A/C
|
Alternating Current
|
A/D
|
Analog to Digital
|
Alternating Current
|
The type of
electrical current available from utility companies. The current which
alternately flows back and forth along a conductor, in phase with a voltage
which varies from positive to negative along a square wave, sine wave, or
other waveform.
|
Ambient Temperature
|
The temperature of
the environment surrounding a product, generally assumed to be room
temperature.
|
Ampacity
|
The current carrying
capacity of conductors.
|
Amperage
(AMP)
|
The strength of the
current as it flows through a circuit which is expressed in Volt - Amperes.
Also see voltage.
|
Ampere
|
A unit of measure of
current flow in a conductor. Ten amperes of current will flow in a conductor
with a voltage of 100 volts and a resistance of 10 ohm from one point to
another.
|
Ampere-hour
|
The product of
current flow is amperes times the length of time of current flow in hours.
|
Anode
|
One of two power
connections on a diode or SCR, (+) positive.
|
ANSI
|
American National
Standards Institute.
|
Antimony
|
An element sometimes
used to harden the plate material used in led acid cells.
|
Arc Sparking
|
Results when
undesired current flows between two points of differing potential. It may be
due to leakage through the intermediate insulation, or to a leakage path
across it due to contamination.
|
ASCII
|
American Standard
Code for Information Exchange. A 7-bit binary code rep of letters, numbers
and special characters.
|
Auto-transformer
|
A transformer used
to step voltage up or down. The primary and transformer secondary windings
share common turns, and it provides no isolation.
|
Auxiliary Source
|
A power source
dedicated to providing emergency power to a critical load when commercial
power is interrupted.
|
Availability
|
The capability of an
item, under the combined aspects of its reliability and maintenance to
perform its required function at a stated instant in time. When a record is
maintained on an operating system, the availability may be computed with the
following formula: Availability=Up Time/Up Time+ Down Time.
|
Average Battery
Voltage
|
The average of all
series cells in a single battery string. The average is obtained by adding
the total string voltage then dividing by the number of batteries in the
string.
|
Battery
|
A group of cells
connected to deliver more voltage and/or more current than a single cell. A
lead-acid battery using an antimony material as the stiffening element in the
battery places is called lead-antimony battery. A lead-acid battery using a
calcium base paste as the stiffening element in the battery plates is called
a lead-calcium battery. Lead-calcium batteries are the most popular for UPS
application.
|
Battery Charge
Current Limit
|
This option limits
the amount of battery charging current to a specific value. In multi-module
systems with a common battery, this option improves the charging current
sharing between the rectifiers.
|
Battery Disconnect
Switch
|
This DC switch
disconnects the battery reservoir from the UPS. Provides protection when
either the UPS or batteries need service.
|
Battery Disconnect
Switch
|
This fused, DC
rated, 3-pole, bolted pressure switch includes the required shunt trip and
auxiliary switches and is supplied in a NEMA 1 floor (or wall-mounted)
enclosure.
|
Battery Sealed
|
One containing
gelled or captured liquid electrolyte, but having no access for water
replenishment.
|
Battery String
|
A collection of
cells, grouped together to provide higher voltage and/or higher current than
a single cell.
|
Bias, Back
|
A voltage applied to
a semiconductor to hold it in a normally non- conductive state.
|
Bias, Forward
|
A voltage applied to
a semiconductor to hold it in a normally conductive state.
|
Blackout
|
Total loss of commercial
power.
|
Bleeder Resistor
|
A resistor usually
connected across a filter circuit to discharge capacitors when the unit is
turned off.
|
Branch Circuit
|
One division of a
load circuit; current drain during a fault is limited by a fuse or circuit
breaker.
|
Breakdown Voltage
|
See Isolation.
|
Bridge
|
(1) Rectifier
circuit incorporating four diodes (full-bridge) or two diodes (half-bridge).
(2) Converter or chopper section of switching power supplies incorporating
four transistors (full-bridge) or two transistors (half-bridge).
|
Brownout
|
(1) A deliberate
commercial line voltage reduction necessitated by inadequate generator
capacity at a particular time. (2) Condition during peak usage periods when
electric utilities reduce their nominal line voltage 10% to 15%.
|
Brownout Protection
|
The ability of a UPS
to continue operating within specification through the duration of a
brownout.
|
Burden Resistor
|
A resistor which is
connected across the secondary of a current transformer to convert the
current signal to a voltage signal for current sensing.
|
Burn in
|
(1) The period
directly following the very first turn on of a given power supply. It is
characterized by a relatively high and declining failure rate. (2) The
operation of items prior to their ultimate application intended to stabilize
their characteristics and to identify potential failures.
