EMC Installation Guideline
Engineering Information
Environment
(residential, business, and
Voltage
or
current
Specialist
EMC
knowledge
required?
Overview of categories C1 to C4 according to the EMC product standard EN 61800-3
In the "first" environment (i.e. residential areas), the permissible interference level is low. As a result, devices
designed for use in the "first" environment must have low interference emissions. At the same time, however, they
only require a relatively low level of interference immunity.
In the "second" environment (i.e. industrial areas), the permissible interference level is high. Devices designed for use
in the "second" environment are allowed to have a relatively high level of interference emissions, but they also require
a high level of interference immunity.
Environments for SINAMICS converters
Category C2:
The SINAMICS converters described in this document are designed for use in the "second" environment. However,
by installing supplementary, optional line filters (RFI suppression filters or EMC filters) suitable for use in TN or TT
supply systems with grounded neutral, it is also possible to operate SINAMICS G130, G150, S150 and
SINAMICS S120 converters in Chassis and Cabinet Modules formats in the "first" environment in accordance with
category C2 of the EMC product standard EN 61800-3. To achieve compliance with category C2, it is absolutely
essential to use shielded motor cables. The permissible motor cable lengths can be found in section "Line filters (RFI
suppression filters or EMC filters)".
Category C3:
The SINAMICS converters described in this document are intended for use in the "second environment" and are
equipped as standard with line or EMC filters (RFI suppression filters) compliant with category C3 as defined by the
EMC product standard EN 61800-3 which are suitable for use in TN or TT supply systems with grounded neutral.
This applies to the SINAMICS G130, G150, and S150 converters as well as in the Infeeds of the SINAMICS S120
modular system (Basic Line Modules, Smart Line Modules, and Active Line Modules including the associated Active
Interface Modules, in Chassis and Cabinet Modules format). To achieve compliance with category C3, it is necessary
to use shielded motor cables. The permissible motor cable lengths can be found in section "Line filters (RFI
suppression filters or EMC filters)".
Category C4:
SINAMICS converters can also be used in non-grounded (IT) supply systems. In this case, the line filter integrated as
standard according to category C3 must be deactivated by removing the metal bracket connecting the filter
capacitors with the housing (for more information, see the operating instructions for the relevant devices). If this is not
removed, fault tripping can occur in the converter or the filter may be overloaded or even destroyed if a fault occurs.
When the line filters integrated as standard are deactivated, the SINAMICS converters only comply with category C4.
This is expressly permitted by the EMC product standard EN 61800-3 for IT supply systems in complex systems. In
such cases, plant manufacturers and plant operators (plant owners) must agree upon an EMC Plan, that is,
customized, system-specific measures to ensure compliance with EMC requirements. Compliance with category C4
no longer requires the use of shielded motor cables, but they are nevertheless recommended for the purpose of
reducing bearing currents in the motor in systems where motor reactors or motor filters have not been installed in the
converter.
2.2 Fundamental principles of EMC
2.2.1
Definition of EMC
Electromagnetic compatibility depends on two characteristics of the device in question: Its interference emissions
and interference immunity. Electrical devices can be divided into interference sources (transmitters) and potentially
susceptible equipment (receivers). Electromagnetic compatibility is ensured when the existing sources of interference
do not adversely affect potentially susceptible equipment. A device can also be both a source of interference (e.g. a
converter power unit) and potentially susceptible equipment (e.g. a converter control unit).
SINAMICS Engineering Manual – November 2015
230/528
Ó Siemens AG
Adjustable speed electrical power drive systems PDS
C1
C2
"First" environment
commercial areas)
< 1000 V
Installation and commissioning must be carried out by
No
C3
"Second" environment
(industrial areas)
specialist personnel
C4
≥ 1000 V
or
≥ 400 A