compliance with
the limits ensures that harmonic disturbance levels do not exceed the compatibility levels
defined in IEC 61000-2-2.
Professional equipment that does not comply with the requirements of this document can be
permitted to be connected to certain types of low voltage supplies, if the instruction manual
contains a requirement to ask the supply utility for permission to connect. Recommendations
concerning this aspect are contained in IEC 61000-3-12.

– 12 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 © IEC 2018
5 Classification of equipment
5.1 General
For the purpose of harmonic current limitation, equipment is classified as follows:
Class A:
Equipment not specified as belonging to Class B, C or D shall be considered as Class A
equipment.
Some examples of Class A equipment are:
– balanced three-phase equipment;
– household appliances, excluding those specified as belonging to Class B, C or D;
– vacuum cleaners;
– high pressure cleaners;
– tools, excluding portable tools;
– independent phase control dimmers;
– audio equipment;
– professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios.
NOTE 1 Equipment that can be shown to have a significant effect on the supply system might be reclassified in a
future edition of this document, taking into account the following factors:
– number of pieces of equipment in use;
– duration of use;
– simultaneity of use;
– power consumption;
– harmonic spectrum, including phase.
Class B:
– portable tools;
– arc welding equipment which is not professional equipment.
Class C:
– lighting equipment.
Class D:
Equipment having a specified power according to 6.3.2, less than or equal to 600 W, of the
following types:
– personal computers and personal computer monitors;
– television receivers;
– refrigerators and freezers having one or more variable-speed drives to control compressor
motor(s).
NOTE 2 Class D limits are reserved for equipment that, by virtue of the factors listed in note 1, can be shown to
have a pronounced effect on the public electricity supply system.
5.2 Description of lighting equipment
In this document, lighting equipment as defined in 3.13 includes:
– lamps and luminaires;
– the lighting part of multi-function equipment where one of the primary functions of this is
illumination;
– independent lighting control gear;
– ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation equipment;
– illuminated advertising signs;
– independent dimmers, other than phase control types, for lighting equipment;
– DLT control devices.
In this document, lighting equipment as defined in 3.13 excludes:
– lighting devices built in equipment with another primary purpose, such as photocopiers,
overhead projectors and slide projectors, or employed for scale illumination or indication
purposes;
– household appliances whose primary function is not for generating and/or regulating
and/or distributing optical radiation but which contain one or more lamps with or without a
separate switch (e.g. a range hood with a built-in lamp);
– independent phase control dimmers;
– professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios;
– emergency luminaires that emit light only during emergency mode.
6 General requirements
6.1 General
The restrictions specified in 6.2 also apply to the categories of equipment listed in 7.1 for
which no harmonic current limits apply.
The requirements and limits specified in this document are applicable to the power input
terminals of equipment intended to be connected to 220/380 V, 230/400 V and 240/415 V
systems operating at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Requirements and limits for other cases are not yet
specified.
A simplified test method is permitted for equipment that undergoes minor changes or updates,
provided that, in previous full compliance tests, it has been shown to have current emissions
below 60 % of the applicable limits and the THD of the supply current is less than 15 %. The
simplified test method consists of verifying that the updated equipment has an active input
power within ±20 % of that of the originally tested product, and that the THD of the supply
current is less than 15 %. Products that fulfill these requirements are deemed to comply with
the applicable limits, but in case of doubt the result of a full compliance test according to
Clauses 6 and 7 takes precedence over this simplified method.
6.2 Control methods
Asymmetrical controls according to IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-07-12, and half-wave
rectification directly on the mains supply may only be used in the following circumstances:
a) where they are the only practical solution permitting the detection of unsafe conditions, or
b) where the controlled active input power is less than or equal to 100 W, or
c) where the controlled appliance is a portable equipment fitted with a two-core flexible cord
and is intended for use for a short period of time, i.e. for a few minutes only.
If one of these three conditions is fulfilled, half-wave rectification may be used for any
purpose, whereas asymmetrical controls may only be used for the control of motors.
NOTE 1 Such equipment includes, but is not limited to, hair dryers, electrical kitchen appliances and portable
tools.
– 14 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018 © IEC 2018
th
Symmetrical control methods which can produce harmonics up to the 40 order in the input
current may be used for the control of the power supplied to heating elements provided that
the full sine-wave input power is less than or equal to 200 W, or that the limits of Table 3 are
not exceeded.
Such symmetrical control methods are also allowed for professional equipment provided that
either
a) one of the above conditions is fulfilled, or
b) the relevant emission limits according to Clause 7 are not exceeded when tested at the
supply input terminals and in addition both the following conditions are fulfilled:
1) it is necessary to control precisely the temperature of a heater whose thermal time
constant is less than 2 s, and
2) there is no other technique economically available.
Professional equipment whose primary purpose, considered as a whole, is not for heating,
shall be tested against the relevant emission limits according to Clause 7.
NOTE 2 An example of a product whose primary purpose is not heating is a photocopier, whereas a cooker is
considered to have heating as its primary purpose.
Domestic equipment with symmetrical control used for a short time (for example hair dryers)
shall be tested under Class A.
Even though asymmetrical controls and half-wave rectification are permitted under the
conditions given above, the equipment shall still comply with the harmonic requirements of
this document.
NOTE 3 When using asymmetrical controls or half-wave rectification under the above circumstances, the input
current has a DC component that can disturb certain types of protection devices in case of an earth fault. See
IEC TR 60755.
6.3 Harmonic current measurement
6.3.1 Test configuration
Harmonic components shall be measured in accordance with the requirements given in
Annex A for the test circuit and the supply source.
Specific test conditions for the measurement of harmonic currents associated with some types
of equipment are given in Annex B.
For equipment not mentioned in Annex B, emission tests shall be conducted with the user's
operation controls or automatic programs set to the mode expected to produce the maximum
total harmonic current (THC) under normal operating conditions. This defines the equipment
set-up during emission tests and not a requirement to measure THC or to conduct searches
for worst-case emissions.
The harmonic current limits specified in Clause 7 apply to line currents and not to currents in
the neutral conductor. Nevertheless, for single-phase equipment, it is permissible to measure
the currents in the neutral conductor instead of the currents in the line.
The equipment is tested as presented by, and in accordance with information provided by, the
manufacturer. Preliminary operation of motor drives by the manufacturer can be needed
before the tests are undertaken to ensure that results correspond with normal use.

