IEC 61786-1-2024 PDF

Full title and description

Measurement of DC magnetic, AC magnetic and AC electric fields from 1 Hz to 100 kHz with regard to exposure of human beings — Part 1: Requirements for measuring instruments. This entry refers to the 2024 Amendment 1 to IEC 61786-1:2013 (published July 2024) and the consolidated 2024 edition (IEC 61786-1 Ed. 1.1, 2024) that incorporates that amendment.

Abstract

Defines requirements and guidance for measuring instruments used to assess quasi-static magnetic and electric fields (including DC fields) with frequency content from 1 Hz up to 100 kHz for the purpose of evaluating human exposure. The document covers instrument performance, measurement ranges, uncertainty and calibration considerations applicable when assessing exposure from power-frequency sources, harmonics and other devices producing fields in the stated frequency range. The consolidated 2024 text provides both the original Part 1 content and the 2024 amendment in a single published edition.

General information

• Status: Published (Amendment 1 to IEC 61786-1:2013; consolidated edition IEC 61786-1 Ed. 1.1 published 2024).
• Publication date: Amendment published July 2024 (24 July 2024 reported); consolidated edition (Ed. 1.1) also dated 2024.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) — distributed via IEC national bodies and commercial standards providers.
• ICS / categories: 17.220.20 — Measurement of electrical and magnetic quantities.
• Edition / version: IEC 61786-1:2013/AMD1:2024 (Amendment 1) and IEC 61786-1 Ed. 1.1 (consolidated version) — 2024.
• Number of pages: Amendment document: ~12 pages; Consolidated CSV edition (Ed. 1.1): ~107 pages (published consolidated text).

Scope

Specifies requirements for instruments and measurement practice used to measure DC magnetic fields and AC magnetic/electric fields in the quasi-static frequency region 1 Hz to 100 kHz for evaluation of human exposure. It applies to instruments and measuring methods for sources such as power-frequency systems (and their harmonics), equipment that emits low-frequency fields, static sources (including the earth’s magnetic field) and other devices producing fields within the stated frequency band. The standard gives limits on typical measurement ranges, calibration and uncertainty requirements needed to produce exposure-relevant measurements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for DC, AC magnetic and AC electric field quantities relevant to human exposure assessments.
• Instrument performance criteria (sensitivity, bandwidth, linearity) for measurement across 1 Hz–100 kHz.
• Permitted measurement ranges and guidance on applicability (typical ranges and notes on measurements outside those ranges require special calibration/uncertainty treatment).
• Calibration, traceability and uncertainty evaluation procedures appropriate for exposure assessments.
• Guidance on measurement set-up, probes/transducers, positioning and environmental considerations affecting low-frequency field measurements.
• Notes on application to power-frequency and harmonic fields, static (DC) field measurement and interpretation for human exposure contexts.

Typical use and users

Used by metrology labs, occupational health and safety professionals, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineers, researchers studying human exposure to low-frequency fields, product compliance teams and national standards bodies. Typical applications include workplace exposure assessments, compliance testing for equipment that emits low-frequency fields, research measurements, and field surveys around power installations and industrial equipment.

Related standards

Part of the IEC 61786 series (Part 1 — instruments; Part 2 — measurement procedures). Related guidance and horizontal references include IEC Guide 108 (horizontal standard status) and national adoptions/endosoements (e.g., EN/UNE adoptions and consolidated national versions). The amendment updates and sits alongside the original IEC 61786-1:2013 text.

Keywords

Low-frequency magnetic fields, DC magnetic field, AC magnetic field, AC electric field, human exposure, field measurement, probes, calibration, uncertainty, 1 Hz–100 kHz, IEC 61786, measurement instruments.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61786-1 (with its 2024 Amendment 1 and consolidated 2024 edition) is an IEC standard that specifies requirements for instruments used to measure DC, AC magnetic and AC electric fields in the 1 Hz to 100 kHz range for the purpose of assessing human exposure.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument performance requirements, measurement ranges, calibration and uncertainty considerations, recommended measurement practices and practical guidance for acquiring exposure-relevant field measurements from power-frequency sources, harmonics and other low-frequency emitters.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Metrology and calibration laboratories, occupational health and safety specialists, EMC and electrical engineers, researchers in bioelectromagnetics, product compliance teams and national standards bodies. These users apply the standard for exposure assessments, compliance checks and field surveys.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2024 Amendment 1 was published in July 2024 and incorporated into a consolidated 2024 edition (Ed. 1.1). The consolidated 2024 text is the current published version that updates the original 2013 Part 1 text. Users should reference the consolidated 2024 edition (or the 2013 text together with AMD1:2024) for the latest requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61786 is a multi-part standard. Part 1 addresses measuring instruments; Part 2 addresses measurement procedures. The 2013 first editions replaced the older IEC 61786:1998, and the 2024 amendment updates Part 1.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Low-frequency fields, DC magnetic, AC magnetic, AC electric, 1 Hz–100 kHz, measuring instruments, calibration, uncertainty, human exposure, IEC 61786-1.