2017 IEEE 3RD GLOBAL ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONFERENCE GEMCCON
Analysis of Harmonic Current Emissions in
Voltages Below the Presented by the Standard
IEC 61000-3-2
A. Raizer, J. V. D. Silva, and M. P. Fonseca
 Committee of Electricity, Electronics, Lighting, and
Abstract—This paper aims to analyze a possible limit for
harmonic current emissions at voltages below those
provided by IEC 61000-3-2. It shows a comparison
between the odd harmonics of several devices belonging to
class B and D, and the harmonics of a device belonging to
class C, at the voltages 230 V, 127 V, and 110 V. The
analysis of the applicability of these limits is executed with
the support of a standard procedure for the measurement
of the harmonic components in the devices.
Index Terms— Harmonic Analysis, Harmonic Current
Emission, Harmonic Distortion, Harmonic Limits, Power
Quality
I. INTRODUCTION
A periodic waveform can be represented by a Fourier
series, the sum of simple sine waves, on their
fundamental frequency and on their integer multiples
frequencies. Distortions in the equipment waveform are called
harmonics when they occur in multiples of their fundamental
frequency.
The limit of these distortions for current harmonic
emissions in a device with up to 16 A per phase is provided by
the IEC 61000-3-2 [1]. Also, this standard contains the
requirements of the test for measures. As explained in [6], the
equipment under test is categorized according to its
application into four classes: A, B, C, and, D. The limits are
provided for equipment connected to 220/380 V, 230/400 V,
and 240/415 V, with systems operating at 50Hz or 60Hz.
There are no limits for systems with nominal voltage less than
220 V, according to [1] and [4].
However, some countries have a nominal voltage value
below those provided by [1], as in Brazil, where the nominal
voltage are 127 V and 220 V, and Japan, where the nominal
voltage is 100 V. This absence of limits for the nominal
voltages below 220 V creates the need for a study to define
them. Jointly by Technical Subcommittee of Electromagnetic
Compatibility (SCT-EMC) of National Institute of Metrology,
Quality, and Technology (INMETRO) and the Brazilian
A. Raizer (adroaldo.raizer@ufsc.br), J. V. D. Silva
(joana.ventura@grad.ufsc.br) and M. P. Fonseca
(gerencia.maglab@contato.ufsc.br) are within GEMCO – Engineering and
Electromagnetic Compatibility Group; MagLab - Electromagnetism and
Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory; Federal University of Santa
Catarina (UFSC); P.O.Box 5024; Florianópolis-SC, Brazil, ZIP Code 88040-
970.
1
Telecommunications (COBEI) studies were carried out to
normalize the limits of harmonic current emissions for
voltages below 220V.
An attempt to create limits different from those presented in
the IEC standard [1] was established in Japan. The Japanese
Guideline for Reduction of Harmonic Emissions [2] provides
limits for harmonic current emissions in devices with nominal
voltage different from those presented in the standard IEC
61000-3-2 [1].
This paper shows the analyses of limits for harmonic
current emissions through the normalized procedure based on
[1] for measurements, for the applicability of [2]. The
comparisons of harmonics are performed for the voltages of
110 V, 127 V, and 230 V in several electronic devices.
These values of nominal voltage are utilized because 110 V
is a nominal voltage utilized in several countries in South
America; 127 V is a value of nominal voltage utilized in
Brazil; and 230 V is employed in [2] to create the ratio with
[1].
II. METHODOLOGY
The limits of harmonic current emissions are provided by
the IEC standard [1] according to each class. For all of them,
until the 39th, only the odd harmonics were analyzed, except
for class C where the 2nd harmonic was analyzed as well.
In agreement with [1] the nomination class A is utilized for
three-phase equipment, and equipment which is not listed in
other classes; class B for portable tools; class C for lightning
equipment; and class D for some electronic devices and
equipment with power less or equal to 600 W.
The devices analyzed are characterized into the classes B,
C, and D. For the class B a handheld TV analyzer was
utilized; for the class C, a LED lamp; and for the class D, a
LCD television and a laptop.
For all devices a test observation period defined as random
was utilized, with sufficient time under test to meet the
requirements for repeatability.
For the nominal voltage of 230 V the limits established by
[1] were utilized, and for the nominal voltages of 127 V and
110 V the limits provided by [2] were utilized.
In the Japanese Guideline for Reduction of Harmonic
Emissions [2], the limits are divided in the same classes of [1].
The relationships between these standards are shown below:
I. Class A: The same limits provided in the IEC standard
[1] multiplied by the voltage ratio of 230 V by the nominal
 2017 IEEE 3RD GLOBAL ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONFERENCE GEMCCON
voltage of the device, and for a three-phase equipment the
ratio of 400 V by the nominal voltage of the device.
II. Class B: The limit for the class A multiplied by a factor
1.5.
III. Class C: The same limits indicated by the standard IEC
[1] should be adopted.
IV. Class D: The limits provided in the standard IEC [1]
multiplied by the voltage ratio of 230 V by the nominal
voltage of the device. In the case of 110 V devices, the ratio is
2.09, for 127 V devices the ratio is 1.81.
III. MEASUREMENTS
To analyze current harmonic emissions, a standard
procedure based on IEC 61000-3-2 [1] was carried out. In it
was used: the harmonic and flicker analyzer model DPA 500,
a power supply for harmonic tests and flickers model ACS
500, and a computer with the software ISMDPA [3] for the
control of the system. The harmonic analyzer and the power
supply are shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 1. Harmonic and flicker analyzer and power supply for harmonic tests.
The test voltage and frequency are defined in the ISMDPA
software [3]. The class A, B, C or D and the type of equipment
behavior cycle are selected according to IEC 61000-3-2 [1].
During the test, the behavior of the voltage and current can be
observed, as well as their spectrum, as shown in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2. ISMDPA software.
In the top left of the Fig. 2 can be observed the harmonic
voltage spectrum of the device, as well as wave form in its
right. For all measurements were warranted than the
harmonics voltages are within the limits established in [1], no
camouflaging the harmonic current measured.
In the bottom left of the Fig. 2 are located the harmonic
current, and the current wave form in its right. The current
wave form will not be analyzed in this paper because the IEC
standard [1] only uses the spectrum magnitude until the 39th
2
harmonic for establish its limits.
The software utilized can measure until 50th current
harmonic as well as voltage harmonic, however the values
following the 39th will not be considered because it does not
have limits established in both standards, [1] and [2].
IV. RESULTS
The test procedure was carried out at the voltages 230 V,
127 V, and, 110 V with a frequency of 60 Hz, and the
observation period was defined as random for four different
devices: a LED lamp, a handheld TV analyzer, a LCD
television, and a laptop.
The measurements were performed in order to compare the
behavior of the harmonics in the devices. In the next figures it
can be observed the harmonic current emissions and its limits
on the voltages 230 V, 127 V, and 110 V. The limits on 230 V
follow the standard IEC 61000-3-2 [1], and on the voltages
127 V and 110 V follow the Japanese Guideline for Reduction
of Harmonic Emissions [2].
A. LED Lamp
According to the results obtained in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4,
the LED lamp would not be approved within the limits of the
IEC 61000-3-2 [1] on 230 V, but following the Japanese
Guideline Reduction of Harmonic Emissions [2], it would be
approved for the Voltages of 127 V and 110 V. The same
result is obtained in [4] for two different dimmable LED
lamps when the experimental tests are performed at a rated
voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Also, it can be
observed for all voltages that after the 19th harmonic, their
harmonic magnitudes become very similar.
Fig. 3. Harmonic currents measured and limits for LED lamp on the voltages
230 V and 127 V.
Fig. 4. Harmonic currents measured and limits for LED lamp on the voltages
230 V and 127 V.
 2017 IEEE 3RD GLOBAL ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONFERENCE GEMCCON 3

