What does harmonic distortion indicate in electrical systems?

Harmonic distortion indicates a deviation from the fundamental frequency in electrical systems. In a typical electrical system, the voltage and current waveforms should ideally be sinusoidal at a specific frequency, such as 60 Hz in North America. However, the presence of non-linear loads, such as computers, LED lights, and other electronic devices, can cause the current or voltage waveform to deviate from this pure sinusoidal shape, leading to the generation of harmonics.

These harmonics are essentially multiples of the fundamental frequency (for example, 120 Hz, 180 Hz, etc.) and can distort the overall waveform. This distortion can lead to various issues, including overheating of equipment, increased losses in the system, and interference with communication lines. Understanding harmonic distortion is crucial for maintaining power quality in electrical systems, allowing for the identification and mitigation of potential problems associated with non-linear loads.