EN/IEC 61204-3
EN/IEC 61204-3 specifies electromagnetic compatibility requirements for low-voltage power supplies with DC output. This article covers its scope, the emission and immunity tests required, and Compatible Electronics' accredited testing. Part of the Compatible Electronics Learning Center.
What is EN/IEC 61204-3?
IEC 61204-3 (harmonized in Europe as EN 61204-3) is part of the IEC 61204 series for low-voltage power supplies with DC output. Part 3 specifically addresses electromagnetic compatibility — specifying the emission limits, immunity requirements, and test methods applicable to low-voltage DC power supplies.
The standard applies to power supplies with DC output voltage up to 200 V and output power from a few watts to several kilowatts, intended for installation in other equipment or for standalone use. This covers a wide range of industrial, commercial, and embedded power supply products. Compatible Electronics provides power supply (IEC 61204) EMC testing services.
Equipment Covered
- AC-DC power supplies with DC output (switch-mode and linear)
- DC-DC converters and voltage regulators
- Battery chargers and charging systems
- Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) with DC output
- Power supplies for use within industrial and commercial equipment
Where the power supply is an integral part of end equipment that has its own applicable product standard (for example, IEC 61326-1 for measurement equipment or IEC 60601-1-2 for medical equipment), the host product standard typically takes precedence for the complete system. IEC 61204-3 is most applicable when the power supply is tested and certified as a standalone component or module.
Emission and Immunity Requirements
1
Emissions — Conducted and Radiated
IEC 61204-3 specifies emission limits referenced to CISPR 11 (for industrial environments) or CISPR 22 / CISPR 32 (for commercial environments), depending on the intended installation environment. Conducted emissions are measured at the AC mains input; radiated emissions at appropriate distances in an accredited facility.
2
Immunity — IEC 61000-4 Series
Immunity requirements reference the IEC 61000-4 basic standards including ESD (4-2), radiated RF (4-3), EFT/burst (4-4), surge (4-5), conducted RF (4-6), and power frequency magnetic field (4-8). Test levels are appropriate for the intended environment — industrial installations typically require higher immunity levels than commercial ones.
| Standard Version | Locations Accredited |
|---|
| IEC/EN 61204-3 (2001) | Brea, Newbury Park |
Ready to Test Your Product?
Compatible Electronics is an NVLAP-accredited EMC testing laboratory (Lab Code 200527-0) with three Southern California locations.
www.celectronics.com