B. Handheld TV Analyzer
The handheld TV analyzer would be approved in both
standards. The magnitude of its harmonics is much smaller
than the limits established in [1] and [2], as shown in Fig. 5
and Fig. 6.

Fig. 8. Harmonic currents measured and limits for LCD television at the
voltages 230 V and 110 V.

D. Laptop
The laptop, as the LCD television, would be rejected at all
voltages, in the IEC 61000-3-2 [1] as well as in the Japanese
standard [2]. The results can be observed in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10.
Fig. 5. Harmonic currents measured and limits for Handheld TV analyzer at
the voltages 230 V and 127 V
Again, it can be observed that some harmonic components
reach higher values in the voltage of 230 V than in the
voltages of 127 V or 110 V. The same occurs for the voltage
of 127 V, where some harmonic components reach higher
values than the voltage 110 V, like in the 11th until the 15th
harmonic and others. In addition, for all the voltages, the
magnitude of the harmonics following the 13th is very similar.

Fig. 6. Harmonic currents measured and limits for Handheld TV analyzer at

the voltages 230 V and 110 V.

C. LCD Television
The LCD television would be rejected at all voltages, both
in the IEC 61000-3-2 [1] and in the Japanese standard [2], as
shown Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Also, it can be observed that some Fig. 9. Harmonic currents measured and limits for laptop at the voltages 230
harmonic components reach higher values in the voltage of V and 127 V.
230 V than in the voltages of 127 V or 110 V. The same
occurs for the voltage of 127 V, where some harmonic
components reach higher values than the voltage 110 V.

Fig. 10. Harmonic currents measured and limits for laptop at the voltages
230 V and 110 V.

