IEC 61851-21-2-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Electric vehicle conductive charging system - Part 21-2: Electric vehicle requirements for conductive connection to an AC/DC supply — EMC requirements for off‑board electric vehicle charging systems. This IEC international standard specifies electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and associated test conditions for off‑board conductive charging equipment used to supply or charge electric vehicles.

Abstract

This first edition (2018) of IEC 61851‑21‑2 defines emission and immunity limits, port definitions, test setups and operation modes for off‑board EV charging equipment (modes 1–4) with rated input voltages up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC and output voltages up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC. It focuses exclusively on EMC requirements for conductive power transfer and, together with IEC 61851‑21‑1, replaces the older IEC 61851‑21:2001. The edition adds detailed port/test descriptions and several informative annexes.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (stability date indicates maintained until 2027).
• Publication date: 18 April 2018.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 33.100.10 (Emission); 43.120 (Electric road vehicles).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2018).
• Number of pages: 47 pages (official IEC publication length).

(General information details from the IEC publication entry.)

Scope

IEC 61851‑21‑2:2018 applies to off‑board components and equipment of conductive EV charging systems intended to supply or charge electric vehicles by conductive power transfer. It covers EMC tests and limits for equipment with rated input voltages (per IEC 60038) up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC and corresponding output voltages, and applies to charging modes 1, 2, 3 and 4 as defined in IEC 61851‑1. The standard sets requirements for both radiated and conducted emissions and for immunity performance under specified test conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• EMC emission limits (radiated and conducted) and measurement distances/classification (e.g., Class B radiated limits for many off‑board chargers).
• Immunity test requirements covering typical disturbance types (electrostatic discharge, radiated RF, conducted disturbances, surge, etc.).
• Definition of ports, detailed test‑setups and clear test conditions for different charger architectures and modes (1–4).
• Operational mode descriptions for test sequencing and conditions during EMC testing.
• Informative and normative annexes (A–F) providing test arrangements, guidance and additional specifications introduced in this edition.

These topics form the core compliance requirements that manufacturers and test laboratories use to demonstrate EMC conformity for off‑board EV chargers.

Typical use and users

Primary users are EV charging equipment manufacturers, design and R&D engineers, EMC test laboratories, certification and conformity assessment bodies, and regulatory authorities concerned with EMC compliance for public and private charging infrastructure. The standard is also used by integrators and suppliers of power electronics and by test engineers preparing EMC test plans for AC and DC off‑board chargers.

Related standards

IEC 61851‑21‑2 is part of the IEC 61851 series (conductive charging systems) and is closely related to IEC 61851‑1 (general requirements) and IEC 61851‑21‑1 (on‑board/off‑board EMC contexts). It references general EMC publications and test methods such as IEC/CISPR series documents (for measurement techniques and limits) and IEC 60038 for nominal voltages. The first edition replaces IEC 61851‑21:2001; work on a 2nd edition (ED2) has been recorded in IEC project tracks.

Keywords

electric vehicle charging, conductive charging, EMC, electromagnetic compatibility, off‑board charger, radiated emissions, conducted emissions, immunity testing, IEC 61851, charging modes 1–4, charger certification

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61851‑21‑2:2018 is an international standard that specifies EMC requirements (emissions and immunity) and associated test conditions for off‑board conductive electric vehicle charging equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers EMC test methods, limits, port definitions, test setups and operational modes for off‑board chargers (modes 1–4) with rated input/output voltages up to 1 000 V AC or 1 500 V DC, focusing solely on EMC aspects rather than other electrical safety tests.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: EV charger manufacturers, EMC test houses, compliance and certification bodies, regulatory agencies and design engineers use this standard to design, test and certify off‑board charging equipment for EMC conformity.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61851‑21‑2:2018 is the current first edition (published 18 April 2018) and formally replaces IEC 61851‑21:2001. The IEC metadata shows a stability target into 2027; an ED2 draft has been recorded as in development (project activity noted in 2023). Users should check the IEC store or national bodies for any formal publication of a later edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61851 series covering conductive charging systems for electric vehicles; related parts include IEC 61851‑1 (general requirements) and IEC 61851‑21‑1 (other EMC aspects/tests).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include: electric vehicle charging, conductive power transfer, EMC, emissions, immunity, off‑board charger, IEC 61851‑21‑2, charging modes 1–4.