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ICS 91.140.50 NRS 048-4:1999

Edition 1.1
ISBN 0-626-15418-9 (First edition: Incorporating Amendment No. 1:1999)

Rationalized User Specification

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY —
QUALITY OF SUPPLY

Part 4: Application guidelines for

utilities

Preferred requirements for applications in

the Electricity Supply Industry

N R S
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This Rationalized User Specification is

issued by the NRS Project
on behalf of the
User Group given in the foreword
and is not a standard as contemplated in the Standards Act, 1993 (Act 29 of 1993).

Rationalized user specifications allow user

organizations to define the performance and quality
requirements of relevant equipment.

Rationalized user specifications may, after a certain

application period, be introduced as national standards.

Amendments issued since publication

Amdt No. Date Text affected
1 October 2000 This part of NRS 048 has been amended to include
Guidance on voltage regulation planning, which was
previously included in NRS 048-2 as a note, and
which was deleted as a result of amendment No. 2 to
NRS 048-2.

Correspondence to be directed to Printed copies obtainable from

South African Bureau of Standards South African Bureau of Standards

(Electrotechnical Standards) Private Bag X191
Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Pretoria 0001
Telephone: (012) 428-7911
Fax: (012) 344-1568
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sabs.co.za

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

Printed on behalf of the NRS Project in the Republic of South Africa

by the South African Bureau of Standards
1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
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1 NRS 048-4:1999

Contents
Page

Foreword ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Key words ....................................................................................................................................... 4

1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5

2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................................. 5

3 Definitions and abbreviations ............................................................................................................................. 6

4 Guidelines .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

4.1 Implications for utilities ................................................................................................................................ 6

4.2 Obligation of utilities ...................................................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Procedures for apportioning quality of supply parameters ......................................................... 12
4.4 Establishing obligations of licensees and customers in a supply contract ......................... 13
4.5 Recommended planning and emission levels ................................................................................. 14

Annexes

A Model contract for establishing Quality of Supply obligations of licensees and customers
in a supply contract ................................................................................................................................................. 16
B Indicative targets for the number of voltage dips per year ................................................................... 19
C Extract from IEC 61000-2-4, Compatibility levels in industrial plants for low-frequency
conducted disturbances ........................................................................................................................................ 20
D An example of instrumentation requirements for each site categorization ................................... 21
E Apportioning techniques ........................................................................................................................................ 22
F A methodology for assessing contractual emission levels based on the IEC apportioning
procedures ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 28
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NRS 048-4:1999 2

Foreword
An informal (interim) NRS specification was prepared by the NRS 048 working group in 1997 as a
part 4 to NRS 048, to supplement the first editions of parts 1, 2 and 3 with guidelines for utilities. This
edition of part 4 replaces the interim part 4, which has been withdrawn, and takes into account the
publication of the second edition of part 3 and the publication of part 5.

This part of NRS 048 was prepared by the NRS 048 working group, which comprised the following
members:

R G Coney (Chairman) Eskom

A Booyzen Roodepoort Electricity Department
H O Boshoff Bellville Electricity Department
R W Curtis JCI
A J Dold Durban Electricity
W Glynn Eskom
P A Johnson (Project Leader) NRS Project
R Koch Eskom
G R Marloth Metropolitan Electricity, Greater Johannesburg MC
T O Mould Kimberley Electricity Department
M Outram Port Elizabeth Electricity Department
A T Smit Benoni Electricity Department
J S van Heerden SABS NETFA
D Vrey Pretoria Electricity Department
M Wilson Boksburg Electricity Department

At the time that the ESLC accepted this edition, the ESLC comprised the following members:

R Wienand (Chairman) Director, Technical Services, Durban Electricity, AMEU

M N Bailey Distribution Technology Manager, Eskom
H Beck City Electrical Engineer, East London, AMEU
A J Claasen Manager, Electrotechnical Standards, SABS
F H D Conradie Distribution Projects Manager, Technology Group, Eskom
P Crowdy Design Manager, Distribution Technology, Eskom
R W Curtis JCI for Chamber of Mines
J A Ehrich City Electrical Engineer, Pretoria, AMEU
R B Gwilt City Electrical Engineer, Port Elizabeth, AMEU
D F Hunt Technology Standardization Manager, Eskom
I P Kruger Senior Manager, Electrotechnical Services, SABS
G Munro Acting City Electrical Engineer, Cape Town, AMEU
P van Niekerk Executive Officer, Greater Johannesburg MC, AMEU
A J van der Merwe City Electrical Engineer, Bloemfontein, AMEU
H R Whitehead Executive Director, Electricity, Durban Metropolitan Council, AMEU

NRS 048 consists of the following parts, under the general title Quality of supply standards:

Part 1: Overview of implementation of standards and procedures

Part 2: Minimum standards
Part 3: Procedures for measurement and reporting
Part 4: Application guidelines for utilities
Part 5: Instrumentation and transducers for voltage quality monitoring and recording

Annexes A, B, C, D, E and F are for information only.

ISBN 0-626-15418-9
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3 NRS 048-4:1999

Introduction
The application of NRS 048 is intended to optimize and minimize the combined cost of supply and
use of electricity on an overall national basis. In general, historical data does not exist to adequately
define quality of supply at points in the electrical networks with statistically valid certainty. NRS 048
sets out to define quality of supply parameters in a manner such that consistent data can be
gathered, consolidated, compared and validly interpreted to understand the operation and
performance of the networks in South Africa. NRS 048 also sets out, as a first pass, standards which
have a credible international reference and quantify a level of network performance which
approximates to the needs of developed world industry. The data gathered using the measurement
definition of NRS 048 will be used to refine the NRS 048 standards.

The minimum standards set in NRS 048 may well describe levels of quality of supply (QOS) which
are perceived as lower than those experienced by individual customers in some areas. Perception of
QOS versus reality is indeed a difficult issue. Geographical differentiation of QOS standards is not
possible due to the lack of statistically valid historical performance data and is nationally
unacceptable as it may prematurely and unreasonably skew investment decisions. NRS 048 has
been developed to balance the realistic costs of supply and use of electricity without devolving
standards down to the lowest common denominator in indeed raising standards to an inappropriately
high level.

This part of NRS 048 provides guidelines to electricity utilities on the application of NRS 048 part 1,
2, 3 and 5, with a view to ensuring that quality of supply issues are dealt with equitably throughout
the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). It needs to be read in conjunction with the other parts of NRS
048 and any directives on quality of supply (QOS) issued by the National Electricity Regulator (NER).

An approach is outlined for the calculation of a specific customer's fair proportioned allocation of total
allowable pollution at a given point of common coupling (PCC). This part of NRS 048 thus serves to
prepare annexes to customer supply contracts dealing with the QOS. The document also serves to
define what concessions can be made where customers request higher levels of distortion. In such
cases the risk that the utilities can accept and the risk that the customer needs to accept are defined.

NRS 048 does not cover safety requirements, network design or equipment performance, nor does it
address issues of negligence. The minimum requirements might not apply if unavoidable circum-
stances are encountered.

NOTE In disputed cases, it would be for the NER (or legal process) to decide whether the circumstances in question
were unavoidable.

Examples of such unavoidable circumstances are:

a) war damage, uprising, pilfering, theft, sabotage, attack, malicious damage;

b) damage of equipment caused by accidental and unavoidable occurrences attributable to third

parties;

c) damage of material caused primarily by the unusual intensity of a natural event, should the usual
precautions to prevent such damage not prevent it or if the precautions could not be taken;

d) extreme atmospheric phenomena which cannot be prevented because of their cause or their
extent, and to which electrical networks, especially overhead networks, are particularly
vulnerable. Normal lightning activity is excluded;
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NRS 048-4:1999 4
e) industrial action that prevents normal operation of the network;

f) motor vehicle accident; and

g) where the utility provides a temporary supply to keep customers supplied during maintenance
and construction work, or to minimize the extent and duration of a total loss of supply.

Key words
Quality of supply; Guidelines; Apportioning.
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5 NRS 048-4:1999

GUIDELINE

Electricity supply – Quality of supply

Part 4: Application guidelines for utilities

For application in the Electricity Supply Industry

1 Scope
This part of NRS 048 gives guidance to utilities on the application of quality of supply standards. It
includes a suggested technical procedure for the connection of a new customer and the evaluation of
an existing customer regarding harmonics, voltage unbalance and voltage flicker during contract
negotiations. This part of NRS 048 also recommends network planning levels for some parameters
for use by utilities in planning to achieve the required compatibility at PCCs. Flicker has been
extended to include the concept of a rapid voltage change.

