Harmonics from Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Measured characteristics of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and incandescent lamps with diode type devices show low power factor (47% to 67%) and/or high total harmonic distortion (>100% THD). There is little effect on a building power quality if the CFL comprise less than 10% of the buildings load. Even if the load due to CFL is as high as 26% of the buildings total, the voltage distortion is less than 5%. Circuits along with estimated costs are presented that correct for power factor and suppress the harmonics.