Harmonic distortion is caused by equipment that is non-linear loads. These loads use current in a pulsing manner and at times feed harmonic currents back into the wiring. In non-linear loads, the current waveform is different from the applied voltage waveform. This causes them to produce the following:
- Voltage distortions
- Excessive currents on neutral wires
- Overheating of motors
- Microprocessor control problems
- Unexplained computer crashes