Power Quality in a University Campus: The User´s Perspective.

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results from a power quality audit conducted at a university’s campus over last year. Voltage and current were measured at various academic buildings; it was found that the main problems for the equipment installed were voltage sags and surges. These phenomena are purely random in nature. The paper examines the causes and effects of power disturbances that affect computer or any other microprocessor based equipment and analyses the auto-protection capabilities of modern power supplies. The convenience of “enhanced power supply” or “low-cost customer-side” protection solutions is also discussed. Finally it is addressed the role of the Standards on the protection of electronic equipment and the implications for the final costumer.