2/14/22, 12:44 PM How to find harmonics in electrical systems | Fluke

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How to find harmonics in electrical systems

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Harmonics are currents or voltages with frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental

power frequency. If the fundamental frequency is 60 Hz, then the 2nd harmonic is 120 Hz, the third
is 180 Hz, etc. Harmonics are created by non-linear loads that draw current in abrupt pulses rather
than in smooth sinusoidal manner. These pulses cause distorted current wave shapes, which in turn
cause harmonic currents to flow back into other parts of the power system.

While any electronic load can generate harmonics, inefficiency is prevalent wherever there are large
numbers of personal computers and other types of equipment that draw current in short pulses.
Variable frequency drives (VFD) on the other hand are more efficient, as they are designed to draw
current only during a controlled portion of the incoming voltage waveform.

While VFDs dramatically improve efficiency, they can cause harmonics harmonics in the load cur-
rent, which can lead to overheated transformers as well as tripped circuit breakers. Power-quality
analyzers and power loggers can help you identify harmonics in these systems

These unwanted frequencies cause other problems as well, including heat and efficiency losses in
motors. The most severe symptoms created by harmonics are typically the result of the harmonics
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distorting the fundamental 60 Hz sine wave found in facilities. This sine wave distortion results in im-
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proper operation of electronic equipment, spurious alarms, data losses and what are often reported
as “mysterious” problems.

Total harmonic distortion (THD)

When symptoms of harmonics occur, troubleshoot by observing total harmonic distortion (THD).
THD is the relationship of all present harmonics to the fundamental frequency—expressed as the
ratio of the sum of the powers of all harmonics to the power of fundamental frequency. A significant
increase in THD under varying load conditions warrants a percentage comparison of each individual
harmonic current level as compared to the total fundamental current flow in the system.

Knowing the effects created by each harmonic current and comparing them to identified symptoms
will aid in troubleshooting. The source of the harmonic must then be isolated and corrected.
Summary Voltage problems and the creation of harmonic currents are the two broad areas under
which power quality problems occur. Dips and swells, voltage transients, power interruptions,
and voltage unbalance all can be monitored, analyzed and compared to equipment operation histo-
ries to determine the cause and severity of the power quality problem. The same can be done with
the various harmonic currents in a system.

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