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Importance of Quality AC Power Distribution and

Understanding of EMC Standards


IEC 61000-3-2, IEC 61000-3-3 & IEC 61000-3-11
K.N. Sakthivel*, Sisir K. Das*, K.R. Kini*
*SAMEER - Centre for Electromagnetics
Zd Cross, C F Campus, Taramani, Chennai .600 113, India
Phone: 044 - 22541817,22541424 Fax: 044 - 22541424
e-mail: sameercem@vsnl.com

-
ABSTRACT The aim of this technical paper is to includes all of the wiring and transformers back to the
bring out the importance of regulations on AC power source of the electricity.
distribution and understanding of the international
EMC standards IEC 61000-3-2 [l]that deals with the The main sources of harmonic current are at present
limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public the phase angle controlled rectifiers and inverters [4].
mains supply, IEC 61000-3-3 [21 and IEC 61000-3-11 [3] Such kind of static power converters take AC power
those deal with the measure of the ability of the product and convert it to DC, then sometimes back to AC
to cause voltage fluctuations and lighting to flicker at
frequencies which cause human discomfort. The paper power at the same or different frequency based on the
discusses the causes and effects of power harmonics, firing scheme. The firing scheme refers to the
voltage fluctuations & flicker, in the power distribution controlling mechanism that determines how and when
system. The paper explains how the switch-mode power current is conducted. One major variation is the phase
conversion technology based power supplies can cause a angle at which conduction begins and ends.
variety of undesirable effects in the power distribution ’ IEEE 519-1992 Recommended Practices and
system. It also presents how the power quality of the AC Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electrical
mains deteriorate due to voltage fluctuations caused by Power Systems [ 5 ] provides guidelines to determine
phase-controlled AC input operated electrical devices. what are acceptable limits.
The sources of “flicker” and its effects on human safetv
am also highlighted. An overview of EMC standark, “flicker” is the impression of of visual
IEC 61000-3-2 and IEC 61000-3-3 I IEC 61000-3-11 is sensation induced by a light stimulus whose
presented in the paper. Finally, experimental results of
a product evaluated for EMC compliance as per IEC
luminance or spectral distribution fluctuates with
61000-3-2 and IEC 61000-3-3 are also Dresented. time. It is a measure of the amount of mains voltage
fluctuation caused by a product which loads the mains
I. INTRODUCTTON cyclically. Light flicker results when there are voltage
sub-harmonics in the range of 1-30 Hz. The human
Harmonics are simply a multiple of the fundamental eye is most sensitive at 8.8 Hz, where just a 0.5%
frequency. The presence of harmonics on the electric
variation in the RMS voltage is noticeable with some
utility distribution system, does not mean that the types of lighting [6].
electric system or electronic equipment in the factory
or office cannot run properly. Like other power 11. CAUSES & EFFECTS OF HARMONIC CURRENTS
quality phenomena, it depends on the “stiffness” of
the power distribution system and the susceptibility of Simple inductive and resistive electrical / electronic
the equipment when operating in the presence of the devices or loads such as incandescent lights, motors
harmonics. The amount of voltage harmonics often and heaters, connected to the sinusoidal voltage of the
depend on the amount of harmonic currents being ac mains, draw a sinusoidal current waveform which
drawn by the load, and the source impedance, which has little or no harmonic content (Figures 1 and 2).

Proceedings of INCEMIC - 2003 423


But the increased usage of computer, printer, distortion caused by harmonic currents interacting
television and audio equipment has expanded the with impedance’s in the distribution system. For
harmonic current problem to households and example, suppressed or clipped peak voltage
commercial environments. limits the ability of computer power supplies to
ride through momentary ac mains sags.
III. TYPES OF HARMONIC CURRENTS

The harmonic current distortion caused by a


nonlinear load on the ac mains can be classified as:
Figure 1. Resistive load Figure 2. Inductiveload
1. quasi-stationary, 2. fluctuating, 3. rapidly changing
(very short burst of a harmonics) and 4. inter-
These equipment’s have ac input circuitry that draws harmonics / other spurious components. Quasi-
non-sinusoidal currents (Figure 3). Typically, an stationary or steady-state harmonic currents are
electronic equipment input circuitry consists of a produced by electronic equipment that generates non-
switch-mode power supply with a capacitor-diode varying levels of current distortion, where the
rectifier input stage. Devices such as lamp dimmers amplitude of each harmonic remains constant over
and electronic ballasts also draw non-sinusoidal time. This equipment appears as an unchanging load
currents because of the phase-angle control circuits on the ac mains (Figure 4). Examples: test and
used to regulate the input power. Any electrical / measurement instrumentation such as oscilloscopes
electronic product that draws nonlinear current from and multimeters, electronic ballasts and video display
the ac mains cause harmonics. equipment.