6.3.2 Measurement procedure
The test shall be conducted according to the general requirements given in 6.3.3. The test
duration shall be as defined in 6.3.4.
The measurement of harmonic currents shall be performed as follows:
– for each harmonic order, measure the 1,5 s smoothed RMS harmonic current in each
discrete Fourier transform (DFT) time window as defined in IEC 61000-4-7;
– calculate the arithmetic average of the measured values from the DFT time windows, over
the entire observation period as defined in 6.3.4.
The value of the input power to be used for the calculation of limits shall be determined as
follows:
– measure the 1,5 s smoothed active input power in each DFT time window;
– determine the maximum of the measured values of power from the DFT time windows over
the entire duration of the test.
NOTE The active input power supplied to the smoothing section of the measuring instrument as defined in
IEC 61000-4-7 is the active input power in each DFT time window.
The harmonic currents and the active input power shall be measured under the same test
conditions but need not be measured simultaneously.
...

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.1 2020-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –
Partie 3-2: Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique (courant
appelé par les appareils ≤16 A par phase)

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IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.1 2020-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –
Partie 3-2: Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique (courant
appelé par les appareils ≤16 A par phase)
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.100.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-4755-6

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.1 2020-07
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –
Partie 3-2: Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique (courant
appelé par les appareils ≤16 A par phase)

© IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
IEC 61000-3-2
Edition 5.0  2018-01
Amendment 1  2020-07
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤16 A per phase)

INTERPRETATION SHEET 1
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by subcommittee 77A: EMC – Low frequency
phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
The text of this interpretation sheet is based on the following documents:
DISH Report on voting
77A/1106/DISH 77A/1114/RVDISH
Full information on the voting for the approval of this interpretation sheet can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.

IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

___________
ICS 33.100.10
– 2 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD1:2020/ISH1:2021
© IEC 2021
Interpretation of the second set of requirements applicable to Class C equipment with a
rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W according to 7.4.3 of IEC 61000-3-2:2018 and
Introduction
The second set of requirements of 7.4.3 of IEC 61000-3-2:2018 and
that it reaches the 5 % current threshold before or at 60°, has its peak value before or at 65°
and does not fall below the 5 % current threshold before 90°, referenced to any zero crossing
of the fundamental supply voltage” and that “Components of current with frequencies above
9 kHz shall not influence this evaluation (a filter similar to the one described in 5.3 of
IEC 61000-4-7:2002 and IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008 may be used);”
Testing laboratories and Class C equipment manufacturers concluded that several harmonics
test systems with IEC 61000-4-7 compliant measurement equipment do not completely filter out
the components of current with frequencies above 9 kHz, thus resulting in a non-accurate
evaluation of the phase angles (see Figure 1). One of the reasons why filters are not used is
that they can alter the phase angle itself by introducing a phase delay.
Question
When applying the second set of requirements in 7.4.3, what method shall be used to measure
the phase angle in order to avoid the influence of components of current with frequencies above
9 kHz?
Interpretation
Given the issues reported by test laboratories, if the phase angle is measured with an
IEC 61000-4-7 test system that doesn’t remove the components above 9 kHz correctly, the
measurements with a digital oscilloscope shall prevail, where the components above 9 kHz
have been removed without affecting the phase angle at which the peak current occurs.
NOTE This can be achieved for example by using a synchronous averaging mode of the oscilloscope (see Figure 2).

© IEC 2021
Annex
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an incorrect and the correct evaluation of the phase angle.

Figure 1 – Incorrect measurement

Figure 2 – Correct measurement with averaged waveform

– 2 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General . 13
5 Classification of equipment . 13
5.1 General . 13
5.2 Description of lighting equipment . 14
5.3 External power supplies . 14
6 General requirements . 15
6.1 General . 15
6.2 Control methods . 15
6.3 Harmonic current measurement . 17
6.3.1 Test configuration . 17
6.3.2 Measurement procedure . 17
6.3.3 General requirements . 18
6.3.4 Test observation period . 19
6.4 Equipment in a rack or case . 19
6.5 Multifunction equipment . 20
7 Harmonic current limits . 20
7.1 General . 20
7.2 Limits for Class A equipment. 22
7.3 Limits for Class B equipment. 23
7.4 Limits for Class C equipment . 23
7.4.1 General . 23
7.4.2 Rated power > 25 W . 23
7.4.3 Rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W . 24
7.5 Limits for Class D equipment . 25
8 Compliance with this document . 26
Annex A (normative) Measurement circuit and supply source . 27
A.1 Test circuit . 27
A.2 Supply source . 27
Annex B (normative) Type test conditions . 30
B.1 General . 30
B.2 Test conditions for Television receivers (TV) . 30
B.2.1 General requirements . 30
B.2.2 Measurement conditions . 30
B.2.3 Test report . 31
B.3 Test conditions for Audio amplifiers . 31
B.3.1 Conditions . 31
B.3.2 Input signals and loads . 31
B.4 Test conditions for Video-cassette recorders. 32
B.5 Test conditions for Lighting equipment . 32
B.5.1 General conditions . 32

