Regulating mains pollution

The latest additions to the EMC Directives, EN 61000-3-2 and EN 61000-3-3 (effective from 1 January 2001), are aimed at limiting the growing problem of equipment-generated distortion on electricity supply networks. For the present, the standards are targeted solely at equipment manufacturers; however in time they will also affect regional electricity supply companies and electricity consumers. A related measure, UK Engineering Recommendation G5/4, which also became effective on 1 January 2001 addressed the more general issue of allowable harmonic limits on electricity distribution networks. The author outlines the provisions of these new standards, designed to limit harmonic distortions in the electricity supply network.