Power measurement with distorted waveforms

Loads producing complex waveforms and drawing distorted current waveforms from the supply represent a special challenge in making electrical measurements-particularly if one bears in mind that conventional instrumentation often cannot cope with the complex waveforms involved. At the same time it is becoming more and more important to make these measurements and to make them accurately. Energy costs are increasing and customers demand to know the efficiency of installed equipment. In addition there is increasing legislation governing the level of distortion and power factor of equipment. For all these reasons it is becoming more and more important to make accurate measurements with both simple and complex waveforms