© IEC 2020
B.5.2 Lamps Light sources . 32
B.5.3 Luminaires . 32
B.5.4 Lighting control gear . 33
B.5.5 DLT control devices . 34
B.6 Test conditions for Independent phase control dimmers for lighting
equipment . 34
B.7 Test conditions for Vacuum cleaners . 34
B.8 Test conditions for Washing machines . 35
B.9 Test conditions for Microwave ovens . 35
B.10 Test conditions for Information technology equipment (ITE) . 35
B.10.1 General conditions . 35
B.10.2 Optional conditions for measuring emissions of IT equipment with
external power supplies or battery chargers . 36
B.11 Test conditions for Cooking appliances . 36
B.11.1 Induction hobs and hotplates . 36
B.11.2 Hobs and hotplates other than induction cooking appliances . 37
B.12 Test conditions for Air conditioners . 37
B.13 Test conditions for Kitchen machines as defined in IEC 60335-2-14 . 37
B.14 Test conditions for Arc welding equipment which is not professional
equipment . 38
B.15 Test conditions for High pressure cleaners which are not professional
equipment . 38
B.16 Test conditions for Refrigerators and freezers . 38
B.16.1 General . 38
B.16.2 Refrigerators and freezers with VSD . 39
B.16.3 Refrigerators and freezers without VSD . 39
B.17 External power supplies (EPS) . 39
B.17.1 EPS designated for specific models of equipment . 39
B.17.2 EPS not designated for specific models of equipment . 39
Annex C (normative) POHC calculation . 41
C.1 General . 41
C.2 Calculation of the POHC from the final values of the harmonic currents,
averaged over the complete observation time . 41
C.3 Calculation of the final POHC from single POHC values for each DFT time
window . 41
Bibliography . 42

Figure 1 – Flowchart for determining conformity . 22
Figure 2 – Illustration of the relative phase angle and current parameters described

in 7.4.3 . 24
Figure A.1 – Measurement circuit for single-phase equipment. 28
Figure A.2 – Measurement circuit for three-phase equipment . 29

Table 1 – Limits for Class A equipment . 25
a
Table 2 – Limits for Class C equipment . 25
Table 3 – Limits for Class D equipment . 26
Table 4 – Test observation period . 26
Table B.1 – Conventional load for arc welding equipment tests . 38

– 4 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and
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closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined
by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been
prepared for user convenience.
IEC 61000-3-2 edition 5.1 contains the fifth edition (2018-01) [documents 77A/986/FDIS
and 77A/990/RVD] and its amendment 1 (2020-07) [documents 77A/1077/FDIS and
77A/1084/RVD].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content
is modified by amendment 1. Additions are in green text, deletions are in strikethrough
red text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available in this
publication.
© IEC 2020
International Standard IEC 61000-3-2 has been prepared by sub-committee 77A: EMC – Low
frequency phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
It forms part 3-2 of the IEC 61000 series. It has the status of a product family standard.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) an update of the emission limits for lighting equipment with a rated power ≤ 25 W to take
into account new types of lighting equipment;
b) the addition of a threshold of 5 W under which no emission limits apply to all lighting
equipment;
c) the modification of the requirements applying to the dimmers when operating
non-incandescent lamps;
d) the addition of test conditions for digital load side transmission control devices;
e) the removal of the use of reference lamps and reference ballasts for the tests of lighting
equipment;
f) the simplification and clarification of the terminology used for lighting equipment;
g) the classification of professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios under Class A;
h) a clarification about the classification of emergency lighting equipment;
i) a clarification for lighting equipment including one control module with an active input
power ≤ 2 W;
j) an update of the test conditions for television receivers;
k) an update of the test conditions for induction hobs, taking also into account the other
types of cooking appliances;
l) for consistency with IEC 61000-3-12, a change of the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 from
equipment with an input current ≤ 16 A to equipment with a rated input current ≤ 16 A.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61000 series, published under the general title, Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of the base publication and its amendment will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under
"http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the
publication will be
 reconfirmed,
 withdrawn,
 replaced by a revised edition, or
 amended.
The contents of the Interpretation sheet of August 2021 have been included in this copy.
Apply to the English version only.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
INTRODUCTION
IEC 61000 is published in separate parts, according to the following structure:
Part 1: General
General considerations (introduction, fundamental principles)
Definitions, terminology
Part 2: Environment
Description levels of the environment
Classification of the environment
Compatibility levels
Part 3: Limits
Emission limits
Immunity limits (in so far as they do not fall under the responsibility of the product
committees)
Part 4: Testing and measurement techniques
Measurement techniques
Testing techniques
Part 5: Installation and mitigation guidelines
Installation guidelines
Mitigation methods and devices
Part 6: Generic standards
Part 9: Miscellaneous
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. Others will be published with the part number followed by a dash and a second
number identifying the subdivision (example: IEC 61000-6-1).

