# Harmonic distortion indicators - Crest factor

The crest factor is the ratio between the value of the peak current or voltage(IM or UM) and its r.m.s. value.

• For a sinusoidal signal, the crest factor is therefore equal to ${\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}$.
• For a non-sinusoidal signal, the crest factor can be either greater than or less than ${\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}$.

The crest factor for the current drawn by non-linear loads is commonly much higher than ${\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}$. It is generally between 1.5 and 2 and can even reach 5 in critical cases.

A high crest factor signals high current peaks which, when detected by protection devices, can cause nuisance tripping.

Examples:

Figure M7 represents the current absorbed by a compact fluorescent lamp.

Ir.m.s. = 0.16A
IM = 0.6A
THDi = 145%
Crest factor = 3.75

Fig. M7 – Typical current waveform of a compact fluorescent lamp

Figure M8 represents the voltage supplying non-linear loads through a high impedance line, with a typical "flat top" distorted waveform.

Vr.m.s. = 500V
VM = 670V
THDu = 6.2%
Crest factor = 1.34

Fig. M8 – Typical voltage waveform in case of high impedance line supplying non-linear loads