What is the impact of harmonic distortion in electrical systems?

Harmonic distortion in electrical systems primarily refers to the presence of voltage or current waveforms that deviate from the ideal sinusoidal waveform, typically caused by non-linear loads. This distortion can lead to significant issues within electrical equipment and the overall system.

The primary reason that potential equipment damage is the correct answer is that harmonic distortion can cause overheating, excessive vibrations, and additional stress on electrical equipment. For instance, transformers, motors, and other devices can experience increased heating due to harmonics, which may lead to reduced lifespan or even failure of the equipment. Components such as circuit breakers may trip unintentionally, and other protective devices can become less effective.

In recognition of these issues, many electrical systems incorporate design measures and filtering techniques to mitigate harmonic distortion, emphasizing the importance of managing this phenomenon to maintain the integrity of electrical equipment and the system as a whole.