Power Quality and Harmonic Analysis

The service also supports changes to major loads or a proposal for corrective equipment. Before buying a filter or other device, establish the actual electrical behaviour and the point in the system where the problem occurs. A remedy selected without that evidence may not address the cause.

The scope can include reviewing diagrams and incident history, selecting measurement points, recording voltage and current behaviour and assessing relevant disturbances or harmonic content. The measurement period and instrument settings follow the question being investigated.

Outputs identify the installation point, recorded conditions, significant findings and recommended next action. The report explains whether further measurement, an equipment investigation, an installation change or discussion with another responsible party is appropriate. Design and installation of a remedy follow a separate defined scope.

Harmonics are components at multiples of the fundamental frequency. Non-linear loads can contribute to distorted current waveforms, but the presence of harmonics alone does not identify a fault or justify one particular solution. Their significance depends on the system and measured conditions.

Power quality covers more than harmonics. Voltage changes, imbalance, interruptions and other events can affect equipment differently. A short snapshot may miss an intermittent problem, while an average can hide a brief event. The investigation needs the right measurements and timing for the reported symptoms.

Provide the incident dates, equipment affected, supply and distribution drawings, recent changes and existing test reports. Identify large or variable loads and explain their operating cycles. A record of when machinery starts or a process changes can help relate measurements to actual activity.

Safe connection and removal of instruments are planned by the appropriate electrical specialist. Confirm access, isolation authority and any restrictions on interruption. Customers should not open distribution equipment or attach measuring devices to prepare for the investigation.

We establish the symptoms and purpose, review available information and define the measurement plan. Instrument locations and the recording period are selected to investigate the relevant part of the system. Site events and operating changes are recorded alongside the electrical data.

The findings are interpreted against the question and measurement limits. A supply-side explanation should be supported by evidence, not assumed because several devices are affected. Where remedial design is recommended, the brief includes the measured problem and the method for checking the result after implementation.

Costs depend on measurement points, recording duration, access, data analysis and specialist design input. A single local investigation differs from comparing several points across a large installation. Repeat monitoring may be useful where representative conditions were unavailable or the original problem did not occur.

Connection work can require planned interruption depending on the installation and method. We agree access and operating constraints before attendance. The handover includes the report, measurement context and action recommendations so later work can use the evidence without reconstructing the survey.

Industrial and manufacturing premises need process cycles and variable loads considered. Data centres and critical environments require careful definition of equipment symptoms and measurement boundaries. Offices can involve several electronic loads and shared distribution.

Retail estates may need comparisons between premises with different equipment and supply conditions. The full service and project range supports all sectors; the investigation follows the actual installation and reported behaviour.

We arrange investigations across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley, including Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnwick, Morpeth, Hexham, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees and Middlesbrough.

Portfolio work retains local supply points and operating records even when results use a common reporting structure. Wider specialist and multi-site enquiries are assessed against location, measurement and access needs. View all locations.

Read what happens when no fault is found and why diagnostic attendances are chargeable. HSE electrical safety guidance provides the safety context for planning access and electrical investigation.