Easy EMC Certification: Full Control of Harmonics & Flicker

Harmonics & Flicker in EMC Testing

EMC testing ensures the electromagnetic compatibility of electronic devices. Harmonics are high-frequency current distortions injected into the power grid during device operation, can cause grid pollution or equipment damage. Voltage flicker is voltage fluctuations caused by the start/stop of equipment like lighting and power tools—affects grid stability. Both are critical for testing, impacting device compliance and safety.
Therefore, passing the IEC 61000-3-2 and IEC 61000-3-3 tests is essential for international certification and a method for companies to ensure product compliance and mitigate market risks.
Preen’s AFV-P series Programmable AC power Sources meets the power requirements for these two tests. Regulations specify the single-phase test voltage should be 230V, a peak test voltage between 1.40 and 1.42 times its RMS value, a crest factor angle within 87-93 degrees, and a frequency within ±0.5%. Actual tests were conducted and AFV-P's output parameters are within the regulatory limits, making it an ideal power source for EMC compliance testing.
 ∎Harmonic Current Testing

Following IEC 61000-3-2, harmonic current testing requires measuring the THD of the current at the 2nd to 40th harmonics and verifying its compliance with limit requirements. AFV-P series is the ideal power source for this test due to the following features:

1. Clean Output: THD ≤0.3%, voltage accuracy <0.5%, ensuring the test power source has no additional harmonic interference, preventing data distortion.
2. Fast Response: Response time <300μs, capable of simulating real grid transient fluctuations, suitable for testing high inrush current devices such as air conditioners or power tools.
3. Programmable Features: Supports step, ramp, and transient modes, comes with built-in 50 memory modules, and one-key simulation of complex scenarios, improving testing efficiency.
In power tool testing, AFV-P series can instantaneously output 4.5/9 times of the rated current, simulating the current surge during tool startup. When client used AFV-P series for testing, reports showed that the tool's maximum harmonic current of 815.7mA and total harmonic current (THC) both complied with Class A limits, successfully passing EN 61000-3-2 certification.
 ∎Voltage Flicker Testing
According to IEC 61000-3-3, measuring the voltage fluctuations and short-term flicker value of the device is necessary to assess its interference with the power grid. AFV-P series achieves precise testing through the following advantages:
1. Complied With Different Standards: Global standards such as IEC 61000-3-3 and GB 17625.2 cover device testing with a rated current ≤16A;
2. Precise Output Quality: Output impedance strictly matches standard requirements, ensuring a consistent testing environment.
In lighting testing, AFV-P series provides 230V clean output and monitors voltage fluctuations during light operation through instruments. Test results for Class C luminaire showed a short-term flicker value (Pst) of 0.80 (limit 1.00), a maximum steady-state voltage change d(c) was only -0.11% (limit is 3.3%), and a maximum relative voltage change d(c) was 0.9% (limit is 4%), fully compliant with the standards.
AFV-P series Programmable AC Power Source: Your Go-To for EMC Testing
The AFV-P series not only assists you in testing but also improve the efficiency of EMC certification! Its programmable features and user-friendly touch screen design, along with the Preen Program remote software can simulate different test scenarios easily, reduce repetitive verification and help your products reach the market quickly. Additionally, our power source is compatible with various IEC, EN, and GB standards, avoiding secondary testing due to standard differences.
Furthermore, the AFV-P series boasts a THD≤0.3%, superior to the common >0.5% of other brands; its dynamic response speed is <300μs, compared to >500μs of competitors, and it is suitable for diverse industries. This not only demonstrates Preen’s market competitiveness but also brings more value to customers!

Other Applications