Re: Power Factor correction
In article f7e9180f6f7f5840858d3db815e4f7ad05fb9...@cms21.t-yuden.com, Brian O'Connell boconn...@t-yuden.com writes Typically, I have always measured/calculated distortion PF using the current waveform. What market segments tend to use/prefer the voltage w/f ? Do you think that end-users of component power supplies prefer one parametric over the other ? I tried to keep the explanation brief, but obviously it was too brief. In general, both the voltage and the current are distorted, and in-phase components of the voltage and current harmonics add to the true power. Equally, quadrature components add to the apparent power. If you just assume that the voltage is sinusoidal when it isn't, you do not get the right answers. If it only meets the Class A limits, it doesn't have much distortion power factor correction, if any. The displacement power factor depends on how heavily the power supply is loaded. I would appreciate if you could offer more commentary/insight on this statement. Perhaps this is not based on power supplies that use active PFC, where output loading has minimal influence on measured PF within the unit's ratings. It isn't based on power supplies with active PFC. But such supplies normally meet the Class D limits if under 600 W active input power, so I inferred from the citing of Class A limits that your power supply didn't have active PFC. If it does, the power factor is likely to be very high, and not a matter of concern for your customer. But it would be unwise to guess a figure. -- Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. The good news is that nothing is compulsory. The bad news is that everything is prohibited. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk Also see http://www.isce.org.uk This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list.Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to emc-p...@ieee.org Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/listserv/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Scott Douglas emcp...@ptcnh.net For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
RE: Power Factor correction
-Original Message- From: John Woodgate [ mailto:j...@jmwa.demon.co.uk] Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2004 2:03 PM To: emc-p...@ieee.org Subject: Re: Power Factor correction Then there is the 'distortion power factor', which is a measure of the ratio of total r.m.s. voltage to its fundamental component and of the total r.m.s current to its fundamental component. Typically, I have always measured/calculated distortion PF using the current waveform. What market segments tend to use/prefer the voltage w/f ? Do you think that end-users of component power supplies prefer one parametric over the other ? If it only meets the Class A limits, it doesn't have much distortion power factor correction, if any. The displacement power factor depends on how heavily the power supply is loaded. I would appreciate if you could offer more commentary/insight on this statement. Perhaps this is not based on power supplies that use active PFC, where output loading has minimal influence on measured PF within the unit's ratings. You aren't going to solve this without getting your hands on an actual power supply. Believe me! All should heed this statment from a man older and wiser then me... Nothing beats empirical verification, under end-use conditions. luck, Brian This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to emc-p...@ieee.org Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/listserv/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Scott Douglas emcp...@ptcnh.net For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
Re: Power Factor correction
In article 9F347458EDACB64B8FF57DB67E6E0FAA0121E14D@cerebrum.spraycool. com, Gary McInturff gmcintu...@spraycool.com writes We have a new project that is, for all practical purposes a custom design for a client. We purchase a supply that indicates compliance with EN61000-3-2 harmonics. Our customer wants a more quantitative number. Is it 90% PFC, 95% etc. You don't have '90% PFC' power factor correction), you have '90% PF' (power factor). Next, power factor, defined as true power/apparent power, is composite if the load is non-linear. There is a 'displacement power factor', which, if the voltage wave form OR the current waveform is substantially undistorted is simply the cosine of the phase angle between the sinusoidal quantity and the fundamental component of the non-sinusoidal quantity. If both voltage and current are non-sinusoidal, then both the true power and the apparent power contain terms associated with harmonic frequencies. Then there is the 'distortion power factor', which is a measure of the ratio of total r.m.s. voltage to its fundamental component and of the total r.m.s current to its fundamental component. I can't tell that from the spec sheet and quite frankly at this point I can't lay my hands on a power supply yet and obviously we haven't gone to test yet with this in our equipment so I don't believe I have any way of determining this (not sur e that I could tell from the conformance test anyway - can I?) Yes, if you get the raw data (amplitude of every component of supply voltage and input current, with their phase angles) and process it. When I call the power supply manufacturer, I can't directly address the design engineer and all they can tell me is that it meets the requirements for Class A waveform. Am I overlooking something here in the datasheet? Is there anyway to infer what what the PFC % is? If it only meets the Class A limits, it doesn't have much distortion power factor correction, if any. The displacement power factor depends on how heavily the power supply is loaded. You aren't going to solve this without getting your hands on an actual power supply. Believe me! -- Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. The good news is that nothing is compulsory. The bad news is that everything is prohibited. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk Also see http://www.isce.org.uk This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list.Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to emc-p...@ieee.org Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/listserv/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Scott Douglas emcp...@ptcnh.net For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
