A harmonic filter is used to eliminate the harmonic distortion caused by appliances. Harmonics are currents and voltages that are continuous multiples of the fundamental frequency of 60 Hz such as 120 Hz (2nd harmonic) and 300 Hz (5th harmonic). Harmonic currents provide power that cannot be used and also takes up electrical system capacity. Large quantities of harmonics can lead to malfunctioning of the system that results in downtime and increase in operating costs. The second harmonic would have a frequency of 120 Hz; the third harmonic would have a frequency of 180 Hz and so on.
