IEC 61587-3:2013

Overview

IEC 61587-3:2013 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies electromagnetic shielding performance tests for empty cabinets and subracks designed to house electronic equipment. This standard applies to mechanical structures following the IEC 60297 and IEC 60917 series, focusing on shielding effectiveness in the frequency range of 30 MHz to 3,000 MHz. As a technical revision of the 2006 edition, this 2013 version corrects prior electromagnetic code descriptions and extends the testing frequency range to 3 GHz.

The main objective of IEC 61587-3:2013 is to ensure that cabinets and subracks deliver adequate electromagnetic shielding to support electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in industrial applications. While the standard provides a framework to assess shielding levels, it is intended to complement-not replace-the final EMC compliance testing of fully equipped enclosures.

Key Topics

• Scope of Testing: The standard applies exclusively to empty enclosures, such as cabinets and subracks, excluding the performance of installed electronic equipment. It addresses typical industrial use cases and stipulates attenuation levels to classify shielding performance.

• Frequency Range: Testing covers electromagnetic shielding performance from 30 MHz up to 3,000 MHz, reflecting the needs of modern electronic installations and radio-frequency environments.

• Test Methods:IEC 61587-3 outlines test setups for semi-anechoic and full anechoic chambers or open-field test sites, ensuring accurate and repeatable measurements. Important test conditions include:

  • Calibration of transmitting and receiving antennas
  • Precise positioning and configuration of test specimens
  • Measurement of radiated electromagnetic field attenuation

• Performance Levels: Shielding effectiveness is quantified through stipulated attenuation values corresponding to different shielding performance levels, designed to guide users in choosing suitable enclosures based on application requirements.

• Harmonization with Other Standards: This standard supports and complements IEC 61000-5-7 (protection degrees against electromagnetic disturbances) and relates to testing methodologies defined in IEC 61000-4-3 (radiated immunity testing) and CISPR 16-1 (radio disturbance and immunity measurement techniques).

Applications

IEC 61587-3:2013 is crucial for manufacturers, testers, and system integrators engaged in:

• Designing and manufacturing mechanical structures such as electronic cabinets and subracks that demand reliable electromagnetic shielding.
• Performing preliminary shielding performance verification before installing sensitive electronics to reduce interference risks.
• Supporting EMC compliance programs by establishing clear benchmarks for enclosure shielding capabilities.
• Assessing design variations and improvements in enclosure construction to achieve targeted electromagnetic attenuation.
• Selecting appropriate enclosures for industrial automation, telecommunications equipment, data centers, and test laboratories, where electromagnetic interference can impact equipment operation.

This standard ensures products meet specific EM shielding requirements, thus helping to prevent electromagnetic interference that could degrade or interrupt electronic system performance.

Related Standards

• IEC 60297 – Mechanical structures for electronic equipment – Dimensions of 19-inch racks and subracks.
• IEC 60917 – Modular order for mechanical structures of electronic equipment.
• IEC 61000-4-3 – EMC testing and measurement techniques – Radiated, radio-frequency, electromagnetic field immunity test.
• IEC 61000-5-7 – EMC installation and mitigation guidelines regarding degrees of protection by enclosures against electromagnetic disturbances.
• CISPR 16-1 – Specifications for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods.

By adhering to IEC 61587-3:2013, industries can confidently evaluate and specify electronic cabinet and subrack designs that offer effective electromagnetic shielding, facilitating robust EMC solutions and maintaining system integrity in complex electromagnetic environments.