Power analysis

Do I need to measure the Mains power of my device?

The CE requirements for powersupplies >75W stipulates the limits for net harmonics. These are the frequency components of multiples of 50 (or 60)Hz, upto the 40th harmonic.
A power analyzer like the DPA3011 performs these measurements, including inrush current analysis.

But also, if you need to specify the power factor of your device, a power analyzer is indispensable.

To comply with the IEC 61000-3-2 a measurement is required. If you use switched mode power supplies or transformers, the rectifier will distort the current wave. This results in harmonic levels that may exceed the max. allowed levels.

That means that each design must be verified to comply with these limits.

First you need to determine to which Class the device belongs. The different classes have different limits of harmonic currents.

Most equipment falls into Class A:

Household appliances (not identified as Class D)
tools (not portable)
Dimmers for lamps
Audio equipment
Balanced 3-phase equipment

Class B:

Portable tools
Arc welding equipment (non-professional)

Class C:

Lighting equipment

And for equipement witha specified power of <600W, Class D:

Personal computers
Television receivers

Interested? Ask our distributors

Power analyzer features

Scope screen of Voltage and current
Power Analysis with VA, Watt, VAR, Power factor and angle.
Harmonic distortion with spectral density screen.
Harmonics table with color coding for IEC6100-3-2 limits.
Inrush current measurement that finds the worse-case phase angle.
Data logging on a USB stick or other the Ethernet connector.

⇛ Power analyzer, Inrush current analysis, Mains Harmonics, Net Harmonics, Mains RMS current Data logging