Meeting FAA JO 6950.27B Harmonic Analysis Requirements with Confidence

When the FAA updated its JO 6950.27B Power System Studies Order, it reinforced something many engineers already knew: harmonics can’t be ignored. In certain projects, the order specifically calls for harmonic analysis to evaluate waveform distortions from nonlinear loads, especially at the point of common coupling (PCC).

Harmonic distortion can degrade power quality, cause overheating in transformers, trip protective devices, and interfere with sensitive electronics. In the context of the National Airspace System (NAS), where continuous and reliable power is critical, that’s a direct threat to operational integrity.

What the FAA Expects

Under JO 6950.27B, a compliant harmonic analysis should determine:

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for voltage and current
• Individual Harmonic Distortion (ITHD) factors
• Harmonic performance under normal, alternate, and generator operation modes
• Compliance with applicable limits, such as IEEE 519

The data must be accurate, repeatable, and documented in a way that can be archived in the FAA’s Facility Power Panel Schedule (FPPS) database.

How Dranetz Fits In

This is where Dranetz products align directly with FAA requirements:

HDPQ Plus Family

• Measures full harmonic spectrum up to the 127th harmonic for voltage, 63rd for current
• Captures voltage and current THD in real time
• Fully capable PQ instruments to also capture other PQ problems that can degrade reliability, such as sags, swells, transients and more.
• Dran-View 7 software for easy analysis, troubleshooting, reporting abd exporting data to 3rd party systems. 

Why It Matters for FAA Projects

Harmonic analysis under JO 6950.27B assists in proactively preventing failures and ensuring the NAS operates without disruption.

Dranetz tools give engineers the real-world data needed to:

• Verify compliance before issues arise
• Diagnose and mitigate harmonic and other PQ problems before they impact equipment or operations
• Support cost-justified upgrades, like installing harmonic filters and other mitigation devices
• Document results in a format that meets FAA submission standards

In FAA environments, every study, from short-circuit analysis to arc flash risk assessment, is only as good as the measurements it’s based on. When it comes to harmonic and other PQ analysis, Dranetz provides the accuracy and depth needed to meet both the letter and the spirit of JO 6950.27B.

Learn more about the Dranetz HDPQ family of instruments.