In its broadest sense, power quality is a set of boundaries that allows electrical systems to function in their intended manner without significant loss of performance or life. The term describes the electric power that drives an electrical device and the device’s ability to
function properly with that electric power. Without the proper power, an electrical device may malfunction, fail prematurely, or not operate. There are many ways in which electric power can be of poor quality, and there are many other causes of such poor quality power.

The Clean Electrical power; myth has been circulating quite dramatically for several years now and is becoming increasingly dangerous in this postmodern world of microprocessor-controlled everything. From the Microwave Oven to the Microwave Tower and the VFD to the PLC; virtually everything in today’s world is using microchip-based
technology. There are a multitude of independent studies, research reports, and business reports to finally kill off this myth and awaken the public to the true need for Power Quality Products. We submit the following factual information, in no particular order, designed to once and for all, lay to rest the Urban Myth of clean Electrical Power. Plant Services magazine reported that 35% of lost production hours could be attributed to transient voltage problems.

TRW computer services firm – discovered that more than 40% of their service calls were NTF, power-related problems. Business Week magazine calls power-related problems a 26 Billion Dollar a year problem. Electrical Contractor magazine notes that greater than 70% of dirty power problems can be
related to wiring, grounding, and equipment in nearby panels, locations, or buildings. 

Mid America Banner reports a study in which 29% of Copier service calls could be and were eliminated with the application of quality surge suppression devices. The Electric Utility industry sustains over $1 billion a year in costs for damaged equipment and lost revenue from lightning incidents. Lightning-induced outages cost the telecommunications industry $100 million per year. A study composed recently by Interpose Inc. and Microsoft analyzes the Total Cost of Operation for Windows-based systems. They have dissected the cost of operations into Hardware and Software, Management, Support, Downtime, and several other items. Their research indicates the TCO for the desktop PC runs in the neighborhood of $7250 per year! The most concerning figure is the 20% allocation of the TCO to downtime! If we extrapolate 50% of that cost as being power related then approximately $725 of the annual cost of operation on a networked PC can be attributed to poor power. A recent IBM study showed that the typical computer is subject to more than 120 power problems per month. Is it any wonder that the power quality products industry is growing at a rate of close to 20% annually. 

The need has never been greater, the awareness is continually growing, and yet there are still small pockets of individuals who live under the misguided assumption that the electricity in their office, plant, lab, or hospital is as clean as snow. To increase productivity and competitiveness in the global economy companies have to invest in computers, automated manufacturing systems, digital telecommunications networks, LANs, and WANs 's. Companies depend upon reliable performance and longevity of these investments. 

Yet, how often is this equipment connected directly to “street” ; power with no thought as to what goes on behind the outlet? The utility companies are being pressured to supply cleaner and cleaner power, when in reality, 60-80% of all power disturbance events are created internal to the facility. It is not that the utilities are sending out dirtier power, it is that the equipment within the facility has become enormously sensitive and subject to even the slightest of power fluctuations. Many times causing data upset, over the long term cumulative damage and equipment failure.