In contrast, fluctuating harmonic currents are. caused


by electronic equipment that represent time-varying
ll*I
load on the ac mains. This equipment generates
P varying levels of current consumption or drain where
the amplitude of individual harmonics change over
time (Figure 5). Examples: dishwashers, laser printers
and photocopiers. The IEC 61000-3-2 standard
Figure 3. Non-sinusoidal current addresses first two major classes of harmonic currents.

Detrimental effects of harmonic currents

(a) Significant current can flow that do not deliver


real power and must be supported by the ac
distribution system.
‘ .
Figure 4. Steady-state Figure 5. Fluctuating
harmonic currents harmonic currents
(b) Excessive neutral current, resulting in overheated Note: The current distonion Note: The c m n t distodon
neutrals. The currents of triplen harmonics [7], does not vary oven~me does vary ovcrtime
especially the odd harmonics, (3rd. 9th. 15th....)
are actually additive in the neutral of three phase I V . HOW SWITCH-MODE POWER SUPPLIES (SMPS)
wye circuits. This is because the harmonic number GENERATE HARMONIC CURRENTS
multiplied by the 120 degree phase shift between
the three phases is a integer multiple of 360 Power supplies using SMPS technology are a good
degrees, or one complete cycle. This puts the example of a generator of nc mains harmonics. SMPS
harmonics from each of the 3@conductors “in- typically have a capacitor-diode rectifier input stage,
phase” with each other in the neutral. which creates a high voltage dc source from the ac
input voltage (Figure 6). This dc voltage is then
(c) Equipment connected to the same branch circuit modulated or chopped to provide a regulated voltage
can operate improperly due to severe voltage to the load.

424 Proceedings of INCEMIC - 2003


The effects of voltage fluctuations are : degradation
of performances in equipment using storage devices
(e.g capacitors), loss of function in control systems,
instability of internal voltages / currents in equipment
and increased ripple. However, voltage fluctuations
caused by domestic appliances are not generally
significant.
Figure 6 . Simple circuit of switch-mode power supply VI. CAUSES &EFFECTS OF I'LICKER

When the ac voltage is first applied, the charging of The effect of variation in light output as perceived
the capacitor is accompanied by a large inrush of ac by the human observer is referred to as flicker. Flicker
current until the capacitor is charged to the peak value is caused by load switching within electronic
of the rectified voltage. Once the inrush conditions apparatus and is commonly produced by devices such
subside, the diodes conduct ac current and charge the as electronic ballasts, PID control circuits and light
capacitor only when the ac voltage is greater than the dimmer switches. When the supply cannot fulfil the
capacitor voltage. AC current flow is blocked by the current demand, the ac voltage will temporarily dip
diodes when the ac voltage is lower than the capacitor and the effect on a 60W incandescent light bulb
voltage (Figure 7). connected to the same supply point would be a
temporary reduction in light, which if repeated would
constitute flicker. The amplitude and frequency of
these deviations can cause incandescent lamps to
flicker. Flicker is annoying, and for some individuals
presents a health hazard (persons having epilepsy for
. . . . . example). Common sources of flicker are equipment
Figure 7. Capacitorvoltage with that produces time-varying loading conditions.
Figure 8. Summing odd
rectifier voltage and current harmonic currents Examples: hot plates, microwave ovens, laser printers.
wnvefoms
VII. UNDERSTANDING OF IEC 61000-3-2 STANDARD
The charging of the capacitor at the peak of the ac
The IEC 61000-3-2 standard defines classification
voltage waveform causes ac current to flow through
of equipment under test, measurement requirements,
the capacitor in successive narrow current pulses. This
ac power source requirements and limits for testing
creates a nonlinear ac mains current that are
the harmonic current emissions of electronic and
harmonically rich. This current waveform is made up
electrical equipment. Compliance to this standard
of odd-order harmonics which are integer multiples of ensures that tested equipment will not generate
the fundamental frequency (Figure 8). The current
harmonic currents at levels that cause unacceptable
fundamental and odd harmonic amplitudes sum at 90
degradation of the ac mains environment.
degrees and 270 degrees of the fundamental, which
creates the current pulse waveform. Class definition
V. CAUSES &EFFECTS OF VOLTAGE FLUCTUATIONS To establish limits for sinrilar types of harmonic
current distortion, equipment under test must be
Voltage fluctuations are mainly produced by the categorized in one of four definod classes as shown in
industrial - operated systems like the flow chart below.
(a) continuously but randomly varying large loads Harmonic current limits for Class A / B equipment
such as: resistance welding machines, rolling
mills, large motors with varying loads, arc For Class A equipment, the harmonics of the input
furnaces, arc welding plant current shall not exceed the absolute values given in
Table I. For class B equipment, the harmonics of the
(b) Single on / off switching of loads (e.g. motors) input current shall not exceed the maximum
and step voltage changes (due to tap voltage permissible values given in Table I multiplied by a
regulators of transformers) factor of 1.5.