2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute
provisions of this specification. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All
standards and specifications are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this
specification are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the
documents listed below. Information on currently valid national and international standards and
specifications can be obtained from the South African Bureau of Standards.

IEC 61000-2-4:1994, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 2: Environment – Section 4:

Compati-bility levels in industrial plants for low frequency conducted disturbances.

IEC 61000-3-6:1996, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3: Limits – Section 6: Assessment

of emission limits for distorting loads in MV and HV power systems.

IEC 61000-3-7:1996, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 3: Limits – Section 7: Assessment

of emission limits for fluctuating loads in MV and HV power systems.

IEEE 519:1992, Recommended practices and requirements for harmonic control in electrical power
systems.

NRS 034-1:1997, Electricity distribution – Guidelines for the provision of electrical distribution
networks in residential areas – Part 1: Planning and design of distribution systems.

NRS 048-1:1996, Electricity supply – Quality of supply – Part 1: Overview of implementation of

standards and procedures for applications in the electricity supply industry.

NRS 048-2:1996, Electricity supply – Quality of supply – Part 2: Minimum standards.

(Amendment No. 1, 1998)
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NRS 048-4:1999 6
NRS 048-3:1998, Electricity supply – Quality of supply – Part 3: Procedures for measurement and
reporting.
(Amendment No. 1, 1999)

NRS 048-5:1998, Electricity supply – Quality of supply – Part 5: Instrumentation and transducers for
voltage quality monitoring and recording.

3 Definitions and abbreviations

The definitions and abbreviations given in NRS 048-1 apply.

4 Guidelines

4.1 Implications for utilities

4.1.1 Harmonics and interharmonics

Where available, electromagnetic voltage transformers should be used up to the 25th harmonic (see
also annex A of NRS 048-5). Capacitive voltage transformers (CVT) may be used only where
special techniques are applied. Under no circumstances should the (uncompensated) secondary
output of the capacitive voltage transformer be used for voltage measurement. Where compensation
techniques have been proved to meet the above accuracy requirements, the compensated CVT
output signal may be used. High-voltage dividers and capacitive bushing tap-off techniques which
meet the required accuracy may otherwise be used where electromagnetic voltage transformers are
not available.

A utility is responsible for enforcing limits on the injection of harmonics by its customers.

Utilities should advise their customers to specify that the immunity of equipment used in new or
upgraded plant be compatible with the harmonic compatibility levels defined in 4.1.1 of NRS 048-2.

Where existing customers’ installations cannot be operated within the maximum harmonic levels
permitted in table 1 of NRS 048-2, utilities should negotiate specific arrangements to provide reduced
harmonic levels to the customers concerned.

Where a utility installs capacitors, the installation should as far as possible be so designed and
operated as to avoid resonances at dominant harmonic frequencies. The resonant frequencies of a
network capacitor installation change with network configuration. Network operating states and
contingencies should be considered when such designs are undertaken.

Recommended planning levels for harmonics are given in 4.5.1.

Recommended planning levels for interharmonics are given in 4.5.2.

4.1.2 Flicker

A utility is responsible for enforcing limits on the injection of flicker by its customers.

Utilities should advise their customers to specify that the immunity of equipment used in new or
upgraded plant be compatible with the flicker compatibility levels defined in 4.2.1 of NRS 048-2.

Where existing customers’ installations cannot be operated within the maximum flicker levels in 4.2.1
of NRS 048-2, utilities should negotiate specific arrangements to provide reduced flicker levels to the
customers.
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7 NRS 048-4:1999
NOTE The effects of flicker are noticed only at the LV point of coupling (i.e. where lighting systems are connected).
When this is considered together with recent studies which show that flicker levels are reduced from HV to LV
networks, it may result in utilities agreeing on higher Pst levels at HV connection points. The level of flicker reduction
from the HV to LV point will differ from network to network and needs to be carefully assessed before flicker levels are
established in a QOS contract.

Recommended planning levels for flicker are given in 4.5.3.

Voltage flicker at a point of common coupling can be caused either by single loads which draw
continuously fluctuating current (e.g. arc-furnaces, sawmills, crushers), or by the combined effect of
several independent loads which draw step changes in current (e.g. motor starting on a rural feeder).
For this reason, in order to manage flicker levels at a given PCC, a utility should both limit
continuous flicker generated by loads (in terms of short- and long-term flicker severity, Pst and Plt),
and rapid voltage changes caused by load changes (expressed as percentage voltage change).

NOTE The concept of defining rapid voltage changes and appropriate limits is not considered in the first edition of
NRS 048-2. Similarly, no recommended planning levels have been included in this part of NRS 048. For guidance,
emission limits for rapid voltage changes that could form the basis of limits in contracts with particular customers are
given in annex F.

4.1.3 Unbalance

A utility is responsible for limiting the unbalanced load drawn by its customers. A utility shall ensure
that its network does not contribute significantly to unbalance conditions.

Utilities should advise their customers to specify that the immunity of equipment used in new or
upgraded plant be compatible with the unbalance compatibility levels defined in 4.3.1 of NRS 048-2.

Some customers could have existing equipment such as 3-phase motors which are adversely
affected by levels of unbalance below the minimum requirements. In such cases, utilities should
consider negotiating to provide reduced levels of unbalance to the customers concerned wherever
practicable.

Recommended planning levels for unbalance are given in 4.5.4.

4.1.4 Voltage dips

A utility should ensure that its protection operation is optimized and that network fault performance
events are kept to the minimum number possible. Where possible, utilities should aim to better the
indicative targets given in annex B. (See 4.4 of NRS 048-2 for the description of the dip window
categories Z, T, S, X and Y.)

NOTE 1 Voltage dips are of the most common causes of customer complaints of poor supply quality. In practice
some causes of dips are beyond the control of utilities. Special contract conditions of supply or special mitigation
techniques within the customer plant, or both, will often be required to meet the requirements of customers with
sensitive industrial processes.

NOTE 2 The rate of occurrence of voltage dips is geographically dependent due to differing environmental conditions
(lightning, pollution, birds, ground resistivity, burning of sugar cane, etc.). The results of a national study of voltage dip
occurrences is expected to provide more specific targets that might be incorporated into a later edition of NRS 048.

4.1.5 Voltage regulation

Where applicable, the guidelines for the calculation of voltage drop in distribution systems for
residential areas in NRS 034-1 should be followed.

In the case of systems with a nominal system voltage <500 V, a voltage regulation of ± 10 %, as
provided for in Regulation 9 of the Electricity Act, 1987 (as amended January 1996), is given as the
compatibility level. This makes no provision for any deviation outside those limits, even for short
periods. However, the statistical nature of loads is recognized, particularly where there is a significant
domestic customer load. Planners will have to make decisions on an economic basis, such that the
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NRS 048-4:1999 8
infrastructure is optimally utilized, while providing customers with acceptable voltage regulation for
the majority of the time. In practice, customers at the extreme ends of feeders might experience
voltages outside the prescribed limits for short periods during times of peak or minimum load on
those feeders.
In all cases, networks should be designed and operated to meet the requirements in 4.6 of NRS 048-
2.
In particular, utilities should ensure that their large customers have voltage regulation and power
factor correction equipment that operates correctly, to avoid over or under voltages in a customer’s
network being transmitted to the utilities network. This is important not only to avoid other customers
being affected by the abnormal voltage, but also to ensure that the life expectancy of plant,
particularly transformers, is not reduced. (This can have a consequential effect on the QOS through
forced interruptions due to premature plant failure.)
For example, as can be the case with arc furnaces with switched capacitor banks, when the load is
switched off, the capacitor banks voltage rises, causing the utility’s transformer to be over-excited
from the secondary windings.
It is therefore essential that utilities ensure that, where customers have capacitive compensation
equipment installed, the customer has also installed protection or control devices that will limit over-
excitation of supply transformers to within their design parameters.
An illustration of the rapid deterioration of transformer life (mean time to failure) with excessive
operating voltage (U) is given in figure 1.

50y
Not to scale
Mean time to failure

25y

5m

5s

1,0 1,1 1,15 1,2

Operating voltage ( Up.u.)

Figure 1 – Illustration of the rapid deterioration of transformer life

with excessive operating voltage

4.1.6 Frequency
Most local utilities have no control over frequency. Generation capacity and transmission, operation
and design should meet the load requirements.

