Power Quality Solutions for Your Business

"Power quality" refers to the overall state of the electrical power system, which includes not only the electricity produced and provided by Puget Sound Energy, but also the demands our customers place on the system.

Power quality varies for a number of reasons. A lightning strike at a generating station or transformer; trees falling on lines; severe wind, ice, or snow storms; even a vehicle collision with a utility pole can cause a power outage. These outages are unavoidable and, fortunately, rare.

It is much more likely, however, that the source of power quality problems lies within your business in the form of wiring deficiencies. If you notice that computers spontaneously reboot or the lights flicker when large equipment turns on (e.g., air conditioning compressors, refrigerators, copiers, etc.), that’s probably the cause. Through the CRS Program, you have access to experienced electrical consult-ants who can help identify and correct those problems.

COMMON POWER QUALITY PROBLEMS

The most common problems are:

SAGS These short (less than one second) drops in normal voltage can be caused by motors starting, heaters in photocopiers or laser printers, and short circuits on the power lines. Sags do not usually damage computers but may cause them to restart or lock up.

TRANSIENT VOLTAGES OR SURGES Similar to sags but more severe, transient voltages are electrical distortions caused by large motors or other appliances starting and stopping. They can damage the components of electronic appliances, cause computer damage, and corrupt data.

HARMONICS Power supplies of some electronic appliances, especially personal computers and HVAC systems, cause harmonic distortion, which can overheat transformers, building wiring, motors, and electronic components.

OUTAGE Complete loss of electricity, usually caused by severe weather or accidents.

COMPUTERS ARE ESPECIALLY SENSITIVE

Today’s microchips are denser than older chips; transient voltages can literally melt, weld, pit, and burn them, causing tempo-rary or permanent malfunctions. Suspect transient voltages if you’re experiencing any of these computer problems:

Data corruption or lost data

Software damage

Printer errors

Resetting or occasional lockups

Component damage

Monitor goes blank

Equipment failure

Electronic clocks, fax machines, micro-wave ovens, and stereo systems are also susceptible to damage from power variations.

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS EQUIPMENT

Here are several actions you can take to help protect your business against power quality variations and the potential losses resulting from electrical damage.

INSTALL SURGE PROTECTORS These are devices between the electrical outlet and sensitive electronic equipment, such as computers, that shield them against electrical surge damage. Buy surge protectors that meet the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 1449-2 standard. You should also use surge protectors on cable and telephone lines for modems, faxes, and answering machines.

SIX STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL SURGE PROTECTION

1. Identify equipment that needs to be protected (computers, faxes, copiers).
2. Determine the amount of protection required.
3. Decide location for the surge protectors.
4. Choose whether hard-wired or plug-in type units are appropriate.
5. Select the failure mode of the protection device.
6. Call a licensed electrician for assistance.

CRS CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

We are dedicated to helping you identify, install, and maintain the proper electrical equipment for your business. CRS can connect you with qualified, reputable specialists in your area who can help with power quality problems.

CRS professionals can provide these services for your business:

Power quality assessments

Equipment installation

Corrective wiring and wiring installations

Power requirement planning and profiles

Site, wiring, and grounding surveys

Equipment load demand assessment and monitoring

Training

INSTALL AN UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY (UPS) A UPS provides continuous power to sensitive equipment during a power outage. There are several types of UPS equipment, but all include a charger, batteries, and an inverter. Some are small enough to be placed next to the computer. All require regular inspec-tions and preventive maintenance to ensure reliability.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT UPS

Determine the size and voltage required for proper equipment operation.

Make sure the UPS is compatible with equipment being protected and the intended power source.

ADD OUTLETS OR CIRCUITS Large appliances (e.g., copiers, the lunchroom refrigerator) should always be on their own circuits. Computers on the same circuits may be affected as the appliances go on and off.

SOLVING RECURRENT PROBLEMS If you have recurrent problems with your electronic equipment, first make sure you have carefully followed the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and operation. Check all of your appliances for loose or damaged plugs, outlets, and connections.

Then check the fuse box or breaker panels to make sure sensitive equipment isn’t sharing a circuit with large appliances.

Next, call a CRS-referred electrician to check your electrical system to ensure wiring and grounding are in good working order, and repair or replace any loose or damaged plugs, outlets, and connections.

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