© IEC 2020
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61000 deals with the limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public
supply system.
It specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which can be produced by
equipment tested under specified conditions.
This part of IEC 61000 is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having a rated
input current up to and including 16 A per phase, and intended to be connected to public
low-voltage distribution systems.
Arc welding equipment, which is not professional equipment, with a rated input current up to
and including 16 A per phase, is included in the scope of this document. Arc welding
equipment intended for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded from this
document and can be subject to installation restrictions as indicated in IEC 61000-3-12. All
other arc welding equipment is excluded from the scope of this document; however, the
harmonics emission can be evaluated using IEC 61000-3-12 and relevant installation
restrictions.
The tests according to this document are type tests.
For systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-neutral), the limits
have not yet been considered.
NOTE The words apparatus, appliance, device and equipment are used throughout this document. They have the
same meaning for the purposes of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-161:1990, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 161:
Electromagnetic compatibility (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60107-1:1997, Methods of measurement on receivers for television broadcast
transmissions – Part 1: General considerations – Measurements at radio and video
frequencies
IEC 60155:1993, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60268-1:1985, Sound system equipment – Part 1: General
IEC 60268-1:1985/AMD1:1988
IEC 60268-1:1985/AMD2:1988
– 8 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
IEC 60268-3:2018, Sound system equipment – Part 3: Amplifiers
IEC 60335-2-2:2019, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-2:
Particular requirements for vacuum cleaners and water-suction cleaning appliances
IEC 60335-2-14:2016, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-14:
Particular requirements for kitchen machines
IEC 60335-2-24:2010, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-24:
Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers
IEC 60335-2-24:2010/AMD1:2012
IEC 60335-2-24:2010/AMD2:2017
IEC 60335-2-79:2016, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-79:
Particular requirements for high pressure cleaners and steam cleaners
IEC 60598-2-17:2012, Luminaires – Part 2-17: Particular requirements – Luminaires for stage
lighting, television and film studios (outdoor and indoor)
IEC 60598-2-17:2012/AMD1:2015
IEC 60974-1:2017, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 61000-4-7:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7: Testing and
measurement techniques – General guide on harmonics and interharmonics measurements
and instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment connected thereto
IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008
IEC 62756-1:2015, Digital load side transmission lighting control (DLT) – Part 1: Basic
requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
portable tool
electrical tool which is hand-held during normal operation and used for a short time (a few
minutes) only
Note 1 to entry: Hand-held means that no part of the tool, except the power cord, rests on the floor during normal
operation.
3.2
lamp
source intended to produce an optical radiation, usually visible
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this document, a lamp can also be a solid state lighting module which can
contain further components, for example optical, electrical, mechanical and/or electronic components.
light source provided with at least one cap

© IEC 2020
Note 1 to entry: For products that have the same physical characteristics as lamps for general lighting but that
are built to emit optical radiation mainly in the IR or UV spectrum, the term IR lamp or UV lamp is often used.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-008, modified – existing notes 2 and 3 have been
removed, the term “electric” has been removed from the term and the definition]
3.3
self-ballasted integrated lamp
unit which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, is provided with a lamp
cap and incorporates a light source and the lighting control gear necessary for the operation
of the light source
electric lamp which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, incorporating
lighting control gear, and all additional elements necessary for starting and stable operation of
the light source, designed for direct connection to the supply voltage
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-009]
3.4
luminaire
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from one or more lamps
and which includes, except the lamps themselves, all the parts necessary for fixing and
protecting the lamps and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for
connecting them to the electric supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-10-01, modified – the existing notes have been
removed]
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from at least one source
of optical radiation and which includes, except the sources themselves, all the parts
necessary for fixing and protecting the sources (IEV 845-21-032) and, where necessary,
circuit auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them to the power supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845: 845-30-001:2020, modified – existing note has been removed]
3.5
input current
current directly supplied to an equipment or a part of equipment by the AC distribution system
3.6
circuit power factor void
ratio of the measured active input power to the product of the RMS supply voltage and the
RMS supply current
3.7
active input power
mean value of the instantaneous power, taken over 10 (50 Hz systems) or 12 (60 Hz systems)
fundamental periods and measured in accordance with IEC 61000-4-7:2002 and IEC 61000-4-
7:2002/AMD1:2008 at the input supply terminals of the equipment under test
Note 1 to entry: The active input power is the active power measured at the input supply terminals of the
equipment under test.
3.8
balanced three-phase equipment
equipment having rated line current modules which differ by no more than 20 %
3.9
professional equipment
equipment for use in trades, professions or industries and which is not intended for sale to the
general public, as designated by the manufacturer

– 10 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-05-05, modified – the existing Note has been replaced
by the text added at the end of the definition]
3.10
total harmonic current
THC
total RMS value of the harmonic current components of orders 2 to 40, expressed as:
THC = I
h
∑
h=2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.11
total harmonic distortion
THD
ratio of the RMS value of the sum of the harmonic components (in this context, harmonic
current components I of orders 2 to 40) to the RMS value of the fundamental component,
h
expressed as:
 I 
h
 
THD =
∑
 
I
 1 
h =2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.12
partial odd harmonic current
POHC
total RMS value of the odd harmonic current components of orders 21 to 39, expressed as:
POHC = I
h
∑
h=21,23
Note 1 to entry: Details for the calculation of the POHC are given in Annex C.
Note 1 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.13
lighting equipment
equipment with a primary function of generating and/or regulating and/or distributing optical
the radiation emitted by a light source
Note 1 to entry: See also 5.2.
3.14
stand-by mode
non-operational, low power consumption mode (usually indicated in some way on the
equipment) that can persist for an indefinite time
3.15
repeatability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with the same test
system, at the same location, under identical test conditions

© IEC 2020
3.16
reproducibility
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with different test
systems under conditions of measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
3.17
variability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on different samples of the same type of equipment under test, having
no intentional differences, carried out with different test systems under conditions of
measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
Note 2 to entry: In the context of this document, the meaning of the terms can be summarized as follows:
Term Meaning
Repeatability Same equipment under test (EUT), same test system, same test conditions, repeated tests
Reproducibility Same equipment under test (EUT), different but normative test systems, different but
normative test conditions
Variability Different equipments under test (EUTs) of the same type, having no intentional differences,
different but normative test systems, different but normative test conditions

3.18
variable speed drive
VSD
equipment, based on power electronics, which enables the speed and/or torque of a motor to
be continuously controlled
3.19
lighting control gear
device connected between the supply and one or more lamps, enabling the lamp(s) to operate
as intended
Note 1 to entry: The lighting control gear can consist of one or more separate components. It can include means
for dimming, correcting the power factor and suppressing radio interference, and further control functions.
Note 2 to entry: The lighting control gear can be partly or totally integrated in some lamps, such as in the case of
self-ballasted lamps. Any references to lighting control gear include any such integrated lamps.
Note 3 to entry: Examples of lighting control gear are ballasts or electronic control gear for discharge lamps,
step-down converters for incandescent lamps, drivers for solid state lighting modules.
Note 4 to entry: For the purposes of this document, independent phase control dimmers as defined in 3.23 and
3.24 are not considered to be lighting control gear.
Note 5 to entry: Mechanical switches and relays, and other simple devices providing on/off control only, do not
produce distorted currents and are not considered to be lighting control gear.
unit inserted between the power supply and at least one light source, which serves to supply
the light source(s) with the voltage and/or current required for its (their) intended operation,
and which can consist of one or more separate components.
Note 1 to entry: The lighting control gear can include means for igniting, dimming, correcting the power factor and
suppressing radio interference, and further control functions.
Note 2 to entry: The lighting control gear can be partly or totally integrated in the light source.

