What is IEC 61000-4-15:2019?

IEC 61000-4-15:2019, also known as Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Testing and Measurement Techniques - Flickermeter - Functional and Design Specifications, is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard that specifies the requirements for flicker test equipment used to assess and measure the intensity of voltage fluctuations in lighting equipment.

The Importance of Flicker Testing

Flickering can occur when the intensity of light from a source fluctuates rapidly. It can have several detrimental effects, including visual discomfort, fatigue, and even triggering photosensitive epileptic seizures. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that lighting products comply with specific flicker limits to guarantee user safety and comfort.

IEC 61000-4-15:2019 provides a comprehensive set of requirements and guidelines for flicker testing equipment to accurately evaluate and measure flicker characteristics. The standard applies to various lighting technologies, such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, LED lamps, and luminaires.

Main Requirements of IEC 61000-4-15:2019

The standard outlines specific technical specifications that flickermeters must meet to comply with IEC 61000-4-15:2019. These include:

1. Voltage Measurement: The flickermeter should be capable of accurately measuring voltage variations to determine flicker intensity. The measurements must comply with the specified voltage measurement methods described in the standard.

2. Time Domain Analysis: The equipment must perform time domain analysis of voltage fluctuations with specific sampling rates and resolution to capture fast changes in light intensity adequately. This ensures accurate assessment of flicker behavior.

3. Flicker Calculation: Flickermeters should be capable of calculating flicker parameters, such as short-term flicker severity (Pst) and long-term flicker severity (Plt), based on the measured voltage variations.

4. Display and Reporting: The standard requires that flickermeters display and report flicker parameters in a clear and readable manner, allowing users to assess compliance with specified limits easily.

Conclusion

IEC 61000-4-15:2019 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and comfort of lighting products by providing comprehensive requirements for flickermeters. Compliance with this standard helps manufacturers, designers, and testing laboratories evaluate and measure flicker characteristics accurately. By following the guidelines outlined in IEC 61000-4-15:2019, the industry can create lighting equipment that minimizes flickering effects and safeguards user well-being.