Transient Voltage

The Most Common And Costly

Power Quality Problem Today

Definitions

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1100-1999 2.2.83 Defines a transient as;

“A subcycle disturbance in the ac waveform that is evidenced by a sharp, brief discontinuity of the waveform.”

A less technical definition:

Brief but powerful over-voltages and over-currents in an electrical circuit.

Plain English:

Power Surge or Power Spike!

Where Do They Originate?

Transient voltage is a result of either an external or an internal source. Depending on the origination, these surges can pack a real bang in a single shot, or be smaller, stealthy, much more frequent and just as damaging over time.

External types of surges are very powerful and are responsible for about 20% of power quality related electronics damages.

Very large and intense transients can strike without notice in the form of lightning strikes, utility grid switching or power system faults.

Other damaging transients can be generated by the activities of nearby industrial or commercial facilities that in turn affect their neighbors incoming power quality.

Internally generated transients are responsible for 80% of electrical and electronic equipment damage. These surges are the result of normal everyday equipment operations! Culprits include; drives, motors, copiers microwaves, printers, welders, lights...and even your own custom HTPC build.

Although smaller in intensity, these surges can occur repetitively thousands of times a day…even in your home. These surges are damaging...and can be as high as 6000 volts!

So…Transients Are Damaging My Equipment?

Yes...Everyday.

Most people are familiar with the large external transients and the immediate damage they can cause. This is because these large events are usually instantaneous and the damage is visual.