Momentary power interruption or fluctuations often cause microprocessor base instruments to re initialize themselves and computers crush.
The main cause of power disruptions are amplitude fluctuations, low voltage, high voltage, power frequency variation etc.
The potential danger with power disruptions may include: –
- Damage to storage device
- Loss of information that had not been saved prior to power disruption.
- Damage to the power supply.
All power defects are largely eliminated by the use of power correction equipment known as the uninterrupted power supply and other utility power conditioning equipments.
There are four types of utility power conditioning equipments;
- Line conditioners (surge suppressors or voltage stabilizers)
- Standby UPS
- Online UPS
- True online UPS
Line conditioners
These consist of surge suppressors, voltage stabilizers etc. Surge suppressors are only able to reduce power line noise. Voltage stabilizers are capable of correcting voltage surges. They are purposely meant for reducing the amount of current that is supplied to the system.
Stand By UPS
This is a power conditioner with ability to generate its own battery. The stand by UPS has time limitations and this is referred to as “Transfer time”.
Online UPS
This operates like a Standby UPS, The online UPS is ideal for environments where electrical isolation is necessary or for equipment that is very sensitive to power fluctuations.
The online UPS is generally more expensive but may be necessary when the power environment is “noisy” such as in industrial settings, for larger equipment loads like data centers, or when operation from an extended-run backup generator is necessary.
True On Line UPs
This type of UPS is commonly referred to as true on line UPS (Double conversion). It operates like the stand by UPS but it is always on during normal operation thus eliminating the need for any switching in case of power failure.
A true online UPS also has an isolating transfer for eliminating power line noise. These are available with ratings of varying kilo watts. However, the big ones are expensive and bulky, for that matter therefore power systems such as computers, a small UPS is sufficient.
The period of time that the UPS can provide backup also varies from a few minutes to half an hour. The online UPS are more expensive than others.
TYPES OF POWER PROBLEMS
- Brown out.
Is the lowered output voltage (power) from the wall socket.
- Black out.
Is the total loss of electrical power from the wall socket.
- Power transients.
Is the large and potentially dangerous voltage spikes appearing on the wire e.g. due to lightening, loose connections e.t.c.
- Reducing power problems (power fluctuations)
