Transient disturbances are what headaches are made of. Whatever you call them-spikes, surges, or power bumps-they can take your equipment down and leave you with a complicated and expensive repair job. Protection against transient disturbances is a science that demands attention to detail. This book explains how the power distribution system works, what can go wrong with it, and how to protect your facility against abnormalities. System grounding and shielding are covered in detail. Each major method of transient protection is analyzed and its relative merits discussed. The book provides a complete look at the critical elements of the AC power system.

Table of Contents:
POWER DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL Introduction Defining Terms Vector Representations Power Relationship in AC Circuits Elements of the AC Power System Power Transformers Power Generators Capacitors Transmission Circuits Control and Switching Systems Utility AC Power System Power Distribution Power Factor Utility Company Interfacing Phase-to-Phase Balance Reliability Considerations THE ORIGINS OF AC LINE DISTURBANCES Introduction Naturally Occurring Disturbances Sources of Atmospheric Energy Characteristics of Lightning Lightning Protection Electrostatic Discharge EMP Radiation Coupling Transient Energy Equipment-Caused Transient Disturbances Utility System Faults Switch Contact Arcing Telephone System Transients Carrier Storage Transient-Generated Noise Noise Sources Power-Disturbance Classification Standards of Measurement Assessing the Threat Digital Measurement Instruments A/D Conversion Digital Monitor Features Capturing Transient Waveforms Case in Point THE EFFECTS OF TRANSIENT DISTURBANCES Introduction Semiconductor Failure Modes Device Ruggedness Forward Bias Safe Operating Area Reverse Bias Safe Operating Area Power-Handling Capability Semiconductor Derating Failure Mechanisms Avalanche-Related Failure MOSFET Devices Safe Operating Area MOSFET Failure Modes Thyristor Components Failure Modes Application Considerations ESD Failure Modes Failure Mechanisms Semiconductor Development Chip Protection Switch-Arcing Effects Insulation Breakdown POWER-SYSTEM COMPONENTS Introduction Power-Supply Components Reliability of Power Rectifiers Operating Rectifiers in Series Operating Rectifiers in Parallel Silicon Avalanche Rectifiers Thyristor Servo Systems Inductive Loads Applications Triggering Circuits Fusing Control Flexibility Transformer Failure Modes Thermal Considerations Voltage Considerations Mechanical Considerations Capacitor Failure Modes Electrlytic Capacitors Mechanical Failure Electrolyte Failures Capacitor Life Span Tantalum Capacitors Fault Protectors Fuses Circuit Breakers Semiconductor Fuses Application Considerations POWER-SYSTEM PROTECTION ALTERNATIVES Introduction The Key Tolerance Envelope Assessing the Lightning Hazard Transient Protection Alternatives Motor-Generator Set System Configuration Motor-Design Considerations Maintenance Considerations Motor-Generator UPS Uninterruptible Power Systems UPS Configuration Power-Conversion Methods Redundant Operation Output Transfer Switch Battery Supply Dedicated Protection Systems Ferroresonant Transformer Isolation Transformer Tap-Changing Regulator Line Conditioner FACILITY-PROTECTION METHODS Introduction Filter Devices Crowbar Devices Voltage-Clamping Devices Selecting Protection Components Performance Testing Facility Protection Facility Wiring Utility Service Entrance Power-System Protection Staging Design Cautions Single-Phasing Circuit-Level Applications Protecting Low-Voltage Supplies Protecting High-Voltage Supplies Protecting Logic Circuits Protecting Telco Lines Inductive Load Switching Device Application Cautions FACILITY GROUNDING Introduction Establishing an Earth Ground Grounding Interface Chemical Ground Rods Ufer Ground System Bonding Ground-System Elements Cadwelding Ground-System Inductance Grounding Tower Elements Ground-Wire Dressing Facility Ground Interconnection Grounding on Bare Rock Rock-Based Radial Elements Transmission-System Grounding Transmission Line Cable Considerations Satellite Antenna Grounding Designing a Building Ground System Bulkhead Panel Bulkhead Grounding Lightning Protectors Typical Installation Checklist for Proper Grounding AC SYSTEM GROUNDING PRACTICES Introduction Building Codes Single-Point Ground Facility Ground System Power-Center Grounding Isolation Transformers Grounding Equipment Racks Grounding Signal-Carrying Cables Analyzing Noise Currents Types of Noise Skin Effect Patch-Bay Grounding Input/Output Circuits Cable Routing Overcoming Ground-System Problems STANDBY POWER SYSTEMS Introduction Blackout Effects Standby Power Options Dual Feeder System Peak Power Shaving Advanced System Protection Choosing a Generator UPS Systems Standby Power-System Noise Critical System Bus The Efficient Use of Energy Energy Usage Peak Demand Load Factor Power Factor Plant Maintenance Switchgear Maintenance Ground-System Maintenance SAFETY AND PROTECTION SYSTEMS Introduction Facility Safety Equipment Electric Shock Effects on the Human Body Circuit-Protection Hardware Working with High Voltage First Aid Procedures Polychlorinated Biphenyls Health Risk Governmental Action PCB Components Identifying PCB Components Labeling PCB Components Record Keeping Disposal Proper Management OSHA Safety Requirements Protective Covers Identification and Marking Extension Cords Grounding Management Responsibility INDEX Catalog no. 7412 1992, 327 pp., ISBN: 0-8493-7412-X U.S. $61.95/Outside U.S. $72.00 Short Copy