What kinds of “in-plant” systems or equipment are vulnerable to power quality disturbances?
Numerous systems and types of equipment in a typical business facility are vulnerable to power quality disturbances. Among them: • Computer Equipment Unlike many electrical loads, computers use ground as a reference for all operations, operate at very low voltage levels, and contain data circuits that connect to loads through a facility. Variables that directly the sensitivity of computer equipment include grounding, system design, operating speed, data links to other equipment, and the number of devices in an immediate area. Note that even the physical movement of a computer from one area to another area can have an impact on power quality and computer performance. • Telecommunications Equipment Increasingly sensitive to power disturbances, telecommunications equipment use ground as a reference, operate with several voltages, connect to equipment throughout a facility, and eventually connect to external phone lines. Power disturbances can scramble programs, change address information,
