IEC 62586-1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Power quality measurement in power supply systems - Part 1: Power quality instruments (PQI). Specifies product and performance requirements for instruments used to measure, record and (optionally) monitor power quality parameters in single-, dual- and three‑phase AC power supply systems (50 Hz / 60 Hz).

Abstract

This part of IEC 62586 defines the required capabilities, environmental and EMC performance, functional grouping and minimum feature sets for power quality instruments (PQI). It references measurement classes and methods from IEC 61000-4-30 (Class A and Class S) and integrates measurement-function updates introduced in IEC 61000-4-30:2015 and related guidance (for example RVC and enhanced current functions). The document is intended to be used by manufacturers, test laboratories and power system operators to specify and verify PQI performance.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 23 May 2017.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Technical Committee TC 85.
• ICS / categories: 17.220.20 (Measurement of electrical and magnetic quantities).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2017).
• Number of pages: 71 (bilingual English/French IEC publication).

Information above based on the IEC publication record and committee data.

Scope

Specifies product, design and performance requirements for instruments whose functions include measuring, recording and possibly monitoring power quality parameters in power supply systems, where the measurement methods are defined by IEC 61000-4-30 (Class A or Class S). Applicable to fixed and portable instruments used indoors and outdoors, and to devices that embed power-quality functions (e.g., certain meters, digital fault recorders or protection relays) in single-, dual- (split phase) and 3‑phase AC power systems at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The standard excludes user-interface design and post-processing/interpretation of measured data beyond measurement performance requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of PQI device classes and minimum functional sets (PQI‑A for Class A measurements and PQI‑S for Class S measurements) and installation/usage designations (fixed/portable, indoor/outdoor).
• Reference to IEC 61000-4-30 measurement methods and integration of its 2015 measurement-function updates (e.g., RVC and current-related functions).
• Environmental, mechanical and ingress-protection (IP) requirements and classification of operating environments.
• EMC performance criteria and requirements aligned with IEC guidance (including considerations from IEC/TS 61000-6-5 where applicable).
• Requirements for measurement chains, input ratings (voltages/frequencies), uncertainty and accuracy expectations for key power‑quality quantities.
• Conformity, testing and verification requirements (to be applied together with Part 2 for functional tests and uncertainty assessments).

Key topics summarized from the published standard and companion parts.

Typical use and users

Used by instrument manufacturers to design and declare PQI performance; by test houses and calibration laboratories for type/conformity testing; by transmission and distribution utilities, substation engineers and commissioning teams for equipment selection and site measurements; and by consultants and regulators specifying measurement requirements for compliance and interconnection agreements.

Related standards

Closely linked to IEC 61000-4-30 (measurement methods and classes), IEC/TS 61000-6-5 (additional EMC guidance for power systems), and other parts of the IEC 62586 series (notably IEC 62586-2 for functional tests and uncertainty requirements). It is published as a basic EMC publication in accordance with IEC Guide 107.

Keywords

power quality, PQI, PQI-A, PQI-S, IEC 62586-1, IEC 61000-4-30, RVC, measurement class A, measurement class S, uncertainty, functional tests, power supply systems, measurement instruments, EMC performance.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62586-1:2017 is the first part of the IEC 62586 series; it defines product and performance requirements for power quality instruments (PQI) used to measure and record electrical power‑quality parameters.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers device classification (Class A / Class S instruments), minimum functions, environmental and EMC performance, input ratings, measurement-chain requirements and the aspects of design and testing relevant to measurement performance (measurement methods are given by IEC 61000-4-30). It does not cover data interpretation or user‑interface specifics.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of PQI and embedded-measurement devices, utilities and grid operators, calibration and conformity test laboratories, system integrators, consultants and regulatory bodies responsible for specifying or verifying power‑quality measurement capability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 62586-1:2017 (Edition 2.0) is the published/active edition (publication date 23 May 2017) and is listed with a stability date in IEC records. A further revision (Edition 3) has been recorded in IEC project listings as being in development (work-item activity noted in 2025), so users should watch for an upcoming edition or amendment if they need the very latest requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 62586 is a multi‑part series. Part 1 covers PQI product and performance requirements; Part 2 covers functional tests and uncertainty requirements; other parts address complementary aspects and amendments are published as needed.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Power quality, PQI, PQI-A, PQI-S, IEC 61000-4-30, measurement accuracy, uncertainty, functional testing, RVC, EMC performance, power supply systems.