Study and modeling of noise on the low voltage part of the electrical power distribution network between 30 kHz and 1 MHz

In this paper, an extensive set of noise measurements on the low voltage part of the electrical power distribution network is presented. These measurements were taken in a laboratory environment for several months by means of a spectrum analyzer. Automatic remote measurement software was specifically designed and used for this purpose. The frequencies considered range from 30 kHz to 1 MHz, well above the allowed band specified in the European standard to communications over the electrical power distribution network. These noise measurements are important for the design of communication systems, such as power line carrier, which use the distribution line as a communications medium. Several kinds of noise are specifically studied, including impulsive noise, switching and non-switching periodic noise and background noise. In particular, the behavior of noise levels as a function of time of day is analyzed. Finally, a statistical model is also shown.