Many electronic devices, distort the electricity sine wave. Electricity alternates at 50 cycles per second, however, it is possible to distort it so much that additional “waves” can start running inside this 50 cycle wave, with frequencies varying from 100 to approximately 2500 cycles per second.

Why is this a problem you ask?

This phenomenon of these additional frequencies is called Harmonics. Here are a few ways in which it can affect your operation.

It can destroy or damage expensive electronic equipment because capacitors draw more power as the frequency increases and keeps failing due to the heat caused by the higher current.

Supply cables overheat, which damages them

It causes nuisance tripping for no apparent or obvious reason

Only some equipment can measure the presence of the additional frequencies (harmonics), therefore it does not seem to be there at all

It reduces the capacity of our cables and transformers, due to heat, therfore less electricity is available for doing real work

And the situation is getting worse and we end up paying for repairs and replacements that seem to have no apparent cause

What causes harmonics?
One of the causes are found in energy saving equipment such as low energy lamps. They do save electricity, but they also give us a problem. Harmonics, and there are only two ways around it.

Government intervention which governs any equipment that adds harmonics to the national grid, but as we all know this can take time

Another solution comes in the form of harmonic filters which isolates harmonic frequencies and lets only "clean electricity" through to our equipment

Efficient Electrical Energy Management installs logging and monitoring equipment can report on the quality of your power and where harmonic threats come from, whether it is your own equipment or your neighboring factory or business.

What action can you take?

With enough solid data available you can identify the source of the problem and take action. Depending on whether the source of the problem is your equipment or the grid, preventative action can be taken.

The old adage says that prevention is better than cure. It is also cheaper. We can also help you with purchasing decisions on new equipment. Will it live up to the stated harmonic distortion absence or very low levels claimed. You can find out before purchasing, and know the effect that it will have on the rest of your equipment.

If these are the concerns that you are facing, contact Cobus Verster to discuss your power quality needs & risks, and how to address them.