Overview
IEC 63497:2026 is an international product standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that details the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), performance, and safety requirements for shunt-connected active correction devices (ACD). The standard applies to ACDs designed for electrical systems with rated voltages not exceeding 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC. These devices may be either cord-connected or permanently installed and can be movable, stationary, or fixed. By providing a harmonized set of requirements, IEC 63497:2026 ensures the correct and safe performance of ACDs that integrate static VAR generators (SVGs) and active harmonic filters (AHFs) in power networks.
Key Topics
- Scope and Coverage: The standard covers ACDs that function as active harmonic filters, reactive power compensators, or devices for unbalanced load compensation. It specifically addresses systems below 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC.
- Device Types: Requirements apply to cord-connected, permanently connected, movable, stationary, and fixed ACDs.
- Functions: The core tasks of shunt-connected ACDs according to IEC 63497:2026 include:
- Active harmonic filtering
- Reactive power compensation
- Unbalanced load compensation
- Additional (Non-Covered) Functions: The standard notes that ACDs may also support flicker compensation and interharmonic filtering, but these are not explicitly included in its requirements.
- Excluded Devices/Functions: IEC 63497:2026 does not cover:
- Active mitigation functions that are integral to other devices (such as VSDs, UPS, DVRs)
- Switched power capacitors
- Switched inductors
- Passive harmonic filters
- Energy storage converters
- Series-connected active correction devices
Applications
Shunt-connected ACDs are used extensively in a variety of low- and medium-voltage electrical installations and networks, including:
- Industrial facilities: To improve power quality, prevent overheating of equipment, and reduce losses caused by harmonics and unbalanced loads.
- Commercial buildings: Ensuring reliable operation of sensitive electronics by controlling voltage and current disturbances.
- Data centers: Enhancing the resilience and efficiency of power distribution, contributing to energy savings and uptime.
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: Mitigating the impact of non-linear loads on grid quality.
- Renewable energy systems: Supporting integration by stabilizing voltage and minimizing network disturbances.
By addressing harmonic filtering, reactive power compensation, and load balancing, ACDs compliant with IEC 63497:2026 help maintain a high power quality, extend equipment lifespan, and ensure compliance with regulatory limits for electromagnetic emissions.
Related Standards
For comprehensive application and compliance, IEC 63497:2026 should be used alongside other relevant IEC standards, including:
- IEC 60364-1: Electrical Installations of Buildings - Fundamental Principles
- IEC 60529: Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)
- IEC 60664-1: Insulation Coordination for Equipment within Low-Voltage Systems
- IEC 61000-6-2: Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Immunity for Industrial Environments
- IEC 61000-6-4: EMC - Emission Standard for Industrial Environments
- IEC 62477-1: Safety Requirements for Power Electronic Converter Systems and Equipment
These related standards support manufacturers, designers, and users in ensuring their shunt-connected active correction devices are both safe and effective in maintaining power system quality and reliability.
Keywords: IEC 63497:2026, shunt-connected active correction devices, ACD, static VAR generator, SVG, active harmonic filter, AHF, EMC, power quality, harmonic filtering, reactive power compensation, load balancing, international standard, low-voltage networks, safety requirements.