RE: Power Factor correction
To calc PF you would need to know the true power and apparent power at a particular test configuration. PF for an unit with active (more expensive) PFC should vary very little over the rated input range. PF for units with passive (less expensive) PFC will probably vary several percent over the rated input and output ranges. PF for unit with no PFC (cheap) vary significantly with changes in line quality, and significantly over the rated input and output ranges. No free lunch... It is important to measure PF with an instrument intended for the measurement. There are many ways to measure PF using just scopes and/or meters, but unless you have instruments with very high crest factors, that can make phase-relative measurements, and can accurately integrate over many cycles, your resultant number could be suspect. Final caveat, I have tested component power supplies from various sources. And I have noted a few atypical cases where a unit reliably maintained a consistent and high PF, but was operating at the limits or failing (depending on the Class) according to CISPRs and the 61000-3-2 conducted immunity test. luck, Brian -Original Message- From: robert Macy [ mailto:m...@california.com] Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 4:16 PM To: Gary McInturff; emc-p...@ieee.org Subject: Re: Power Factor correction Gary, Is it possible to calculate the pfc from the spec? - Robert - On Mon, 11 Oct 2004 10:54:01 -0700 Gary McInturff gmcintu...@spraycool.com wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen I think I may be stuck between a rock and a hard place. We have a new project that is, for all practical purposes a custom design for a client. We purchase a supply that indicates compliance with EN61000-3-2 harmonics. Our customer wants a more quantitative number. Is it 90% PFC, 95% etc. I can't tell that from the spec sheet and quite frankly at this point I can't lay my hands on a power supply yet and obviously we haven't gone to test yet with this in our equipment so I don't believe I have any way of determining this (not sure that I could tell from the conformance test anyway - can I?) When I call the power supply manufacturer, I can't directly address the design engineer and all they can tell me is that it meets the requirements for Class A waveform. Am I overlooking something here in the datasheet? Is there anyway to infer what what the PFC % is? Gary This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to emc-p...@ieee.org Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/listserv/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Scott Douglas emcp...@ptcnh.net For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
Re: Power Factor Correction
I read in !emc-pstc that Dave Spencer dspen...@dsl-only.net wrote (in 185530-22003324161424...@dsl-only.net) about 'Power Factor Correction' on Tue, 4 Mar 2003: I am looking for some input on your experience with PFC as it relates to testing (EN61000-3-2 and EN55022). Has anyone using an AC-AC external transformer in the 15-20 Watt range experienced difficulty passing, e.g. no PFC? Well, you don't say what the transformer is feeding! Assuming it's a bridge rectifier with a fat filter capacitor, the resistances of the transformer windings are usually sufficient to make the rectifier conduction angle exceed 65 degrees, which should be sufficient to meet the Class D limits. BUT those limits doesn't apply below 75 W anyway! One might guess that you haven't read the standard, and have thus been worrying over a non-problem. OTOH, one might, of course, be wrong in an entirely unexpected direction. -- Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk Interested in professional sound reinforcement and distribution? Then go to http://www.isce.org.uk PLEASE do NOT copy news posts to me by E-MAIL! This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Dave Heald: davehe...@attbi.com For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org Archive is being moved, we will announce when it is back on-line. All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
Power Factor Correction
Hi All, I am looking for some input on your experience with PFC as it relates to testing (EN61000-3-2 and EN55022). Has anyone using an AC-AC external transformer in the 15-20 Watt range experienced difficulty passing, e.g. no PFC? Thanks in advance for your input. Regards, Dave Spencer Two Peppers This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: emc-p...@hypercom.com Dave Heald: davehe...@attbi.com For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org Archive is being moved, we will announce when it is back on-line. All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
Re: Power Factor Correction - Power supply unit
I read in !emc-pstc that am...@westin-emission.no wrote (in LFENJLPMMJB mhpeibnilieihccaa.am...@westin-emission.no) about 'Power Factor Correction - Power supply unit', on Thu, 31 Jan 2002: Hi all, An AC/DC power supply (230AC in / 28VDC 3A out) shall power an ITE (fire alarm panel). I assume that EN61000-3-2 will apply for the total system (Power supply + ITE). Yes. I was told that the power supply must have Power Factor Correction in order to pass the harmonic EN61000-3-2 test. Not necessarily. The ***Class A*** limits apply, not the Class D. This is possibly the most significant change introduced by the Millennium Amendment (A14). Class D applies now to PCs, VDUs and TV sets, not to all ITE. I think it is unlikely that a 100 W power supply can violate the Class A limits. If it isn't a switch-mode type (i.e. it has a mains transformer) it may even meet the Class D limits, or could be modified at low cost to do so. -- Regards, John Woodgate, OOO - Own Opinions Only. http://www.jmwa.demon.co.uk After swimming across the Hellespont, I felt like a Hero. PLEASE do NOT copy news posts to me by E-MAIL! --- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Michael Garretson:pstc_ad...@garretson.org Dave Healddavehe...@mediaone.net For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: No longer online until our new server is brought online and the old messages are imported into the new server.
