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September 2007 |  |
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Those Flashing Lights Are A Warning - New Technology Is Interconnected and Increases Equipment Risks
Electrical Breakdowns Climb as Power Quality Problems Damage Equipment in Interrelated Systems
The microwave clock is blinking again, its bright LED display flashing. The power has gone out for a brief moment. Has this ever happened to you? How many times have you reset digital clocks or
DVD recorders in the past year?IT'S ALL CONNECTED
When a power interruption occurs at home, it can be a source of irritation. When the same thing occurs in an office, a process line, or production line, the result can be a costly equipment breakdown. The proliferation of electronic controls and sensors in equipment is further complicated when the equipment is assembled into an interdependent system. A disruption in the power supply is a serious business exposure.
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
A momentary power loss will instantly shut down any equipment without a backup energy source. Power is lost by all components in a system at the same time, instead of a pre-programmed shutdown sequence. That's a problem because equipment may require that a certain sequence be followed during shutdown and start-up.
EQUIPMENT CAN BREAK DOWN
The uncontrolled shutdown may cause equipment damage. Even if it doesn't, the system may not be in the proper condition to re-start. When the power is suddenly restored, equipment may start up simultaneously, instead of following a necessary sequence, and further equipment damage may result and cause a breakdown.
The point is, unexpected power interruptions can damage equipment, both when the power goes out and when the power comes back on again.
IT ONLY TAKES A SECOND
Power quality is the term used to describe the problem. To most people, that means how often the lights go out at home. For a business or industry, even a brief loss of power may lead to an equipment breakdown loss. Not only can repairs be expensive, a breakdown can interrupt operations or prevent a product from being sold because of incorrect mixing, processing or material spoilage.
ELECTRICAL LOSSES ARE RISING
A power outage in itself does not trigger coverage. There must be related equipment damage. But breakdowns that result from a lack of power, too much, or too little voltage, are common. Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) claim data shows that electrical losses surpassed mechanical breakdowns in the 1980s and the trend continues. Click here for a chart that shows how breakdowns have changed as we operate more electrical equipment.
HSB HAS IT COVERED
So, the next time you reset that digital clock, think about what's at stake. Those flashing lights are a warning - new technology brings new risks. We all rely on electrical and electronic equipment. That equipment is more susceptible to damage and electrical breakdowns are increasing. Make sure your clients have broad equipment breakdown coverage from HSB to keep pace with changing exposures.
