The effects of nonsinusoidal voltages and currents on the performance of static underfrequency and overcurrent relays are experimentally studied. The tests were conducted in such a way that the frequency, amplitude and phase shift of individual harmonics could be adjusted in a controlled manner by using a waveform generator with a phase-locking circuit. The relationship between the harmonic currents and voltages was modeled in terms of the power system impedance within residential distribution systems. It was found that for harmonic voltage and current amplitudes (as they occur in distribution systems), underfrequency relays and the time delay operation of overcurrent relays show a marked deterioration in performance. The instantaneous operating characteristics of overcurrent relays, however, are hardly affected by the presence of harmonic currents. >