Proceedings of INCEMIC - 2003 425


(a) Independent dimming devices:

The harmonic currents of independent dimming


three-phase devices shall not exceed the values given in Table I.
Where phase control is used on incandescent lamps,
the firing angle shall not exceed 145".
t no
(b) Built-in dimming devices:

*rbi Class
For incandescent lamp luminaries, the harmonic
currents of built-in dimming devices shall not exceed
the values given in Table I. Where phase control is
used, the firing angle shall not exceed 145".

For discharge lamp luminaries, the harmonics


current values for the maximum load condition
derived from the percentage limits given in Table II
shall not be exceeded. In any dimming position, the
no Class harmonic currents shall not exceed the value of
D current related to the maximum load condition.
V I TABLE I - LlMlTS FOR CLASS A EQUPMENT

Harmonic order Maximum permissible

Odd Harmonics
Limits for Class C equipment 2.30
1.14
Lighting equipment 7 0.77
9 0.40
I1 0.33
a) Active input power > 25 W Harmonic currents 13 0.21
shall not exceed relative limits given in Table II. 15 511539 O.lSx(15h)
Even Harmonics
b) Active input power 5 25 W Harmonic currents 2 1.08
shall not exceed the power-related limits of Table 4 0.43
In, column 2; (The lower limit of 75 W or 50 W 6 0.30
for the application of Class D is not valid in this 8511540 0.23 x 8/n
case) or the third harmonic current, expressed as a TABLE II - LIMITS FOR CLASS C EQUPMENT
percentage of the fundamental current, shall not
exceed 86% and the fifth shall not exceed 61%; Maximum permissible harmonic
moreover. the waveform of the inDut current shall current expressed as a percentage of
be such that it begins to flow before or at 60", has the input current at the fundamental
frequency (%)
its last peak (if there are several peaks per half
period) before or at 65' and does not stop flowing 2
before 90°, where the zero crossing of the
fundamental supply voltage is assumed to be 0".
Dimming devices: For dimming devices, which are
I : 3 3 0 . h*
10
7
5
3
either independent of, or built into lamps or
luminaries, the following conditions apply:

426 Proceedings of I'NCEMIC - 2003


TABLE Ill - LIMITS FOR CLASS D EQUIPMENT Harmonic Current Measurement Requirements
Harmonic order Maximum (a) The total measurement error for steady-state
permissible permissible
harmonics shall not exceed 5% of the permissible
er watt (mAAv) limits or 0.2% of the rated current of the EUT.
3.4 2.30
1.9 1.14 (b) The input impedance of the measuring instrument
I .o 0.77 (e.g. a current shunt) shall be such that the voltage
I'
9
11
135115 3 9
1 0.5
0.35
3.85 I n
I 0.33
0.40
See Table - 1
I drop across the input circuit shall not exceed 0.15
Volts peak.
(odd harmonics only)
(c) In the case of fluctuating harmonics, a smoothing
filter having a response equivalent to a first order
Lowpass filter with a time constant of 1.5 seconds
f 10%shall be applied to the DFT outputs.

