Why did POWEReasy trip?
The site has observed extremely high voltage harmonics. IEEE519-2014 recommends voltage harmonics higher than 8% to be unsafe for operation. Voltage harmonics can lead to malfunctioning electronic devices, humming in electromagnetic devices and overheating in transformers. POWEReasy has disconnected the supply to prevent both of these unwanted outcomes.
What could be the root cause of for the voltage harmonics fault?
Voltage harmonic faults are most often caused due to poor power quality from the electricity supplier. Over utilization of the transformer, poor maintenance of the transformers leading to loose connections and degradation of the oil are common reasons. In facilities that have high current TDD voltage harmonics are also caused due to certain harmonic generating loads. An audit report from POWEReasy can help analyze the dependency on these factors.
Can you use electricity under some precautions? What are these?
The decision on whether to use the power supply is dependent the operation and functionality of the location. If the voltage harmonics condition has occured for the first time then you can use the power supply for non-sensitive loads as long as the problem in mitigated within a few days. Sites that have sensitive electronic devices should avoid using electricity with high voltage harmonics. Critical devices such as medical devices and VFD drive if operated during the presence of high voltage harmonics will observe unexpected failures.