[McMurdo]

so why doesnt the effect average out over each phase? Doesn't the random power factor of multiple mixed ac & dc loads come into play? Industrial users of equipment containing rectifiers capable of distorting the mains (even symmetrically across positive and negative cycles..which is usual for any single rectifier load capable of distortion) have to undertake to mitigate the effect by installing large reactors or phase shifting transformers or otherwise they get fined.