– 12 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020 CSV
© IEC 2020
Note 3 to entry: For the purposes of this document, independent phase control dimmers as defined in 3.23 and
3.24 are not considered to be lighting control gear.
3.20
digital load side transmission lighting control device
DLT control device
device to control lighting parameters of electronic lighting equipment, such as light level and
light colour, using data transmission over its load side mains wiring in accordance with
IEC 62756-1:2015
Note 1 to entry: A DLT control device is wired like a phase control dimmer, but does not directly make the supply
power delivered to the connected dedicated lighting equipment vary. It transmits digital signals over the power
cable on the load side to the dedicated lighting equipment, which contains means for receiving and interpreting
control signals as well as built-in means for dimming, colour variation, etc and other operating features.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.21
dimmer
device to control the light output level of lighting equipment for varying the luminous flux from
light sources
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845: 845-28-063:2020, modified – the existing note has been removed]
3.22
built-in dimmer
dimmer which is either contained within the enclosure of a luminaire or mounted in its supply
cable
3.23
independent dimmer
dimmer other than a built-in dimmer
3.24
phase control dimmer
electronic switch producing a leading edge (forward phase) or a trailing edge (reverse phase)
AC waveform
Note 1 to entry: This AC waveform is supplied to one or more loads and its conduction angle is adjustable.
3.25
universal phase control dimmer
phase control dimmer which is capable of switching, automatically or manually, between
producing a leading edge or a trailing edge AC waveform
3.26
professional luminaire for stage lighting and studios
luminaire (outdoor or indoor) for stage lighting or for television, film or photographic studios
within the scope of IEC 60598-2-17:2012 and IEC 60598-2-17:2012/AMD1:2015 and which is
professional equipment
3.27
light source
surface or object emitting light
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-001, modified – the existing notes have been
removed]
3.28
instructions for use
information that is provided by manufacturers or distributors for users of the product

© IEC 2020
3.29
external power supply
EPS
equipment which converts power supplied by the mains into power at a different voltage,
which has its own physical enclosure, and which is intended for use with separate equipment
that constitutes the load
Note 1 to entry: The output voltage of the EPS can be either AC or DC.
Note 2 to entry: The output of the EPS can be either detachable from, or p
...

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.2 2024-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –
Partie 3-2 : Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique
(courant appelé par les appareils ≤16 A par phase)

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IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.2 2024-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input

current ≤16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –

Partie 3-2 : Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique

(courant appelé par les appareils ≤16 A par phase)

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 33.100.10  ISBN 978-2-8322-8449-0

IEC 61000-3-2 ®
Edition 5.2 2024-03
CONSOLIDATED VERSION
REDLINE VERSION
VERSION REDLINE
colour
inside
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) –
Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input
current ≤16 A per phase)
Compatibilité électromagnétique (CEM) –
Partie 3-2 : Limites – Limites pour les émissions de courant harmonique
(courant appelé par les appareils ≤16 A par phase)

© IEC 2021
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
IEC 61000-3-2
Edition 5.0  2018-01
Amendment 1  2020-07
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤16 A per phase)

INTERPRETATION SHEET 1
This interpretation sheet has been prepared by subcommittee 77A: EMC – Low frequency
phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
The text of this interpretation sheet is based on the following documents:
DISH Report on voting
77A/1106/DISH 77A/1114/RVDISH
Full information on the voting for the approval of this interpretation sheet can be found in the
report on voting indicated in the above table.

IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct understanding of its
contents. Users should therefore print this document using a colour printer.

___________
ICS 33.100.10
– 2 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD1:2020/ISH1:2021
© IEC 2021
Interpretation of the second set of requirements applicable to Class C equipment with a
rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W according to 7.4.3 of IEC 61000-3-2:2018 and
Introduction
The second set of requirements of 7.4.3 of IEC 61000-3-2:2018 and
that it reaches the 5 % current threshold before or at 60°, has its peak value before or at 65°
and does not fall below the 5 % current threshold before 90°, referenced to any zero crossing
of the fundamental supply voltage” and that “Components of current with frequencies above
9 kHz shall not influence this evaluation (a filter similar to the one described in 5.3 of
IEC 61000-4-7:2002 and IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008 may be used);”
Testing laboratories and Class C equipment manufacturers concluded that several harmonics
test systems with IEC 61000-4-7 compliant measurement equipment do not completely filter out
the components of current with frequencies above 9 kHz, thus resulting in a non-accurate
evaluation of the phase angles (see Figure 1). One of the reasons why filters are not used is
that they can alter the phase angle itself by introducing a phase delay.
Question
When applying the second set of requirements in 7.4.3, what method shall be used to measure
the phase angle in order to avoid the influence of components of current with frequencies above
9 kHz?
Interpretation
Given the issues reported by test laboratories, if the phase angle is measured with an
IEC 61000-4-7 test system that doesn’t remove the components above 9 kHz correctly, the
measurements with a digital oscilloscope shall prevail, where the components above 9 kHz
have been removed without affecting the phase angle at which the peak current occurs.
NOTE This can be achieved for example by using a synchronous averaging mode of the oscilloscope (see Figure 2).

