We rely so much on electricity that experiencing a power outage hinders us from doing a lot of our daily activities. In industrial areas where power is much more crucial, problems are also encountered, and in that scenario, more people and businesses are affected. In Utah and other states, trusted industrial electricians are there to lift these troublesome problems and get everything working as they should. Here are some of the most common electrical-related problems industries face:
1. Voltage Sags and Swells
This is a drop in power of no less than 90%. This problem is challenging for commercial areas and it could even be the key power quality problem faced by most industries. Sources of this problem can be external and internal, with the former possibly being the transmission and utility lines, and the latter being issues within the facility. Typical indicators include shrinking computer displays and/or overly bright or dim lighting.
Bad weather contributes to the external source of the problem, such as when tree branches get blown to the power lines from strong winds. Formation of ice and snow on the power lines may also result in flashovers on the insulators. As for internal sources, it could be the organizational technical systems overloading the wirings, resulting in voltage failures. A short circuit could also be the culprit.
2. Transient Voltage
This is also known as impulse or spike, which can occur because of a sudden increase in voltage. Lightning strikes are a common cause, stopping or starting electronics abruptly. Processing errors in a system, data loss, and burned circuit boards are indications that a transient voltage is likely the problem.
3. Radio/TV Interference
Signals from other electronics within the vicinity can cause interference in radios and televisions. Utility equipment such as appliances can affect radios and televisions as well.
4. Harmonic Distortion
When your appliances experience problems such as overheating, electrical hardware damage, or communication errors, harmonic distortion is likely the cause. Normal electrical wave patterns can be disrupted by devices like computers, monitors, laser printers, video games, and other high-tech electronic devices, and this can possibly lead to harmonic distortion in industrial areas.
How to Fix Them
Electricians or maintenance technicians must be called to assist in times of electrical failures. As experts and professionals, they have the skills to locate and identify the causes of electrical issues and solve them. Well-trained technicians know the proper and safe methods to troubleshoot problems in the least amount of time.
Referring to the equipment’s operations manual helps in identifying problems faster. If the equipment’s history records are available, they’d be able to see if the problem is recurring or not. Operations manuals also give technicians an idea of how the electronic device works, something that helps before they fix the problem.
Analyzing the signs of failure also helps track down problems. For example, a burning smell may indicate that there’s been burnt insulation, so they’d check out those.
In the inspection process, they’d list possible causes and eliminate items that are proven not to be a problem. A schematic diagram of the circuit helps them locate the exact area where the problem originated. After being able to do so, they’d conduct the necessary troubleshooting procedures.
After they identify, locate, and fix the problem, electricians would test if the equipment is working properly again. They will decide if the device or equipment can be safely used again.
When dealing with an electrical problem, it’s important to seek assistance from professionals immediately. Electrocution may happen if you try to solve the problem by yourself, so avoid taking the risk. Electrical injuries can be fatal, so only experts in the field should tackle an electrical failure because they’re equipped with proper training and safety instruments that make them fit to handle these hazards.
