What is a Power Quality Analyzer?

A power quality analyzer is incredibly helpful, both commercially and in regular, everyday life. Before you can learn how to use a power quality analyzer to your advantage, you must first understand what one is. A power quality analyzer is a device used to measure electric power signals in order to determine the load’s ability to function properly with that electric power. Why is this so important? Without the correct electric power, electrical equipment may fail prematurely or malfunction. This could be costly to you, but the effect on your wallet is only the beginning of why it’s important to find. A malfunctioning electrical device can be anything from annoying to downright dangerous.

There are many different factors that contribute to poor quality power. Just because you know a device has an issue doesn’t mean you know what the underlying problem is, or how to fix it. This is where a power quality analyzer comes in. A device like this will be able to track several electrical parameters, which include frequency, AC voltage, and AC current power. Electrical data parameters, which include demand and peak demand, is the term for the actual amount of power that the monitored system uses. This is something you definitely want to know. Peak electrical demand is the maximum amount of electric power that can be used. Most often you will find that the power parameters are measured in watts (W), volt amperes (VA), and volt ampere reactives (VAR). Watts are units of electrical power that indicate the rate of energy produced or consumed by an electrical device, while volt amperes are the current flowing in a circuit multiplied by the voltage of that circuit. This volt ampere reactive identify the reactive component of volt amperes, so they’re very important to know.

Do you know there’s an electrical issue, but aren’t sure where it is coming from? This happens quite a bit, especially in a large commercial setting. These so called “mystery disturbances” are upsets to a process or sensitive equipment operation that don’t seem to correspond to any identifiable source of power disturbance, but are able to be identified with a power quality analyzer. It could be ground loops, lightning, high speed transients, or even common mode electrical noise that is the original cause of the problem. If one of these is the problem, you won’t be able to correctly find it without the help of a device. These events occur and are gone in such a brief time frame that they are not able to be identified without the right tools.

Of course, it is quite possible you don’t even know there is a problem. A power quality analyzer may tell you something you didn’t know! This includes that you’re wasting your money spending too much on your monthly electric bill or you are in a dangerous situation.

Do you still have a lot of questions? No problem! Simply reach out to PowerSight and ask us!
No one knows power quality analyzers as well as we do. This is because we design, manufacture, rent, and sell our own equipment. We are industry experts, the true one-stop shop for anything and everything about these devices! Simply fill out this online form and tell us a little about what you are looking for. Someone will get back to you soon with all the answers you need to make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with. If you prefer to speak with someone over the phone, we are available M-F, 7AM-5PM at (925)-944-1212.