Waveform distortion noise
BSRIA Power quality guide (AG 2/2000) was written by C C Pearson and V Uthayanan and published by BSRIA in July 2000. It states:
Waveform distortion is defined as a steady state deviation from an ideal sine wave of power frequency, principally characterised by the spectral content of the deviation.
There are five primary types of waveform distortion:
Noise is unwanted electrical or electromagnetic energy that can degrade the quality of signals and data. Noise occurs in digital and analogue systems, and can affect files and communications of all types, including text, programs, images, audio, and telemetry. Digital clocks can sometimes run extremely fast.
In a hard-wired circuit such as a telephone-line, external noise is picked up from electrical transformers, control circuits, arcing equipment, loads with solid-state rectifiers, and switching power supplies, from the atmosphere, and even from outer space. Noise problems are often exacerbated by improper earthing that fails to conduct noise away from the power system. Normally this noise is of little or no consequence. However, during severe thunderstorms, or in locations where many electrical appliances are in use, external noise can affect communications. In data communications it slows down the data transfer rate, because the system must adjust its speed to match conditions on the line. In a voice telephone conversation, noise rarely sounds like anything other than a faint hissing or rushing.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.