|
BUS
|
(1) The system of
conductors (wire, cable, copper bars, etc.) used to transport power from the
power supply to the load. (2) A communications structure used to control
various instruments and subsystems (e.g., IEEE-488 bus).
|
Busbar
|
A heavy rigid
conductor used for high power feeders.
|
Bypass
|
The power circuits
of a UPS can be bypassed by a circuit that carries power directly to the
load. The circuit is referred to as "they Bypass" or "Bypass
Line."
|
Bypass Breaker
|
Somewhere in the
bypass circuit a switch must close to complete the bypass line. The switch
may be: 1. A protective or automatic breaker, 2. A non-protective or
non-automatic breaker, 3. A contactor (electric operated switch)
|
Bypass Phase Offset
|
The phase difference
between the bypass source and the Inverter output.
|
Bypass Source
|
An alternate source
for the critical bus which can be connected to the load in the event of a UPS
failure or for routine maintenance.
|
Calcium
|
An element sometimes
used to harden the plate material used in lead acid cells.
|
Capacitor
|
Two conductors
separated by a dielectric material. Applying a voltage across the plates
causes current to flow and stores a charge.
|
Cathode
|
One of two power
connections on a diode or SCR, (-) negative.
|
Cell
|
A unit containing a
combination of metal plates and an electrolyte solution. When connected to an
external circuit a charged cell reacts chemically and delivers an electrical
output. A cell of a lead acid battery provides about 2 volts.
|
Charge Rate
|
A given amount of
battery charge current.
|
Charge Voltage
|
The voltage level
maintained in a cell or battery in its maximum charge condition.
|
Choke
|
An inductor, usually
part of a filter network, that impedes the flow of current at certain
frequencies to remove undesired AC components from an incoming voltage.
|
Chopper
|
(1) An electronic
circuit used to convert continuous DC power to pulses of DC power used as
input to a PWM inverter. (2) See Inverter.
|
Circuit Breaker
|
A device, usually
electro-mechanical, which detects excessive power demands in a circuit, and
self-interrupts when they occur.
|
Clear
|
A term indicating
that a fuse is blown or open.
|
Comm
|
Commutation
|
Common-Mode
|
Noise that component
of noise common to the output and return lines with respect to an
electrically fixed point, usually chassis ground.
|
Common Mode Noise
|
Electrical noise
found between all power wires and neutral when measured to ground. The noise
will have the same characteristics and be simultaneous.
|
Common-Mode
Rejection
|
The ability of a
circuit or device to protect against common mode electrical noise.
|
Common-Mode Voltage
|
Voltage common to
both signal input terminals of a circuit. An undesired common-mode voltage is
usually developed between the zero signal reference ground and some other
ground point.
|
Communications
Interface
|
The printed circuit
board used to connect two systems together so they can communicate. The board
will be configured such that its circuitry provides the appropriate match up
to each system's electronics.
|
Commutation
|
A term used to mean
"turning off an SCR". For this to be accomplished, the gate signal
must be removed and the current through the SCR must be reduced to zero.
|
Commutation Notch
and Ring
|
A. When the SCRs in
a rectifier/charger (R/C) turn on and off there is a Notch and moment when
two phases of the incoming feeder bus are shorted together. Ring The
resulting current pulse reacts with the distributed inductance of the feeder
to create a negative voltage. The voltage shows up as a small
"notch" in the input voltage waveform. As the notch collapses, a
short high frequency "ring" occurs. This notch and ring effect
occurs once for each SCR in the R/C., B. The notch and ring effect occurs
once for each SCR in the R/C. Therefore a full wave three phase (six SCRs)
will have six current pulses per cycle. Some UPS inputs (the Exide Electronics
Series 3000 for example) will have two R/C circuits (total of twelve SCRs)
which operate in a fixed but off-set time relationship thus creating twelve
independent pulses in the feeder bus. These R/C are sometimes referred to as
"six or twelve pulse" R/C.
|
Compensating Winding
|
A primary winding on
a transformer that is connected in voltage opposition to an output winding to
improve regulation.
|
Conduit
|
Round metal pipes
through which electrical wiring is carried from one location to the next.
|
Confidence Level
|
The percentage of
probability that an item will survive for its stated MTBF.
|
Constant Current
|
A UPS that regulates
current level regardless of changes in load resistance.
|
Constant Voltage
|
A UPS that regulates
voltage level regardless of changes in load resistance.
|
Control Panel
|
The location of the
system controls and status indicators required to monitor and modify UPS
systems operation to insure satisfactory results.
|
Convection
|
The transference of
thermal energy in a gas or liquid by currents resulting from unequal
temperatures.
