Power quality is a serious concern
Since the introduction of sensitive digital electronic equipment in the 1960’s, Power Quality (PQ) problems
have been a serious concern. At the core of the problem is a basic incompatibility between electronic
equipment and the alternating current (AC) power supply that serves it. Consider the following: All
electronic equipment is sensitive to electrical disturbances. All electronic equipment operates on AC power.
The AC power supply generates and also delivers electrical disturbances to the sensitive equipment. See the
problem? There are many sources of electrical disturbances from both outside and inside your facility. Some
of the more dramatic outside sources include lightning, utility circuit breaker re-closures, capacitor bank
switching, utility related accidents and equipment failures. Within the facility, sources include air
conditioning systems, elevators, fluorescent lighting, variable speed motor drives, as well as a surprising
number of end-use equipment such as radiology and oncology systems, manufacturing and assembly line equipment,
and robotics, to name just a few. In addition to electrical disturbances, there are a variety of other
environmental issues that can affect the operation of your equipment. Examples include static electricity,
radio frequency interference, electromagnetic interference, temperature, and humidity.
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70% of problems attributable to power quality issues
In the 1970’s, computer manufacturers became aware that 70% or more of the problems affecting the
operation of their computer systems were related to PQ issues. Several of these manufacturers instituted
aggressive PQ management programs. The results were astonishing: virtually every site that was addressed
exhibited a dramatic decline in service requirements. This meant significant operational improvements for
the users, as well as significant reductions in cost for the service provider. Truly a win, win situation.
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Today's electronics are more sensitive
Forty years later PQ problems have not changed. In fact, the digital electronics of today are even more
sensitive than ever before. The simple reason for this is the continual demand for smaller and faster
equipment. While the manufacturers strive to meet this demand, the price for their progress continues to be
an increasing sensitivity to PQ issues.
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APQS can help you create the proper operating environment
In the final analysis, the performance of your critical business equipment will only be as good as the
operating environment that you create for it. APQS is committed to helping you create and maintain that
proper operating environment. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide service and look forward to working with you in the near future.
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