Standard Overview
Pulsed Magnetic Field Background
According to IEC 61000-4-9, pulse magnetic fields are generated by lightning strikes on buildings and metal structures including aerial masts, earth conductors and earth networks and by initial fault transients in low voltage, medium voltage, and high voltage systems. This test is mainly applicable to products to be installed in electrical power plants (e.g. telecontrol centers close to switchgear). It is not relevant for distribution network equipment. The test is performed by applying 6.4/16 µs magnetic field pulses of defined strength to the equipment to be tested.Electronic products in accordance with IEC 61000-4-9 are tested for immunity pulsed magnetic fields to ensure their continued reliable operation when placed in service in a very harsh environment. Although most electrical and electronic products will not have to be tested for pulse magnetic field immunity, the European Union’s EMC Directive may mandate this testing as a condition for obtaining the CE mark under special circumstances and for specific products before shipping to a member state of the European Union.
Recommended Bundle
For Pulse Magnetic Field Tests: Haefely AXOS 5 Transient Generator |
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 IEC 61000-4-9 Pulse Magnetic Field Testing System Learn More |
Applicable Standards
Although not currently required by generic immunity, product-specific, or product family standards, future standards may require pulse magnetic field tests be performed in accordance with Basic EMC Standards: IEC 61000-4-9 and EN 61000-4-9. Thermo KeyTek's application note, "EMC Standards Overview," provides an overview of European Standards for electromagnetic compatibility, describes how the Standards relate to one another, and lists sources for procuring copyrighted documents. IEC 61000-4-9 and EN 61000-4-9 are virtually identical standards.Basic EMC Standard
The Basic EMC Standard for pulsed magnetic field defines methods of generating consistently reproducible current impulses for test purposes. Field amplitudes required by these standards range from 100 - 1000 Amps per meter. Although applicable only to apparatus containing devices susceptible to magnetic fields, testing may be required to make that determination.Test Levels
| Installation Environment | IEC 61000-4-9 Level | Field Strength A/m |
|---|---|---|
| An environment where sensitive devices using electron beams can be used | 1 | N/A |
| Residential, office and hospital areas far away from earth conductors of lightning protection systems | 2 | N/A |
| Commercial areas, control building, a field of industrial plants with lightning protection system or metallic structures nearby | 3 | 100 |
| Heavy industrial and power plants and H.V. substation control rooms | 4 | 300 |
| Switchyard areas of heavy industrial plants | 5 | 1000 |
| Higher or lower environmental levels than those described above | X | X |
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