NOTE Under-frequency load shedding will be by agreement between a utility and its customers, where practicable. In
general, the generation authority will impose load shedding on the distributing utilities and will not often be able to
advise and obtain the agreement of customers.
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9 NRS 048-4:1999

4.1.7 Instrumentation

To comply with the requirements of the NER, utilities are obliged to install at least sufficient
instrumentation for monitoring purposes according to the sample sizes and other criteria specified in
NRS 048-3. In addition, it might be useful for utilities to provide instruments to monitor at their bulk
supply points. Utilities might also need to consider acquiring additional instrument(s) for roving
monitoring or for troubleshooting.

NRS 048-5 specifies three types of instruments for voltage monitoring and recording that meet the
requirements for measuring the parameters for site categories 1 to 5 (see 4.2 of NRS 048-3).
NRS 048-5 specifies appropriate environmental tests for the instruments and utilities should ensure
that instrument suppliers demonstrate compliance with NRS 048-5 through certified conformance
tests from an accredited test laboratory.

For each category of sites 1 to 6 (see 4.2 of NRS 048-3), the sample size is determined as a
percentage of the number of customers connected to sites of that category in the utility’s area of
supply. The percentages are given in table 1 of NRS 048-3.

An example of how to determine the instrumentation requirements for each site category is shown in
Annex D.

4.1.8 Data collection and data analysis

4.1.8.1 General

Utilities should integrate the collection and management of the data required by the NER relating to
their plant, customers and actual performance, which is detailed in NRS 048-3, with their normal
operating and management information practices. This will allow the utility to benefit from the regular
analysis of this information and to minimise the effort required to complete the annual submission to
the NER.
The information to be collected and managed fall in three categories:

a) network statistics;

b) forced interruption statistics; and

c) site measurement statistics.

4.1.8.2 Network statistics

It is expected that all utilities will already have systems in place to record the ongoing additions and
reductions of plant and customers to their network, but cognizance shall be taken of the various
categories of network and supply voltage levels under which these statistics have to be reported.

4.1.8.3 Forced interruption statistics

The method of collection and the management of data on forced interruption statistics will vary from
utility to utility but, in all cases, it is recommended that the following be included as part of the
permanent record of each incident affecting networks above 1 kV. This is principally for the utility’s
own purposes but will also provide the base data for the forced interruption reports required by the
NER. (Although not required for the annual submission to the NER, it is expected that the utility
would have separate and similar records for incidents affecting their LV networks and connections to
customers.) Reference may be necessary to NRS 048-3 for clarification of some of the terms and
headings used below.
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NRS 048-4:1999 10

MV network High/medium voltage network

date/time of incident – see note 1 date/time of incident – see note 1

name of circuit affected name of circuit affected
cause (brief details) cause (brief details)
protection operated protection operated
capacity lost (kVA) – see note 2 load lost (MVA or MW) – see note 3
date/time of partial restoration – see note 4 date/time of partial load restoration – see note 4
capacity of partial restoration – see note 4 capacity of partial load restoration – see note 4
date/time of full restoration date/time of full restoration
forced interruption index – see note 5 forced interruption index – see note 6
network category – see note 7 network voltage category – see note 8
source of interruption – see note 9 source of interruption – see note 10
category of incident – see note 11 category of incident – see note 11
major customer affected – see note 12 major customer affected – see note 12

NOTE 1 First customer complaint or alarm received.

NOTE 2 Determined by summing the rated capacity of all MV/LV transformers affected.

NOTE 3 Actual loss of load, determined by measurement or assessment.

NOTE 4 Required if the utility wishes to take this into account in the calculation of the forced interruption index which
would otherwise be based on the product of the full capacity/load loss and the time taken to full restoration. Where this
is to be used, it is recommended that the restored capacity/load be recorded as a percentage of the initial loss in
practical incremental steps.

NOTE 5 Calculated as detailed in NRS 048-3. A utility might find it more convenient and more suitable for their own
monthly performance comparisons to maintain this record in the form of kVA-hours and only divide by the total
installed capacity of transformers on this category of network (i.e. T) when compiling the annual submission to the
NER.

NOTE 6 System-minutes calculated as detailed in NRS 048-3.

NOTE 7 One of four categories (Residential established, Residential developing, Commercial/small industrial or Rural
overhead).

NOTE 8 One of four categories (see NRS 048-3), including a category for forced interruptions due to faults at
voltages of 22 kV and below where these occur at a major substation with a higher primary voltage.

NOTE 9 Provides for the differentiation of forced interruption indices associated with faults on the MV distribution
network itself, from faults on the utility’s own higher voltage networks, or interruptions of a bulk supply from another
utility, or both.

NOTE 10 Provides for the differentiation of forced interruption indices associated with faults on the utility’s network
from interruptions of the bulk supply from another utility.

NOTE 11 One of six categories (see NRS 048-3) to best fit the primary cause of the forced interruption. This is only
required by the NER where major supply interruptions are to be reported but it is recommended that all incidents be
categorized for the utility’s own records and analysis of system performance.

NOTE 12 Large/strategic end-user as defined by the utility. Forced interruptions affecting large end-users with a
notified maximum demand in excess of 5 MVA need to be reported to the NER.

It is recommended that a computer system be used for the collection of this data and for the counting
and summation of the elements of each fault that will constitute the performance statistics required
for the annual submission to the NER (namely, network category or network voltage category, forced
interruption indices, source of interruption and category of incident). The system should have the
facility for various on-line enquiries and the automatic production of standard reports (including
reports with content to match the statistics required by the NER) at the end of each month and year.
If the system is not computerised, it is recommended that these statistics be collated as a daily
routine to facilitate the month-end and then year-end reports.
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11 NRS 048-4:1999
In either case, information on major supply interruptions as defined by the utility shall be extracted
from the above database although only supply interruptions in excess of five system-minutes need to
be reported to the NER.

4.1.8.4 Site measurement statistics

For categories 3, 4 and 5 sites as defined by table 1 of NRS 048-3, it is expected that the output of
the instrumentation used will be limited to the following which will result in minimal data management:

a) number of interruptions (forced and planned);

b) sum of all supply interruption durations;

c) number of days that voltage regulation limit was exceeded – above limit
– below limit; and

d) sum of the periods that the voltage regulation limit was exceeded – above limit
– below limit.

For categories 1 and 2 sites, the information required by the NER is also essentially a total count and
duration of out-of-limit incidents and the sophistication of the data collection and data management
systems introduced by the utility will therefore be determined primarily by the number of measuring
sites and the utility’s own requirement for useful planning and management information. The facility
to download data from remote sites via telephone connections is recommended. Utilities should also
make use of such information as the occurrence of voltage dips and interruptions, available from
some energy meters.

Where practical, the database for the site measurements should be linked to the database for the
forced interruption statistics detailed under 4.1.8.3 in order that an incident such as a voltage dip can
be readily linked to a fault on the network and can be analysed in terms of primary cause, network
category, etc.

4.1.9 Reporting to the NER

The information required by the NER is specified in NRS 048-3.

If the licensee installs more than the minimum instrumentation prescribed in NRS 048-3, the licensee
is required to report to the NER information from all the instrumentation. That is, there should be no
selectivity in the information reported to the NER.
4.2 Obligation of utilities

Utilities have obligations to their customers in terms of QOS which are now better defined in NRS
048 than in the past. These obligations remain constrained by reality and national imperatives and
might be modified or supplemented by conditions set out in contracts with particular customers.

It is not possible for utilities or the NER to guarantee to maintain QOS at historically perceived levels
owing to the need to expand networks and increase their utilization. Further, owing to the lack of valid
historical data on performance, it is not possible to undertake to maintain QOS on a broad network
basis. Specific commitments in respect of QOS are possible and are usually the subject of contracts
with customers. Utilities, however, do have and must accept an obligation not to allow QOS
performance to deteriorate unreasonably and in a general way. NRS 048 is not intended to be used
as a license to lower network quality or to raise tariffs.
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NRS 048-4:1999 12
In some cases customers might need a quality of supply which exceeds the minimum network quality
specified in NRS 048 and it is not economically viable or justified to achieve the necessary quality
within the supply networks. In these cases it is appropriate and expected that utilities will offer
customers “behind-the-meter” solutions to their QOS needs. Depending on the specific merits of the
case it might be appropriate for the customer, the utility or both to invest in such solutions. In
general, such solutions should be designed to minimize cross-subsidization and free-rider effects.
“Behind-the- meter” solutions are highly effective in terms of national economic impact and their
ability to enhance the compatibility of customer plant with electric networks. Guidance on the
classification of industrial customers’ plant in this regard is given in IEC 61000-2-4. An extract from
this specification is given in annex C.