|
Cooling
|
Removal of heat,
which, in a UPS, is generated by transformation, rectification, regulation
and filtering. It can be accomplished using radiation, convection, forced
air, or liquid means.
|
Core
|
The iron form or
frame on which a choke or transformer is wound.
|
Core Saturation
|
Condition when an
inductor or transformer core can no longer increase flux density.
|
Crest Factor
|
(1) The current
waveform in a non-linear load is sometimes characterized by comparing the
peak of the current waveform to the RMS value of the waveform. This
comparison is expressed as a ratio Peak/RMS or Peak: RMS (for example,
"the Crest Factor is 3:1") (2) This is the actual peak current
demand of the load, expressed as a ratio of the demand versus the average
Root Mean Square (RMS) current supplied by the UPS. For example, if the peak
demand is 24 A and the average current is 8 A, then the crest factor is 24:8,
or 24/8, which is 3. A switching power supply can often create the need for a
high crest factor because of the power supply's diode circuitry switching on
and off. If the UPS cannot accommodate this momentary demand for current, the
UPS will shut down.
|
Critical Bus
|
The power carrying
bus that connects to the critical load.
|
Critical Load
|
Those loads which
will not continue to function property on power that is unstable or
intermittent.
|
Current
|
The flow of
electrons along a conductor from a point of negative potential (voltage) to
positive potential (voltage).
|
Current
Control/Current Limit
|
The point at which
the maximum allowable current from the charger or inverter is reached and the
regulator circuits switch from the voltage regulation mode to the current
regulation mode.
|
Current Limiting
Circuit
|
A bounding circuit
designed to prevent overload of a constant-voltage power supply. It can take
the form of constant, fold back or cycle-by-cycle current limiting. Foldb ack
Current Limiting Circuit gradually decreases the output current under
overload conditions until some minimum current level is reached under a
direct short circuit. Constant Current Limiting Circuit holds output current
at some maximum value whenever an overload of any magnitude is experienced.
Cycle-by-cycle (or instantaneous) current limiting circuit immediately
reduces output current to some minimum level whenever an overload of any
magnitude is experienced.
|
CT/Current
Transformer
|
A current
transformer (or CT) is used to step down a large AC current to a small AC
current for metering or sensing.
|
Cycle
|
The variation of
electrical phenomenon, voltage or current usually from some point or points
and back again to the original point. Cycle implies repetition of this motion
over time. In electrical work a current or voltage cycle repetitious over
time (cycles per second) is called a Hertz (Hz) (i.e. normal alternating
current in the U.S. is 60 Hz)
|
DC
|
Direct Current
|
DC Link
|
The common DC bus
which connects the output of the charger, the battery, and the input of the
inverter together.
|
Dead Fault Test
|
A test of the UPS
which connects the output wires together causing the UPS to go into a maximum
overload response.
|
Delta
|
A method of
connecting a three-phase source or load in a closed series loop with the
output or input connections made to each of the three junctions. There is no
common junction.
|
Delta to Wye, Wye to
Wye
|
The input windings
(primary) of a three phase transformer can be connected in a delta or wye
configuration, as can the output (secondary). One may say then that a
transformer is delta to wye or wye to wye connected when comparing the input
configuration to the output.
|
Delta-Delta
|
The connections
between a delta source and a delta load.
|
Delta-Wye
|
The connections
between a delta source and a wye load.
|
De-rating
|
A reduction of some
operating parameter to compensate for a change in one or more other
parameters. In power supplies, the output power rating is generally reduced
at elevated temperatures.
|
Differential-Mode
Noise
|
That component of
noise measured with respect to output return; it does not include common-mode
noise.
|
Diode
|
A solid state
electrical device whose major characteristic is that it will only conduct
power in one direction.
|
Direct Current
|
The type of
electrical current produced by batteries. It flows in only one direction
along a conductor or from a power source such as a battery.
|
Distribution
Transformer
|
The transformer
converting the feeder line voltage to the proper voltage for the distribution
panel.
|
Downstream
Protective Device
|
A fuse or circuit
breaker located between a source and load.
|
Downtime
|
The period of time
during which an item is not in a condition to perform its intended function.
|
Dry Contact
|
An alarm relay
contact which does not have any voltage on it and can, therefore, be used by
other devices.
|
Dynamic Load
|
A load that rapidly
changes from one level to another. To be properly specified, both the total
change and the rate of change must be stated.
|
ECM, EMI, RFI
|
Acronyms for various
types of electrical interference.
|
Efficiency
|
The ratio of output
power to input power. It is generally measured at full- load and nominal line
conditions. In multiple-output switching power supplies, efficiency can be a
function of total out-put power and its division among the outputs. The
efficiency of a UPS indicates how much power it consumes from the utility
input. On-line UPS products tend to be less efficient than stand-by or
off-line products. This is because they provide maximum line filtering and
are always providing on-line protection without any transition time to
batteries. Stand-by products are the most efficient, but provide the least
protection. Their primary use is to provide battery back-up during a power
outage. Off-line products offer good protection from power contamination.
