You’ve probably heard of the term “total harmonic distortion”, but what is it and why should you care? Well, the answer is actually quite simple. The term “total harmonic distortion” (THD) is a test performed on power cords to check their performance. It is a quality assurance tool that can help you detect problems before they become big issues. THD is an ohm-metric measure that reflects the quality of an electrical connection. It measures the level of distortion of an electrical signal, and the higher the reading, the worse the performance. So, what does the THD health check test?
The THD health check is exactly what it sounds like: a test that checks the performance of a power cord and records the results. The test checks the cord’s ability to produce a clean, noise-free signal. There are two main types of power cords: single-ended and balanced. These two types of cords have different features and attributes. And, while they both serve the same purpose, they also have different pros and cons.
So, how do you know if you need a balanced power cord? Let’s take a look at the benefits they offer and decide if they’re right for your needs.
What’s a Balanced Power Cord?
A balanced power cord has two distinct regions: a hot region and a neutral region. In a single-ended power cord, the hot region leads to the device that draws power, and the neutral region leads to the power source. In a balanced power cord, both the hot and neutral regions are the same. These cords reduce the potential for voltage drop and therefore increase the amount of power that can be delivered to a device.
What’s an Unbalanced Power Cord?
An unbalanced power cord has one lead that is bigger than the other (usually thicker, too). This lead is called the hot lead, and it usually goes to the device that needs to be charged. The other lead is called the neutral lead, and it’s thinner than the hot lead. The neutral lead goes to the power source, and the unbalanced cord allows the current to flow through it in only one direction. As a result, the neutral lead is able to take the full voltage of the power source and convert it to a harmless 12V or 5V current.
What Does the THD Health Check Test?
The THD health check tests the ability of a cord to produce a clean, noise-free signal. There are two main types of power cords: single-ended and balanced. A single-ended power cord has one lead that goes to the device that needs to be charged, and that’s it. It doesn’t matter what voltage is running through the cord because it has only one voltage region (hot). A balanced power cord, on the other hand, has two region wires: a hot lead and a neutral lead. The two region wires are combined and sent to the device, where a balanced signal is required.
Why Does My Power Cord Need a THD Test?
When you buy a cord, you want to make sure it’s up to snuff. The THD health check is one way to do that. It’s a quick, easy check that you can do before each use. You don’t have to unplug anything or interrupt any processes. You can also use the cord while the test is running. The THD health check is a good way to see if your cord is operating at a functional level.
How to Get a THD Health Check You can trust
You have a few options for getting the THD health check. If you’re looking for a store-bought solution, you can purchase a cord that meets the requirements and has been tested. However, this will cost you a little bit of money. If you want to save some cash, you can purchase a used power cord from someone who has upgraded. You can also do a little bit of legwork and get your hands on a free power cord. Below, you’ll find a list of places to turn for free, cheap power cords.
Conclusion
The THD health check is a quick, easy way to test the performance of a power cord. It’s a quality assurance tool that you can trust to detect problems before they become big issues. The cord should have a healthy THD reading, and if it doesn’t, it should be replaced.
That’s all there is to it. A healthy THD reading means a healthy cord, and a good rule of thumb is that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. So, if you’re in the market for a new power cord, you can do a quick search online and find one that has good reviews. If you’re looking for a free power cord, there are lots of places to turn. You can also search for used ones on Craig’s List or Freecycle.
