IEC 61000-4-24:2015

Overview

IEC 61000-4-24:2015 (Edition 2, consolidated with AMD1:2023) is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard in the IEC 61000 EMC series that specifies testing and measurement techniques for protective devices against HEMP (high‑altitude electromagnetic pulse) conducted disturbance. It defines test methods for two‑terminal protective elements (for example, gas discharge tubes (GDTs) and varistors) and two‑port surge protective devices (SPDs) such as HEMP combination filters. The document covers verification of breakdown and voltage‑limiting behaviour and measurement of residual voltage/residual current, peak rate of rise, and root action for very fast transients. Edition 2 replaces the 1997 edition and is a basic EMC publication per IEC Guide 107.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope of devices: Two‑terminal surge arresters, two‑port SPDs (combination filters), and RF antenna port protectors.
• Test objectives: Characterize voltage breakdown, clamping/voltage‑limiting performance, residual voltages/currents, and dynamic parameters (rise time, peak dI/dt).
• Test equipment & setup: Requirements for pulse generators, launching lines, test fixtures (Type A/B), terminations, oscilloscopes, and current sensors.
• Measurement procedures: Verification of pulse waveforms, wiring configurations for single‑line and multi‑line DUTs, measurement of short‑circuit current and residual currents, and verification setups for filters and RF protectors.
• Performance evaluation: Criteria and reporting requirements for pass/fail assessment, including tabulated performance criteria for AC/DC power ports, signal/data ports, and RF antenna ports (early‑time and intermediate‑time HEMP conditions).
• Annexes: Informative annexes covering setup investigations, quantitative coaxial protector testing, and residual measurement guidance for antenna ports.

Practical applications

• Manufacturers of surge protective devices (SPDs) and antenna port protectors use IEC 61000‑4‑24 to validate product performance against HEMP‑like conducted transients.
• EMC test laboratories and certification bodies apply the methods to produce reproducible measurements and compliance reports.
• Design and reliability engineers for utilities, telecommunications, broadcast, defence, and critical infrastructure reference the standard when specifying protective components for HEMP resilience.
• Procurement and specification teams use the standard’s performance criteria to select and compare protective devices for equipment and system hardening.

Related standards

• IEC 61000 series (EMC testing and immunity standards) - IEC 61000‑4‑24 is part of this family.
• IEC Guide 107 - explains the status of basic EMC publications (standard classification).

Keywords: IEC 61000-4-24, HEMP, electromagnetic compatibility, EMC, surge protective devices, gas discharge tube, varistor, combination filter, residual voltage, pulse generator, antenna port protector.