The main objective of this paper is to reduce the total harmonics in a single phase voltage source inverter using Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization technique for critical load applications. Single phase inverter is a non-linear load using power electronic components causing distortions in the load voltage and current wave patterns from the sinusoidal waveforms due to harmonics. The mapping state space model for a full bridge voltage source inverter was developed using output load resistance. An optimal ABC technique has been designed and optimized values are estimated using a full bridge voltage controlled inverter using Proportional Integral Algorithm. The MATLAB/SIMULINK tool and Experimental setup were implemented and their THD values were estimated. Also this ABC scheme is compared with the previous results such as PI Algorithm, Fuzzy logic controller and Neuro-fuzzy controllers. From the simulation and experimental results using ABC algorithm, it is observed that the total harmonics are mitigated considerably compared to previous results with respect to the power quality standards such as IEEE-519 and IEC 61000.