Overview
IEC TS 61800-8:2010 is a Technical Specification from the IEC that provides guidelines for determining the voltage on the power interface of adjustable speed electrical power drive systems (PDS). It defines a system-level approach to evaluate voltages that appear at the interface between the drive (converter/inverter/filter) and the power supply or motor, helping manufacturers, integrators and engineers assess compatibility, stress on insulation and electromagnetic behaviour.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers technical topics organized by drive section and modelling approach. Major subjects include:
- System approach and terminology - definitions, overview of PDS and modelling conventions.
- Two-port modelling - amplifying and adding elements to represent how sections affect interface voltages.
- Differential mode and common mode voltages - characterization and separate modelling for both modes.
- Line section (power supply) - TN/IT/TT grounding types and their influence on interface voltages.
- Input converter (rectifier/DC link) - origins of DC link voltages, reference potentials and effects of diode/active rectifiers.
- Output converter (inverter) - inverter topologies (two-level, three-level, N-level), output waveform shape, dv/dt, rise time and repetition rate considerations.
- Filter section - filter topologies (sine-wave, dv/dt, EMI filters, output chokes) and their effect on differential and common mode voltages.
- Cabling between converter and motor - cable characteristics and resulting voltage parameters at motor terminals.
- Calculation guidelines and installation examples - methods to compute expected voltages on the power interface and practical installation guidance.
- Annexes and figures - supporting diagrams, inverter voltage examples and filter performance data.
Practical applications
IEC TS 61800-8:2010 is used to:
- Assess voltage stress on motor insulation and drive components at the power interface.
- Specify dv/dt compatibility and required filtering for inverter-fed motors.
- Inform grounding and cabling choices to manage common-mode and differential voltages.
- Support EMC mitigation and selection of EMI filters or output chokes.
- Provide calculation methods for system integrators and test laboratories to predict interface voltages before installation.
Who should use it
- Drive and motor manufacturers (design and compliance teams)
- System integrators and electrical contractors (installation design)
- OEMs specifying drive interfaces for machines
- Test labs and certification bodies (voltage and EMC assessment)
- Electrical engineers responsible for motor-drive compatibility and reliability
Related standards
- Other parts of the IEC 61800 series (adjustable speed electrical power drive systems)
- EMC and motor insulation standards used alongside TS 61800-8 for complete compliance and safety assessments
Keywords: IEC TS 61800-8:2010, adjustable speed drive, power interface voltage, common mode, differential mode, inverter dv/dt, EMI filter, grounding, converter, motor terminals.