Power Problems

Causes

Effects

Voltage Spikes and Surges

Lightning, Utility grid switching, Heavy industrial equipment

Equipment failure, System lock-up, Data corruption, Data loss

Electrical Noise

Arc Welders etc..., Switch mode power supplies, Fault clearing devices, Ground not dedicated or isolated

Data corruption, Erroneous command functions, Loss of command functions, Improper waveshapes etc...

Harmonics

Switch mode power supplies, Nonlinear loads

High neutral currents, Overheated neutral conductors, Overheated transformers, Voltage distortion, Loss of system capacity

Voltage Fluctuations

Brownouts, Unstable generators, Overburdened distribution systems, Start-up of heavy equipment

System lock-up, System shutdown, Data corruption, Data Loss, Reduced performance, Loss of system control

Power Outage & Interruptions

Blackouts, Faulted or overload, conditions, Back-up generator start-up

System crash, System lock-up, Power supply damage, Lost data, Complete shutdown loss of control

Stable AC from DC source

DC power plant available, Remote areas

Unavailable AC power

Emergency power source transfer, Peak shave power

Back-up generator start-up, Power interruption transfer of utility source

System crash, System lock-up, Power supply damage, Lost data, Complete shutdown loss of control

Distribution Systems and Power quality questions

Lack of understanding of system problems or coordination

Unstable distribution system, Lost productivity and profitability.

High energy cost / Power factor correction

Need for energy savings and pay back for equipment investment.

Lost profits increased cost.