Scope
- Voltage quality: voltage level and unbalance; voltage dips, swells and interruptions (IEC 61000-4-30 event recording).
- Harmonics: voltage and current THD and individual harmonics up to the 50th order (IEC 61000-4-7).
- Flicker: short- and long-term flicker severity, Pst and Plt (IEC 61000-4-15).
- Power and energy: active, reactive and apparent power; power factor and cosφ; 15-minute demand profile.
- Load profile: daily and weekly load curves, base load, phase unbalance and transformer loading.
- Compensation and filter needs: reactive power profile and the risk of harmonic resonance with capacitors.
Method and instruments
Measurements are taken with the Kyoritsu KEW 6315-05 power analyser, an IEC 61000-4-30 Class S instrument with a calibration certificate. Voltage quality values are recorded with a 10-minute aggregation interval and demand with a 15-minute interval.
Because the TS EN 50160 assessment is based on a one-week observation period, at least 7 days are recorded at the main distribution board (transformer outgoing). Short, detailed measurements are added for a machine or board with problems.
During the same visit, boards and connections can be scanned with the Bosch GTC 400 C thermal camera; for facilities using the Energy Monitoring Portal, the measurement period is compared with hourly OSOS data.
Regulations and standards
- TS EN 50160Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks; limits and one-week assessment
- IEC 61000-4-30Power quality measurement methods; instrument classes (Class A, Class S)
- IEC 61000-4-7Harmonic and interharmonic measurement
- IEC 61000-4-15Flicker measurement
- IEEE 519Recommended current harmonic limits at the point of common coupling
Deliverables
- Measurement report: measurement point and duration, instrument and calibration details, connection type
- TS EN 50160 compliance table: limit, measured value and result for each parameter
- Charts: voltage, current, THD, power factor and demand trends; harmonic spectrum; event list
- Findings and recommendations: compensation, harmonic filters, load distribution, transformer loading; each linked to a measured value
- Raw measurement data on request (Excel)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the measurement take?
A TS EN 50160 assessment requires at least 7 days of recording. The instrument stays in the board during this period and the facility keeps operating. The connection is usually made without switching off; if safety requires it, a short outage is planned.
When is a power analysis needed?
Unexplained tripping of fuses or residual current devices, capacitor and drive failures, overheating of transformers or neutral conductors, reactive energy charges, flickering lights, and before and after connecting a large load (variable speed drive, UPS, charging unit).
What is the difference between Class S and Class A?
IEC 61000-4-30 defines two measurement classes. Class A is the highest accuracy class, used for contractual purposes and disputes; Class S is intended for statistical surveys and in-plant analysis. If a measurement is needed for a legal dispute with the distribution company, we state this at the quotation stage.
What happens after the measurement?
After delivering the report we review the findings with you. If compensation, filtering or board modifications are needed, the work is quoted separately, and a verification measurement is taken at the same point afterwards.