With the increased use of electronic equipment, it is important to protect against power-related problems. Expensive personal computers are especially sensitive to even the smallest power line fluctuation.

Power quality is the measure of how usable electrical energy is when it reaches an application. Most electronic equipment and appliances of today depend on devices called "micro-processors" or computer chips" that require an exceptionally consistent supply of electrical power. A power quality problem occurs when a distortion of electricity results in damage or mis-operation of voltage-sensitive equipment.

Your utility company makes every effort to ensure that the electricity you receive adheres to strict standards. Occasionally, circumstances beyond the utility's control can cause power disturbances:

• Outage on interconnected system
• Equipment malfunction at generating plant
• Car/pole accident
• Insulator flashover or damage by vandalism
• Voltage disturbances on one line affect another
• Storm damage to equipment
• Bird or small animal contact between two conductors
• Lightning strikes to equipment
• Dig-in cuts underground lines

Examples of power disturbances in a home or business are:

• Wiring or grounding problems
• Undersized circuits
• Faulty appliance design
• Software or operator errors
• Using an appliance for other than its intended purpose
• Major equipment or appliance start-up or shut-down
• Noise & harmonic disturbances from operation of other equipment
• Appliance use from neighboring homes or offices

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A significant percentage of all electricity produced is used to power sophisticated electronic equipment. Some examples of voltage-sensitive equipment are:

• Answering machines
• Computers/PCs
• Cordless phones
• Fax machines
• Microwave ovens
• Satellite receivers
• Security systems
• Televisions
• Video cassette recorders
• Garage door openers
• Stereo systems
• Electronic cash registers
• Electronic clocks
• Process controls
• Robotics and automation
• Copiers & laser printers

Examples of power quality-related problems are:

• Automatic resets
• Data errors
• Equipment failure
• Loss of circuit boards
• Overvoltage
• Outages
• Loss of memory
• Power supply problems
• System lockout
• Electrical noise
• Undervoltage

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Whether you want to minimize your risk from potential power disturbances, or solve an existing power quality problem, there are steps you can take.

The following information provides solutions that will help you ensure the safety and reliability of your sensitive appliances, avoiding the cost of replacement.

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If you have or plan to purchase sensitive equipment, here are some tips to minimize or prevent power quality disturbances:

• Be sure the electric wiring in your home or business is properly grounded and that all voltage-sensitive equipment is grounded as well. improper grounding is a major cause of damage to voltage-sensitive equipment.
• Purchase electronic equipment with a back-up battery or capacitor to retain settings should a momentary power disturbance occur.
• Minimize interference from motors and other electrical loads by placing sensitive equipment on separate circuits.
• Protect computers from loss of information by copying data periodically.
• Install power conditioning equipment to protect your equipment from power quality disturbances.

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The addition of equipment designed to condition or stabilize your power supply can be an economical solution. Here are some systems for consideration:

• Surge suppressors designed to lower the momentary high voltage of a surge or spike.
• Filters for noise reduction.
• Voltage regulators maintain voltage output within narrow limits.
• Isolation transformers prevent noise on a circuit from being passed to your equipment.
• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) maintains power to critical loads during power outages.

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One of the best ways to protect your equipment from spike or surge damage is to install high-quality surge suppressors. Here are some tips for finding the right surge protector for your needs:

• Make sure the suppressor has 3-way protection and is UL (Underwriters Laboratory) listed for compliance with the 1449 TVSS (Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor) standard.
• Features of the plug-in type surge protector include multiple outlets, on/off switches, audible alarms, and indicator lights to let you know the suppressor is working, and connections for telephone or data cable lines.
• Some manufacturers offer guarantees on their suppressors that not only cover damage to their unit, but any equipment that is plugged into their unit as well.
• Choose the correct voltage rating for the equipment you want to protect. A clamping level is the voltage level at which the suppressor will react. The lower the clamping level, the better the protection. Lower-rated units (clamping level of 200) should be used to protect expensive electronic equipment.
• For optimum surge protection, we recommend installing a surge suppressor at the meter base and installing TVSS plug-in devices at the point of use for each piece of equipment.

Contact your local utility for more detailed information on power quality problems. Some utilities are offering high-quality surge protectors for sale, or can recommend the right application for your needs and a purchase location.

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