ENA EREC G5/5 Background Harmonic Measurements
At Outram Research Ltd we manufacture the PM7000 Power Quality Analyser, which, with its Advanced Harmonics option, can provide the comprehensive background harmonic measurements required for compliance with Energy Networks Association (ENA) Engineering Recommendation G5/5.
Request a quoteThis latest Recommendation, with emphasis based on voltage harmonic distortion and introduced on 17th June 2020, replaces ENA EREC G5/4 which has been in place since 2001. You will find details of the changes to the recommendations in our detailed ‘G5/5 vs G5/4 comparison’ summary paper.
Customers can either hire or buy a PM7000 to use themselves or engage Outram to carry out an on-site survey to collect the comprehensive and detailed measurements required to the 100th harmonic to ensure that their systems are meeting G5/5 requirements and are compliant with UK regulations. These measurements include individual voltage harmonics to the 100th, THDV, Interharmonics and Interharmonic Sub-Groups to the 100th as well as the capture of any offending waveform Commutation Notching.
What is G5/5?
ENA Engineering Recommendation G5/5 is a technical document published by the Energy Networks Association (ENA) that sets out the requirements for connecting and operating electrical equipment in the UK.
G5/5s main purpose is to provide a set of guidelines, for all voltages, detailing the levels of the individual voltage harmonic and voltage interharmonic emissions allowed on the network. It also describes the permitted length and depth of commutation notching.
Background harmonic, interharmonic and interharmonic sub-group values are measured and compared to the ENA planning or compatibility limits. New or additional load is then modelled onto these values to ensure the limits will not be exceeded when the new load is connected.
In other words, G5/5 prescribes harmonic levels that are permissible in the electrical network, and any further connections must not cause the site to exceed the relevant compatibility limits.
Compliance with G5/5 is mandatory for all new system installations and any modifications to an existing, incumbent setup.
Measure to G5/5 With PM7000 Power Quality Analysers
Outram Research’s portable Ranger PM7000 analyser with this Advanced Harmonics option is available for general hire to all those that need to ensure their compliance with G5/5 regulations and for sale in the UK and abroad to Distribution and Transmission Network or System Operators. The effective and user-friendly Power Master 7000 analyser, which measures harmonics to EN61000-4-7, the EN61000-4-30 Class A requirement, will give you all that you need to monitor and record harmonics in line with EREC G5/5 guidelines.
Outram’s fully qualified on-site engineers can, if required, also conduct pre- and post-commissioning harmonic surveys, assisting in installation and removal of the analysers and publishing G5/5 reports based on the measurement findings. These reports include all the parameters required for a full G5/5 assessment, such as:
- THDv to the 100th
- Individual Voltage Harmonics to the 100th
- Interharmonics and Sub-Group Interharmonics to the 100th as well as waveform notching
The PM7000 with Advanced Harmonics also simultaneously measures Total Harmonic Current (THDi) to the 100th and Individual Current Harmonics to the 100th, so these are included as Standard in Outram’s reports to assist in the modelling requirements of any additional loads.
Why is G5/5 Important?
It’s crucial with any new electrical installation – be it an additional load to an existing supply or a brand-new installation – that any devices connected to the same network do not experience poor power quality that may cause them to malfunction or fail. All installations must be provided with a safe electrical environment within which their equipment can function without any operational worries or issues.
Harmonic emissions, if not properly measured and monitored, can cause significant and pervasive problems within electrical systems, such as reduced efficiency, power losses, and electrical equipment damage. Any devices which emit too high harmonic distortion will negatively impact the performance of other devices connected to that network.
G5/5 helps to mitigate these issues by setting strict harmonic emission limits. A structured G5/5 assessment using a comprehensive set of background harmonic measurements will ensure that your own electrical network and devices comply with these guidelines and will not pose a risk to other consumers connected to the same supply.
Think of this Layman example – you’re about to board an aeroplane. The airline sets a strict baggage weight limit and capacity for the flight, otherwise, the plane may be at greater risk of crashing during the flight if it is carrying too much baggage or too many passengers. The airline stipulates that you must not exceed the baggage weight limit and that no unauthorised passengers board the flight. G5/5 works in much the same way, stipulating that your device, combined with existing background harmonics on the network, must not emit more than a certain level of harmonics and will therefore not pose additional risk to other devices connected to the same network.
In simple terms, compliance with G5/5 ensures that the electrical system is clean, efficient, and reliable. Non-compliance can lead to regulatory penalties and damage to reputation.
How Can Outram Research Help?
At Outram Research Ltd we offer the PM7000 Power Quality analyser with Advanced Harmonics option for hire or sale* or alternatively Outram’s fully qualified engineers can attend the measurement site, assist in the installation of the units and provide on-site background harmonic surveys with associated, comprehensive report. These are the first steps to ensuring your compliance with the updated G5/5 requirements (please contact us for an example report). Outram can also offer additional modelling of new equipment onto background harmonics measurements should it be required.
Assessments to the 100th Harmonic
We believe we are the only Power Quality Analyser manufacturer to carry out on-site current and voltage measurements to the 100th harmonic, whereas most off-the-shelf Power Quality Monitors are limited to the 50th harmonic or below.
