The "power factor correction" standard is IEC 1000-3-2 (aka EN 61000-3-2).
This standard applies to ALL electrical and electronic products exceeding 75 watts maximum rated power. The EN standard applies to all countries of the European Community (most of Western Europe). EN 61000-3-2 falls under the EMC Directive. The EMC Directive is effective 01 January 1996. Therefore, EN 61000-3-2 is effective 01 January 1996. ---------------------------------------------------------------- EN 61000-3-2 replaces EN 60555-2 (aka IEC 555-2). EN 60555-2 applies to home appliances. For products currently under EN 60555-2, the Date of Withdrawal (DOW) of EN 60555-2 is 01 January 1997. Therefore, EN 61000-3-2 is effective for home appliances 01 January 1997. ---------------------------------------------------------------- An interpretation is that because EN 60555-2 excludes all other equipment, the DOW is also the effective date for all equipment excluded from EN 60555-2. Therefore, the effective date of EN 61000-3-2 for ALL equipment is 01 January 1997. >From discussions in this forum, it appears that some authorities in some countries (e.g., the U.K.) are accepting this interpretation, while other authorities and other countries are silent. ---------------------------------------------------------------- The conservative approach (i.e., without risk) for non-home appliance products is that such products comply with EN 61000-3-2 as of 01 January 1996. The risky approach is to delay incorporation of power factor correction until 01 January 1997. The risky approach relies on an interpretation, which varies among authorities and countries. If an authority or country holds the conservative position, then the risk is that of being caught claiming compliance with the EMC Directive, yet not including EN 61000-3-2 in the Manufacturer's Declaration. The risk is having products denied entry into the country, and recall for those products already within the country. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Clearly, the folks responsible for EN 61000-3-2 have created a very difficult position for manufacturers, one without sufficient notice for implementation, and one with confusing effective dates. If you have followed the development of IEC 1000-3-2, you will have seen the rather dictatorial style of the committee leaders and lack of consideration for other viewpoints. Furthermore, it is clear that they have not provided leadership in providing adequate public announcement that the standard becomes effective with the EMC Directive. We've had years to prepare for the EMC Directive, but only about one year to prepare for EN 61000-3-2. Best regards, Rich
