Power line disturbances: a user´s perspective on the selection and application of mitigation equipment and techniques

The proliferation of personal computers, programmable logic controllers, and electronic devices in industrial plants has prompted an increase in awareness of the impact of power line disturbances on the reliability of these systems and the ability to perform the desired tasks in an interruption-free manner. Investigations have revealed that often a significant portion of the problems originate in the plant itself, not from the utility company. The author presents a review of the various types of power line disturbances and their possible sources, including a sampling of portable monitoring and analysis equipment, mitigation equipment available, and techniques to use and pitfalls to avoid. It is concluded that the selection and application of power conditioning equipment are complex issues and there is no simple solution