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Power Quality & Effect on Equipment |
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 The
quality of your power significantly affects the performance of electrical
equipment. The quality is defined as good when there is compatibility between
the equipment served and the source providing the power. An interruption in this
compatibility occurs when a change in the power source (voltage, current or
frequency) interferes with the normal operation of the equipment. Newfoundland
Power recognizes that electrical disturbances - whether a momentary increase or
decrease in voltage or an extended outage - can negatively impact your business.
The compatibility between a piece of equipment and its electrical environment
depends on three factors:
- The requirements of the specific piece of electrical equipment,
- The customer's electrical system providing power to the equipment,
- The electrical utility supply.
Interruptions and disturbances in your power can be costly. The actual impact
of these disturbances on your facility depends on the sensitivity of the
equipment and the type of process. This combination of disturbances and
equipment sensitivity determine the cost of power quality to your business. An
independent facility assessment, by a qualified electrical consultant, can
assist you in better understanding the effects of these disturbances on your
business.
Newfoundland Power maintains steady state voltage; however, sensitive
electronic equipment can still operate incorrectly due to rapid variations in
voltage. While normal operation of the utility system can create power quality
disturbances, a greater percentage originates from conditions within the
business or industrial facility.
Addressing these disturbances is a common goal between Newfoundland Power and
its customers. Newfoundland Power has the capability and experience to help
you understand and address the problems associated with electrical anomalies so
you do not have to consider disturbances to be a cost of doing business. All
types of electrical equipment, from computers to heating and cooling systems,
are typically connected to the same power source within a customer’s business
and can interfere with one another. Most disturbances affecting computers and
other sensitive equipment are caused by rapid changes in voltage, often when
large motors are started for air conditioning, refrigeration or elevators.
Power quality problems originating inside a commercial business are
typically caused by:
- Inadequate wiring and grounding
- Electronic machines (copiers and faxes)
- Heating and cooling system motors
- Refrigeration
- Elevators
- Overloaded circuits
- Magnetic interference
Power quality problems originating inside an industrial facility are:
- Inadequate wiring and grounding
- Large electric motors
- Arc welders
- Process controllers
- Adjustable speed drives
- Power factor correction capacitors
- Battery chargers
- Emergency generators
The most common causes of power quality problems originating from the
utility are:
- Lightning strikes
- Trees and vegetation
- Salt spray, ice, and high winds
- Wildlife contact with utility equipment
- Vehicle accidents
- Operation of neighbouring businesses
- Capacitor switching for voltage support
- Cable dig-ups
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