Some may have lengthy transfer times to battery. Typically, an off-line UPS
should transfer to batteries within four to seven milliseconds to avoid
dropping the load. Some vendors will specify their product's efficiency under
the best possible conditions. Thus, the number alone can be very misleading.
The true efficiency of the UPS is determined by completely discharging the
batteries and running the load on the UPS while the UPS batteries are being
recharged. (See also Stand-By UPS, Off-Line and On-Line Operations.)
|
Electrolyte
|
The acid or alkaline
solution surrounding the plates of a battery cell.
|
Electro-Magnetic
Interference
|
Also called
radio-frequency interference (RFI), it is unwanted high-frequency energy
caused most often by the switching transistors, output rectifiers, and Zener
diodes in switching power supplies. EMI can be conducted through the input or
output lines or radiated through space.
|
EMI
|
Electromagnetic
Interference.
|
Engine Generator
|
Combination of an
internal combustion engine and a generator.
|
EPO
|
Emergency Power Off.
When activated, all power is removed from the UPS and critical load is
dumped. Also referred to as Power Off on the +80 UPS.
|
Equalize
|
A brief charge with
an elevated voltage to equalize the specific gravity of the cells in a
battery string.
|
Feeders
|
The main lines
delivering power to a distribution system.
|
Ferroresonance
|
(1) Resonance
resulting when the iron core of an inductor that is part of an LC circuit is
saturated, increasing the inductive reactance to the value of the capacitive
reactance. (2) The principle used in a simple open-loop (non-feedback)
voltage-stabilizing power supply.
|
Ferroresonant
Transformer
|
A transformer
designed so its output has a natural frequency of oscillation.
|
Filter
|
A
frequency-sensitive network that attenuates unwanted noise and ripple
components of a rectified output.
|
Firmware
|
Program instructions
permanently loaded in the control read-only memory (ROM) of the unit's
central processor.
|
Flashover
|
Flashing due to high
current flowing between two points of different potential. Usually due to
insulation breakdown caused y arcing.
|
Float Charge/Voltage
|
Float charging is a
method of charging a battery by applying a constant voltage to the battery.
The float voltage is the charger output voltage required to float charge the
battery. The float voltage is calculated by multiplying the number of cells
in the battery by the voltage required for each cell.
|
Floor Loading
|
A statement of the
force, usually in pounds per square foot (lbs/ft2), exerted on a floor when
equipment is installed.
|
Form C Contacts
|
Form C contacts are
a single set of isolated normally open (N.O.) and normally closed (N.C.)
contacts with a single common. Contact ratings are 0.5 amps at 125VAC or 1
amp at 28VDC maximum.
|
Frequency
|
(1) How often
something happens in a given time frame. In electrical work the frequency of
oscillation is 60Hz (cycles per second) in the U>S> and Canada and 50Hz
in most other parts of the world. (2) Deviation A shift from nominal
frequency.
|
Frequency Changer
|
Power-conversion
equipment that transforms AC electric power from one frequency to another
without affecting its other characteristics.
|
Frequency Tolerance
|
You may intend to
power your UPS from an emergency generator during lengthy utility power
outages. Most generators have a much wider output frequency range than
supplied by the utility company. You may find some UPS systems cannot
synchronize with the generator's frequency if the UPS input requirements are
too stringent. This will result in the UPS going into or remaining in a
battery backup mode. The UPS would then shut down once the back-up holdover
capability is exceeded, dropping the load - even though the generator may be
in use for a much longer time. Today's high frequency switching UPS designs
tolerate a wider range of input frequencies. Even though these UPS products
permit a wide range of input frequencies, the UPS will hold the output
frequency. Some UPS products also allow the output frequency tolerance to be
tightened to a very narrow tolerance if required. Older UPS technology
vendors may state they provide a very tight output frequency tolerance (i.e.
