Why check for harmonics?

Ensuring safe and reliable electrical networks is essential. However, the presence of harmonics can compromise system performance, causing unwanted disruption and unexpected downtime. With the growing reliance on electricity — and the potential for regulatory penalties faced by network owners and operators — it’s more important than ever to take a proactive approach to managing harmonics. 

Beyond compliance, harmonics can accelerate the ageing of critical assets, leading to more frequent and costly repairs. By testing for harmonics, you gain valuable insight into your network’s behaviour, allowing you to address issues early and ensure long-term stability and resilience. 

Read on to discover why harmonics matter, and why understanding their impact is key to maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient electrical system. 

What is Harmonic Distortion?  

Harmonic distortion occurs when unwanted frequencies distort the normal, smooth sinusoidal electricity waveform, creating ‘noise’ that can reduce efficiency and affect how electrical equipment performs. 

What Causes Harmonic Distortion? 

Harmonic distortion is caused by modern, non-linear equipment - such as variable speed drives, LED lighting, computers, and chargers. These draw current in pulses and introduce extra frequencies into the system. As our homes, offices and businesses become increasingly filled with electronic devices this is making power quality an increasingly important issue. 

Why Harmonics Matter:  

Harmonics cause unwanted distortions to your network. This leads to increased energy losses, overheating, premature wear on equipment and in some cases failure of safety and IT systems. 

Poor power quality can particularly cause issues in environments where equipment relies on stable power. Harmonics issues can interfere with critical systems, risking interruptions to data, wireless signals and critical business processes.  

Making regular power quality assessments is an essential step in maintaining reliable system performance. 

How EA Technology can Help:  

Our Power Quality Analysis service investigates harmonic distortion, voltage sags or surges, transients and other irregularities within your electrical network.  

This is designed to:  

• Demonstrate compliance with grid connection requirements such as ENA G5. 

• Diagnose power quality issues impacting the operation of your equipment. 

• Improve efficiency and longevity of electrical systems 

Our experts will work with you to determine an appropriate scope of work, typically consisting of:  

• An initial meeting to understand your concerns, issues, and requirements. 

• A site visit to install a Power Quality monitor. 

• Collecting necessary data on your electrical network, operations and issues. 

• Building a frequency dependent network model, typically using DIgSILENT. 

• Analysing the existing level of harmonic distortion. 

• Modeling the impact of any new connections or change in operations. 

Our specialists will then carry out a detailed analysis and focus on two key areas: 

• If you are installing new infrastructure then the analysis can determine a baseline position, impact of the new equipment and demonstrate compliance with your grid connection requirements (ENA ER G5). 

• If you’re seeking to establish the cause of observed power quality problems, then the analysis will diagnose the source of the issue and offer recommendations for remediation.  

Call us today to understand how harmonic distortion is affecting your network and discover how improving power quality can enhance reliability and efficiency across your operations.