Cost impacts of implementing the IEC harmonic limits

The IEC harmonic limits will become mandatory in Europe for all information technology (IT) equipment as of 7/1/01. This paper discusses the cost impact to IT equipment if these limits become mandatory in the United States (US) and the resulting cost to the US consumer. Field experience to date does not appear to justify singling out IT equipment for mandatory implementation of the IEC limits. Technology trends that will help to reduce the rate of increase in power consumption and harmonic currents are also reviewed.