4.3 Procedures for apportioning quality of supply parameters

A large load connected to the HV network can have as large an effect on a specific group of
customers as a smaller load connected closer to this group of customers at MV or LV. This implies
that emission levels need to be co-ordinated from the high voltage busbar to the low voltage busbar
(see figure 2).

Generators

EHV
LV Compatibility level

HV

MV

LV
Emission levels

Figure 2 – Emission co-ordination from EHV to LV showing the contribution

at each voltage level to the total LV level

Any of the following apportioning procedures can be used:

a) IEC 61000-3-6 (harmonics);

b) IEC 61000-3-7 (flicker); and

c) IEEE 519.

Utilities will require a methodology to apply apportioning procedures in the establishment of

contractual emission levels. Where appropriate, utilities should advise their customers of the
apportionment procedures used and the methodology and other criteria used to establish the
contractual emission levels. A methodology that uses the IEC apportionment procedures and which
has been applied by Eskom is given in annex F.

If the utility is planning to make supply available to a large customer whose plant has the potential for
polluting the supply, and if a utility does not have the necessary expertise to apply such apportioning
procedures or to establish contracts for emission levels, consideration should be given to making use
of quality of supply specialists to assist in drawing up such supply contracts.
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13 NRS 048-4:1999

4.4 Establishing obligations of licensees and customers in a supply contract

4.4.1 General

Where appropriate, in particular for key industrial customers, quality of supply requirements should
be set out in supply contracts.

A model for establishing such agreements is set out in annex A.

4.4.2 Contractual implications for flicker

Flicker emission levels are defined in terms of Pst95 (daily) and Plt (max).

The fault level under which these flicker levels are specified shall be linked to the flicker emission
levels. This fault level is usually the fault level under normal (healthy) network conditions. Where the
fault level is reduced due to line outages, the higher flicker levels should not be excessive. In some
cases it might be necessary to specify alternate flicker levels for low fault level conditions.

4.4.3 New customers

The emission parameters are required at an early stage in the design process so that equipment
specifications can be correctly developed. As far as practicable, the following guidelines should be
followed:

a) all official correspondence should be through a specified customer liaison officer;

b) all documentation used in the correspondence should be clearly dated;

c) the fault level conditions for which the parameters are specified should be clearly stated at the
beginning of the negotiation process;

d) any changes to fault levels or to voltage quality parameters should be clearly communicated as
being the latest figures;

e) the contractual clauses should as far as possible be finalized before the customer equipment
specifications are issued. The customer should be made aware of any pending clauses that
could affect the equipment meeting the utility requirements; and

f) all parameters should be communicated and agreed to by the relevant engineer(s) and
operations manager(s).
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NRS 048-4:1999 14

4.5 Recommended planning and emission levels

4.5.1 Recommended planning levels for harmonic voltages

The indicative values given in table 1 should be used as recommended planning levels for harmonic
voltages unless the utility has established its own recommended planning levels.

Table 1 – Indicative values of planning levels for harmonic voltages

(as a percentage of the rated voltage of the power systems)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Odd harmonics (non-multiples of 3) Odd harmonics (multiples of 3) Even harmonics
Order Harmonic voltage % Order Harmonic voltage % Order Harmonic voltage %
h MV HV/EHV h MV HV/EHV h MV HV/EHV
5 5,0 2,0 3 4,0 2,0 2 1,6 1,5
7 4,0 2,0 9 2,0 2,0 4 1,0 1,0
11 3,0 1,5 15 0,3 0,3 6 0,5 0,5
13 2,5 1,5 21 0,2 0,2 8 0,4 0,4
17 1,6 1,0 > 21 0,2 0,2 10 0,4 0,4
19 1,2 1,0 12 0,2 0,2
23 1,2 0,7 > 12 0,2 0,2
25 1,2 0,7
> 25 0,2+ 0,2+

0,5 25 0,5 25
h h
NOTE Total harmonic distortion (THD): ≤ 6,5 % in MV networks and ≤ 3 % in HV networks.

4.5.2 Recommended planning levels for interharmonic voltages

The indicative values given in table 2 should be used as recommended planning levels for
interharmonic voltages unless the utility has established its own recommended planning levels.

Table 2 – Indicative values of planning levels for interharmonic voltages

(as a percentage of the rated voltage of the power systems)

1 2
Supply Interharmonic voltage %
HV/EHV 0,2
MV 0,2

4.5.3 Recommended planning levels for flicker emissions

The indicative values given in table 3 should be used as recommended planning levels for flicker
emissions unless the utility has established its own recommended planning levels.

Table 3 – Indicative values of planning levels for flicker emissions

1 2 3
Supply Pst95 (daily) Pltmax
HV/EHV 0,8 0,6
MV 0,9 0,7
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15 NRS 048-4:1999
Proportionally higher planning levels are recommended where the flicker reduction factor from HV to
LV is known.

4.5.4 Recommended planning levels for unbalance

The indicative values given in table 4 should be used as recommended planning levels for voltage
unbalance unless the utility has established its own recommended planning levels.

Table 4 – Indicative values of planning levels for unbalance

1 2
Supply UB95 (daily)
HV/EHV 1,0
MV 1,5
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NRS 048-4:1999 16

Annex A
(informative)

Model contract for establishing Quality of Supply obligations of

licensees and customers in a supply contract (where appropriate)

A.1 Voltage quality – the licensee’s obligation

A.1.1 The LICENSEE shall maintain the voltage quality of the supply to the CUSTOMER in
accordance with its reference documentation, NRS 048 or such other standards as may be
prescribed by the National Electricity Regulator from time to time.

A.1.2 In the event of the limits as specified in NRS 048-2 or the Licensee’s standard referred to in
paragraph A.1.1 being exceeded by the LICENSEE, the LICENSEE shall take appropriate measures
to rectify the voltage quality as soon as is practicable.

A.1.3 The LICENSEE shall at its own cost take the necessary corrective action when the sum of
consumer interaction at the point of common coupling exceeds the limits as specified in NRS 048-2
or the Licensee’s standard referred to in A.1.1, provided that all consumers connected to the point of
common coupling have complied with their individually allocated apportionment.

A.2 Voltage quality – the customer’s obligation

A.2.1 The CUSTOMER shall ensure that any voltage distortions caused by its load or equipment
shall not at any time exceed the limits specified in A.2.4, A.2.5 and A.2.6 (the prescribed limits having
been determined in accordance with NRS 048-2 or the Licensee’s documentation referred to in
paragraph A.1.1).

A.2.2 The quality of supply limits specified in A.2.4, A.2.5, A.2.6, A.3.1 and A.3.2 are based on the
following fixed values:

a) Minimum design operating fault level (three-phase): ............ kA

(..................................kiloampere)

b) Maximum design loading: ...........MVA

(........................ megavolt ampere)

A.2.3 The quality of supply limits specified in A.2.4, A.2.5, A.2.6, A.3.1 and A.3.2 shall, if necessary,
be revised if any of the fixed values in A 2.1 change.

A.2.4 The point of common coupling shall be the ....................... kV busbar at the LICENSEE’S
.................... Substation under normal operating conditions.
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17 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex A
(continued)

A.2.5 The maximum allowable harmonic current injection from the CUSTOMER at the point of
common coupling shall be:

Harmonic order 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Current (A)

Harmonic order 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Current (A)

A.2.6 The maximum permissible contribution to flicker at the point of common coupling shall be:

a) short term flicker (determined over a 10 min period), Pst = ...................

b) long term flicker (determined over a 2 h period), Plt = ..................

A.2.7 The maximum permissible contribution to voltage unbalance at the point of common coupling
shall be:

Percentage voltage unbalance = ..................

A.2.8 Should any one of the limits specified in A.2.4, A.2.5 and A.2.6 be exceeded, the
CUSTOMER shall be required to reduce loading or install corrective equipment at its own expense or
take such other measures as might be necessary to reduce the voltage distortion caused by the
CUSTOMER’S load or equipment within the specified limits. The LICENSEE shall, in the event of an
infringement by the CUSTOMER of the limits as specified herein, inform the CUSTOMER thereof by
facsimile in order that corrective measures can be implemented by the CUSTOMER without delay.

Corrective measures shall be implemented by the CUSTOMER immediately after an infringement

has occurred or where circumstances justify it within a period of time as may be agreed between the
parties. If agreement on the period to be allowed for the CUSTOMER to correct any infringement of
the specified limits cannot be reached within 30 (thirty) days of the infringement occurring, the period
shall be determined by arbitration.

