The Australian Standard to Specify Network Harmonics Limits: AS 2279-1979

The new Standard AS 2279-1979 (Parts 1 and 2 [7]) recently published by the Standards Association of Australia (SAA), setting limits on the permissible amount of network harmonics (in the audible frequency range) such as is generated typically by electronic variable speed drives, light dimmers, etc. used either in a domestic situation (household appliances, light dimmers, etc.) or in industry (variable speed drives, battery chargers, etc.) is reviewed. These limits are compared with those in other countries, and the background and basic thoughts for its various provisions are provided. Also, a guide for the Standards application to the benefit of the main parties concerned, i.e., manufacturers, users, and supply authorities is presented. Other existing network harmonics standards are also mentioned.