IEC 61000-3-2:2018

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.