Computer Power Part 2: Electrical Power Problems and Their Amelioration

Computers need clean, reliable, electrical power. The various faults of electrical power, such as spikes, sags, outages, noise, frequency variations, and static electricity, are defined and described. Preventive measures that computer users can employ to reduce the potential of electrical problems are discussed, as are the processes for detecting, diagnosing, and curing electrical problems when they do occur. Sidebars consider: transformers; power distribution units (PDUs); surge currents/ linear and non‐linear loads; and sizing the power conditioning system. The next issue will conclude this series with an article on uninterruptible power supplies and a bibliography.