Evaluation of electricity theft blocking system on low voltage distribution networks: Part I — Power quality tests

This paper aims to present and discuss the power quality tests performed on a new electricity theft blocking system on low voltage distribution networks, which is being improved on a R&D project. The developed system prevents the theft of electricity by irregular customers in low voltage networks through adding direct current in alternating current (DC plus AC voltage). Therefore, the alternating voltage presents an asymmetric component that blocks the correct operation of equipment and home appliances. The power quality tests are mandatory before its installation on power distribution utilities as well as the impact on regular customers. This paper is complemented by the second paper entitled “Evaluation of Electricity Theft Blocking System on Low Voltage Distribution Networks Part II — Withstanding Tests” to be published on the same symposium.