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Maintaining consistent and reliable power has become more than a technical goal. Across Europe, it is a regulatory requirement backed by the EN 50160 standard. For organizations that generate, distribute, or consume electricity, one of the most effective ways to ensure compliance is through accurate EN 50160 reports generated by certified power quality meters.
These reports offer a clear picture of whether the electrical supply meets expectations for voltage stability, frequency consistency, and waveform integrity. As grids become more complex due to renewables, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure, transparency into power quality is more important than ever.
Understanding the EN 50160 Standard
EN 50160 defines the key voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution systems under typical operating conditions. It applies to low, medium, and high-voltage systems and outlines acceptable limits for:
- Voltage levels and their deviations from nominal values
- Frequency variation over time
- Flicker and voltage dips
- Harmonic distortion and waveform quality
- Interruptions and short-term voltage fluctuations
- Phase unbalance in three-phase systems
The standard includes statistical thresholds based on a weeklong monitoring period, helping utilities and users assess long-term power quality performance.
What an EN 50160 Report Includes
An EN 50160 report presents a summary of how well the monitored voltage parameters align with the standard. These reports are typically generated automatically by Class A certified meters and are based on continuous measurements over a 7 or 10-day period.
A complete report highlights:
- Whether voltage, frequency, and harmonics stayed within allowed limits
- Instances and durations of any deviations
- Specific events, such as sags or swells, with timestamps
- Trends that might indicate emerging problems
The result is a data-driven overview that supports compliance, troubleshooting, or proactive energy planning.
Why These Reports Are Essential
For utilities, EN 50160 reports serve as proof that supply conditions meet regulatory and contractual requirements. They also help address customer complaints with factual data.
For large consumers, such as manufacturers or commercial sites, these reports help identify whether power quality issues are affecting operations. The data supports informed discussions with energy providers and may justify internal system upgrades or protection measures.
For engineers, consultants, or facility managers, having access to an EN 50160 report means they can pinpoint risks, design mitigation strategies, and validate the impact of any corrective steps taken.
How SATEC Supports EN 50160 Compliance
SATEC offers a suite of advanced meters that support Class A power quality measurement and automatic EN 50160 reporting. Devices like the PM180 and EM720 continuously monitor key parameters and evaluate them against the standard in real time.
These meters can be installed in a range of environments including substations, utility cabinets, control rooms, and commercial buildings. Combined with SATEC’s software tools, users can track compliance, view trends, receive alerts, and export detailed reports for audits or internal reviews.
A Smarter Way to Manage Power Quality
Compliance with EN 50160 is about more than checking a box. It helps ensure reliable operation, protects sensitive equipment, and fosters trust between power providers and users.
By investing in power quality monitoring that supports EN 50160 reporting, organizations can move beyond reactive troubleshooting and toward proactive energy management. With SATEC’s technology, that process becomes intuitive, accurate, and scalable, delivering the insight needed to operate with confidence in today’s power environment.
