A loose neutral is a common but dangerous single-phase problem. The situation often presents as a power quality problem but in reality it's a safety issue that demands immediate attention.…
White Papers
Browse our library of power quality technical resources.
414 white papers
Impact Loading – PQ Canvass
Impact loading occurs from the inrush current of large motors, welding apparatus, electric arc furnaces, or similar loads. The current pulses are less than short circuit values but may be…
Detecting Loose Neutrals
A loose neutral is not obvious to the naked eye but can lead to significant damage. The symptoms vary widely, and proper detection is essential to mitigation. This paper gives…
Record, Diagnose and Troubleshoot Oscillatory Transients
Oscillatory transients are caused by switching operations, nearby lightning strikes, or other impulsive noise exciting electrical resonances present on the network. The most common in the distribution system is defined…
Using PQ Canvass
PQ Canvass is an advanced cloud-based software application that enhances power quality analysis. PQ Canvass revolutionizes power monitoring with its comprehensive browser-based functionality, eliminating the need for additional software, and…
Residential Interharmonics
Interharmonics are produced when loads draw currentasynchronously to the utility voltage. Traditional loads include arc furnaces, welders, and AC-DC converter systems where the loads are fed from DC supplies. Historically…
Induction Motor Soft-Starters and Effects on Power Quality
This white paper describes using a motor soft-starter to reduce the effects of line changes due to high current in-rushes on AC induction motors. We'll start with the basics of…
Distributed Generation Power Quality Standards
The dramatic proliferation of Distributed Generation (DG) deployments began before power quality (PQ) standards were in place to ensure compatibility in the grid. IEEE 519-2014, a recommended practice for limiting…
Riding Through Voltage Sags with the IEEE 1668 Standard
Voltage sags are the most common power quality issue, and also the most costly for industrial power users. It's not practical for a utility to eliminate all sags, so industrial…
Variable Frequency Drives and Harmonics
Abstract A VFD, or Variable Frequency Drive, is a device which takes in a 3 phase AC signal and outputs a somewhat arbitrary waveform using pulse width modulation. This is…
PQ Monitoring for Controlled Environments
The Tensor is an innovative PQ analysis tool introduced by Power Monitors. Inc. Equipped with cellular and WiFi communication options, the Tensor allows for continuous measurements wirelessly streamed for analysis…
Sizing a Backup Power Source
Sizing a backup power source is tedious. In an ideal world, every piece of equipment you need to protect would come with a spec sheet correctly detailing its power needs.…