A.2.9 The CUSTOMER shall give adequate notice in writing to the LICENSEE of intended
extensions or upgrading of the CUSTOMER’S plant or the installation of power factor correction
equipment and/or any other changes which may impact the power quality or impedance at the point
of common coupling to the LICENSEE system (or a combination of these) to enable
countermeasures to be taken time-ously.

A.2.10 Customers shall install, operate and maintain suitable overvoltage protection equipment.
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NRS 048-4:1999 18

Annex A
(concluded)

A.3 Voltage dips

A.3.1 The LICENSEE shall strive to minimize the number of voltage dips that could cause
production disruptions, and to this end shall ensure that the total number of non-coincidental voltage
dips category Z (see NRS 048-2) recorded at the point of common coupling in any 12 (twelve)
consecutive months does not exceed ........ (...............) on the understanding that

a) all voltage dips caused by force majeure or those originating from the CUSTOMER’S load or
equipment due to the starting of large loads or faults within the CUSTOMER’S electrical
installation, are specifically excluded; and

b) the maximum permissible number of voltage dips specified above, may be subject to revision if
the minimum design operating fault level specified in paragraph A.2.1 changes.

In the event of the total number of voltage dips in any 12 (twelve) consecutive months exceeding the
maximum number of occurrences as specified above, the LICENSEE shall take appropriate
measures to rectify the situation as soon as is practicable.

A.3.2 The CUSTOMER shall ensure that voltage dips of category Z originating from its load or
equipment due to the starting of large loads or faults within its electrical installation, as recorded by
the LICENSEE at the point of common coupling in any 12 (twelve) consecutive months, does not
exceed ........ (......). This maximum permissible number of voltage dips originating from the
CUSTOMER’S electrical installation shall be subject to revision if the minimum design operating fault
level specified in paragraph A.3.1 changes. Should the specified maximum permissible number of
voltage dips be exceeded, the LICENSEE shall inform the CUSTOMER thereof by facsimile in order
that corrective measures may be taken by the CUSTOMER without delay.

A.3.3 With reference to paragraph A.3.1 and A.3.2, the maximum permissible number of voltage
dips shall be reviewed annually by the CUSTOMER and the LICENSEE and joint and separate
actions taken to achieve a mutually acceptable frequency of voltage dip occurrences.

A.4 Measurement of quality of supply

A.4.1 The LICENSEE shall monitor the quality of supply (continuity, voltage quality and voltage
dips) at the point of common coupling and the LICENSEE and the CUSTOMER shall collaborate in
drawing up appropriate operational procedures to facilitate the monitoring and reporting of the quality
of supply. The LICENSEE shall install appropriate metering equipment at the said point of common
coupling for this purpose and the cost thereof shall be for the account of the CUSTOMER.
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19 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex B
(informative)

Indicative targets for the number of voltage dips per year

Table B.1 – Indicative targets for the number of voltage dips per year
for each category of dip window (see figure B.1)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Network voltage range Number of voltage dips per year
(see note) Dip window category
Z T S X Y

6,6 kV to ≤ 44 kV 10 8 10 50 75
6,6 kV to ≤ 44 kV rural 20 15 25 100 150
> 44 kV to ≤ 132 kV 5 10 10 50 80
220 kV to ≤ 765 kV 2 3 3 33 59
NOTE The network voltage is not necessarily the voltage at which the customer takes supply. It may
be the voltage of the network that feeds the point of common coupling. Therefore, the set of Z, T, S,
X and Y values applicable to a customer should be evaluated in each case, taking account of the
network configuration supplying that customer.

Magnitude of voltage depression

(Decrease below nominal)

100 %

T
60 % Z
X S
20 %

10 %
Y

0 20 150 600 1 000 3 000

Dip duration (ms)

Figure B.1 – Voltage dip window (extracted from NRS 048-2)

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NRS 048-4:1999 20

Annex C
(informative)

Extract from IEC 61000-2-4, Compatibility levels in industrial plants for

low-frequency conducted disturbances
Electromagnetic environment classes

Several classes of electromagnetic environment are possible, but in order to simplify their use, only
three are considered and defined in this publication; they are as follows:

Class 1: This class applies to protected supplies and has compatibility levels lower than public
network levels. It relates to the use of equipment very sensitive to disturbances in the power supply,
for instance the instrumentation of technological laboratories, some automatization and protection
equipment, some computers.

NOTE 1 Class 1 environments normally contain equipment which requires protection by such items as uninterruptible
power supplies (UPS), filters, or surge supressors.

NOTE 2 In some cases highly sensitive equipment may require compatibility levels lower than the ones relevant to
class 1 environments. The compatibility levels are to be agreed case by case (controlled environment).

Class 2: This class applies to PCCs and to IPCs in industrial environments in general. The
compatibility levels of this class are identical to those of the public network; therefore components
designed for application in public networks may be used in this class of industrial environment.

Class 3: This class applies only to IPCs in industrial environments. It has higher compatibility levels
than class 2 for some disturbance phenomena. For instance, this class should be considered when
any of the following conditions are met:

a) a major part of the load is fed through converters;

b) welding machines are present;

c) large motors are frequently started; and

d) loads are rapidly varying.

NOTE Supply to highly disturbing loads, such as arc-furnaces and large converters which are generally supplied from
a segregated bus-bar, frequently has disturbance levels in excess of class 3 (harsh environment). In such special
situations the compatibility levels must be agreed upon.

The class applicable for new plants and extension of existing plants cannot be made a priori and
should relate to the type of equipment and process under consideration.
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21 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex D
(informative)

An example of instrumentation requirements for each site

categorization
Consider a utility (distributor) with 50 000 domestic and commercial (LV) customers, 2 000 of which
are considered to be in a developing area and 48 000 in a developed area; 1 000 customers taking
supply from an 11 kV rural network (LV and MV customers), 40 customers in urban areas taking
supply at between 1 kV and 44 kV, and 1 customer taking supply at 88 kV.

The distributor has two 132 kV intake points.

Table D.1 – Instrumentation requirements by category of site

1 2 3

Category of site Number of sites to be monitored Instrument type

(see NRS 048-3) (based on table 1 in NRS 048-3) (see NRS 048-5)
1 1 (see note 1) C

2 3 (see note 2) B

3 3 (see note 3) A

4 5 (see note 4) A

5 3 (see note 5) A

NOTE 1 Category 1 site – only 1 customer. Therefore, only 1 site needs to be monitored.
NOTE 2 Category 2 site – 2 % of 40 customers is 0,8. Therefore, only 1 site needs to be monitored.
NOTE 3 Category 3 site – 0,01% of 1 000 customers is 0,1. However, minimum of 3 sites need to be monitored.
NOTE 4 Category 4 site – 0,01% of 4 8000 customers is 4,8. Hence, 5 sites need to be monitored.
NOTE 5 Category 5 site – 0,01% of 2 000 customers is 0,2. However, minimum of 3 sites need to be monitored.

Minimum requirements for monitoring instruments will therefore be:

a) 11 type A instruments for category 3, 4 and 5 sites;

b) 3 type B instruments for category 2 site; and

c) 1 type C instrument for category 1 site.

With 40 MV customers in urban areas it could be considered good practice to further provide for an
additional roving meter. This should be a type C instrument as some investigation of harmonics
would be expected.

With two bulk intake points the distributor could either arrange to have unrestricted access to QOS
monitoring information from the bulk supplier, or preferably install its own monitoring device. Hence
two additional type C instruments would be required.
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NRS 048-4:1999 22

Annex E
(informative)

Apportioning techniques

E.1 Introduction
Historically, each utility has applied its own methods of apportioning harmonic limits. In the USA,
most of these have been based on IEEE 519. The recent introduction of apportioning guidelines in
IEC 61000-3-6 (harmonics) and IEC 61000-3-7 (flicker), has resulted in several European utilities
adopting these. (Eskom standards were based on earlier versions of the IEC recommendations.)
This annex summarizes the approaches adopted by IEC and IEEE. More detail can be found in the
relevant standards. An apportioning methodology that is based on the IEC apportioning procedure
and which is used by Eskom, is given in annex F.

E.2 IEC harmonic apportioning

The IEC compatibility levels at the point of common coupling (PCC) are given in table E.1.

