Steps for resolving your problem
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), an independent non-profit energy research, development,
and deployment organization, estimates that power quality disturbances for all business types across
the U.S. result in monetary losses totaling between $141.17 billion and $230.43 billion annually.
When power quality problems are suspected in a facility, a number of systematic and cost-effective steps should be taken
to resolve the problems including:
Steps to troubleshooting
Step 1
Create a disturbance log and enter the symptoms experienced.
- What equipment was affected?
- What was the time and frequency of occurrence?
- What was the correlation to other events or operations in the facility?
- What new equipment has been added or what changes in existing equipment have occurred?
- What alarms or messages did the affected equipment communicate?
Step 2
Inspect wiring and grounding by checking for loose connections, defective breakers or fuses, and short circuits.
- Determine if new circuits have been added or if existing circuits have been modified.
- Examine the circuit to the affected equipment, particularly the grounding and circuit capacity.
Step 3
Share preliminary information gathered in steps 1 to 3 with the electric utility company and inquire on potential
correlating utility events. Perform measuring and monitoring of the circuit voltage and current with an adequate power quality monitor.
Step 4
Analyze and evaluate all of the information.
Step 5
Resolve the problem by implementing appropriate solutions.
- Enlist the services of the equipment supplier to examine the equipment.
- Take steps to ensure that wiring and grounding are proper.
- Provide surge protection on all circuits with sensitive equipment.
- Evaluate the need for additional power quality equipment (isolation, regulation, UPS, etc.).
