Harmonic Injection by LEDs and CFLs in Electrical Distribution System

The new market trend shows CFL and LED lamps are rapidly replacing the conventional incandescent lamps. However, this resulted in power quality issues that strictly cause the problems to the power network with high injection of harmonics from these non-linear loads. The issue cannot be overlooked, especially when dealing with large lighting installation together with other non-linear loads. This paper examines the harmonic emission from both CFLs and LEDs in distribution network by running a laboratory test with various type of brands from the local market. The total harmonic distortion is analyzed and measured under three different perspectives; first, using 12 LED units of the same brand in different power ratings; second, using 12 LED units of different brands in different power ratings; and lastly, a mix of 8 units LED and 4 units CFL with different power ratings are tested. The last case reveals significant reduction in level of total harmonic distortion.