7 Power Problems

1. SURGE

An electrical surge (also called a power surge) is a sudden, brief increase in voltage in an electrical circuit beyond the normal level.

• Normal voltage supply in homes and offices is 220–240V (like in Nigeria and much of Europe).
• A surge happens when the voltage spikes higher than this normal range for a very short time (microseconds to milliseconds).

Causes of Electrical Surges:

1. Lightning strikes – Direct or nearby strikes can send extremely high voltage into power lines.
2. Switching operations – Sudden switching of large electrical loads (e.g., motors, elevators, or factory machines).
3. Faulty wiring – Poor or aging wiring can create irregular voltage spikes.
4. Utility grid issues – Power restoration after an outage can cause a surge.
5. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) – Static electricity release into sensitive electronics.

Effects of Electrical Surges:

• Damage to electronics (TVs, computers, chargers, etc.).
• Degradation of electrical insulation in appliances.
• Reduced lifespan of devices.
• In severe cases, fire hazards.

Protection from Surges:

• Surge protectors (power strips with built-in suppression).
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) with surge protection.
• Proper grounding of electrical systems.
• Lightning arresters for buildings.

2. A Spike

 It is an extremely short, sharp increase in voltage or current in a circuit, usually lasting for nanoseconds (billionths of a second) to microseconds (millionths of a second).

It is a type of electrical transient, more abrupt and often higher in magnitude than a surge.

Key Points about Spikes:

• Duration: Very brief (much shorter than surges).
• Magnitude: Can reach thousands of volts instantly.
• Cause:
  • Lightning strikes (direct or indirect).
  • Switching heavy electrical loads.
  • Electrostatic discharge (ESD).
  • Faults in power lines.
• Effects:
  • Can punch through insulation in circuits.
  • Destroy sensitive microchips and semiconductors.
  • Cause data corruption or system crashes.

Difference Between Surge and Spike:

• Surge: A longer overvoltage event (milliseconds), usually lower in magnitude compared to spikes.
• Spike: Very short and sharp overvoltage (nanoseconds to microseconds), often more dangerous to delicate electronics.

3. Harmonic Distortion

 It is a form of waveform pollution that happens when the normal sinusoidal AC voltage or current wave is distorted by additional unwanted frequencies called harmonics.

Breaking it down:

• The normal power supply operates at a fundamental frequency (e.g., 50 Hz in Nigeria/Europe, 60 Hz in the US).
• When electrical devices (especially non-linear loads) draw current, they can create multiples of the fundamental frequency (2nd harmonic = 100 Hz, 3rd harmonic = 150 Hz, etc.).
• These extra frequencies get mixed into the system, distorting the clean sine wave.

Causes of Harmonic Distortion:

• Non-linear loads such as:
  • Computers, printers, and TVs.
  • Variable frequency drives (VFDs).
  • LED lighting and fluorescent ballasts.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS).
• Saturated transformers or magnetic devices.

Effects of Harmonic Distortion:

• Overheating of transformers, motors, and cables (due to increased RMS current).
• Reduced efficiency of power systems.
• Interference with communication lines.
• Malfunction of protective devices (relays, circuit breakers).
• Shortened lifespan of sensitive electronic equipment.

How It’s Measured:

• Expressed as Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), usually in % of the fundamental frequency.
  • For example, THD < 5% is considered acceptable for most electrical systems.

Control/Prevention:

• Use of harmonic filters (active or passive).
• Designing with K-rated transformers that can handle harmonics.
• Power factor correction equipment with harmonic mitigation.
• Good system design to reduce non-linear load concentration.

In short: Harmonic distortion is the unwanted "noise" in your electrical system caused by multiples of the main frequency, which can waste energy and damage equipment.

4. A Brownout:

It is a temporary drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system, lower than the normal rated voltage but not a complete power outage (blackout).

Key Features of a Brownout:

• Voltage Reduction: Instead of supplying full voltage (e.g., 230V), the supply may drop to 150–200V for a period.
• Duration: Can last from a few seconds to several hours.
• Cause: Usually intentional or unintentional.
  • Intentional: Utilities may reduce voltage during peak demand to prevent a total blackout.
  • Unintentional: Due to faults, overloading, or weak grid infrastructure.

Effects of Brownouts:

• Lights dimming (that’s why it’s called a “brownout”).
• Motors and fans slowing down, possibly overheating because they draw more current at low voltage.
• Electronics malfunctioning or resetting.
• Possible damage to sensitive devices if the low voltage persists.

