Sir,

This refers to the move by MCC to replace all existing street lights of tube lamps, sodium vapour lamps by LED lighting system (SOM dated Oct. 23). This is a welcome move.

But I wonder whether CESC is ready to power these LED lights? The present distribution system having pole mounted transformer is already overloaded. With the provision of LED system, these transformers get overheated as the LED lighting generates harmonics.

The present transformers are not designed to cater for high level of harmonics or total harmonic distortion. Only  K-Transformers can overcome the requirement of harmonics, which CESC do not have.

LED lighting equipment will generate a relatively high level of harmonic distortion in current waveforms. For example, a 25 W LED lamp which complies with the IEC 61000-3-2 standard and injects 85% of third harmonic and 61% of fifth harmonic, obtains a THD(I) of 105%, which is extremely high.

– A.V. Prasanna, Mysuru, 28.10.2021

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