IEC 61000 Part 4-8: Testing and Measurement Techniques – Power Frequency Magnetic Field Immunity Test

IEC 61000-4-8 magnetic field immunity testing relates to the immunity requirements of equipment. It only relates to equipment under operational conditions. IEC 61000-4-8 emc testing seeks to determine magnetic disturbances at power frequencies 50 Hz and 60 Hz related to various types of equipment.

This equipment includes residential and commercial locations, industrial installations and power plants. It also includes medium voltage and high voltage sub-stations.

IEC 61000-4-8 compliance testing does not consider disturbances due to capacitive or inductive coupling in cables or other parts of the field installation. Other IEC standards dealing with conducted disturbances cover these aspects.

The object of IEC 61000 4 8 emc testing is to establish a common and reproducible basis for evaluating the performance of electrical and electronic equipment. This applies to household, commercial and industrial applications when subjected to magnetic fields at power frequency.

IEC 61000-4-8 defines a number of parameters including the test equipment, test set-up, and test procedure. The standard also provides definitions on a number of terms.

The current distortion factor is defined as the ratio of the root-mean square value of the harmonics content of an alternating current to the root-mean square value of the fundamental current. An inductive coil is a conductor loop of defined shape and dimensions, in which flows a current, generating a magnetic field of defined constancy in its plane and in the enclosed volume.

An inductive coil factor is defined as the ratio between the magnetic field strength generated by an inductive coil of given dimensions and the corresponding current value. The field is that measured at the center of the coil plane, without the EUT.

The immersion method is the method of application of the magnetic field to the EUT, which is placed in the center of an inductive coil. The proximity method is defined as the method of application of the magnetic field to the EUT, where a small inductive coil is moved along the side of the EUT in order to detect particularly sensitive areas.

Keystone Compliance provides IEC 61000-4-8 testing in a professional, timely and affordable manner. Our lab features multiple EMC test chambers, so lead times on scheduling are never an issue. In addition to EMC/EMI testing, our lab also features mechanical, product safety, wireless, ingress protection and package testing. Regardless of the testing need, Keystone Compliance can provide the solution.

For more information on our capabilities, please contact us. If you are ready to see firsthand why so many companies rely on Keystone Compliance for their IEC 61000-4-8 EMC testing, please request a quote.