IEC 61326-2-2:2020

Overview

IEC 61326-2-2:2020 is a part-specific IEC standard that defines detailed EMC requirements for portable testing, measuring and monitoring equipment used in low-voltage distribution systems. It is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC 61326-1:2020 (general requirements) and specifies test configurations, operational conditions and performance criteria for battery-powered and/or circuit-powered portable equipment such as voltage detectors, insulation testers, earth continuity and resistance testers, leakage current clamps, loop impedance and RCD-testers, and phase sequence testers (examples aligned with IEC 61557).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Focuses on portable equipment used for testing protective measures in LV distribution systems and powered by battery and/or the measured circuit.
• EMC test plan: Guidance on test arrangement, documentation and the EMC test plan aligned with IEC 61326-1.
• EUT configuration during testing:
  • Connect test and measurement ports using recommended or typical leads.
  • For RF immunity (IEC 61000-4-3) test setups, leads should be arranged horizontally 0.1 m apart; leads longer than 1 m should be bundled so the test object is 1 m from the EUT.
  • Voltage measurement test object example: 1 000 Ω ± 100 Ω resistor in series with a test lead.
  • Current measurement test object example: 100 Ω ± 10 Ω resistor in parallel with test leads.
• Operational conditions: Equipment shall be tested in the most sensitive ranges or combinations of ranges; each multifunctional function is tested separately.
• Immunity and emissions: Defines immunity test conditions, performance criteria and emission requirements specific to portable LV testing equipment.
• Test reporting and instructions: Requirements for test results, test reports and manufacturer instructions relevant to EMC behaviour.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Manufacturers and designers of portable electrical test equipment to ensure EMC compliance and product robustness in the field.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing immunity and emission testing for LV distribution test instruments.
• Utilities, installers and maintenance engineers seeking assurance that their handheld/measuring tools are reliable under electromagnetic disturbances.
• Compliance engineers preparing EMC test plans, reports and user instructions for market entry.

Related standards

• IEC 61326-1:2020 - General EMC requirements for measurement, control and laboratory equipment.
• IEC 61557 (all parts) - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring protective measures in LV distribution systems.
• IEC 61000-4-3 and IEC 61000-4-6 - Referenced for radiated and conducted immunity test methods and coupling arrangements.

Keywords: IEC 61326-2-2:2020, EMC requirements, portable testing equipment, low-voltage distribution systems, immunity tests, emissions, EUT, IEC 61326-1, IEC 61557.