VIII. UNDERSTANDING OF IEC 61000-3-3 STANDARD

The IEC 61000-3-3 standard defines the


measurement requirements, ac power source
requirements, line impedance requirements, and
voltage fluctuation and flicker limits for assessing
electronic and electrical equipment's propensity to
cause voltage disturbances on the ac mains.
Compliance with this standard ensure that voltage
fluctuations do not interfere with other equipment
connected to the ac mains or cause incandescent lights
to visibly "flicker".

Test Limits
Compliance is determined if the following test
parameters are within the following defined limits:
Short-term picker (PJ:The flicker severity evaluated
over a short period of time (10 minutes). PSt2 1 is the
conventional threshold of imtability, and therefore the
limit.
Long-term flicker (PI,): The flicker seventy evaluated
230 I 4 0 0 Vrms (single/ three-phase) over a long period (typically 2 hours) using successive
230 V m 2%, 50 Hz f 0.5% P,,values. PI,_< 0.65 IS the conventional threshold of
120"*1.5" between the fundamental imtability, and therefore the limit. For voltage
changes that are caused by manual switching of
the output voltage 0.4% (5th harmonic) equipment or that occur less frequently than once
0.3% (7th harmonic) per hour, P,, and PItare not applicable. However, the
0.2% (9th harmonic) following voltage change "(d)" parameters are
0.2%(even harmonics from 2 to IO) applicable, with the limits multiplied by 1.33.
0.1% (all harmonics from 11 to 40)
1.40 to 1.42 times the rms value
reached within 87" to 93' after the
Relative steady-state voltage change (d,): The
zero crossing (not applicable for difference between two adjacent steady-state voltages
relative to the nominal voltage. d, must be 5 3%.

Proceedings of INCEMIC - 2003 427


Relative voltage change characteristic (d(t)): The Test Limits
change in rms voltage, relative to the nominal voltage,
as a function of time and between periods when the The limits shall be applicable to voltage fluctuations
voltage is in a steady-state condition for at least 1 sec. and flicker at the supply terminals of the equipment
d(t) must not be > 3% for more than 200 milliseconds under test. The following limits apply:
continuously during a voltage change event. - the value of the short-term flicker indicator P,,
Maximum relative voltage change (L): The shall not be greater than 1.0
difference between maximum and minimum rms
- the value of the long-term flicker indicator, PI,
values of the voltage change characteristic relative to shall not be greater than 0.65
- the value of d(t) during a voltage change shall not
the nominal voltage. d,, must be 5 4%.
exceed 3.3% for more than 500 ms:
- the relative steady-state voltage change, dc, shall
IX.UNDERSTANDING OF IEC 610003-11 STANDARD
not exceed 3.3%
- the maximum relative voltage change d, shall
IEC 61000-3-11 is primarily applicable to electrical
and electronic equipment having a rated input current not exceed
from 16 A upto and including 75 A and which is
subject to conditional connection. The limits in a) 4% without additional conditions;
IEC 61000-3-11 relate to the voltage changes
b) 6% for equipment with manual switching, or
experienced by consumers connected at the interface
automatic switching more frequently than twice
between the public supply low-voltage network and
per day and having a delayed restart (the delay
the equipment user's installation. Therefore, it cannot
being not less than a few tens of seconds) or
be guaranteed @at the user of equipment compliant
manual restart after a power supply interruption.
with this standard will not experience supply
disturbance within his own installation, as the The cycling frequency will be further limited by
impedance at the point of connection of the equipment the P,, and PI, limit. For example: a d, of 6%
to the supply within the installation may have an producing a rectangular voltage change
impedance greater than the test impedance. characteristic twice per hour will give a PI, of
about 0.65.
The scope of IEC 61000-3-11 overlaps with the IEC
61000-3-3 in that it is also applicable to equipment c) 7% for equipment which is attended whilst in
with a rated input current 5 16 A. However, it should use (for example: hair dryers, vacuum cleaners,
be noted that equipment having a rated input current kitchen equipment such as mixers, garden
< 16 A should first be tested for conformity with equipment such as lawnmowers, portable tools
IEC 61000-3-3 before applying the evaluation such as electric drills); or is switched on
techniques and measurement procedures specified in automatically, or is intended to be switched on
IEC 61000-3-11. Equipment, which meets the manually, no more than twice per day and has a
requirements of IEC 61000-3-3 is not subject to delayed restart (the delay being not less than a few
conditional connection. IEC 61000-3-1 1 is also tens of seconds) or manual restart after a power
applicable to equipment within the scope of supply interruption.
IEC 61000-3-3 that does not meet the limits when
tested or evaluated with reference impedance and In the case of equipment incorporating multiple
is therefore subject to conditional connection. loads, limits b) and c) shall only apply if there is
Equipment, which meets the requirements of delayed or manual restart after a power supply
IEC 61000-3-3, is excluded from IEC 61000-3-11. interruption; for all equipment with automatic
The flicker limits specified in IEC 61000-3-11, being switching which is energised immediately on
the same as those in E C 61000-3-3, are based on the restoration of supply after a power supply
subjective severity of the flicker imposed on the light interruption, limits a) shall apply; for all equipment
from 230 V / 60 W coiled - coil filament lamps when with manual switching, limits b) or c) shall apply,
subjected to fluctuations of the supply voltage. depending on the rate of switching. P,, and PI,

