BS EN 50160-2022 + A1-2025 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 50160-2022 + A1-2025 — Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks. This document is the British-adopted version of the European standard EN 50160:2022 together with Amendment A1 published in 2025. It specifies the principal characteristics and permissible limits of the voltage at a network user's supply terminals in public AC electricity networks (low, medium, high and extra-high voltage) under normal operating conditions and provides guidance for measurement and evaluation of those characteristics.

Abstract

EN 50160 defines expected voltage quality parameters for public electricity distribution networks and sets statistical limits (e.g., on RMS variation, frequency, harmonics, flicker and unbalance) that network operators and users can use as reference for assessing supply performance. Amendment A1 (2025) updates and clarifies certain limits, measurement conventions and applicability notes while reaffirming the measurement reference standard (EN/IEC 61000-4-30) and the exclusion of non-public or abnormal operating conditions.

General information

• Status: Published / Valid (national adoption as BS EN with Amendment A1)
• Publication date: January–February 2025 (Amendment A1 issued in early 2025; national adoptions were published across Jan–Feb 2025)
• Publisher: CENELEC (EN) — adopted nationally as BS EN by BSI (British Standards Institution)
• ICS / categories: 29.020 (Electrical engineering in general); related: 29.240.01 (Power transmission and distribution networks)
• Edition / version: Main edition EN 50160:2022 with Amendment A1:2025 (presented as BS EN 50160:2022 + A1:2025)
• Number of pages: Approximately 58 pages (final page count may vary between national publishers and consolidated publication formats)

Scope

The standard applies to public AC electricity supply networks and specifies the voltage characteristics that can be expected at the supply terminals of network users under normal operating conditions. It covers low, medium, high and extra-high voltage networks and addresses statistical limits and measurement/reporting conventions. The standard excludes industrial internal networks, temporary supply arrangements used during faults or maintenance, non-compliant user installations, and exceptional events (e.g., major natural disasters, force majeure). Measurement methods and procedures referenced in the standard rely on EN/IEC 61000-4-30.

Key topics and requirements

• Voltage magnitude: statistical limits for 10‑minute RMS values (example rules: 95% of 10‑minute RMS values within ±10% of nominal; all 10‑minute values typically within +10% / −15% of Un — see standard for exact values by voltage level).
• Frequency: permissible deviations and statistical reporting requirements for mains frequency at different nominal system frequencies.
• Short interruptions and long interruptions: classification, reporting metrics and conditions under which interruptions are excluded from normal statistics.
• Voltage unbalance: limits for negative sequence voltages and assessment methods.
• Harmonics and interharmonics: limits for individual harmonic orders and for total harmonic distortion (THD) expressed as percentages of the fundamental voltage; measurement/reference methods for harmonic assessment.
• Flicker: limits for short-term and long-term flicker (Pst, Plt) and measurement rules.
• Measurement & evaluation: reference to EN/IEC 61000-4-30 as the normative measurement method and rules for data aggregation, observation periods and statistical reporting.
• Exclusions & application notes: clarifies abnormal conditions, contractual derogations and applicability to non-public but similar networks (recommendation to apply same requirements where appropriate).

Typical use and users

Network operators and distribution utilities use EN 50160 to define and monitor supply quality performance. Regulatory authorities and system planners use it as a benchmark for assessing compliance and service quality. Manufacturers of electrical equipment and appliances use it to specify immunity and performance requirements. Consulting engineers, testing laboratories and power-quality analysts use the standard for measurement, reporting and troubleshooting of supply disturbances. Large consumers and energy service companies use it in commercial contracts and service-level agreements.

Related standards

Key related documents include EN/IEC 61000-4-30 (electromagnetic compatibility — power quality measurement methods), standards addressing harmonics and interharmonics (e.g., EN/IEC 61000-4-7), compatibility level standards for power quality and other national/adopted EN documents that cover connection requirements and performance of generation and loads. Users should consult national publications and the normative references listed in EN 50160:2022+A1:2025 for the complete cross-reference set.

Keywords

voltage characteristics; power quality; public electricity networks; harmonics; flicker; voltage unbalance; frequency deviation; interruptions; EN 50160; A1:2025; measurement; EN/IEC 61000-4-30.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: EN 50160 is a European standard that defines the expected voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks. The referenced item is the British-adopted edition of EN 50160:2022 together with Amendment A1 published in 2025 (BS EN 50160:2022 + A1:2025).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers statistical limits and definitions for voltage magnitude, frequency, harmonics, flicker, unbalance and interruptions at the supply terminals of network users in public networks under normal operating conditions, plus rules for measurement and reporting (with measurement methods referenced to EN/IEC 61000-4-30).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Distribution network operators, regulators, equipment manufacturers, testing laboratories, consultants, power-quality analysts and large electricity consumers — essentially anyone concerned with assessing, specifying or managing public supply voltage quality.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published nationally (BS EN 50160:2022 with Amendment A1:2025), this is the current consolidated version including the 2025 amendment. Users should check with their national standards body for the exact national adoption date and any subsequent corrigenda or updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: EN 50160 is a standalone European power-quality reference standard but is commonly used alongside EMC and power-quality measurement standards (notably EN/IEC 61000-4-30 and related IEC/EN documents covering harmonics, interharmonics and compatibility levels).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Power quality, voltage characteristics, harmonics, flicker, voltage unbalance, frequency, interruptions, EN 50160, measurement, distribution networks.