IEC 61000-4-5 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-5: Testing and measurement techniques – Surge immunity test

Scope

IEC 61000-4-5 defines test methods for evaluating the surge immunity of electrical and electronic equipment when subjected to high-energy disturbances caused by switching and lightning transients. This standard applies to equipment installed in different environments, including residential, commercial, light industrial, and industrial locations.

Normative References
The following documents are referenced in the standard:
• IEC 61000-4-1: General testing and measurement techniques.
• IEC 61000-4-2: Electrostatic discharge immunity test.
• IEC 61000-4-4: Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test.

 Definitions
• Surge: A high-energy transient voltage or current pulse.
• EUT (Equipment Under Test): The device or system being tested.
• Surge Generator: A device capable of producing standardized surge waveforms.

Test Levels
Surge test levels are defined by the peak voltage (kV) and the combination wave shape (1.2/50 µs open circuit voltage and 8/20 µs short circuit current). Common test levels include:
• Level 1: 0.5 kV
• Level 2: 1.0 kV
• Level 3: 2.0 kV
• Level 4: 4.0 kV
• Level X: Special (user-defined)

Test Setup
• Connection of EUT: The EUT must be connected to the test setup as specified in the standard, ensuring proper grounding and isolation.
• Coupling/Decoupling Network (CDN): Used to apply the surge to power lines and signal/control lines while protecting the surge generator and measurement equipment.

Test Procedure
1. Pre-test Configuration: Ensure the EUT is configured and powered up according to its normal operating conditions. Record the EUT’s initial status and any relevant parameters.
2. Surge Application: Apply the surge waveform to the EUT using the specified test levels and coupling/decoupling networks. Surges should be applied to power lines (L-N, L-PE, N-PE) and signal/control lines as applicable.
3. Number of Surges: The standard specifies a minimum of five positive and five negative surges for each test point, with an interval of at least 1 minute between surges.
4. Observation: Monitor the EUT during and after surge application for any performance degradation, malfunctions, or failures. Note any deviations from normal operation.
5. Post-test Evaluation: Assess the EUT’s functionality and compare it to the pre-test configuration. Determine if the EUT meets the specified performance criteria.

Performance Criteria
• Criterion A: The EUT continues to operate as intended during and after the test without any degradation in performance.
• Criterion B: The EUT experiences temporary degradation or loss of function but recovers automatically after the test without the need for operator intervention.
• Criterion C: The EUT experiences temporary degradation or loss of function and requires operator intervention or system reset to recover.
• Criterion D: The EUT experiences permanent damage or loss of function that requires repair or replacement.

Test Report
The test report should include:
• EUT Description: Detailed information about the EUT, including model number, serial number, and operational configuration.
• Test Setup: Description of the test setup, including the type of surge generator used, coupling/decoupling networks, and grounding configuration.
• Test Levels and Points: Specification of the applied test levels and the points where surges were applied.
• Results: Detailed observations and measurements during and after the test, including any deviations from normal operation and post-test evaluations.
• Performance Criteria: Assessment of the EUT’s performance based on the defined criteria (A, B, C, D).
• Conclusion: Summary of the test results and determination of the EUT’s compliance with the standard.

LISUN supplies the fully test solutions for the following IEC 61000-4-5, please see the below excel table:

SG61000-5 Surge Generator

CDN61000-5C Coupling Decoupling Network for Communication Lines

CDN61000-5P Coupling Decoupling Network for Power Lines

SUG-CCITT-A Impulse Test Generator