Table E.1 – IEC compatibility levels (LV and MV)

1 2 3 4 5 6
Odd harmonics (non-multiples of 3) Odd harmonics (multiples of 3) Even harmonics
Order % Order % Order %
5 6,0 3 5,0 2 2,0
7 5,0 9 1,5 4 1,0
11 3,5 15 0,3 6 0,5
13 3,0 21 0,2 8 0,5
17 2,0 > 21 0,2 10 0,5
19 1,5 12 0,2
23 1,5 > 12 0,2
25 1,5
> 25 1,3 + 0,5 x 25/h
Compatibility level for total harmonic distortion (THD) = 8 %.

IEC makes use of a three-stage approach to apportioning.

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23 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex E
(continued)

Stage 1: Approval without detailed evaluation of emission characteristics of the load, or of the supply
network response.

The stage 1 criteria are shown below. The assumption is that loads which are small in relation to the
short-circuit capacity of the network are not likely to introduce harmonic problems when connected.

SI
< 0,1 % (LV)
SSC

SDi
< 0,1 % to 0,4 % (MV)
SSC

where

SSC is the network short circuit power at the PCC;

SI is the agreed power of the customer;

SDi is the distorting power of the customer.

Stage 2: Approval with detailed evaluation of emission characteristics of the load and the supply
network response.

The stage 2 criterion requires that the utility plan harmonic levels be within those specified for MV,
HV and EHV in IEC 61000-3-6 (given in tables E.2 and E.3).

Table E.2 – IEC planning levels (MV)

1 2 3 4 5 6
Odd harmonics (non-multiples of 3) Odd harmonics (multiples of 3) Even harmonics
Order % Order % Order %
5 5,0 3 4,0 2 1,6
7 4,0 9 1,2 4 1,0
11 3,0 15 0,3 6 0,5
13 2,5 21 0,2 8 0,4
17 1,6 > 21 0,2 10 0,4
19 1,2 12 0,2
23 1,2 > 12 0,2
25 0,2
> 25 0,2 + 0,5 x 25/h
Planning level for total harmonic distortion at MV = 6,5 %.
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NRS 048-4:1999 24

Annex E
(continued)

Table E.3 – IEC planning levels (HV and EHV)

1 2 3 4 5 6
Odd harmonics (non-multiples of 3) Odd harmonics (multiples of 3) Even harmonics
Order % Order % Order %
5 2,0 3 2,0 2 1,5
7 2,0 9 1,0 4 1,0
11 1,5 15 0,3 6 0,5
13 1,5 21 0,2 8 0,4
17 1,0 > 21 0,2 10 0,4
19 1,0 12 0,2
23 0,7 > 12 0,2
25 0,7
> 25 0,2 + 0,5 x 25/h
Planning level for total harmonic distortion at HV and EHV = 3 %.

Using these planning levels, a maximum permissible contribution to the voltage distortion levels by
the customer is calculated. The assumption with regard to the summation of various sources of
harmonics is shown below.

Summation law:

U (h) = α ∑ i U (h) αi

α Harmonic order
1 <5
1,4 5 to 10
2 > 10

The apportioned harmonic voltage distortion is given by the equation below (for MV loads).

Individual customer voltage emission level:

Si
E U(h)i = α LαU( h )MV _ (T × L U(h)HV )α × α
St

where

EU(h)i is the individual customer maximum emission at the PPC;

T is the transformer ratio from HV to MV;
LU(h)MV is the utility MV planning level for harmonic voltage h;
LU(h)HV is the utility HV planning level for harmonic voltage h;
Si is the customer’s maximum demand;
St is the installed capacity.
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25 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex E
(continued)

The maximum current apportioned to the customer is then given by dividing the allocated voltage
contribution by the specific network harmonic impedance at the point of common coupling (PCC).

Stage 3: Exceptional cases

Stage 3 acceptance of a load is based on considerations such as the presence of other local loads
that do not generate harmonics, and the fact that supply capacity might not be taken up for a long
time in the future. Subject to these considerations, higher harmonic levels can be allowed.

E.3 IEEE harmonic apportioning

The harmonic distortion limits at the point of common coupling in IEEE-519 are given in table E.4.

Table E.4 – IEEE voltage distortion levels

1 2 3
Bus voltage at PCC Individual voltage distortion Total harmonic distortion (THD)
kV % %

≤ 69 3,0 5,0
> 69 ≤ 161 1,5 2,5
> 161 1,0 1,5

For periods shorter than 1 h the limits in table E.4 may be exceeded by up to 50 %.

The IEEE standard specifies maximum current injection levels for loads connected to the various
voltage levels. These are given in table E.5.

Table E.5 – IEEE current distortion limits (120 V to 69 kV)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Maximum harmonic current distortion as a percentage of IL
Odd harmonics (even harmonics limited to 25 % of those below)
ISC/IL < 11 11 to < 17 17 to < 23 23 to < 35 > 35 TDD
< 20 4,0 2,0 1,5 0,6 0,3 5,0
20 < 50 7,0 3,5 2,5 1,0 0,5 8,0
50 < 100 10,0 4,5 4,0 1,5 0,7 12,0
100 < 1000 12,0 5,5 5,0 2,0 1,0 15,0
> 1000 15,0 7,0 6,0 2,5 1,4 20,0

where

ISC is the maximum short circuit current at PCC;

IL is the maximum demand (MD) load current at PCC (averaged MD over 12 months).
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NRS 048-4:1999 26

Annex E
(continued)

Table E.6 – IEEE current distortion limits (> 69 kV to 161 kV)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Maximum harmonic current distortion as a percentage of IL
Odd harmonics (even harmonics limited to 25 % of those below)
ISC/IL < 11 11 to < 17 17 to < 23 23 to < 35 > 35 TDD
< 20 2,0 1,0 0,75 0,3 0,15 2,5
20 < 50 3,5 1,75 1,25 0,5 0,25 4,0
50 < 100 5,0 2,25 2,0 0,75 0,35 6,0
100 < 1000 6,0 2,75 2,5 1,0 0,5 7,5
> 1000 7,5 3,5 3,0 1,25 0,7 10,0

where

ISC is the maximum short circuit current at PCC;

IL is the maximum demand (MD) load current at PCC (averaged MD over 12 months).

Table E.7 – IEEE current distortion limits (> 161 kV)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Maximum harmonic current distortion as a percentage of IL
Odd harmonics (even harmonics limited to 25 % of those below)
ISC/IL < 11 11 to < 17 17 to < 23 23 to < 35 > 35 TDD
< 50 2,0 1,0 0,75 0,30 0,15 2,50
> 50 3,0 1,5 1,15 0,45 0,22 3,75

where

ISC is the maximum short circuit current at PCC;

IL is the maximum demand (MD) load current at PCC (averaged MD over 12 months).

All load sizes are catered for by the above tables, and therefore a staged approach is not adopted.

It should be noted that the tables have been calculated assuming a linear network impedance (i.e.
resonance conditions due to line and cable capacitances, or shunt capacitors are not taken into
consideration).
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27 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex E
(concluded)

E.4 Common features and differences

The common features and differences between the IEC and the IEEE standards are summarized
below.

E.4.1 Common features

The common features are:

a) point of common coupling;

b) current emission levels;

c) worst case normal operating network impedance (IEEE = 1 h); and

d) compatibility cannot be guaranteed.

E.4.2 Differences

The differences are:

a) harmonic percentage levels;

b) IEC planning levels;

c) IEC staged approach;

d) IEEE linear impedance vs IEC actual impedance;

e) IEC actual upstream distortion; and

f) IEC installed capacity vs IEEE short circuit ratio.

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NRS 048-4:1999 28

Annex F
(informative)

A methodology for assessing contractual emission levels based on the

IEC apportioning procedures

F.1 Overview
Not all loads are large enough to have a significant impact on the voltage distortion levels. For this
reason a staged approach is used to differentiate the complexity of the studies to be undertaken
when calculating emission levels. This staged approach and the contractual implications are
described in this annex.

The criteria used to determine which stage categorization (stage 1, stage 2 or stage 3) a customer
qualifies for are set out in table F.1.

Table F.1 – Customer categorization

1 2 3 4 5
Stage PCC voltage Load maximum Load maximum demand Method of acceptance
demand as a percentage of mini-
mum designed opera-
ting three-phase PCC
fault level
1 < 132 kV < 25 MVA** <1% Accept
2 < 132 kV < 25 MVA** >1% Apportion
3 ≥ 132 kV ≥ 25 MVA – Special analysis
NOTE Care should be taken where capacitors or underground cables are involved.

The concept of risk allocation also needs to be considered in stage 3. This is illustrated in figure F.1.

