Searching for a definition of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) reveals some complex explanations, not easy for most of us to understand. Calculating Harmonic Distortion (HD) requires a good understanding of algebra and THD is even tougher to understand. Because this is more important than many people may realize, I’m going to try explaining Total Harmonic Distortion so that it can be understood by all.

In order to answer the question what is harmonic distortion, we first need to understand what a sine wave is and how it works. The effects of THD on a sine wave applies to most of the equipment we use in our everyday lives, from stereos and radios, to the electricity we use in our homes. [Read more…]