As well as simultaneously measuring Individual harmonics to the 100th on 6 inputs (3 voltage and 3 current, as well as to the 50th on 2 additional inputs), our state-of-the-art power monitoring equipment, the PM7000, also measures THDv, THCurrent (THDi) and voltage interharmonics and sub-groups to the 100th order. If you want to carry out the measurements yourself, you are more than welcome – Outram have over 35 PM7000s with harmonics to the 100th available to hire at any one time and if you’re a DNO or DSO*, available for sale as well.
Measuring to the 100th harmonic for THDv, THDi, individual voltage and current harmonics as well as voltage sub- and interharmonics is required unless the Network Operator (NO) has expressly agreed they only require these parameters to the 50th.
Detailed, Sensible Reports
Outrams reports include:
- Voltage and Current (Max, Min and Average) using Adaptive Store Measurement regime (down to single cycle resolution when anything interesting occurs on the measurement)
- Tables comparing results to the relevant planning limits (dependent on Nominal Voltage) of:
- Voltage harmonics to 100th harmonic
- Voltage Interharmonics 55 to 95Hz
- Voltage Interharmonics Sub-Goups 2-99
- THDv & THDi to 100th harmonic
- Tables of current harmonics to the 100th for modelling purposes
- Waveform capture results for worst case commutation notching
- Flicker (Pst and Plt) (Max, Min and Average) with Graph
- Unbalance (Max, Min and Average) with Graph
- 3 phase Reactive Power, Real Power, Apparent Power, Power Factor (Max, Min and Average) with Graph
- Graphs of all odd harmonics to the 25th (both current and voltage)
- Analysis of the measurement data to determine compliance with G5/5
- Identification of any non-compliant areas and any additional Power Quality information, such as regular/intermittent voltage or current spikes should we think it could be of interest.
The PM7000 kit comprises (For Hire or Sale*):
- PM7000 G5/5 Unit
- Braided Rogowski Coils (4 coils)
- Low Current Iron Core Current Transformers with adaptors (optional)
- Braided Voltage Leads (5 voltage leads with extensions)
- Tool Roll containing
- 3 Link Leads
- USB Lead
- 1 Bag with: 2 x 400mA Anti-surge Fuses
- 2 x 150mA Fuses
- Mains Lead
- Android Tablet and Charger (1 Tablet per customer)
- 12 Volt DC Charger
- Memory Stick
- Hook-up Checklist
- Configuration Guide
- PM7000 Bag
Our professional and dedicated team will work closely with you to ensure that the measurement is tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
Contact us today to discuss your G5/5 harmonic measurement needs. Our team will be happy to provide you with more information and a free, no-obligation quote for our services.
*the Advanced Harmonics option available with Outram’s PM7000 is available for hire to all and for sale to Distribution and Transmission Network or System Operators, worldwide.
Read Our Reviews
Luke Taylor08/01/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have had the pleasure of working with the Outram's and their Instruments for over 15 years. Their equipment and hire service has never failed. The technical support is second to none and their friendly approach is always appreciated. I have used many alternatives, but for my needs the Ranger PM equipment is the best by far.
Darren Curtis27/07/2023I needed soem support with my Outram kit, and got it within minutes! Can't fault any of them team, but special thanks to Kate for helping me. May i have many more years of service on my PM3000!
Tower Crescent13/10/2021Fantastic equipment. Brilliant onsite support with their G5/5 and Fault Level Monitor equipment.
Simon Lynd08/02/2021I have used Outram Research previously for Power Quality Surveys and G5/4 G5/5 compliance issues. All reports were well presented, on time and well laid out technically. Staff are approachable and customer friendly.
Robert King07/02/2021Whilst under contract to Network Rail [RIDC] Midlands Test Facility at Asfordby, Leicestershire. I was required to investigate the impact on Power Quality of the 25kV Traction Testing being undertaken. I researched suppliers of Power Quality Equipment and on discovering the involvement Outram Research Ltd has with the Electricity Supply Industry I recommended NR engage them to assist in the data collection focussed on NPS [voltage unbalance]. I found that Outram Research had a very thorough understanding of all the issues associated with Power Quality and could supply and connect the appropriate Outram Data Loggers to enable the capture of the data I required. With the data captured I was able to demonstrate the .25kV traction testing imposed far less voltage unbalance on the 132kV network than the DNO anticipated. All the Outram staff I engaged with were extremely knowledgeable not only in the data loggers but also in their application. Outram Research downloaded and filed all the data in a logical manner mailing me the information. I have been so impressed with the company and staff that I recommended Outram Research Ltd to the Network Rail Power Quality department describing my experience with them. R H King. C.Eng MIET PowerPhase Services Ltd.
Rob Weller04/02/2021Have used Outram equipment for a few years now, for power quality investigation work and G5/4 and G5/5 surveys etc. It is quality kit and with good analysis software. There is also a version capable of fault level monitoring. Most of all, a great company to deal with and fantastic support.Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews