Harmonic and flicker analyzer
IEC61000-3-2/3, IEC61000-4-13
EMC Partner AG
230V/50Hz and 115V/60Hz public power supplies.
The following phenomena can be tested:
Emission
- Harmonics
The increasing use of electronic equipment fitted with switch mode power supplies
has led to an increase in distortion of the public power supply. Such loads draw
non sinusoidal current, which contains harmonic frequencies at multiples of the
50Hz and 60Hz supply frequencies. This can lead to significant currents flowing in
the neutral conductor resulting in cable and transformer overheating. This is also
known as "phantom power" because it has to be transported through cables and
transformers, but is not useful.
- Flicker
Small variations in the mains supply voltage, caused by fluctuating currents interacting
with the mains impedance, influence the light intensity of an incandescent bulb. Light
intensity fluctuates as a square of the RMS voltage. These cyclic fluctuations called
"flicker" are not noticed by the human eye but are registered by the brain, causing
annoyance and increased stress. In extreme cases they can trigger headaches or
epileptic attacks in susceptible people. Power factor correction is a simple means
of reducing flicker.
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