Difference Between Blackout and Brownout:

• Blackout = Complete loss of power.
• Brownout = Partial power, but at a reduced voltage level.

Protection Against Brownouts:

• Voltage stabilizers or regulators.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
• Automatic Voltage Switches (AVS) for appliances.

In short: A brownout is like electricity “running weak” instead of shutting off completely.

5. A Blackout:

It is a total loss of electrical power in a particular area, building, or grid. Unlike a brownout (which is just a voltage drop), a blackout means no electricity at all for a period of time.

Key Features of a Blackout:

• Complete outage: All lights, machines, and appliances go off.
• Duration: Can last from a few seconds to several days, depending on the cause and repair time.
• Cause:
  • Severe faults in the power grid.
  • Natural disasters (storms, lightning, earthquakes).
  • Equipment failure at a power plant or substation.
  • Overloading of the electrical grid.
  • Human error or sabotage.

Effects of Blackouts:

• Disruption of daily activities (homes, businesses, factories).
• Economic losses for industries and commercial activities.
• Safety risks (traffic lights off, hospitals affected if no backup).
• Data loss in computers and servers without UPS backup.
• Inconvenience and possible security threats in dark areas.

Protection Against Blackouts:

• Generators for backup power.
• Solar + battery storage systems.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for sensitive equipment.
• Proper grid management by utilities.

In short:

• Brownout = power is weak (low voltage).
• Blackout = power is gone (zero voltage).

6. Low voltage:

It is a condition where the supplied voltage in a circuit or system drops below the standard rated level for safe and efficient operation.

Key Points:

• Normal voltage supply:
  • Nigeria/Europe: about 220–240V AC
  • USA: about 110–120V AC
• When the supply consistently falls below this (e.g., 180V instead of 230V), it is considered low voltage.

Causes of Low Voltage:

1. Overloaded power grid (too many consumers drawing power at once).
2. Undersized wiring (voltage drop due to long cables or small conductors).
3. Faulty transformers or distribution equipment.
4. Loose connections in wiring.
5. Utility supply issues.

Effects of Low Voltage:

• Electric motors overheat because they draw more current to compensate.
• Lights dim.
• Electronics malfunction or restart unexpectedly.
• Reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan of appliances.
• In severe cases, fire hazards due to overheating cables and devices.

Protection Against Low Voltage:

• Voltage stabilizers or regulators for appliances.
• Automatic Voltage Switch (AVS) that disconnects power when voltage is unsafe.
• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for sensitive electronics.
• Proper wiring design to minimize voltage drop.

• High Voltage Supply

7. High Voltage Supply refers to an electrical condition where the voltage level exceeds the standard or acceptable operating range of the equipment or system. In other words, the supply voltage is higher than the rated requirement.

1. Operational Condition (Overvoltage)
   • If a device rated for 230V receives 260V, that’s high voltage relative to its design limit.
   • This can be caused by:
     • Lightning strikes or surges
     • Faulty transformers or regulators
     • Poor grounding or wiring issues
     • Utility overcompensation in supply

Effects of High Voltage (Overvoltage on Equipment):

• Burnout of electronic devices (TVs, computers, chargers).
• Insulation breakdown in motors, transformers, and cables.
• Excessive heating and reduced lifespan of equipment.
• Possible fire hazards.

Protection Against High Voltage:

• Surge protectors and lightning arresters.
• Automatic Voltage Switches (AVS).
• Voltage regulators/stabilizers.
• Proper system grounding.

 In short:

• High voltage (classification): Power levels above 35 kV used in transmission.
• High voltage (fault/condition): When a device receives voltage higher than its rated limit, which can damage it.

There are three major equipment types that play critical roles in addressing the above mentioned power problems:

1. Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR):
An AVR stabilizes supply voltage by correcting fluctuations to match the reference voltage. It ensures that both low and high voltages are adjusted within acceptable thresholds or disconnects the load entirely if the voltage goes beyond safe limits. However, its functionality is limited to managing only two categories of power problems—low voltage and high voltage.

2. Inverter:
An inverter safeguards electrical loads against high voltage, low voltage, and blackouts by providing backup power and voltage stability. Despite this, its protection scope is limited to only three out of the seven mentioned power problems.

3. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):
The online UPS is the most advanced option, offering comprehensive protection against all seven categories of power disturbances. It is highly intelligent and designed to ensure continuous, clean, and stable power supply. Because of its superior protection, the online UPS is the recommended choice for critical and sensitive infrastructures where reliability is non-negotiable.