IEEE standard 1459: a long overdue document [power quality]

This paper describes the new IEEE Standard 1459, Definitions for the Measurement of Electric Power Quantities Under Sinusoidal, Nonsinusoidal, Balanced or Unbalanced Conditions. The information is presented in context of historical events that explain the reasons for new definitions. The new definitions originate from S/sub e/, the effective apparent power definition attributed to F. Buchholz and W. Goodhue. The resolution of S/sub e/ extends from well-established concepts. The need for the separation of 60/50 Hz powers from the non-60/50 Hz powers is emphasized. The standard serves users who want to evaluate the performance of modern equipment or to design and build the new generation of instrumentation.