} Concession with risk transferred to customer

STAGE 3

} Concession based on technical

motivation and no additional risk
(e.g. other large customers do not
generate flicker)

STAGE 2
} Normal STAGE 2 flicker allocation

Figure F.1 – Risk allocation under stage 3

Figure F.2 indicates the type of contractual clauses that specify the emission levels.

Stage 1: General limits and clauses are included.

Stage 2: Specific contractual emission levels are specified for each parameter. The utility accepts
only the risk of the emission levels being correctly calculated.
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29 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex F
(continued)

Stage 3: Specific contractual limits are specified. These may be time-graded or linked to specific
network conditions. Two possible stage 3 limits can be developed:

a) technically justifiable limits (i.e. where it can be shown that higher emission levels can be allowed
because of specific local network conditions. The risk of exceeding the planning levels shall be
shown to be low, and the fair allocation of emission to other customers should not be negatively
impacted).

b) concessionary limits (i.e. higher limits which have the risk of exceeding the planning levels in the
short or long term). In this case the utility shall stipulate under what conditions the emission
levels will be allowed. The customer shall table procedures to reduce emission levels in the
event of these conditions occurring. In this case the risk is transferred contractually to the
customer.

START
Load too small to
impact PCC levels Standard
STAGE 1
(standard tables) contractual
clauses
exceeds
Stage 1 Load emission evaluated
w.r.t. total emission from
other loads
STAGE 2 Specific
(standard procedure) contractual limits

exceeds Load emission evaluated

Stage 2 w.r.t. total emission from
other loads and specific
local conditions
STAGE 3 Specific
(special study) contractual limits
and specified
exceeds Design mitigation conditions
Stage 3 strategy to reduce load
emission or network
sensitivity
(special study)

Figure F.2 – Load emission evaluation procedure

In figure F.2 ‘exceeds’ implies that the customer emissions will exceed those allowed or that the
customer defaults to the next stage because of size and voltage connection.

For the contract negotiations with any new customer or evaluation of an existing customer, the above
three stages of acceptance should be followed as set out in F.2.1 to F.2.3.

F.2 Acceptance criteria

F.2.1 Acceptance dependent on the network minimum designed operating three-

phase fault level – stage 1 assessment

A load connected at a voltage of less than 132 kV and less than 25 MVA in rating, may immediately
be connected to a PCC if the maximum designed loading is less than 1 % of the minimum designed
operating three-phase PCC fault level.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 048-4:1999 30

Annex F
(continued)

The apportioned emission limits for flicker, unbalance and voltage harmonics are given in table F.2.

Table F.2 – Standard apportionment for stage 1 assessment

1 2

Quality of supply parameter Apportionment

Short term flicker Pst = 0,35 minimum
Voltage unbalance 0,5%
Voltage total harmonic distortion 1%

The rapid voltage change emission limits are given in table F.3.

Table F.3 – Rapid voltage change emission limits

1 2 3
Number of changes per ∆Udyn/Un (%)
hour (see note)
r MV/LV HV
r<1 4,00 3,0
1<r ≤ 10 3,00 2,5
10 < r ≤ 100 2,00 1,5
100 < r ≤ 1000 1,25 1,0
NOTE Where
∆Udyn is as defined in F.3.3.1; and
Un is the actual r.m.s. voltage.

F.2.2 Acceptance as per prescribed proportioning guideline – stage 2 assessment

For loads exceeding 1 % of the minimum designed operating three-phase PCC fault level, rated
below 25 MVA and connected at a voltage below 132 kV, the different QOS compatibility levels will
be apportioned based on the ratio of the load rating and installed capacity under the minimum
designed operating three-phase PCC fault level, according to a fixed procedure as given in F.3.

F.2.3 Acceptance per detailed special impact assessment – stage 3 assessment

For large, single, distorting loads such as arc-furnaces, traction, static var compensators, mine
winders, etc., or loads connected at a voltage of 132 kV and above or loads larger than 25 MVA in
rating, a fixed procedure would not be sufficient to ensure compatibility with the network. Each such
installation should be planned and designed individually on a case-by-case basis for both the utility
and the customer.

For example, detailed studies are undertaken to investigate the effects of allocating larger flicker
emission levels to the customer. Where such larger allocations are made, the contract will specify
the conditions under which these higher levels are allowed. Typical conditions that might exist in the
contracts include the absence of customer complaints, reduction of emission levels under certain
network or generation contingencies, and the availability of existing compensators or filters.

The implication is that the customer needs to balance the cost of achieving the allocated levels, and
the risk of the conditions in the contract not being met.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

31 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex F
(continued)

F.3 Apportioning procedure

F.3.1 Harmonics

F.3.1.1 Harmonics – Stage 2 assessment

It is not a simple process to determine what the effect of upstream voltage distortion is at a specific
PCC without switching off all the loads at the PCC. A general equation is defined, based on
thorough experimental measurements, for the summation of harmonics or reduction of compatibility
levels at a specific busbar due to upstream harmonics:

[ ]
1
Vh,pcc (new) = V a h,pcc _ 0,7 V a h,us a (F1)

where

Vh,pcc(new) is the new percentage voltage planning level of harmonic number h at the PCC;
Vh,pcc is the percentage voltage planning level of harmonic number h at the PCC;
Vh,us is the percentage upstream harmonic voltage of number h at the PCC;
a is 1 for harmonics 3, 5, 7;
a is 1,4 for harmonics 11, 13;
a is 2 for harmonics > 13 and other than mentioned above.

This equation therefore gives a method for reducing the set compatibility levels at the PCC due to
upstream harmonics. Where upstream harmonics are totally stochastic (i.e. no coincidence) as
commonly found in large transmission networks with no direct customers, a value of a = 2 is typically
used in all cases.

Where the upstream levels are so excessive that the PCC limit is reduced by more than 50 %, then
stage 3 assessment is required.

This available distortion shall now be distributed fairly amongst all new customers to be connected at
the PCC. The only applicable parameters known when connecting a new customer or evaluating an
existing one at the PCC are the installed capacity at minimum designed operating 3 phase fault level
(MVAi) and the customer notified maximum demand (MVAmd). Using these parameters for
proportional allocation at the PCC the following equation is used:

1
⎡ MVA md ⎤ a
Vh,p = Vh,pc(new) × ⎢ ⎥ (F2)
⎣ MVA i ⎦

where
Vh,p is the maximum percentage proportional voltage of harmonic number h for the new
customer;
Vh,pcc(new) is the percentage voltage planning level of harmonic number h at the PCC;
a is as previously described (see F.3.1.1).
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 048-4:1999 32

Annex F
(continued)

This equation allows for a fair distribution of allowable harmonic voltage distortion by all connected
customers at the PCC. It also makes provision for the connection of future prospective clients,
ensuring that the total allowable distortion capabilities of the PCC be used to their full capacity once
all customers are connected. The minimum value accepted will be 0,1 % even if lower values are
calculated.
Where the addition of a new apportioned customer (as above) causes the busbar compatibility level
to be exceeded, for instance, due to existing customers connected in the past without sufficient
limitations on their allowable pollution levels, the utility will be responsible for ensuring proper
network compatibility, taking cognizance of the fact that the supply impedance is highly non-linear
under resonance conditions.
To obtain the proportioned harmonic current injection by the specific customer, the following equation
can be used assuming a linear supply impedance:
Vh,p
I h,p = (F3)
X sup × h

where
Ih,p is the allowable apportioned harmonic current injection of the specific customer;

h is the harmonic number;

Vh,p is the percentage harmonic voltage of number h;

Xsup is the 50 Hz minimum designed operating three-phase fault level supply impedance as
calculated below:
2
Vline
X sup = (F4)
MVA fl

where

Vline is the PCC line voltage in volts and MVAfl the minimum designed operating three-phase
fault level.
This equation therefore allows calculation of the proportional distortion current injection allowed by
each customer connected at the PCC, assuming a linear supply impedance. It shall, however, be
emphasized that whenever capacitor banks or long underground cables are present on either side of
the supply transformer, great care should be taken in applying the above equations, as possible
resonant conditions can exist at characteristic harmonic frequencies which would cause the supply
impedance to be extremely non-linear at that frequency.