428 Proceedings of INCEMIC - 2003


requirements shall not be applicable to voltage causes excessive voltage disturbances on the ac
changes caused by manual switching. The limits shall mains.
not be applicable to emergency switching or
emergency operations. The measurement of the rms voltage fluctuations
on the ac mains caused by the equipment under
TABLE V - AC POWER SOURCE REQUIREMENTS test is the basis for flicker measurements.
Outpul vulvage ratings ~230Vrms/415Vnns
I 230 Vrmc i 2%. While flicker measurements provide an accurate
- & frwuency
Voltaxe . .
accuracy I 50Hz*0.5% assessment of the effect of continuous voltage
Voltage THD I ..1m changes, the voltage fluctuation measurements-
I Maximum source short-term I < "._
nA -1 provide a better indication of the effect of sudden
flicker (P.) large voltage changes. Both can be visibly
Line or reference impedance I 0.4+ j0.25Q (phase to neutral) annoying and detrimental to other loads connected
to the same branch circuit.
XII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The principal author Mr. K.N. Sakthivel is indebted


to acknowledge the patience and co-operation
extended by his wife Mrs. S. Malarvizhi, during the
execution of this technical paper work. The authors
express thanks to Mr. G. Vincent Raj for his support
provided in the experimental work.
Test Highest Highest Highest Highest Highes
Parameters d(t) d, D- P,, t Pu REFERENCES
(76) (9%) (C) (IOmin. (2hr.
period) period)
[ l ] IEC 61000-3-2, 1998: Limits for harmonic current emissions
Test Limits 3.30 3.30 4.00 1.W 0.650
Measured 0.00 0.00 0.00 O.W 0.W (equipment input current < 16 A per phase).
Values
Results Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass [21 IEC 61000-3-3, 1994 Limitation of voltage fluctuations and
flicker in low-voltage supply system for equipment with rated
XI. CONCLUSION current 16 A.

Generally power factor correction (PFC) circuitry [31 IEC 61000-3-11, 2000: Limitation of voltage changes, voltage
fluctuations and flicker in public low-voltage supply systems -
minimizes the effects of nonlinear loads and the equipment with rated voltage current < 75 A and subject to
power inefficiencies they cause. Testing to the conditional connection.
harmonic current regulations (IEC 61000-3-2)
helps to ensure that whether power factor [4] J. Arrillega e t d . Power System Harmonics, John Wiley and
Sons, 1985.
correction circuits are designed and operating
properly in the equipment under test. [51 IEEE 519-1992 Recommended Practices and Requirements for
Harmonic Control in Electrical Power Systems.
E C 61000-3-3/IEC 61000-3-1 1 standards address
voltage fluctuations and flicker. Compliance with [61 NFPA 70B Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment
this standard ensures that voltage disturbances in Maintenance - Chapter 24, National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy MA, 1994.
the electrical distribution system do not interfere
with other equipment connected to the ac mains or [71 Power Line Harmonic Problems - Causes and Cures, Dranetz
cause incandescent lights to visibly flicker in a Technologies, December 1994.
way that causes an annoyance or health risk to a
human observer.

