APPLICATION NOTE

Determining Harmonic Direction

Harmonics are caused by non-linear loads. Linear loads draw a linear current that follows the changing
voltage of the AC waveform. Non-linear loads draw current pulses periodically, which creates distorted
waveforms.

The non-linear current draw creates current harmonics. Current harmonics are always seen where non-
linear loads are utilized, such as commercial and industrial power supplies. When current harmonics are
at low levels, we will see minimal voltage harmonics. However, if the current harmonic levels get high
enough they will pull down the voltage during the current pulses. This is how current harmonics generate
voltage harmonics.

Current harmonics will not propagate through a transformer. However, if the current harmonics are
great enough and cause voltage harmonics, these will propagate through a transformer.

Since current harmonics can generate voltage harmonics that can propagate through the system, the
measured harmonics can come from either the load or the source.

A method that can be used to determine the direction of an individual harmonic is to examine the power
harmonics and their individual angles.

Megger USA - Valley Forge Corporate Center

2621 Van Buren Avenue, Norristown, Pennsylvania, 19403, USA
T. 1-610 676 8500 F. 1-610-676-8610
APPLICATION NOTE

Determining Harmonic Direction

To calculate the power harmonics the voltage samples are multiplied by the phase current samples.
This generates a power waveform. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is performed on the power harmonic
waveform. This changes the waveform from a time domain to a frequency domain profile. This provides
individual harmonic order magnitude and phase angles.

The harmonic direction can then be determined by the phase angle of the individual harmonic orders.
There are 3 options for harmonic direction – Source, Load or Unknown. (S, L or U)

Megger USA - Valley Forge Corporate Center

2621 Van Buren Avenue, Norristown, Pennsylvania, 19403, USA
T. 1-610 676 8500 F. 1-610-676-8610
APPLICATION NOTE

Determining Harmonic Direction

The harmonic direction can then be viewed graphically.

Reviewing harmonic direction data

When reviewing harmonic direction data, there are several parameters that need to be
taken into consideration:

1. If demand recording is not enabled then this feature is not enabled.

2. If the demand connection method is not one of the following then this feature
would not be enabled.
a. i = 2 Wire Single Phase Single Wattmeter (Phase A only)
b. ii = 3 Wire Split Phase 2 Wattmeter (Phase A & B)
c. iii = 3 Wire Wye Network Meter (Phase A & B)
d. iv = 4 Wire Wye 3 Wattmeter (Phase A, B & C)
3. If waveforms are not enabled then this feature is not enabled.
4. If harmonic power is less than 0.001KW then the harmonic direction will be
undefined. This is because the harmonic content is too low for any real evaluation.
5. When calculating power harmonics, the
individual voltage samples are
multiplied by the individual current
samples. When 2 equal frequencies
are multiplied the resulting frequency is
double. This means the 2nd harmonic
will read high. In reality this is not an
issue. 
 
 
6. Highly inductive loads with poor power factors can skew the results due to the high phase 
shift of the fundamental. This should be taken into account. 

Megger USA - Valley Forge Corporate Center

2621 Van Buren Avenue, Norristown, Pennsylvania, 19403, USA
T. 1-610 676 8500 F. 1-610-676-8610
APPLICATION NOTE

Determining Harmonic Direction

Viewing Harmonic Direction in the Megger PQ software

1. Highlight the desired data file in the data file bar. 
 

 
 
2. Click on CHART / POWER HARMONIC ANALYSIS 
 

 
 
3. Click on desired phase. 
 

 
 

Megger USA - Valley Forge Corporate Center

2621 Van Buren Avenue, Norristown, Pennsylvania, 19403, USA
T. 1-610 676 8500 F. 1-610-676-8610
APPLICATION NOTE

Determining Harmonic Direction

4. Click CREATE button 
 

 
 
A text read out of the harmonic values and their directions will be displayed. 
 

 
 
To view a graphic display click on CHART / SHOW BAR CHART. 
 

 
 

 
 
 

Megger USA - Valley Forge Corporate Center

2621 Van Buren Avenue, Norristown, Pennsylvania, 19403, USA
T. 1-610 676 8500 F. 1-610-676-8610