The existing electricity network has been designed and optimised to use 50Hz alternating sinusoidal voltage and current. Traditional appliances and loads such as incandescent light bulbs, electric stoves, toasters, jugs, heating, and induction motors have sinusoidal current and voltages.
Harmonics are produced by equipment which switches the supply on and off quickly (generally faster than 50Hz) using power electronics. Examples of equipment which do this are computers, televisions, variable speed drives and heat pumps. The presence of harmonics can result in a range of effects, from flicking lights to equipment malfunctions or failures.
The Network Harmonics Code is necessary to minimise the impact of harmonic pollution on the electricity network and electricity customers in Marlborough.
You can download the Company’s current Network Harmonics Code below: