{"id":7948,"date":"2023-08-17T10:17:37","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T10:17:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lhm-instrumentation.eu\/?p=7948"},"modified":"2024-04-17T13:59:31","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T13:59:31","slug":"concise-guide-to-symptoms-and-causes-of-mains-power-quality-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lhm-instrumentation.eu\/en\/kenniscentrum\/beknopte-handleiding-voor-symptomen-en-oorzaken-van-problemen-met-de-netvoedingskwaliteit\/","title":{"rendered":"Concise guide to symptoms and causes of mains power quality problems"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"\"To the untrained eye, problems in electrical networks or equipment connected to the circuit may not be recognisable as problems with mains power quality. If there is no obvious identifiable problem, it may be dismissed as \u201cjust an old circuit breaker that needs replacing\u201d or \u201ca one-off annoying reset\u201d. You can look at the types of loads on the system and check for harmonics, imbalance or fault patterns.<\/p>\n

Problems with harmonic distortion and voltage and current anomalies represent the areas where many mains power quality problems occur. Deviations in voltage and current can cause problems, but can often be fixed before they damage equipment. Discover the symptoms:<\/p>\n

Ask our experts for advice<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t

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Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Possible causes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Dips or falls<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Dimming of lights, computer crashes, clattering of relays and contactors or complete failure, shutdown of equipment and system
\nUnjustified and unexplained alarms and stops<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Starting large loads, especially large inductive loads
\nSimilar activities in neighbouring facilities
\nSevere weather<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Voltage spikes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Faulty power supply
\nOvervoltage shutdown and alarms on frequency-controlled drives (VFDs)<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Failure in single phase of three-phase system
\nSudden decrease in load
\nSwitching between condenser groups<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Transients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Effects of flashover and spark discharge in distribution equipment
\nDamaged insulation
\nFaulty electronics
\nComputer crashes<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Lightning strikes
\nSwitching capacitors
\nRestarting systems after a power failure
\nSudden downtime of large equipment
\nDirty or worn contactors<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Interruptions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Shutdown of equipment<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Momentary loss of mains power<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Imbalance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Overheated three-phase motors and transformers<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Unbalanced loads across separate phases of three-phase panels
\nUnbalanced supply of utilities
\nOperation of single-phase welders
\nOpen-delta transformers<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Harmonischen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Open-delta transformers
\nOverheated transformers
\nOverheated inductive motors
\nUnjustified and unexplained alarms and stops of electronic equipment<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Non-linear loads such as switching power supplies
\nInverter sections of uninterruptible power supply (UPS), VFDs and battery chargers
\nWelders
\nElectric arc furnaces<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Power Quality Analyzers and loggers<\/h4>\n

A\u00a0Power Quality Analyzer <\/span><\/strong>\u00a0can help identify these common power quality problems. With a Power Quality Analyzer, you will never miss another crucial power quality event. Whether you are performing a quick system check or a detailed power quality analysis, consistent data is essential. By connecting the 1770 Series to your assets, the instrument provides a unique automatic measurement system that ensures you collect the right data every time - from fast transients up to 8 kV, harmonics up to 30 kHz, dips and spikes, to the voltage, current and power measurements that allow you to characterise problems in your electrical system.<\/p>\n