When you plug an electronic device into a power system, it can produce harmonic currents that may cause safety and performance problems. 

These harmonic currents can interfere with the operation of other electronic devices. They may also cause inefficiencies in the power distribution system.

IEC 61000-3-2 is a standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission that limits the harmonic currents produced by devices. As an electronics manufacturer, it’s important to ensure your device complies with IEC 61000-3-2 to promote safety and achieve market access.

What is IEC 61000-3-2?

IEC 61000-3-2 is one of many standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission, or IEC, to promote safe, reliable and efficient electronics. The standard sets limits for harmonic current emissions produced by electrical equipment.

Put more simply, IEC 61000-3-2 sets limits on the amount of “electrical noise” a device can emit when it’s plugged into the power grid. 

When a device exceeds the limits set under IEC 61000-3-2, it may cause disruptions to devices that use the same power supply, as well as the power grid itself. The IEC 61000-3-2 standard is critical for preventing these disruptions and ensuring electronic devices function properly. 

Why is IEC 61000-3-2 Important?

When devices produce an excessive amount of harmonic current, they may disrupt the power grid and cause issues with other devices.

For example, a device that produces an excessive amount of harmonic current may cause the lights in your home or building to flicker when it’s plugged in. Harmonic currents can also affect radio devices and cause them to emit unwanted noise. 

Protection of the Power Grid

When a device creates too much harmonic current, it can disrupt the function of other devices that use the same power system. In addition to flickering lights and radio noises, this may lead to overheating of electrical network components and an increase in peak voltage.

The power grid is a shared resource, and the standards set under IEC 61000-3-2 are designed to prevent damage to this resource from equipment that emits harmonic currents.

Put simply, IEC 61000-3-2 makes sure that devices “play nice” with each other by limiting total harmonic currents and preventing damage to the system. 

Global Market Access

As a manufacturer, complying with IEC 61000-3-2 isn’t just about preventing potential damage to the power grid — it’s also about gaining market access.

Many countries require compliance with IEC 61000-3-2 or related standards for any electronic devices that enter the market. 

For example, IEC 61000-3-2 standards are referenced as part of the EU’s EMC Directive. The IEC 61000-3-2 standards are also harmonized with standards in countries such as Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and others. 

This means that if you want to sell your products in certain markets, you’ll need to ensure that it’s compliant with IEC 61000-3-2.

How to Achieve IEC 61000-3-2 Compliance

Test Your Product for Harmonic Currents

A critical part of achieving compliance with IEC 61000-3-2 is testing your product for harmonic currents. Devices are classified into classes by the IEC based on their purpose, with standards for testing based on the specific type of device.

As specialists in compliance testing, we can test your device’s harmonic currents using special equipment and compare its harmonic currents to the limits set by IEC 61000-3-2. 

Contact us online or call our team at 866-540-5287 to discuss testing methods for your device and achieving compliance with IEC 61000-3-2.

If Necessary, Make Design & Component Adjustments

If your device emits harmonic currents in excess of the limits set by IEC 61000-3-2, you’ll likely need to make design changes or other modifications to achieve compliance.

This process varies depending on the type of device you’re producing, its components, and the severity of its harmonic currents compared to the IEC 61000-3-2 limits.

Our team can assist you and recommend changes to help you reduce your device’s harmonic currents and achieve compliance with IEC 61000-3-2.

Achieve Certification

Once your product meets the requirements set under IEC 61000-3-2, the final step is to achieve certification. As an accredited testing lab, we can verify that your device complies with the limits set under IEC 61000-3-2 and help you achieve certification. 

After receiving certification, your product can successfully enter the market in any countries that require IEC 61000-3-2 or equivalent certification, and you can display the IEC certification mark on your product to assure customers of its quality and compliance. 

Who Else is Affected by IEC 61000-3-2?

Although electronics manufacturers are the primary audience for IEC 61000-3-2, this standard can also affect other parties: 

Importers and Distributors

In many markets, importers and distributors need to ensure that their products comply with IEC standards, including IEC 61000-3-2. Selling non-compliant products may result in penalties and damage to an importer or distributor’s reputation. 

End Users

For consumers and business/industrial users, products that comply with IEC 61000-3-2 mean fewer disruptions and more consistent, reliable performance.

Achieving IEC 61000-3-2 serves as a strong indicator that your device is a quality product that won’t cause issues when plugged in. 

Talk to Our Team About IEC 61000-3-2 Testing & Compliance

Achieving compliance with IEC 61000-3-2 is a key part of demonstrating that your product is safe and reliable. It’s also critical for accessing many markets, including in Europe, Australia, Singapore and elsewhere. 

As specialists in device testing and compliance, we can help you achieve full compliance with IEC 61000-3-2, as well as FCC and EU standards.

To learn more about IEC 61000-3-2 compliance, request a quote for your device, or simply talk to our engineers, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.