What are harmonics in an electrical system?

Harmonics in an electrical system refer to voltage or current waveforms that are multiples of the fundamental frequency of the power system. In most cases, the fundamental frequency in power systems is 60 Hz (in North America) or 50 Hz (in many parts of the world). When non-linear loads—such as computers, LED lighting, or variable frequency drives—are connected to the power system, they can generate additional frequencies that overlay the fundamental frequency, creating distortion in the waveform.

These distortions can lead to various problems, such as reduced energy efficiency, overheating of equipment, and interference with communication systems. The presence of harmonics can negatively impact the performance of electrical devices by causing them to run less efficiently or reducing their functionality. Therefore, understanding harmonics and their impact on an electrical system is critical for maintaining system reliability and efficiency.

The correct identification of harmonics focuses on their distortion characteristics rather than merely associating them with terms like energy reduction or power surges, which do not encapsulate the technical definition as accurately.