Whether lightning damage or lightning voltages induced between equipment cabinets as a result of multi-grounding causing mis-operation of computerized electronics, improper grounding can account for up to 40 percent of power-related problems including costly damage and downtime. In addition, transient overvoltages—a high voltage spike or impulse of very short duration—can account for another 40 percent if not adequately suppressed. Transient overvoltages can be produced by lightning, power companies switching feeders or capacitor banks, or load switching at customer facilities. These large voltages, lasting only a short period of time, are injected into power and data circuits causing equipment destruction and safety hazards
January 12, 2007
- AUTHOR: Alan Rebeck
- January 12, 2007