Fig. 7. Harmonic currents measured and limits for LCD television at the
voltages 230 V and 127 V.
 2017 IEEE 3RD GLOBAL ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY CONFERENCE GEMCCON
V. DISCUSSION
As explained in [5], the harmonic currents emitted in
electronic devices depend on the circuit topology. Also, 230V
systems have a current level lower than 110V and 127V.
Therefore, the limits should be adjusted according to these
currents and not only just with the voltages.
Hence, if we consider a system where the voltage is the
input and the current the output, it is observed in the
measurements taken that the properties of linearity do not
occur.
However, only non-linear devices are capable of generating
harmonics. Due to the non-linear behavior of the harmonics in
these devices, a linear ratio between the current harmonics
perhaps is not acceptable as is done in the Japanese Guideline
for Reduction of Harmonic Emissions [2].
For the devices belonging to classes B and D, the limit is
increased by the ratio between the voltages, so the harmonics
at the voltages of 127 V and 110 V have a higher limit than
those on 230 V. With a higher limit and a non-linear variation
of the harmonic components, it is possible that the device may
be approved on a voltage of 127 V or 110 V and fail on a
voltage of 230 V.
VI. CONCLUSION
According to the results obtained and discussed in this
paper, the devices are non-linear and present a non-linear
behavior for the harmonic current emissions. Using the
Japanese Guideline for Reduction of Harmonic Emissions [2]
a device could be rejected in the IEC standard [1] and
approved in the Japanese standard [2], as demonstrated with
the LED lamp.
Therefore, applying the limits established in the Japanese
Guideline for Reduction of Harmonic Emissions [2] perhaps
would not be appropriate.
Despite the contribution presented in [2], is observed that
the limits are more flexible for voltages of 110 V and 127 V,
than the limits for 230 V.
However, if an international standard should be established
in a future revision of [1], further studies must be carried out
to obtain equivalent levels of compliance. This paper results
and discussions can be used for a further analysis regarding
this revision.
REFERENCES
[1] Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤
16A per phase), IEC Standard 61000-3-2, Ed. 3.2, 2009.
[2] Guideline to reduce harmonic emissions caused by electrical and
electronic equipment for household and general use; Japanese
Guideline for Reduction of Harmonic Emission, Ed. 1.12, 2001.
[3] EM TEST, ISMDPA for Windows (Version 3.2) [software].
Avaliable at http://www.emtest.com/products/software_12780.php.
[4] S. D. Mauro, S. Musumeci, A. Raciti, “Analysis of the current
harmonics injected into the power grid by dimmable LED lamps”
AEIT International Annual Conference (AEIT), 2016.
[5] A. M. Blanco, S. Yanchenko, J. Meyer, P. Schegner, “The impact of
supply voltage distortion on the harmonic current emission of non-
linear loads” Dyna rev.fac.nac.minas, Medellín , v. 82, n. 192, p.
150-159, Aug. 2015.
[6] K. N. Sakthivel, S. K. Das, K. R. Kini, “Importance of Quality AC
Power Distribution and Understanding of EMC Standards IEC 61000-
3-2, IEC 61000-3-3 & IEC 61000-3-1 1” Electromagnetic
Interference and Compatibility, 2003. INCEMIC, 2003.
4
Adroaldo Raizer, was born in Lages,
Santa Catarina, Brazil, on August 11,
1963. He received the titles of Electrical
Engineer (1985) and master's degree in
electrical engineering (1987), both from
the Federal University of Santa Catarina.
Completed his doctorate (1991) in
Electrical Engineering by the Institut
National Polytechnique de Grenoble,
France. Currently Dr. Raizer is a full professor of the
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of the
Federal University of Santa Catarina. He also works as
coordinator of the Electromagnetic Compatibility and
Engineering Group (GEMCO) and the Electromagnetism and
Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory (MagLab). His
areas of interest are electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic
compatibility and numerical methods.
Joana Ventura da Silva, was born in
Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, Santa
Catarina, Brazil, on July 27, 1994. She
received the title of Electrotechnical
Technician (2014) by the Federal
Institute of Santa Catarina. She is
currently studying Electrical Engineering
in the Federal University of Santa
Catarina. She is part of Electromagnetic Compatibility and
Engineering Group (GEMCO) and the Electromagnetism and
Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory (MagLab) as a
researcher. Her areas of interest are electromagnetic fields,
power quality, power systems and electromagnetic
compatibility.
Mikael Pontes Fonseca, was born in
Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on
December 13, 1991. He received the title
of Electrotechnical Technician (2011)
and Electronic Technician (2013) by the
Federal Institute of Santa Catarina. He is
currently member of Electromagnetic
Compatibility and Engineering Group
(GEMCO) and Technical Manager of the Electromagnetism
and Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory (MagLab). His
areas of interest are electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic
compatibility, automation, and embedded systems.