On December 29, 2022, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) issued the notice of implementation date for GB 17625.1-2022 Electromagnetic compatibility—Limits—Part 1: Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16A per phase). The standard is to replace the existing 2012 version and will be in force on July 1, 2024.

This new EMC standard references and modifies IEC 61000-3-2: 2020 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤16 A per phase) with modifications that mainly include:

·   The definition of “professional equipment” adopts that from GB/T 4365-2003 Electrotechnical terminology--Electromagnetic compatibility (identical to IEC 60050(161):1990).

·   General requirements section deleted contents related with 60Hz and 230/400V and 240/415V in the IEC standard, as China’s grid and network do not have such parameters.

·   Adding “scenario of non-default status” in the type test requirements for “television receiver” to improve operability”.

·   In the type test requirements for lamps, use GB/T 20550-2013 (which is identical to IEC 60155:2006) to replace the original technical reference IEC 60155:1993.

Comparing with the replacing version, GB 17625.1-2012, a few technical modifications are made, and the main contents include but not limited with:

·   Change working scope to “the equipment with the rated input current of each item shall not exceed 16A”.

·   Add definitions such as integrated lamp and variable speed drive (VSD).

·   Add definition explanation for terms including “lighting equipment”, and the explanation of product classifications for type A special light for stage and photographic venues, emergency lighting equipment, external power source (EPS) etc.

·   Add 5W as a threshold value, and all lighting equipment that are lower than 5W will not be covered by the emission limits.

·   Modify the emission limits for lighting equipment that are with power rating less than 25W.

Testing conditions are modified, added for a variety of product types such as washing machine, vacuum cleaners, refrigerator and freezer, external power source (EPS) etc.

As the EMC requirements are mandatory in China, SAC leave about one and half year for the preparation and “transition” period for this standard. The equipment that with input current ≤ 16A per phase shall implement this EMC standard since July 1, 2024. As this standard is different from IEC standard, the oversea manufacturers should read this standard carefully to check if your products comply with it.

If you need the English translation of this standard, please contact BESTAO consulting at: assistant@bestao-consulting.com