What are Harmonics?

Harmonics in Electrical Systems: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

What are Electrical Harmonics?
Harmonics are like invisible electrical gremlins that disrupt the smooth flow of power in electrical systems. Imagine your electrical current is flowing steadily at a frequency of 50 Hertz (50 times per second). Now, imagine additional currents appear—like one at 250 Hertz, five times the main frequency. These extra currents, called harmonics, don’t serve any useful purpose; instead, they generate heat as they flow through devices, similar to the frustration of being stuck in traffic on a hot day.

Effects of Harmonics on Electrical Systems
Why should you care about electrical harmonics? The effects can be quite serious:

1. Overheating of Electrical Cables: Harmonics increase the current flowing through cables, leading to overheating, potentially causing cable insulation damage.
2. Motor Problems: Motors in machines may become noisy, overheat, or even suffer from mechanical damage, reducing their lifespan.
3. Damaged Components: Capacitors can fail or even explode under harmonic stress.
4. Flickering Lights and Malfunctions: Harmonics can lead to flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, and malfunctioning electronics like computers or sensitive equipment.

What Causes Electrical Harmonics?
Harmonics are primarily caused by non-linear loads—devices that don’t “play nice” with the standard electrical flow. Common culprits include:

• Computers and Office Equipment: These devices inject their own currents into the system, causing a chaotic mixture of frequencies.
• Variable Speed Drives (VSDs): Often used in industrial settings, VSDs contribute significantly to harmonic distortion.
• LED Lighting and Fancy Lighting Systems: Modern lighting can also introduce harmonics that interfere with electrical stability.

How to Reduce Harmonics from Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
Variable speed drives are often culprits causing harmonics, but there are effective ways to reduce their impact:

• Drive Modification: Tweaking the drives can help them produce fewer harmonics, optimising their interaction with the electrical system.
• External Harmonic Filters: Installing harmonic filters can significantly reduce the negative effects. These filters act as a safeguard, cleaning up the electrical flow before it can create problems.

Quantum Controls: Your Partner in Managing Harmonics
At Quantum Controls, we specialise in making your electrical systems run smoothly by mitigating harmonic issues. We offer comprehensive harmonic surveys to analyse your electrical network and identify the sources of these disturbances. Our team then provides customised solutions—such as installing harmonic filters or adjusting your devices to produce fewer harmonics.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for harmonics. Every system is different, and it’s crucial to determine the specific measures that will work best for your unique setup. With our expertise, you can say goodbye to flickering lights, tripping breakers, and overheating cables—and enjoy a harmonious, efficient electrical system.

Contact Us Today for Harmonic Solutions
If you’re experiencing issues with harmonics, call Quantum Controls at 01661 835 566. Our team is ready to assist you in creating a stable and efficient electrical environment.

Call us on 01661 835 566 for assistance with your harmonics.