© IEC 2021
Annex
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show an incorrect and the correct evaluation of the phase angle.

Figure 1 – Incorrect measurement

Figure 2 – Correct measurement with averaged waveform

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CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
INTRODUCTION to Amendment 2 . 8
1 Scope . 9
2 Normative references . 9
3 Terms and definitions . 10
4 General . 15
5 Classification of equipment . 16
5.1 General . 16
5.2 Description of lighting equipment . 17
5.3 External power supplies . 17
6 General requirements . 17
6.1 General . 17
6.2 Control methods . 18
6.3 Harmonic current measurement . 19
6.3.1 Test configuration . 19
6.3.2 Measurement procedure . 20
6.3.3 General requirements and recommendations . 21
6.3.4 Test observation period . 22
6.4 Equipment in a rack or case . 22
6.5 Multifunction equipment . 23
7 Harmonic current limits . 23
7.1 General . 23
7.2 Limits for Class A equipment. 24
7.3 Limits for Class B equipment. 25
7.4 Limits for Class C equipment . 25
7.4.1 General . 25
7.4.2 Rated power > 25 W . 25
7.4.3 Rated power ≥ 5 W and ≤ 25 W . 26
7.5 Limits for Class D equipment . 27
8 Compliance with this document . 28
8.1 Use of test methods . 28
8.2 Decision rules and measurement uncertainty . 28
8.2.1 Measurements with an instrument in accordance with IEC 61000-4-7,
class I . 28
8.2.2 Measurements with an instrument in accordance with IEC 61000-4-7,
class II . 29
Annex A (normative) Measurement circuit and supply source . 30
A.1 Test circuit . 30
A.2 Supply source . 30
Annex B (normative) Type Special test conditions . 33
B.1 General . 33
B.2 Test conditions for Television receivers (TV) . 33
B.2.1 General requirements . 33
B.2.2 Measurement conditions . 33
B.2.3 Test report . 34

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B.3 Test conditions for Audio amplifiers . 34
B.3.1 Conditions . 34
B.3.2 Input signals and loads . 34
B.4 Test conditions for Video-cassette recorders and similar equipment . 35
B.5 Test conditions for Lighting equipment . 35
B.5.1 General conditions . 35
B.5.2 Lamps Light sources . 35
B.5.3 Luminaires . 35
B.5.4 Separate lighting control gear (SLCG) . 36
B.5.5 DLT control devices . 36
B.6 Test conditions for Independent phase control dimmers for lighting
equipment . 37
B.7 Test conditions for Vacuum cleaners . 37
B.8 Test conditions for Washing machines . 37
B.9 Test conditions for Microwave ovens . 38
B.10 Test conditions for Information technology equipment (ITE) . 38
B.10.1 General conditions . 38
B.10.2 Optional conditions for measuring emissions of IT equipment with
external power supplies or battery chargers . 39
B.11 Test conditions for Cooking appliances . 39
B.11.1 Induction hobs and hotplates . 39
B.11.2 Hobs and hotplates other than induction cooking appliances . 40
B.12 Test conditions for Air conditioners . 40
B.13 Test conditions for Kitchen machines as defined in IEC 60335-2-14 . 40
B.14 Test conditions for Arc welding equipment which is not professional
equipment . 40
B.15 Test conditions for High pressure cleaners which are not professional
equipment . 41
B.16 Test conditions for Refrigerators and freezers . 41
B.16.1 General . 41
B.16.2 Refrigerators and freezers with VSD . 42
B.16.3 Refrigerators and freezers without VSD . 42
B.17 External power supplies (EPS) . 42
B.17.1 EPS designated for specific models of equipment . 42
B.17.2 EPS not designated for specific models of equipment . 42
Annex C (normative) POHC calculation . 44
C.1 General . 44
C.2 Calculation of the POHC from the final values of the harmonic currents,
averaged over the complete observation time . 44
C.3 Calculation of the final POHC from single POHC values for each DFT time
window . 44
Annex D (informative) Symmetry of mains current waveforms . 45
Bibliography . 52

Figure 1 – Flowchart for determining conformity . 24
Figure 2 – Illustration of the relative phase angle and current parameters described in
7.4.3 . 26
Figure A.1 – Measurement circuit for single-phase equipment. 31
Figure A.2 – Measurement circuit for three-phase equipment . 32

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+AMD2:2024 CSV © IEC 2024
Figure D.1 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 1 . 45
Figure D.2 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 2 . 46
Figure D.3 – Five cycles symmetry – Example 1 . 46
Figure D.4 – Five cycles symmetry – Example 2 . 47
Figure D.5 – Four cycles symmetry . 47
Figure D.6 – One cycle symmetry . 48
Figure D.7 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 3 . 48
Figure D.8 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 4 . 49
Figure D.9 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 5 . 49
Figure D.10 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 6 . 50
Figure D.11 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 7 . 50
Figure D.12 – Three cycles symmetry – Example 8 . 51

Table 1 – Limits for Class A equipment . 27
a
Table 2 – Limits for Class C equipment . 27
Table 3 – Limits for Class D equipment . 28
Table 4 – Test observation period . 28
Table B.1 – Conventional load for arc welding equipment tests . 41

