Overview
IEC 61557-12:2018/AMD1:2021 is an important amendment to the international standard focusing on electrical safety within low voltage distribution systems up to 1,000 V AC and 1,500 V DC. This standard specifically addresses power metering and monitoring devices (PMD) used for testing, measuring, or monitoring protective measures in electrical systems. The amendment consolidates revised technical requirements and clarifications to ensure enhanced accuracy, safety, and functionality of PMD in industrial and commercial applications.
Key Topics
- Scope of Devices Covered: The standard applies to both fixed and portable PMD used indoors or outdoors in single-phase and three-phase AC or DC systems with rated voltages up to 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC.
- Power Metering and Monitoring Function (PMF): Defines measurement functions embedded in equipment that is not primarily classified as PMD, such as UPS, circuit breakers, and inverters.
- Performance Requirements: Specifications for accurate measurement and monitoring of electrical quantities like voltage, current, active/reactive power, and energy.
- Device Categories: Clarifies distinctions between PMD, equipment embedding PMF (EPMF), electricity metering devices, power quality instruments, and other types of electrical measurement devices.
- Testing and Measurement: Specifies requirements to verify the performance, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and immunity of PMD, referencing relevant IEC standards (e.g., IEC 61869, IEC 60688).
- Annex H – Normative Requirements: Details additional requirements for PMF embedded in equipment whose main function is not power metering and monitoring, including associated conformity testing and normative references.
Applications
- Electrical Safety Verification: PMD facilitate enhanced safety by providing continuous monitoring and diagnostic insights in low voltage distribution networks.
- Energy Management: Supports energy efficiency initiatives such as ISO 50001 by accurately measuring and monitoring electrical consumption and quality.
- Industrial and Commercial Installations: Devices compliant with this standard are suitable for use in varied environments, helping maintain reliable power distribution and supporting maintenance operations.
- Integration in Other Equipment: The PMF can be integrated into systems like UPS, circuit breakers, protection relays, and photovoltaic inverters to deliver real-time electrical parameter insights without dedicated PMD.
- Quality of Supply Monitoring: Enables the detection of voltage deviations, harmonics, and other disturbances that may impact electrical system performance and safety.
Related Standards
- IEC 61869 Series: Instrument transformers used in conjunction with PMD to ensure accurate measurement.
- IEC 60688: Transducers for electrical measurement compatible with PMD.
- IEC 62053 Series: Electricity metering standards, specifying energy meter accuracy; distinguished from PMD in this standard.
- IEC 62586: Power quality instrument standards for monitoring electrical supply quality.
- IEC 60947 Series: Standards for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear relevant to equipment embedding PMF.
- IEC 62040: Standards for uninterruptible power systems incorporating PMF.
- IEC 61000 Series: Electromagnetic compatibility testing for immunity of PMD devices.
- IEC 62310: Static transfer systems incorporating power metering and monitoring functionality.
Compliance with IEC 61557-12:2018/AMD1:2021 ensures that power metering and monitoring devices used in low voltage electrical distribution systems meet stringent performance and safety criteria, promoting reliable operation and energy management. The standard is vital for manufacturers, electrical engineers, safety inspectors, and facility managers seeking precise and standardized measurement devices that comply with global best practices.
Open preview (PDF)Amendment 1 - Electrical safety in low voltage distribution systems up to 1 000 V AC and 1 500 V DC - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures - Part 12: Power metering and monitoring devices (PMD)
