Quality standards for “clean” electrical supplies

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of power quality through a case study in an IT‐intensive modern office building.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents results from a power quality audit conducted last year. Firstly, the power site inspection included: (a) a walk‐down of the facility's electrical system to inspect the condition of equipment and becoming familiar with the electrical system; (b) interviewing facility electrical personnel and end‐users on failure of equipment; (c) identifying and collecting the electronic equipment that is most sensitive to power disturbances; (d) requesting and reviewing equipment literature and electromagnetic compatibility characteristics; (e) after that, in the power quality monitoring, voltage and current were measured at various floors.

Findings

It was found that the main problems for the equipment installed were harmonics and leakage currents. The paper examines the causes and effects of power disturbances that affect computer or any other microprocessor based equipment and analyses the disadvantages of modern power supplies.

Practical implications

This provides useful information for facilities managers on the current state of power disturbances. The convenience of “enhanced power supply” is also discussed. Finally, it is addressed the role of standards on the protection of IT and the implications for the final costumer.

Originality/value

This paper has provided empirical data from a power site survey developed in a high tech building. This case study demonstrates the impacts of generalized electronic devices on the power quality of the buildings and the implications on energy uses.

Citation

Moreno‐Muñoz, A., Dolores Redel, M., Oterino, D. and De la Rosa, J.J.G. (2007), "Quality standards for “clean” electrical supplies", Facilities, Vol. 25 No. 1/2, pp. 61-77. https://doi.org/10.1108/02632770710716948