A consistent and reliable power supply is imperative for society to run smoothly. No matter what field you operate in, power is one of the most crucial elements that help keep your system running. One of the last things you would want is a power supply interruption. To ensure that your team can continue operations without disruption, it is important to understand what could provoke a power supply interruption and how a battery backup can help you guarantee a seamless operation.
Common Power Problems Causing Supply Interruptions
While continuous power is ideal, it is not always a reality. Circumstances outside your control can often lead to issues with your power supply. Here are the nine most common problems that cause supply disruptions.
1. Power Failure
One of the most well-known and feared problems is power failure. These interruptions create a complete pause in the power supply and can be caused by numerous factors. In the event of a heavy storm, fire, or other damage to the power lines or poles, your power supply could be interrupted anywhere from a couple of minutes to days. As a result, you could lose valuable data and experience equipment damage.
2. Power Sag
A power sag happens when there is a sudden decrease in the voltage level. This inconsistency can greatly affect how equipment functions and can even cause a malfunction. Power sags can be the result of a fault in the distribution system or transmission. Sometimes they will occur when you try to connect a heavy load or power a large monitor.
3. Power Surge
In contrast to a power sag, a surge happens when there is an intense power increase. These variations can occur when there is a shift in the power supply. For example, lighting striking the source or disconnecting a heavy load can alter how much power is being received by the load. When too much power is sent through, electrical components can be damaged and can result in data loss.
4. Undervoltage
An Undervoltage may also be referred to as a brownout. This voltage drop can occur when there are too many loads requiring electrical power during a peak time. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to multiple hours and typically damage technological equipment like computers.
5. Overvoltage
Short spikes in voltage can occur when equipment, such as transformers, do not operate correctly. It can cause screens to flicker, equipment damage, and data loss.
6.Line Noise
High-frequency signals can be caused by electromagnetic interference or improper grounding. When this happens, sensitive equipment and data processing can be impaired.
7. Frequency Variation
A power supply’s normal frequency is around 50 to 60 Hz. When the frequency is unstable, it can cause motors to run at a faster or slower speed. This results in inefficiency and extra heat or degradation. When frequency variation happens, it is likely a result of heavily loaded generators.
8. Harmonic Distortion
When a power wave is distorted by unequal power loads, it can overload and overheat the equipment. Resonance and other problems are caused by harmonic distortion.
9. Switching Transient
When an abrupt change happens in the grid, a switching transient occurs. These changes in voltage can be caused by a multitude of different options. From lightning to disconnects on energized lines, switching transients can damage equipment.
Prevention of Common Power Problems
Having a battery backup or UPS system that will provide power during one of these power supply problems can help you eliminate the risk of data loss and equipment damage. A battery backup is a small device typically used for low-investment devices such as laptops. These are cost-effective and can be used to protect smaller devices. When there is an interruption in the power supply, a battery backup will kick in and provide power to the device for a short window of time. Some forms of power interruptions, such as power surges and Undervoltage, do not trigger a battery backup.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is more advanced and can support large-scale, critical devices. These are typically more expensive than a battery backup but their level of protection is far greater. A UPS system will plug into the battery and keep a reservoir of clean power that will be sent to the device immediately after a problem. UPS systems will filter the power supply and ensure that clean power is consistently sent to the device. The protection rate of UPS systems is unmatched.
UPS
A reliable way to ensure you have a continuous power supply is to install a UPS system. But what is an uninterruptible power supply? Let’s look at the three types of UPS batteries and their differences.
Nickel-Cadmium
Nickel-cadmium UPS batteries were once an extremely popular choice for many telecom installations. Over the years, many have ditched these UPS systems due to their toxic makeup making it difficult to dispose of. However, nickel-cadmium UPS batteries are still used today when there are high ambient temperatures.
Lead-Acid Batteries
If you are looking for an economical solution, a lead-acid battery could be the best fit for you. They are a cost-effective option that provides promising reliability and high tolerance making it a favorable choice for many in need of a UPS system. However, they are large and heavy so if weight is a concern, this may not be the best fit.
Lead-acid batteries have two subtypes, valve regulated (VRLA) and open-vented (VLA). Most modern UPS systems will be supported by a VRLA battery. They can last up to 10 years and can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Meanwhile, VLA batteries have a lifespan of up to 20 years and must be kept upright to avoid any leakage. These UPS systems are best for loads that require a high ampere-hour (Ah) rating.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Unlike nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium-ion UPS systems have only grown in popularity. Compared to the other two types of batteries, lithium-ion batteries provide higher reliability and faster charge times. These batteries have a built-in monitoring and management system that allows the battery to know when to send power. While the upfront costs can be pricey, they have a long service life and makes the purchase well worth it.
Lead-acid and lithium-ion UPS systems are the most reliable and user-friendly sources for uninterrupted power. To learn more about these batteries, download our Lead-acid vs Lithium-ion Guide.