Surge Protection in Power Systems
The necessity for surge protection emerges from its role as a preventive measure. It provides a shield for electronic appliances and devices, many of which are sensitive to fluctuations in power supply and can suffer irreversible damage from surges. This includes computers, televisions, refrigerators, and air conditioning units, among others, all integral to contemporary lifestyles […]
Grounding Techniques for Electrical Equipment Safety
The A to Z of Grounding Technicalities Grounding must be a well-thought-out process, taking into account the specific requirements of each electrical device and its operating context. The grounding process starts with the right electrode which is essentially the conductor that makes contact with the ground. The choice of material for the electrode is vital. […]
Energy Storage Solutions
Batteries are containers of chemical energy that can be converted into electrical energy when needed. Lead-acid batteries have long been the go-to choice for a myriad of applications, from automobiles to backup power systems, thanks to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. They are not without their drawbacks, including limited energy density and shorter life spans. Lithium-ion […]
Choosing the Right Insulation for Power Transformers
Transformer insulation has two primary purposes: to provide electrical isolation between the windings and core and to safeguard against environmental factors that can cause degradation or failure. Effective insulation ensures that transformers operate safely, and efficiently, and have a long service life, which makes picking the right material an important task for any electrical engineer […]
Capacitor Banks and Reactive Power Compensation
Power quality involves various aspects like voltage stability, frequency stability, and the absence of power disturbances like surges or harmonics. Poor power quality can lead to numerous problems such as overheating of equipment, malfunctions, or even damage. In any electrical system, power is a mix of two types – active power (or real power) that […]
The Role of Electric Reactors in Power Systems
The Functional Dynamics of Electric Reactors The principle of inductance forms the basis for an electric reactor’s operation. When electrical current traverses a conductor, a magnetic field develops around it. Subsequent alterations in the current lead to changes in the magnetic field which, in turn, generates an electromotive force opposing the initial current change—this effect […]
Types and Applications of Power Transformers
Types of Power Transformers Liquid-filled transformers. Transformers that are liquid-filled utilize substances like mineral oil or silicone as a means to manage the temperature and provide insulation within their inner workings. Their robust construction makes them particularly well-suited to handle high-power tasks, which explains their common presence at outdoor electrical substations and in environments where […]
Infrared Thermography in Electrical Inspections
Infrared thermography works on the principle that all objects emit infrared energy or heat as a function of their temperature. The thermal imagers or infrared cameras that are used in electrical inspections capture this energy and convert it into a visual thermal image known as a thermogram. Temperature differences are presented in varying colors or […]
How to Reduce Electrical Hazards in the Workplace
Recognizing the Risks Electric shock ranks as one of the most recognized dangers associated with electricity. This peril manifests when an individual makes physical contact with a source of electricity, leading to the flow of electrical current through their body. Effects of an electric shock vary greatly, presenting anything from a slight buzz to a […]
Residential vs. Commercial Electrical Systems
An electrical system is a network of electrical components deployed to distribute, use, and manage power. These components include power sources, wires, conduits, distribution boards, switches, and outlets. From the moment electricity enters a property from the utility company, it embarks on a journey through these elements to reach its final destination—be it a light […]