NOTE The harmonic number at which a capacitor bank is in resonance with the supply (series or parallel) is
approximately given by:

MVA sc
h≈ (F5)
Mvarcap

with MVAsc being the different network three-phase operating fault levels and Mvarcap the capacitor
bank three-phase rating.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

33 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex F
(continued)

If this frequency is close to frequencies of existing harmonics or harmonics of the proposed

installation, specialist analysis is required, rather than a simplistic approach. The above equations
may, however, be used to give an indication of proportional projection but an in-depth system impact
study would be required to ensure proper operation.
Where the specific nature of distorting loads is known, the above proportioning can be relaxed under
some circumstances by dividing Ih,p by the factor in the table F.4 below. The resulting current can be
used in supply contracts.
Table F.4 – Diversity factors
1 2
Type and operating conditions of multiple harmonic generators Typical diversity
factors
Controlled or uncontrolled converters when a single converter provides 60 % or more of the
arithmetic total of the harmonic currents of all the equipment in the installation 1,00
Uncontrolled converters (rectifiers) 0,90
Controlled converters operating on co-ordinated duty cycles (fair probability of coincidence) 0,75
Controlled converters operating independently with unco-ordinated duty cycles (low probability
of coincidence)
(a) ≤ 3 converters 0,60
(b) ≥ 4 converters 0,50
A single arc-furnace providing more than 60 % of the arithmetic total harmonic current of the
installation 1,00
Multiple arc-furnaces each providing less than 60 % of the arithmetic total harmonic current of
the installation 0,75

F.3.1.2 Harmonics – Stage 3 assessment

In the case where

a) the customer supply voltage is greater than 132 kV and equal to 132 kV, or
b) the size of the customer load is bigger than 25 MVA, or
c) long cables or capacitor banks are absent from either side of the supply transformer,
a linear supply impedance can no longer be assumed.

From the actual system impedance that is obtained by system simulation studies, the current
injection levels are calculated by:

Vh,p
I h,p = (F6)
Xh

where

Ih,p is the allowable apportioned harmonic current of number h at the PCC (in amperes);

Vh,p is the percentage harmonic voltage emission of number h at the PCC allocated to the new
customer (in volts);

Xh is the maximum supply impedance of number h at the PCC for any normal operating
condition (in ohms).
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 048-4:1999 34

Annex F
(continued)

The maximum supply impedance of number h at the PCC for any normal operating condition, such
as a line out of service, is determine by system simulations at all the applicable harmonic orders. A
set of curves is produced for various normal operation conditions. From this set of curves the highest
impedance value for each harmonic order is selected.

Figure F.3 shows an example of a network harmonic impedance simulation.

160

140

120

100

80

60

Simulation 1
40
Simulation 2
Simulation 3
20
linear impedance

0
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
Harmonic number

Figure F.3 – Example of a harmonic impedance plot

F.3.2 Unbalance

The emission levels BA for a specific customer are calculated using the following equation:

_ UB 2 SMD A
BA = 2 2
UBlimit background ×
2 (F7)
Sinstalled

where

UBlimit is the planning limit;

UBbackground is the existing background unbalance level in the supply network;

SMD is the customer notified maximum demand in MVA;

Sinstalled is the installed capacity of the network in MVA.

 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

35 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex F
(continued)

F.3.3 Flicker

F.3.3.1 Rapid voltage changes

Although no minimum standards for limiting rapid voltage changes are given in NRS 048-2, the
concept is introduced in this part of NRS 048 because the flicker emission requirements for
customers do not sufficiently limit the possible larger changes in voltage magnitude at lower rates of
change. In order to introduce limits on large rapid voltage changes emission limits can be introduced
at the PCC.

Figure F.4 shows the definition of a rapid voltage change.

r.m.s. voltage

∆Uc

∆Udyn

Time

Figure F.4 – Definition of a rapid voltage change

NOTE A decrease in voltage is illustrated. The voltage could also increase as a result of a rapid voltage change.

where

∆Uc is the steady state r.m.s. voltage change;

∆Udyn is the dynamic r.m.s. voltage change.

The r.m.s. voltages are calculated using a 20 ms window and sliding this 20 ms window at 10 ms
intervals.

The emission limits for rapid voltage changes are given in table F.3.

Flicker is typically caused by a.c. arc-furnaces or welding equipment that are remotely connected, i.e.
one arc-furnace customer per specific PCC.

For a.c. arc-furnace operation, Pst is linear with respect to the magnitude of the voltage depressions
giving rise to it.

The summation of flicker from independent sources is as follows:

1
Pst tot = 3
(Pst background + 3
Pst new ) 3 (F8)

where

Pstbackground is the existing flicker at the PCC;

Pstnew is the new furnace predicted flicker.

 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 048-4:1999 36

Annex F
(continued)

Where existing remotely connected customers are in dispute over their proportional contributions at a
specific PCC, the following equation can be used to determine the contribution using fault levels at
the respective PCCs, for example, the effect of a furnace at B on the PCC where furnace A is
connected, as shown in figure F.5.

A from B B from A

Fault Level A Fault Level B

Furnace A Furnace B

Figure F.5 – Example of interconnected PCCs

⎡ FI BfromA ⎤
Pst cont = Pst B × ⎢ _ FI ⎥ (F9)
⎢⎣ FL A AfromB ⎥⎦

where

Pstcont is the contribution of furnace B at A;

PstB is the effect of furnace B acting alone at PCC B;

PstA is the effect of furnace A acting alone at PCC A;

FIBfromA is the three-phase fault level infeed at B from A;

FLA is the three-phase fault level at A;

FIAfromB is the three-phase fault level infeed at A from B.

This equation will provide the apportioned flicker (Pst) contribution of furnace B at PCC A. PstA and
Pstcont can then be summated as given in equation F8 to determine the total PCC Pst.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

37 NRS 048-4:1999

Annex F
(continued)

F.3.3.2 Flicker – Stage 2 assessment

The emission levels PstA for a specific customer are calculated using the following equation:

_P 3 SMDA
Pst A = 3P 3
st limit st background × 3 (F10)
S installed

where
PstA is the effect of furnace A acting alone at PCC A;

Pstlimit is the planning limit;

Pstbackground is the existing background flicker level in the supply network;

SMDA is the customer notified maximum demand in MVA;

Sinstalled is the installed capacity of the network in MVA.

The minimum short-term flicker level apportioned to any individual MV or HV customer is

Pst95 (daily) = 0,35.
F.3.3.3 Flicker – Stage 3 assessment
F.3.3.3.1 The following technically justifiable considerations exist:
a) for EHV and HV networks where it can be shown that the HV/LV attenuation ratio
Pst LV
(R LV/HV = ) is smaller than 1,0, the HV planning level can be increased to
Pst HV
0,8
( Pst limit = ) with a maximum planning level of 1,0; and
R LV/HV

where
RLV/HV is the HV/LV attenuation ratio;

PstLV is the short term flicker level on the LV network;

PstHV is the short term flicker level on the HV network;

Pstlimit is the maximum value for the HV planning level for short term flicker.

b) where a customer contributes directly to the cost of increasing the fault level of the network, for
example, by the installation of a new line which is only built for the purpose of reducing flicker
levels and increasing supply reliability. In this case the installed capacity does not change in
equation F10. The flicker emission level stays the same, but is related to a higher fault level. If
the utility in future uses this line for further load growth, the additional loads might not
substantially contribute to the flicker levels. In this case the customer has already paid for the
right to the flicker capacity.
 This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

NRS 048-4:1999 38

Annex F
(concluded)

F.3.3.3.2 The following concessionary considerations exist:

a) where a large customer (B) with low flicker emission levels exists at the PCC (and the probability
of this customer becoming a flicker-producer is low), the flicker allocation of the customer can be
distributed across the other customers on a basis of:

_P 3 SMDA + SMDB
Pst A = 3P 3
st limit st background × 3 (F11)
Sinstalled

where

PstA is the short term flicker allocation for customer A;

Pstlimit is the short term flicker planning limit;

Pstbackground is the background short term flicker level in the supply network;

SMDA is the notified maximum demand of customer A in MVA;

SMDB is the notified maximum demand of customer B in MVA;

Sinstalled is the installed capacity of the network in MVA.

Pst LV
b) where it can be shown that the attenuation ratio (R LV/HV = ) is smaller than 0,8, a higher
Pst HV
planning level than 1,0 may be considered. The risk of new MV and LV networks being
established with higher attenuation ratios shall be transferred to the customer;

c) where a known long-term risk exists of a power station being closed, the customer may be
allowed emission levels based on the higher fault levels with the power station in operation. The
risk of the closure of the station shall be transferred to the customer; and

d) at the initial stage of furnace commissioning, problems might be experienced with the furnace or
the SVC compensator, or the type of product that initially needs to be processed results in higher
flicker emission levels than later “normal” operation. Where network conditions allow, the
customer may be allocated higher flicker levels for a specific period of type, for example, 6
months after start-up.

sabs pta