Multiple Tones in Power Calibration

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Multiple Tones in Power Calibration (279.71 KB)

Increased usage of nonlinear loads such as personal computers, laser printers, and motor controllers is adversely affecting the quality of power distributed within a business facility. Of particular concern are the harmonics introduced on the power line by these loads, causing loss in productivity and potential safety issues. Another issue is the accuracy of revenue meters in the presence of these harmonics. Facilities personnel are purchasing and using sophisticated power quality monitoring equipment to quantify these problems. As with all precision test and measurement equipment, these instruments should be routinely verified and calibrated. International standards are being established to define the test requirements for these devices. This paper gives an overview of the power industry and makes a case for expediting the adoption of these standards to provide adequate traceability of power quality instrumentation and revenue metering.