IEC 62586-2:2017

Overview

IEC 62586-2:2017 - "Power quality measurement in power supply systems - Part 2: Functional tests and uncertainty requirements" specifies functional test procedures and uncertainty requirements for instruments that measure, record and monitor power quality (PQ) parameters. It applies to PQ instruments that implement measuring methods defined in IEC 61000-4-30 (class A or S) and complements IEC 62586-1. The standard covers single-, dual- (split-phase) and 3‑phase AC systems at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Edition 2 (2017) is a technical revision of the 2013 edition, adds test procedures for rapid voltage changes (RVC) and current, and incorporates the June 2018 corrigendum.

Key topics and requirements

The document defines functional testing and uncertainty management for PQ instruments, including:

• Functional tests for Class A and Class S instruments (separate procedures and criteria)
• Measurement topics: power frequency, magnitude of supply voltage, flicker, interruptions / dips / swells, voltage unbalance
• Spectral measurements: voltage harmonics and interharmonics, and mains signalling voltages
• Rapid voltage changes (RVC): detection, thresholds and evaluation
• Current measurements: magnitude, harmonics, interharmonics, and unbalance
• Flagging and event detection behaviors
• Clock uncertainty and time-stamping performance
• Influence quantities and environmental effects: temperature and instrument supply variations
• Test setup and equipment, stabilization times, test topology and aggregation methods
• Uncertainty calculation: intrinsic measurement uncertainty and operating uncertainty (see Annex A)

All tests define measurement methods, measurement ranges, evaluation/aggregation approaches and acceptance criteria for compliance testing.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 62586-2:2017 is intended for:

• Manufacturers of power quality analyzers, digital fault recorders, revenue meters and MV/HV protection relays that embed class A/S PQ functions
• Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting functional type tests and conformity assessments
• Utilities, transmission/distribution system operators and consultants specifying PQ measurement performance for procurement or compliance
• R&D and QA teams validating instrument performance under environmental and network influence conditions

Using this standard ensures consistent, repeatable testing, reliable PQ data for compliance and diagnostics, and interoperability when devices reference IEC 61000-4-30 measurement methods.

Related standards

• IEC 61000-4-30 (Measurement methods and performance classes for power quality)
• IEC 62586-1 (General requirements for PQ instruments)
• Product standards for meters, relays and recorders that reference class A/S PQ functions

Keywords: IEC 62586-2:2017, power quality measurement, IEC 61000-4-30, functional tests, uncertainty requirements, class A, class S, RVC, harmonics, interruptions.