IEC 61851-21-2:2018

Overview

IEC 61851-21-2:2018 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for off-board equipment used in the conductive charging of electric vehicles (EVs). The standard applies to charging equipment supplied by an AC or DC supply, operating at input voltages up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC, covering all currently defined charging modes (mode 1 to mode 4) as outlined in IEC 61851-1:2017. The focus is strictly on off-board charging systems, ensuring they meet essential EMC emission and immunity criteria to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and maintain the safety and functionality of both the charging infrastructure and nearby electronic systems.

Key Topics

• Scope of EMC Testing: The standard specifies requirements only for off-board (external to the vehicle) EV charging equipment involved in conductive power transfer (CPT). On-board vehicle equipment is covered by a separate standard (IEC 61851-21-1).
• EMC Requirements: Addresses both emission (outward electromagnetic energy) and immunity (resilience to external disturbances), tailored for different environmental settings (residential, commercial/industrial).
• Testing Procedures:
  • Defines test setups, operating modes, and conditions for accurate EMC assessment.
  • Requires tests in both “waiting mode” (system powered, not charging) and “charge mode” (active charging) at specified power levels.
• Port Definitions: Clear specification of equipment ports (power input, CPT port, signal/control port, wired network port, and enclosure port), ensuring comprehensive EMC coverage.
• Annexes: Provides practical examples of test setups, handling of communication and termination devices, and specific EMC considerations for DC charging and keyless entry systems.
• Technical Revision: Supersedes IEC 61851-21:2001, focusing exclusively on EMC aspects and clarifying port/test definitions.

Applications

Implementing IEC 61851-21-2:2018 brings significant value to various stakeholders in the electric vehicle ecosystem:

• Manufacturers of EV Charging Equipment: Ensures products meet the latest international EMC standards, required for European and global market entry.
• System Integrators and Installers: Provides clarity on installation practices to avoid EMC-related faults and ensures reliable, uninterrupted charging operations in all settings (home, commercial, public, industrial).
• Testing Laboratories: Supplies detailed guidance on test procedures, setups, and criteria for type testing and certification.
• Urban Planners and Utilities: Facilitates the deployment of charging infrastructure with minimal impact on local environments, reducing the risk of interference with grid operations or nearby residential electronics.
• Regulatory Bodies and Inspectors: Establishes a clear benchmark for compliance audits and market surveillance.

By adhering to IEC 61851-21-2:2018, the industry guarantees that off-board EV charging stations operate safely, efficiently, and compatibly with existing electronic environments, reducing EMI-related risks for end users and neighboring devices.

Related Standards

Several standards interconnect to ensure a comprehensive framework for electric vehicle charging systems:

• IEC 61851-1:2017 - General requirements for electric vehicle conductive charging systems.
• IEC 61851-21-1 - EMC requirements for on-board charging equipment.
• IEC 61851-23 - DC charging stations for electric vehicles.
• IEC 60038:2009 - Standard voltages.
• IEC 61000 series - Core EMC standards specifying generic and specific emission/immunity requirements and test methodologies.
• CISPR 16 series - Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and methods.
• IEC 61980 (all parts) - Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for electric vehicles (when dealing with inductive or wireless charging).

Together, these standards ensure the safe, reliable, and harmonized roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure worldwide, covering both product-level requirements and system integration needs.

Keywords: IEC 61851-21-2, electric vehicle charging, EMC requirements, off-board charging, conductive charging, emission limits, immunity testing, charging infrastructure, international standards, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).