Power quality is a common term used to describe the performance of electrical power systems. With a good power quality, the systems function correctly without considerable loss of performance or life time. A power quality disturbance means that there is a change in power (voltage, current, or frequency), that troubles the normal operation of an electrical system.

The form in which electric power is delivered to consumers and businesses, is AC.  Ideally, AC power can be seen as a smooth, symmetrical sine wave at 50 cycles every second, or in some parts of the world at 60 cycles every second. Any variation could be an indication of trouble.

Power quality disturbances are likely to be present, in case you notice:

- Flickering of lights

- Computers shutting down

- Overheating of wires, motors and transformers

- Process control devices acting unpredictably

- Overloaded generators 

Monitoring the power quality increases the safety at your installations and pays for itself through energy savings, often diesel. This is not even considering the prevention of malfunctions and extending equipment lifetime. Apart from the cost aspect, a reduction in the energy consumption also has an environmental aspect. The generation of power, brings along emissions of CO2 and NOx, and leads to exhaustion of the earths’ sources. Energy reduction consequently leads to reduction of environmental load.