Various PWM methods for multi-phase (n>3) two-level voltage source inverters (VSIs) have been developed recently. Relatively little work has however been done in relation to switching harmonic properties of these PWM methods and their impact on current ripple. The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of the flux harmonic distortion factor (HDF) associated with the space vector PWM (SVPWM) for a five-phase VSI. The applied approach utilises multiple polygon connections and is analytical in nature. Verification of the developed analytical theory is provided by simulation and experimentation on a five-phase induction motor drive.