Electrical – IEC 61000 vs IEC 61326? Electromagnetic compatibility(EMC)

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I have been working on a product which requires EMC tested based on an IEC Standard. The product application is measurement and monitoring of various Solar String Parameters like voltage, current and therefore power. Some of the similar products in the market are offering two different certification/compliance. IEC 61000 and IEC 61326. Now on initial assessment, I can't find a clear difference between these two as both of them talk about Electromagnetic compatibility. Is there anything that helps decide which one to go for based on some parameters or application?

Thanks in advance

Best Answer

IEC 61000 are "basic" standards which contains the measurement techniques. IEC 61326 is a Product Family standard which contains conditions, limits and performance criteria for equipment for measurement, control and lab use.

Standards are applicable in this order

  • Product Standard, if applicable, otherwise
  • Product Family Standard, if applicable, otherwise
  • Generic Standard

61326 is mentioned in this hierarchy here:

The structure of EMC standards

EMC requirements are specified in a vast number of standard documents issued by various committees and organizations. The documents are organized as follows:

Basic standards: Describe the phenomenon, characterize the test equipment and give guidance how tests shall be performed and documented. Basic standards like IEC 61000-4-x form the lowest level in standard's hierarchy.

Generic standards: Specify test levels for a certain range of application, referring to the Basic Standards for general information. Generic standards give minimum requirements, e.g. for CE Mark (EN 61000-6-1). Generic Standards stand above the Basic standards.

Product Family standards: Are used where exist for a certain category of products. They specify test levels and performance criteria. EN 61326, for instance, forms such a Product Family standard dealing with the EMC requirements of equipment for measurement, control laboratory use.

Product standards: Are the most preferred standards as they give strict requirements for a certain product. EN 61800-3 for instance is a Product Standard for adjustable speed electrical power drive systems. Apart from the requirements for EMC this standard also defines special test procedures. Product Standards form the highest level in standard's hierarchy.

Source: EM Test

but all can refer to the basic standards for the measurement techniques.

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