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INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and
non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates
closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined
by agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This consolidated version of the official IEC Standard and its amendment has been
prepared for user convenience.
IEC 61000-3-2 edition 5.2 contains the fifth edition (2018-01) [documents 77A/986/FDIS
and 77A/990/RVD], its amendment 1 (2020-07) [documents 77A/1077/FDIS and
77A/1084/RVD] and its Interpretation Sheet (2021-08), and its amendment 2 (2024-03)
[documents 77A/1161/CDV and 77A/1181/RVC].
In this Redline version, a vertical line in the margin shows where the technical content
is modified by amendments 1 and 2. Additions are in green text, deletions are in
strikethrough red text. A separate Final version with all changes accepted is available
in this publication.
REDLINE VERSION – 6 – IEC 61000-3-2:2018+AMD1:2020
+AMD2:2024 CSV © IEC 2024
International Standard IEC 61000-3-2 has been prepared by sub-committee 77A: EMC – Low
frequency phenomena, of IEC technical committee 77: Electromagnetic compatibility.
It forms part 3-2 of the IEC 61000 series. It has the status of a product family standard.
This fifth edition constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) an update of the emission limits for lighting equipment with a rated power ≤ 25 W to take
into account new types of lighting equipment;
b) the addition of a threshold of 5 W under which no emission limits apply to all lighting
equipment;
c) the modification of the requirements applying to the dimmers when operating
non-incandescent lamps;
d) the addition of test conditions for digital load side transmission control devices;
e) the removal of the use of reference lamps and reference ballasts for the tests of lighting
equipment;
f) the simplification and clarification of the terminology used for lighting equipment;
g) the classification of professional luminaires for stage lighting and studios under Class A;
h) a clarification about the classification of emergency lighting equipment;
i) a clarification for lighting equipment including one control module with an active input
power ≤ 2 W;
j) an update of the test conditions for television receivers;
k) an update of the test conditions for induction hobs, taking also into account the other
types of cooking appliances;
l) for consistency with IEC 61000-3-12, a change of the scope of IEC 61000-3-2 from
equipment with an input current ≤ 16 A to equipment with a rated input current ≤ 16 A.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 61000 series, published under the general title, Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC), can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document and its amendments will
remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch
in the data related to the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
+AMD2:2024 CSV © IEC 2024
INTRODUCTION
IEC 61000 is published in separate parts, according to the following structure:
Part 1: General
General considerations (introduction, fundamental principles)
Definitions, terminology
Part 2: Environment
Description levels of the environment
Classification of the environment
Compatibility levels
Part 3: Limits
Emission limits
Immunity limits (in so far as they do not fall under the responsibility of the product
committees)
Part 4: Testing and measurement techniques
Measurement techniques
Testing techniques
Part 5: Installation and mitigation guidelines
Installation guidelines
Mitigation methods and devices
Part 6: Generic standards
Part 9: Miscellaneous
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. Others will be published with the part number followed by a dash and a second
number identifying the subdivision (example: IEC 61000-6-1).

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INTRODUCTION to Amendment 2
Amendment 2 to IEC 61000-3-2 Ed. 5.1 (= IEC 61000-3-2:2018 plus
IEC 61000-3-2/AMD1:2021) is based on 77A/1098/Q, 77A/1106/DISH, 77A/1123A/RQ,
77A/1149/CD, 77A/1150/CD, 77A/1151/CD, 77A/1152/CD, the observations to these CD’s and
discussions in SC77A / WG1 during the meetings October 2021, May 2022 and November
2022.
At CD stage the amendment has been split into 4 different fragments:
Fragment 1 Lighting equipment
Fragment 2 Test conditions
Fragment 3 Repeatability and measurement uncertainty
Fragment 4 Miscellaneous
As the number of comments on the 4 different CDs was not very high, SC77A WG1 during its
meeting November 2022 in San Diego decided to combine the 4 fragments already at CDV
stage.
This amendment contains the following main changes in comparison with IEC 61000-3-2:2018
and IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD1:2020:
• Inclusion of Interpretation Sheet IEC 61000-3-2:2018/AMD1:2020/ISH1:2021
• New terms and definitions reflecting the actual luminaires on the market
• Adapted test conditions for actual luminaires on the market
• Consolidate the test conditions for video-cassette recorders
• Revision of test conditions for washing machines
• Clarification of references in clause B.17
• Adding IEC Guide 115 to the normative references
• Better specification for repeatability
• New specification for measurement uncertainty and decision rule where in comparison
with 77A/1161/CDV the notes in 8.2.1 have been updated to refer to the newest
version of IEC Guide 115
• Adding IEC TR 61000-1-6 to the bibliography
• New definition for an independent function
• New definitions for symmetrical control, asymmetrical control and phase control
• Clarification that special test conditions in Annex B have precedence over the general
test conditions in clause 6.3.1
• Clarification for the calculation of THC, THD or POHC (The disregarding of currents
less than 0,6 % of input current or less than 5 mA applies only to individual
harmonics.)
• Clarification for the application of class D limits
• Clarification for the requirements on the test voltage in A.2, bullet d)
• Addition of an informative Annex D "Symmetry of mains current waveforms"

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ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) –

Part 3-2: Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions
(equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)

