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Have you ever noticed lights flickering when electronic equipment is plugged in? Or one device switching off when a particularly power-hungry device is switched on?
These are examples of disruptions in electronic device function caused by voltage fluctuations and flicker — short-duration decreases and increases in voltage that can develop when certain devices affect a system’s electrical load.
IEC 61000-3-3 is a standard set by the International Electrotechnical Commission, or IEC. It’s part of the IEC 61000 series of standards, and deals specifically with limits of voltage changes, fluctuations and flicker in public, low-voltage power supply systems.
Like other IEC standards, IEC 61000-3-3 exists to ensure that electronic devices can function effectively in both residential, commercial and industrial settings without the issues above.
If you’re an electrical device manufacturer, it’s important to make sure that your device is fully compliant with IEC 61000-3-3 before going to market.
As an accredited testing lab, we can provide ongoing advice to help you achieve compliance with IEC 61000-3-3 and perform full testing and documentation for your device.
To request a quote or learn more about IEC 61000-3-3 testing and compliance, contact us now or call our team at 866-540-5287.
You can also find out more about this IEC standard, why it’s important and how you can achieve compliance by reading below.
What is IEC 61000-3-3?
IEC 61000-3-3 is one part of the IEC 61000 series of standards, which are designed to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) between devices.
More specifically, IEC 61000-3-3 sets limits for voltage changes that can be caused by electric devices. It’s designed to prevent electrical devices from causing rapid voltage fluctuations, as these may disrupt other devices and prevent them from functioning properly.
IEC 61000-3-3 is designed specifically for devices that may affect the public low voltage power supply, such as appliances and other devices.
For example, a non-compliant washing machine that causes voltage fluctuations may result in lamps flickering or other devices switching off when it operates. The IEC 61000-3-3 standards exist to prevent these issues from occurring, ensuring reliable electrical device operation.
Why is IEC 61000-3-3 Compliance Important?
While a flickering light might seem like little more than an annoyance, devices that trigger the rapid voltage fluctuations IEC 61000-3-3 is designed to prevent can potentially cause serious problems, especially in industrial or healthcare settings.
For example, a non-compliance device that affects lighting may cause visibility problems in a dangerous area, leading to injuries. Strong voltage charges and fluctuations can also prevent devices from working properly, which could result in false reading or damage.
As a manufacturer, complying with IEC 61000-3-3 isn’t just important for ensuring your device offers optimal safety — it’s also a key part of complying with local regulations in many markets, including the European Union.
For example, the EU’s EMC Directives are derived from IEC standards. Designing your device to comply with IEC standards is an important step towards accessing international markets for your device.
Furthermore, complying with IEC 61000-3-3 and other international standards shows that your device is designed and manufactured to a high standard, strengthening your brand image and reputation as a manufacturer.
How to Comply With IEC 61000-3-3
Design Your Device With Compliance in Mind
The IEC 61000-3-3 standard applies to many devices that are designed to be connected to the public low-voltage power supply. If your device is affected by this standard, it’s critical to make compliance part of your design process from the very beginning.
This could mean making design decisions and choosing components based on their ability to comply with the IEC 61000-3-3 standard.
Consider consulting our engineering team about compliance early in your design process to ensure you don’t need to make costly changes to your device later in the process.
Complete Professional IEC 61000-3-3 Testing
Testing for IEC 61000-3-3 involves assessing your device for voltage changes, fluctuations and flicker. Your device will need to operate within the limits set by this standard in order to achieve IEC 61000-3-3 compliance.
This type of testing is performed by a professional lab. As an accredited testing lab, we can test your device for IEC 61000-3-3 compliance by simulating the public low-voltage electrical supply and measuring your device’s voltage and flicker severity in a variety of usage scenarios.
If Necessary, Make Design Changes and Re-Test
If your device passes testing for IEC 61000-3-3, the documentation can be used to certify your device. However, if your device fails testing, you may need to make changes to its design and components in order to remedy the issues and pass testing in the future.
Our experienced team can advise you on components and design for optimal compliance with IEC 61000-3-3 and other standards and regulatory requirements.
Talk to Our Team About IEC 61000-3-3 Testing & Compliance
Operating since 1963, we’ve helped hundreds of electrical device manufacturers achieve total compliance with IEC standards, FCC regulations and CE requirements.
If your device is subject to IEC 61000-3-3 or harmonized standards, our team can help you to achieve compliance, whether you’re starting to design your device and want expert assistance or ready to begin testing.
To learn more, ask a question about IEC or other standards, or request a quote for testing your device, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 to speak to our engineering team.
