ELECTRICAL EFFICIENCY LIBRARY
WHAT IS HARMONIC DISTORTION?
Harmonic distortion is a change in the shape of the electrical waveform caused largely by nonlinear electronic loads.
The simple version
Modern electronics do not always draw current in a smooth sinusoidal pattern. LEDs, variable-frequency drives, switching power supplies, computers, controls, UPS systems, and similar loads can draw current in pulses. Those pulses create harmonic frequencies on top of the fundamental waveform.
Why facilities care
High harmonic conditions can contribute to additional heat, neutral loading, transformer and conductor stress, nuisance equipment behavior, and power-quality problems. The practical significance depends on the electrical system and loads.
What THD proves—and what it does not
Total harmonic distortion (THD) is useful for describing waveform distortion and confirming whether a harmonic-filtering technology changes the targeted electrical condition. THD reduction alone is not proof of kWh savings. Orion measures energy separately.
A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP
Ready to improve your electrical system?
Talk with Orion about your facility, energy costs, electrical system and what you want to improve. We’ll help identify the most practical path.