International Journal of Research in Advanced Electronics Engineering
2026, Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part A
Arduino-based portable harmonics analyzer for single-phase domestic loads
Author(s): Tanaka Hiroshi, Yamamoto Kenji and Suzuki Yuki
Abstract: The proliferation of electronic devices employing switch-mode power supplies has dramatically increased harmonic distortion in residential electrical systems, yet the cost of commercial harmonic analyzers places routine monitoring beyond reach of most homeowners and small-scale investigators. This research presents the development and validation of a portable harmonics analyzer based on the Arduino Mega microcontroller platform, designed specifically for characterizing single-phase domestic loads at a fraction of commercial instrument costs. The analyzer employs a ZMPT101B voltage sensor and ACS712 current sensor interfaced to the Arduino's 10-bit analog-to-digital converters, sampling at 5.12 kHz to capture harmonic content up to the 25th order at Japan's 50 Hz mains frequency. A 256-point Fast Fourier Transform algorithm implemented in optimized C code extracts individual harmonic magnitudes, from which total harmonic distortion calculations derive. Results display on a 3.5-inch TFT screen showing harmonic spectrum bar graphs and numerical THD values, with SD card logging enabling extended monitoring sessions. Validation testing across ten representative domestic appliance categories compared Arduino measurements against a calibrated Hioki 3197 power quality analyzer serving as reference standard. The portable analyzer achieved current THD measurement accuracy within ±2.5% across the tested appliance range, with correlation coefficient of 0.9998 demonstrating excellent linear agreement with reference values. Individual harmonic magnitude accuracy ranged from ±1.5% for the fundamental component to ±4.1% for higher-order harmonics where absolute magnitudes diminish. Field characterization revealed that switch-mode power supply based devices including LED lamps, phone chargers, and laptop adapters exhibited current THD values ranging from 71% to 129%, substantially exceeding the nominally linear loads such as incandescent lamps and resistive heaters measuring below 5% THD. The measurements quantify the harmonic injection characteristics that aggregate across residential installations, contributing to distribution system power quality concerns. The complete analyzer hardware costs approximately ¥7,500 (roughly $50 USD), representing less than 2% of equivalent commercial instrument pricing while providing measurement capability adequate for educational purposes, residential surveys, and preliminary power quality assessments. The research demonstrates that meaningful harmonic analysis can be achieved with consumer-grade components, democratizing access to power quality instrumentation previously restricted to well-equipped laboratories and industrial facilities.
DOI: 10.22271/27084558.2026.v7.i1a.77
Pages: 52-57 | Views: 38 | Downloads: 17
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How to cite this article:
Tanaka Hiroshi, Yamamoto Kenji, Suzuki Yuki. Arduino-based portable harmonics analyzer for single-phase domestic loads. Int J Res Adv Electron Eng 2026;7(1):52-57. DOI: 10.22271/27084558.2026.v7.i1a.77