1 Scope
This part of IEC 61000 deals with the limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public
supply system.
It specifies limits of harmonic components of the input current which can be produced by
equipment tested under specified conditions.
This part of IEC 61000 is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having a rated
input current up to and including 16 A per phase, and intended to be connected to public
low-voltage distribution systems.
Arc welding equipment, which is not professional equipment, with a rated input current up to
and including 16 A per phase, is included in the scope of this document. Arc welding
equipment intended for professional use, as specified in IEC 60974-1, is excluded from this
document and can be subject to installation restrictions as indicated in IEC 61000-3-12. All
other arc welding equipment is excluded from the scope of this document; however, the
harmonics emission can be evaluated using IEC 61000-3-12 and relevant installation
restrictions.
The tests according to this document are type tests.
For systems with nominal voltages less than but not equal to 220 V (line-to-neutral), the limits
have not yet been considered.
NOTE The words apparatus, appliance, device and equipment are used throughout this document. They have the
same meaning for the purposes of this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
IEC 60050-161:1990, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 161:
Electromagnetic compatibility (available at www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60107-1:1997, Methods of measurement on receivers for television broadcast
transmissions – Part 1: General considerations – Measurements at radio and video
frequencies
IEC 60155:1993, Glow-starters for fluorescent lamps
IEC 60268-1:1985, Sound system equipment – Part 1: General
IEC 60268-1:1985/AMD1:1988
IEC 60268-1:1985/AMD2:1988
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IEC 60268-3:2018, Sound system equipment – Part 3: Amplifiers
IEC 60335-2-2:2019, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-2:
Particular requirements for vacuum cleaners and water-suction cleaning appliances
IEC 60335-2-14:2016, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-14:
Particular requirements for kitchen machines
IEC 60335-2-14:2016/AMD1:2019
IEC 60335-2-24:20102020, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-24:
Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice makers
IEC 60335-2-79:2021, Household and similar electrical appliances – Safety – Part 2-79:
Particular requirements for high pressure cleaners and steam cleaners
IEC 60598-2-17:2017, Luminaires – Part 2-17: Particular requirements – Luminaires for stage
lighting, television and film studios (outdoor and indoor)
IEC 60974-1:2021, Arc welding equipment – Part 1: Welding power sources
IEC 61000-4-7:2002, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-7: Testing and
measurement techniques – General guide on harmonics and interharmonics measurements
and instrumentation, for power supply systems and equipment connected thereto
IEC 61000-4-7:2002/AMD1:2008
IEC 62756-1:2015, Digital load side transmission lighting control (DLT) – Part 1: Basic
requirements
IEC GUIDE 115:2023, Application of uncertainty of measurement to conformity assessment
activities in the electrotechnical sector
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-161
and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
portable tool
electrical tool which is hand-held during normal operation and used for a short time (a few
minutes) only
Note 1 to entry: Hand-held means that no part of the tool, except the power cord, rests on the floor during normal
operation.
3.2
lamp
source intended to produce an optical radiation, usually visible
Note 1 to entry: For the purposes of this document, a lamp can also be a solid state lighting module which can
contain further components, for example optical, electrical, mechanical and/or electronic components.
light source provided with at least one cap

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Note 1 to entry: For products that have the same physical characteristics as lamps for general lighting but that
are built to emit optical radiation mainly in the IR or UV spectrum, the term IR lamp or UV lamp is often used.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-008, modified – existing notes 2 and 3 have been
removed, the term “electric” has been removed from the term and the definition]
3.3
self-ballasted integrated lamp
unit which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, is provided with a lamp
cap and incorporates a light source and the lighting control gear necessary for the operation
of the light source
electric lamp which cannot be dismantled without being permanently damaged, incorporating
lighting control gear, and all additional elements necessary for starting and stable operation of
the light source, designed for direct connection to the supply voltage
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:2020, 845-27-009]
3.4
luminaire
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from one or more lamps
and which includes, except the lamps themselves, all the parts necessary for fixing and
protecting the lamps and, where necessary, circuit auxiliaries together with the means for
connecting them to the electric supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845:1987, 845-10-01, modified – the existing notes have been
removed]
apparatus which distributes, filters or transforms the light transmitted from at least one source
of optical radiation and which includes, except the sources themselves, all the parts
necessary for fixing and protecting the sources (IEV 845-21-032) and, where necessary,
circuit auxiliaries together with the means for connecting them to the power supply
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-845: 845-30-001:2020, modified – existing note has been removed]
3.5
input current
current directly supplied to an equipment or a part of equipment by the AC distribution system
3.6
circuit power factor
ratio of the measured active input power to the product of the RMS supply voltage and the
RMS supply current
void
3.7
active input power
mean value of the instantaneous power, taken over 10 (50 Hz systems) or 12 (60 Hz systems)
fundamental periods and measured in accordance with IEC 61000-4-7:2002 and IEC 61000-4-
7:2002/AMD1:2008 at the input supply terminals of the equipment under test
Note 1 to entry: The active input power is the active power measured at the input supply terminals of the
equipment under test.
3.8
balanced three-phase equipment
equipment having rated line current modules which differ by no more than 20 %

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3.9
professional equipment
equipment for use in trades, professions or industries and which is not intended for sale to the
general public, as designated by the manufacturer
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-161:1990, 161-05-05, modified – the existing Note has been replaced
by the text added at the end of the definition]
3.10
total harmonic current
THC
total RMS value of the harmonic current components of orders 2 to 40, expressed as:
THC = I
h
∑
h=2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.11
total harmonic distortion
THD
ratio of the RMS value of the sum of the harmonic components (in this context, harmonic
current components I of orders 2 to 40) to the RMS value of the fundamental component,
h
expressed as:
 I 
h
 
THD =
∑
 
I
 1 
h =2
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.12
partial odd harmonic current
POHC
total RMS value of the odd harmonic current components of orders 21 to 39, expressed as:
POHC = I
h
∑
h=21,23
Note 1 to entry: Details for the calculation of the POHC are given in Annex C.
Note 1 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.13
lighting equipment
equipment with a primary function of generating and/or regulating and/or distributing optical
the radiation emitted by a light source
Note 1 to entry: See also 5.2.
3.14
stand-by mode
non-operational, low power consumption mode (usually indicated in some way on the
equipment) that can persist for an indefinite time

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3.15
repeatability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with the same test
system, at the same location, under identical test conditions
3.16
reproducibility
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on the same equipment under test, carried out with different test
systems under conditions of measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
3.17
variability
closeness of the agreement between the results of measurements
of harmonic currents on different samples of the same type of equipment under test, having
no intentional differences, carried out with different test systems under conditions of
measurement intended to be the same in each case
Note 1 to entry: The test system and test conditions are assumed to fulfil all normative requirements in the
applicable standards.
Note 2 to entry: In the context of thi
...