Application Note

3 Fluke Corporation Electronics in your building don’t like power problems
generators start. This may cause
electronic circuit problems. It is
not uncommon that one percent
of electronic devices have some
kind of problem after the genera-
tor test is performed.
If a system is critical a small
UPS is installed at the electronic
device power supply. In this way
the device does not really ever
see a power failure. Another
advantage of some UPS systems
is that they may also provide
some surge protection.
Another time-tested technique
is to just reboot the device, usu-
ally by removing power until it is
completely off, then turning the
power on again.
Utility problems
A large number of problems with
electronic devices are due to the
power utility. These problems
can be more systemic, ongoing,
and difficult to solve. They are
also unique in that some utili-
ties will not readily acknowledge
power problems. In the event
of continuous, repetitive power
problems with no apparent cause
such as lightning, suspect utility
problems.
In my experience, one of the
main indicators is the location
of the utility power feed. Some
of the utilities feed power to a
building from a substation that is
distant and has other large cus-
tomers on it. A problem with one
or more customers on the same
power feed will show itself in
building power problems. Often
the different facilities will have
the same power problems and
symptoms.
If you suspect utility prob-
lems, the best solution may be
to install power quality measur-
ing equipment at the building to
show what the problem is and
when it occurred. This is often
enough to go back to the util-
ity and ask for an adjustment, or
even a reimbursement in some
cases.
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Specifications subject to change without notice.
Printed in U.S.A. 1/2014 6001599A_EN
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Summary
As we have seen, power prob-
lems have a bad effect on
electronic devices. To detect a
power problem, a technician will
first check out the power supply
to a device to make sure it is
functioning properly.
If left uncorrected, these
power problems will cause elec-
tronic devices to fail, which will
in turn cause critical building
systems to operate improperly.
A technician checks the voltages at a centrifugal chiller electronic
control panel. Tens of thousands of dollars in damage can occur due
to incoming power problems.