Large number of small non-linear power consumers causing power quality problems

In modern buildings virtually all electric loads are non-linear. The applicable standards for consumption of electrical energy do not take into account the replacement of linear loads by non-linear loads. The exemptions made in those standards for low power devices, and the widespread use of such devices result in a high harmonic distortion of the power distribution network. This paper presents the current waveform of several typical low power devices. It shows the increase in harmonic distortion in a new modern building due to a multitude of non-linear devices. Enlarging the supply by doubling the power capacity afterwards, resulted in a much lower harmonic distortion, at high costs.