Adverse Impact of Harmonic and Interharmonic Supply Voltage Distortion on Mass-Market Electrical Appliances

This article presents the results of the immunity evaluation of mass-market electrical appliances subjected to harmonic and interharmonic distortion of the supply voltage. Therefore, the immunity of twenty selected single-phase electrical appliances is evaluated within a comprehensive framework that considers perceptible malfunctions and long-term adverse impacts. Furthermore, a specially designed test procedure is employed to optimize the characterization of appliances with variable operating states and to ensure the reproducibility of results. In light of that, the feasibility of increasing compatibility levels for harmonics and interharmonics is discussed. The results shall serve as input for the ongoing discussion about appropriate compatibility levels in low voltage networks acceptable to all stakeholders.