Intelligent Power Solutions, Powervar products, ground guards, etc..

This FAQ is brought to us by our friends at:

Q. Why are power problems so critical to the smooth operation of computer systems?

A. Each computer system is composed of tiny micro-circuits that operate on very low voltages. These circuits do their computing wizardry by comparing very small changes in these operating voltages. Power problems interfere with these voltage comparisons. As long ago as 1986, the semiconductor industry at their 5th annual conference published their criteria for the type of environment where their products can operate as they were designed. In addition to setting standards for such factors as static discharge, the industry also published standards for the protection of their devices from spikes, normal mode noise and common mode voltage. These three disturbances are the ones that are most prevalent in almost any electrical system.

Q. When should I use/recommend a UPS, a Power Conditioner

A. A power conditioner should be used when the customer is experiencing unexplained system problems (No trouble found service, systems lock-ups, etc). If they have a generator or some form of emergency power back up for the entire facility, and where the cost of a UPS system is prohibitive, then added back up security may not be an important issue for them. If the customer experiences power interruptions, outages, extreme low-line or brown out conditions, and any of the above mentioned problems, or they would like the added security that would allow them to finish an assay and do an orderly shut down of the system in case of a power outage, they are a good candidate for a UPS system with built in low impedance power conditioning.

Q. I'm confused. I thought my system was most susceptible to a power outage?

A. It's true that without power, your system can't operate. But power outages are infrequent compared to disturbances such as noise, spikes, and common mode voltage. We've been conditioned to be worried about outages because they are a visible manifestation of power problems. Spikes, noise, and common mode voltage are invisible but present to some degree all the time. For that reason, your computer needs to be protected from them constantly, not just when the lights go out.

Q. OK. But isn't my uninterruptible power supply providing the protection I need from spikes, noise and common mode voltage?

A. Excellent question. Many uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) claim to condition power, too. The fact is that most are simply a surge protector with a battery system for providing power in the event of an outage. It takes specific electrical components to provide the level of protection needed by modern electronic systems.

Q. What are those components?

A. First a surge diverter. Surge diverters take high voltage transients and divert them safely away from your electronic system. Second, a low impedance isolation transformer. Transformers eliminate common mode voltage and ensure that the logic ground (or decision making reference) for the computer is not disturbed. Third, noise filters are important to protect the system from high frequency normal mode noise. These three elements are the foundation for all effective power protection solutions. Battery systems can be added to this foundation, but a UPS without all three of these important elements cannot be a comprehensive power quality device.

Q. What element is most often missing in the UPS?

A. The low impedance isolation transformer. Again, the 1986 semiconductor industry conference states on page 9 of its proceedings that low impedance transformers are required for maximum compatibility with switching power supplies.

Q. What are switch mode power supplies?

A. These are the kind of power supply used in almost every type of system designed and sold today. They replace earlier generation linear power supplies which were larger, less efficient, and more expensive. Switch mode power supply technology is one reason modern equipment is smaller, cooler operating and more economical.

Q. Why do POWERVAR power conditioners provide such excellent protection for my system.

A. Because every POWERVAR power conditioner contains the three essential building blocks of an effective power quality solution - 1) A Surge Diverter, 2) a Low Impedance Isolation Transformer and 3) a highly effective Normal Mode Noise Filter. These three elements are designed to work as a system so that your computer can be protected from all three electrical failure modes.

Q. Wait a minute. What three failure modes?

A. Your computer can be damaged by power disturbances in three different ways. We call these "the 3 D's." They stand for Destruction, Degradation and Disruption. Destruction is the most visible of failure modes because it is usually accompanied by burned or charred components and immediate and catastrophic system failure. Lower magnitude power disturbances do not cause outright failure. Instead they degrade system components - weakening them a little at a time much like rust attacks metal. Usually the damage is not visible until the component fails and then it's too late. The lowest magnitude of power disturbances are those that interfere with the computer's ability to make proper logic decisions. These disturbances are associated with normal mode noise and common mode voltage. These disruptive disturbances are responsible for most of the unexplainable failures that happen from time to time. Disruptive power disturbances are known to cause system lockups, lost files, communication errors, no problem found service calls, inaccurate test data and slow system throughput.

Q. POWERVAR power conditioners protect from all three modes?

A. Yes. POWERVAR power conditioners offer a power protection foundation that protects systems from Destruction, Degradation and Disruption. Then, if software or applications demand, a UPS can be added to the POWERVAR power conditioning solution.

Q. I've already got a good UPS. Do I have to start all over?

A. Absolutely not. Another benefit of POWERVAR conditioners is that they are designed to be compatible with the UPS you're already using. No need to throw away the investment you've already made. And with 17 different models in our standard plug and play product line, you're sure to find one that matches the electrical requirements of your current UPS. Your IPS representative will assist you with sizing.

Q. This all sounds pretty simple, but I've come to learn that even simple things can have surprises. How do I make sure that I'll be doing the right thing?

A. IPS, Inc. and POWERVAR wants you to be happy with their products. That's why they have assembled a top notch team of sales representatives, distributors and resellers like IPS to assure that you make the right decision for your application and that you can go forward with the confidence that with POWERVAR, a damaging power disturbance is not waiting in your future.

Home | About Us | Power Quality | Products | Sizing | Services | FAQ's | Contact Us