OPTIMUM POWER POWER QUALITY TUTORIAL
	Harmonic Distortion Definition - In three phase and single phase electrical power sytems, the flow of current waveforms that are distorted.   These distorted current waveforms result from the use of non-linear loads.   The distorted current waveform is made up of the fundamental sinewave or 1st order 60 hertz current and multiple frequency currents such as the 3rd (180 hertz), 5th order (300hertz) current sinewaves which all add to make up the distorted current waveform.   The multiples of the 1st order fundamental 60 hertz sinewave are referred to as the harmonic current or voltage sinewaves.
Non-Linear Current Demonstration	The animation illustrates distorted current waveforms typical of single phase electronic loads and three phase rectifier loads which are typical within electrical facilites.  These waveforms are rich in harmonic current frequencies.