FAQ
Brownout
A brownout is a drop in voltage in an electrical power supply, so named because it typically causes lights to dim. Systems supplied with three-phase electric power also suffer brownouts if one or more phases are absent, at reduced voltage, or incorrectly phased. Such malfunctions are particularly damaging to electric motors.
Power Factor Penalty
Electrical machines must be supplied with energy in order to work. In the case of electric motors, more energy must be supplied than what is required to turn the motor shaft. This is known as Reactive (or magnetizing) power. Utility companies will provide a limited amount of RP at no cost, however, customers with a high RP loads are charged for the additional power.
Harmonics
Harmonics is a steady state distortion of the electrical sine wave, or THD (total harmonic distortion), referred to in percent. THD is also broken down into an ITHD (for current) and VTHD (for voltage). Harmonics come in different shapes and sizes; because they are all relative to your base frequency. Harmonics are generated by non-linear load on your electrical distribution. Nonlinear loads are any loads which draw current which is not sinusoidal and include such equipment as arc furnaces, gas discharge lighting, solid state motor drives, battery chargers, UPS systems, and the increasingly common electronic power supply. Variable frequency / speed drives are common culprits. Arc welders, DC rectifiers and soft start motors (on start up only) are also contributors.