Measurement and analysis of harmonics contribution by HID lamp systems

Harmonic contributions of electrical devices are one of the major reasons behind the poor quality of power. High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps are known as non linear electrical loads. Hence, these types of lamps are a major contributor of harmonics in electrical distribution systems. The work presented in this paper, emphasizes on measurement of harmonic contribution by 250 W High Pressure Sodium Vapour (HPSV) lamp and 250 W Metal Halide (MH) lamps when driven by electromagnetic ballast at 240V, 50 Hz power supply. These types of lamp systems are widely used in outdoor lighting especially in road lighting & sports lighting applications and also for indoor lighting such as in shopping malls. The purpose is to know the harmonic contribution by such type of lamp systems and to draw a comparison.