If you’re interested in learning more about the safety and efficiency of your building’s or facility’s power supply, then a power quality data analysis will help. This is a tool that electricians, technicians and contractors use to troubleshoot existing electrical systems. To keep the electricity up and running properly, understanding a range of power quality parameters is essential. Keep reading to find out more about this process.
The basics of a power quality analysis
A trained professional will analyze how power flows through the system, along with related factors like grounding and harmonics. Completing this process requires special training, as technicians are analyzing a particular set of values in areas like voltage, currents, waveforms and more.
Power quality data analysis provides information that electrical technicians then use to determine how well a building’s power system is—or isn’t—working and which electrical issues are causing problems. Using the right power analysis could help your business save thousands of dollars every year by preventing repairs and service interruptions while also lowering utility costs.
The importance of performing power quality analysis
This is a critical part of making sure your facility runs efficiently and safely. Facility operators should schedule these tests as part of a standard maintenance routine rather than in response to a specific problem. Even in the absence of obvious power supply issues, regular analyses are vital.
That’s because they provide an opportunity for technicians to spot small problems before they become big ones. This can result in drastically reduced downtime and, over the long term, save you money. A technician will use a variety of tools and diagnostic equipment to evaluate whether each power source is performing to its best ability.
Tools technicians use in power quality analysis
Obtaining and interpreting quality, usable data in this process can be intimidating for the uninitiated. Power quality analyzers are the most common tool utilized to monitor real-time readings and collect data that is then sorted through automatically. These handheld analyzers are generally between 4 and 5 pounds and used to record amperage, frequency, dips and swells in voltage values, inrush current values, harmonic currents and light flicker. When the analyzer records these parameters, it’s possible to address most power issues.
Bringing in the pros
It is possible to obtain your own power quality analyzer and complete the process on your own. However, a trained electrician will be able to provide you with much more accurate and relevant information. They’ll identify problems accurately and present potential solutions that will work. Unless you have a deep background in and understanding of electrical work, this is a task best left to licensed professionals.
We hope this guide answers your questions about power quality parameters and analysis. At Ham’s Electrical Inc., we’ve been in the business of providing essential electrical services since 1986. We do it all, from data center upgrades to hospital systems to critical power systems and more. Our talented team of technicians is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for installation, service, maintenance and more. Give us a call right now to schedule a consultation or service appointment.