What is the IEC 61000-4-5 criteria ?

Electrical and electronic devices are an essential part of our daily lives, and they are constantly subjected to various types of disturbances, including transient surges. These surges, also known as spikes, can damage the devices and cause them to malfunction. The IEC 61000-4-5 criteria, also known as the Surge Immunity Test, is an international standard that defines standardized test methods and levels for evaluating the immunity of electrical and electronic equipment to surges caused by various sources.

Test Procedures and Requirements

The IEC 61000-4-5 criteria consists of a set of tests and procedures that manufacturers must follow to ensure that their products are able to withstand surges without suffering any functionality or safety issues. The tests are designed to measure the electrical characteristics and insulation resistance of the equipment, as well as its ability to withstand short-circuits and over-voltages.

The tests are divided into four categories, each of which corresponds to a different level of immunity:

Category 1: Equipment with a high level of immunity

This category applies to equipment that is designed to withstand the full range of electromagnetic disturbances, including transient surges. The equipment must be able to operate continuously without any degradation in performance, and it must have an insulation resistance of at least 20 MΩ.

Category 2: Equipment with a moderate level of immunity

This category applies to equipment that is designed to withstand the full range of electromagnetic disturbances, including transient surges, but it may have some limitations in terms of its performance. The equipment must be able to operate continuously without any degradation in performance, and it must have an insulation resistance of at least 10 MΩ.

Category 3: Equipment with a low level of immunity

This category applies to equipment that is designed to withstand only the minor effects of transient surges, such as those caused by fluctuations in voltage or current. The equipment must be able to operate continuously without any degradation in performance, and it must have an insulation resistance of at least 5 MΩ.

Category 4: Equipment with a very low level of immunity

This category applies to equipment that is not designed to withstand any transient surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes or other external factors. The equipment must have an insulation resistance of at least 20 MΩ.

Conclusion

The IEC 61000-4-5 criteria are an essential standard for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical and electronic equipment. By complying with these criteria, manufacturers can ensure that their products are able to withstand the full range of electromagnetic disturbances, including transient surges, without suffering any functionality or safety issues. Compliance with the IEC 61000-4-5 criteria is also important for manufacturers to maintain their reputation and to meet the needs of their customers.