What equipment can be used to check for harmonic distortion?

A harmonic analyzer is specifically designed to measure and analyze the harmonic content of electrical signals. It can break down a waveform into its individual frequency components, allowing for detailed insight into the extent and nature of harmonic distortion present in the system. This tool measures the voltage and current harmonics, which exceed the fundamental frequency of the power system (typically 50 or 60 Hz), providing a comprehensive view of the harmonic distortion characteristics.

While other equipment, such as a multimeter or power quality meter, can provide some information about voltages and current, they do not typically have the ability to analyze harmonics in such detail. An oscilloscope can visualize waveforms and might indicate distortion, but without the specific functions that a harmonic analyzer has, it cannot provide the same level of analysis for harmonics. Therefore, the harmonic analyzer stands out as the most suitable and effective tool for checking harmonic distortion in electrical systems.