This European Standard defines, describes and specifies the main characteristics of the voltage at a
network user's supply terminals in public low voltage, medium and high voltage AC electricity networks
under normal operating conditions. This standard describes the limits or values within which the voltage
characteristics can be expected to remain at any supply terminal in public European electricity networks
and does not describe the average situation usually experienced by an individual network user.
NOTE 1 For the definitions of low, medium and high voltage see 3 (Definitions).
This European Standard does not apply under abnormal operating conditions, including the following:
a) a temporary supply arrangement to keep network users supplied during conditions arising as a result
of a fault, maintenance and construction work, or to minimize the extent and duration of a loss of
supply;
b) in the case of non-compliance of a network user's installation or equipment with the relevant
standards or with the technical requirements for connection, established either by the public
authorities or the network operator, including the limits for the emission of conducted disturbances;
NOTE 2 A network user’s installation may include load and generation.
c) in exceptional situations, in particular,
1) exceptional weather conditions and other natural disasters;
2) third party interference;
3) acts by public authorities;
4) industrial actions (subject to legal requirements);
5) force majeure;
6) power shortages resulting from external events.
The voltage characteristics given in this standard are not intended to be used as electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) levels or user emission limits for conducted disturbances in public electricity
networks.
The voltage characteristics given in this standard are not intended to be used to specify requirements in
equipment product standards and in installation standards.
NOTE 3 The performance of equipment might be impaired if it is subjected to supply conditions which are not
specified in the equipment product standard.
This standard may be superseded in total or in part by the terms of a contract between the individual
network user and the network operator.
NOTE 4 The sharing of complaint management and problem mitigation costs between the involved parties is
outside the scope of EN 50160.
Measurement methods to be applied in this standard are described in EN 61000-4-30.
BS EN 50160:2010 Referenced Document
EN 60664-1:2007 Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems - Part 1: Principles, requirements and tests
EN 61000-3-3:2008 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-3: Limits - Limitation of Voltage Changes, Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker in Public Low-Voltage Supply Systems, for Equipment with Rated Current Less Than or Equal to 16 A per Phase and Not Subject to Conditi
EN 61000-4-30:2009 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-30: Testing and measurement techniques - Power quality measurement methods
BS EN 50160:2010 history
2023BS EN 50160:2022 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks
1970BS EN 50160:2010+A3:2019 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks
2015BS EN 50160:2010+A1:2015 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks
2010BS EN 50160:2010 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public electricity networks
2007BS EN 50160:2007 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution networks
2000BS EN 50160:2000 Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution systems