Power Factor Correction - Power supply unit
Hi all, An AC/DC power supply (230AC in / 28VDC 3A out) shall power an ITE (fire alarm panel). I assume that EN61000-3-2 will apply for the total system (Power supply + ITE). I was told that the power supply must have Power Factor Correction in order to pass the harmonic EN61000-3-2 test. Is that true ? Best regards Amund Westin, Oslo/Norway --- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. Visit our web site at: http://www.ewh.ieee.org/soc/emcs/pstc/ To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Michael Garretson:pstc_ad...@garretson.org Dave Healddavehe...@mediaone.net For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org Jim Bacher: j.bac...@ieee.org All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: No longer online until our new server is brought online and the old messages are imported into the new server.
Passive power factor correction
Hi folks, not long ago, there was some descussion on modules for passive power factor correction. We have an application of around 150 watts that is a borderline fail, and the addition of a small module would get us by until a new PS design is developed from scratch. Can anyone suggest vendors for such a device? Thanks, Derek Walton Invensys --- This message is from the IEEE EMC Society Product Safety Technical Committee emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to: majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc For help, send mail to the list administrators: Jim Bacher: jim_bac...@mail.monarch.com Michael Garretson:pstc_ad...@garretson.org For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: ri...@ieee.org
Re: Active Power Factor Correction
In a message dated 98-11-30 12:58:20 EST, plaw...@west.net writes: Hello Colleagues, I have recently learned of a technology whereby harmonic disturbances may be reduced via APFC (Active Power Factor Correction). This is apparently a device that injects cancellation harmonics back onto the line under closed loop control. Is anyone able to point me to any resources where I can learn more? Hi, active power factor correction has several guises. The two I'm familier with are where a pre-switcher is used, and where active circuits null harmonics at the point where power enters to box. For Technique 1, I suggest you go to the Linear Tech site, they have devices specifically for this, I believe Cherry do too. I'm playing with a LT 1509CN at the moment, it's quite good. For Technique 2, the work I did was to reduce the weight in aircraft solid state power convertors back in 1986. It was never made commercially available, though I believe a company from Israel called Actil has a filter based on this concept. They are at www.actil.com. Best regards. Derek Walton. Owner L F Research EMC Design and Test Facility. NARTE Engineer 438. - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators).
RE: Active Power Factor Correction
This actually not an add on device but a caracteristic design in the front end of a power supply. If you can get a copy of some hold (2-4 years) Unitrode seminar handbook or Unitrode application notes for their ICs you will get some basic information about these. Also Microlinear web site is providing some info on the subject. -Original Message- From: POWELL, DOUG [SMTP:doug.pow...@aei.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 1998 1:55 PM To: EMC-PSTC (E-mail) Subject: Active Power Factor Correction Hello Colleagues, I have recently learned of a technology whereby harmonic disturbances may be reduced via APFC (Active Power Factor Correction). This is apparently a device that injects cancellation harmonics back onto the line under closed loop control. Is anyone able to point me to any resources where I can learn more? === Doug Powell, Compliance Engineer Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. 1625 Sharp Point Drive m/s 2018 Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 USA Phone:970-407-6410 eFax: 970-407-5410 email:doug.pow...@aei.com (new address) === - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators). - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators).
Active Power Factor Correction
Hi Doug. I have recently learned of a technology whereby harmonic disturbances may be reduced via APFC (Active Power Factor Correction). This is apparently a device that injects cancellation harmonics back onto the line under closed loop control. Is anyone able to point me to any resources where I can learn more? The ERA in Leatherhead, UK, was doing a lot of work with this stuf, and had a product. Tel:+44 (0) 1372 367030 Fax: +44 (0) 1372 374074 Email: i...@era.co.uk Sorry. I don't recall the chap running the group. Chris Dupres Surrey, UK. - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators).