Measurement of voltage fluctuations is also a


critical part of determining if electrical equipment

Proceedings of INCEMIC - 2003 429


ANNEXURE: I -EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40
Figure 9. Cumnt & voltage waveforms Figure 10. Harmonics and Class A Limit line (European
(It is 9.0% outside Class-D envelope) Limits)
Testresulh Fail
TABLE Vn - VOLTAGE SOURCE VERIFICATION DATA TABLE Wr - HARMONIC C W N T TEST RESULTS
Harmonics Harmonics Limit 5% of Status Harmonics Harmonics Limit %of Status
No V-rms v-rms Limit NO Limit
2 0.185 0.46 a.24 OK 2 1.983 1.08 183.63 Fail
3 0.542 2.072 26. I9 OK 3 0.938 2.3 40.8 Pass
4 0.089 0.46 19.42 OK 4 0.671 0.43 156.1 Fail
5 0.05 0.921 5.4 OK 5 0.519 1.14 45.53 Pass
6 0.089 0.46 19.37 OK 6 0.341 0.3 113.81 Fail
7 0.039 0.691 5.58 OK 7 0.244 0.77 31.66 PaSS
8 0.054 0.,46 11.68 OK 8 0.199 0.23 86.66 Pass
9 0.024 0.46 5.25 OK 9 0.177 0.4 44.36 PUS
IO 0.031 0.46 6.64 OK IO 0.171 0.184 93.12 PUS
II 0.024 0.23 10.46 OK I1 0.148 0.33 44.79 PaSS
12 0.014 0.23 6.02 OK I2 0.137 0.153 89.82 Pass
13 0.022 0.23 9.47 OK I3 0.122 0.21 58.09 Pass
14 0.017 0.23 7.34 OK I4 0.109 0.131 83.21 Pass
15 0.019 0.23 8.32 OK I5 0.102 0.15 68.2 PaSS
16 0.021 0.23 9.25 OK I6 0.095 0.115 82.48 Pass
17 0.019 0.23 8.46 OK I7 0.094 0.132 71.39 Pass
18 0.022 0.23 9.35 OK I8 0.086 0.102 84.16 Pass
19 0.014 0.23 6.29 OK I9 0.079 0.118 66.34 Pass
20 0.021 0.23 8.93 OK 20 0.074 0.092 80.9 Pass
21 0.014 0.23 6.02 OK 21 0.075 0.107 70.16 Pass
22 0.034 0.23 14.72 OK 22 0.075 0.084 89.31 Pass
23 0.016 0.23 6.9 OK 23 0.071 0.098 72.39 PaSS
24 0.059 0.23 25.55 OK 24 0.064 0.077 84.1 Pass
25 0.018 0.23 7.79 OK 25 0.061 0.09 67.44 Pass
26 0.064 0.23 27.66 OK 26 0.057 0.071 80.62 Pass
27 0.021 0.23 8.97 OK 27 0.056 0.083 67.34 Pass
28 0.047 0.23 20.3 OK 28 0.057 0.066 86.02 Pass
29 0.012 0.23 5.3 OK 29 0.056 0.078 72.21 Pass
30 0.023 0.23 10.09 OK 30 0.053 0.061 85.67 PLUS
31 0.012 0.23 5.1 OK 31 0.051 0.073 70.21 Pass
32 0.015 0.23 6.4 OK 32 0.049 0.058 85.55 Pass
33 0.012 0.23 5 OK 33 0.047 0.068 69.42 PaSS
34 0.01 0.23 4.16 OK 34 0.046 0.054 85.27 Pass
35 0.01 0.23 4.19 OK 35 0.045 0.064 70.35 Pass
36 0.013 0.23 5.61 OK 36 0.W 0.051 85.71 Pass
37 0.013 0.23 5.52 OK 37 0.043 0.061 70.13 Pass
38 0.014 0.23 6.03 OK 38 0.041 0.048 85.46 PaSS
39 0.013 0.23 5.82 OK 39 0.04 0.058 69.41 Pass
40 0.01 0.23 4.56 OK 40 0.039 0.046 85.87 PaSS

430 Proceedings of INCEMIC - 2003

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