Re: Active Power Factor Correction
Hi Doug: Active (as opposed to passive) power factor correction for electronic products is a high-frequency switching rectifier (ahead of the switching-mode power supply) which stores energy in an inductor rather than in a capacitor. The current waveform is in phase with the voltage waveform and is nearly sinusoidal (better than 95%). Therefore, the power factor is better than 0.9, and the harmonic currents are nearly zero. It does not inject cancellation harmonics back into the power line. I'm not sure if this is an answer to your inquiry. I've not heard of an APFC that is generic and corrects for any load. However, I have heard of a zig-zag transformer (for installations) that dissipates the harmonic current and effectively corrects harmonic-caused poor power factor. Best regards, Rich - Richard Nute Product Safety Engineer Hewlett-Packard Company Product Regulations Group AiO Division Tel : +1 619 655 3329 16399 West Bernardo Drive FAX : +1 619 655 4979 San Diego, California 92127 e-mail: ri...@sdd.hp.com - - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators).
RE: Active Power Factor Correction
http://www.microlinear.com http://www.microlinear.com/toc.shtml : Table of content -Original Message- From: Sparacino,George [SMTP:sparaci...@andovercontrols.com] Sent: Thursday, November 19, 1998 1:11 PM To: Daniel Sicard; EMC-PSTC (E-mail) Subject: RE: Active Power Factor Correction Dan, do you have the web address for microlinear ? Thanks, George -Original Message- From: Daniel Sicard [SMTP:dsic...@positronfiber.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 1998 9:12 PM To: EMC-PSTC (E-mail) Subject:RE: Active Power Factor Correction This actually not an add on device but a caracteristic design in the front end of a power supply. If you can get a copy of some hold (2-4 years) Unitrode seminar handbook or Unitrode application notes for their ICs you will get some basic information about these. Also Microlinear web site is providing some info on the subject. -Original Message- From: POWELL, DOUG [SMTP:doug.pow...@aei.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 1998 1:55 PM To: EMC-PSTC (E-mail) Subject: Active Power Factor Correction Hello Colleagues, I have recently learned of a technology whereby harmonic disturbances may be reduced via APFC (Active Power Factor Correction). This is apparently a device that injects cancellation harmonics back onto the line under closed loop control. Is anyone able to point me to any resources where I can learn more? === Doug Powell, Compliance Engineer Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. 1625 Sharp Point Drive m/s 2018 Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 USA Phone:970-407-6410 eFax: 970-407-5410 email:doug.pow...@aei.com (new address) === - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators). - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators). - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators).
Active Power Factor Correction
Hello Colleagues, I have recently learned of a technology whereby harmonic disturbances may be reduced via APFC (Active Power Factor Correction). This is apparently a device that injects cancellation harmonics back onto the line under closed loop control. Is anyone able to point me to any resources where I can learn more? === Doug Powell, Compliance Engineer Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. 1625 Sharp Point Drive m/s 2018 Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 USA Phone: 970-407-6410 eFax: 970-407-5410 email: doug.pow...@aei.com (new address) === - This message is coming from the emc-pstc discussion list. To cancel your subscription, send mail to majord...@ieee.org with the single line: unsubscribe emc-pstc (without the quotes). For help, send mail to ed.pr...@cubic.com, j...@gwmail.monarch.com, ri...@sdd.hp.com, or roger.volgst...@compaq.com (the list administrators).
Power factor correction capacitors
About 18 months ago we became aware of a failure problem associated with power factor correction capacitors for luminaires. This problem appears to have been created by the shift of some manufacturers from aluminium to zinc alloy films. Can anyone advise me of the current status of the problem - particularly in Europe. I am specifically interested in the current understanding of the failure mechanism and the position taken regarding recalls due to the fire hazard created. Answers posted to my email address will be treated as confidential. Thank you for your help Tony Lamont - to...@rivernet.com.au
Re: Power Factor Correction, Medical Equipment?
Although you are correct - neither does the EMC Directive. BUT the EN for harmonics IS in the OJ and it would seem to me to be applicable. Any one else agree??
Power Factor Correction, Medical Equipment?
Could anyone tell me if there is a specific european requirement for power factor correction applicable to medical equipment? There seems to be some conflicting information coming our way regarding this issue. Thanks in advance for any information anyone can provide. Andy Garcia Coulter Corp.
Re: Power factor Correction
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