0.5%). If they don't state the input frequency tolerance limits, this will
suggest the input tolerance is very narrow. Therefore, the UPS may not work
with a generator. If narrow output frequency specifications may impact the
UPS' operation with your generator, a UPS that can tolerate a wide input
frequency range will provide you with greater flexibility.
|
Full Wave (Bridge)
Rectifier
|
An assembly of
electrical components that form a circuit whose purpose is to convert AC
power to DC power (a rectifier). "Full wave" denotes that both the
positive and negative half of the AC power is converted.
|
Full-Wave Rectifier
|
Rectifier circuit
that rectifies both halves of an AC wave.
|
Gassing
|
Formation of
hydrogen and oxygen gas due to breakdown of the water in an electrolyte
solution.
|
Gate
|
(1) An electrical
device that can be turned on and off by one electrical signal to inhibit or
pass another electrical signal. (2) Can refer to a logic element, but usually
refers to the signal lead of an SCR. By applying a "gate signal" to
this lead, the SCR can be commanded to the conducting state if it is forward
biased.
|
Gate Firing Module
(GRM)
|
A logic board in the
charger and static switch legs which sends the actual gating signals to the
SCRs.
|
Gate Turn Off
|
A solid state device
that must be turned on and off by an electrical signal.
|
Gating Signal
|
A signal generated
by the UPS logic to command the gating of an SCR.
|
Ground
|
A connection from a circuit
or object to the earth.
|
Ground Fault
|
(1) Any undesired
current path from a point of differing potential to ground. (2) Can refer to
a fault to ground on the inverter output, a utility source, or the battery.
|
Ground Loop
|
A feedback problem
caused by two or more circuits sharing a common electrical line, usually a
common ground line. Voltage gradients in this line caused by one circuit may
be capacitively, inductively, or resistively coupled into the other circuits
via the common line. With power supplies, this problem can be reduced using
single-point grounding.
|
Half-wave Rectifier
|
Single-diode
rectifier circuit that rectifies only one-half the input AC wave.
|
Hardwire
|
The act of wiring
two points directly together without using switches, plugs or other means of
disconnection.
|
Harmonics
|
A periodic waveform
can be expressed as a sum of sinewaves which are integral multiples of the
repetitive frequency of the waveform. The first harmonic is often referred to
as the fundamental and is one times the frequency. The second harmonic is 2X,
the third 3X, etc. Harmonics present is a waveform will cause its shape to
deviate from a sine wave.
|
Harmonic Distortion
|
(1) According to
theories of waveform analysis, any cyclical waveform can be described as the
summation of a fundamental sine wave and some combination of harmonic
waveforms (a square wave can be described as the summation of the fundamental
and all the harmonics). When there are harmonic voltages or currents present
in a circuit, they will add to or subtract from the fundamental waveform
creating a resultant waveform that is a distorted version of the fundamental.
This distortion is referred to as harmonic distortion. (2) In UPS
terminology, this refers to distortion in the inverter output sinewave which
is caused by the presence of unwanted harmonics or distortion caused by the
Rectifier feeding back to the source.
|
Hi-Pot (High
Potential Voltage)
|
Ability of a UPS to
withstand a high voltage potential placed either from the input terminals to
ground, from any of the output terminals to ground, or between any pair of
input and output terminals. This specification is important for safety
reasons and is partially dependent on the mechanical design of the UPS.
|
HVAC
|
Heating, Ventilating
and Air Conditioning.
|
HZ
|
Electrical cycle per
second.
|
I/O Cabinet
|
The In/Out Cabinet
|
IEEE
|
Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
|
IGBT
|
Insulated Gate
Bipolar Transistor.
|
Impedance
|
In AC power circuits
the "resistance" to current flow is called impedance because it is
a complex characteristic of the circuit that is proportional to frequency
(the same circuit can be a different value at different frequencies).
|
Individual Battery
Voltage
|
The ability to
monitor each positive post of a battery whether battery contains one or more
cells connected in series.
|
Inductor
|
A conductor, usually
coiled, which tends to oppose any change in the flow of current through
itself.
|
Input and Output
Frequency And Voltage
|
Many of the larger
size 3-10 kVA UPS products on the market today (such as older ferroresonant
technologies) require you to specify the input and output frequency and
voltage when the order is placed. Should you need to relocate the UPS to
another application or country that has a different frequency or need to
change the voltage parameters, you would not be able to reuse your existing
UPS. This is very costly, since you may have to purchase another UPS for the
new application. Recent technology allows user selectable options.
|
Input Filter
|
A circuit on the
input of the UPS used to reduce or eliminate current distortion due to
harmonic currents created by the operation of an R/C Circuit.
|
Input Voltage Range
|
The range of line
voltages for which the UPS meets its specifications.
|
Inrush Current
|
(1) The initial
surge current demand before a load resistance or impedance increases to its
normal operating value. When power is first applied to a circuit, various
elements in the circuit have to charge up. A higher than normal current is
drawn for a few cycles. This "inrush current" may be five or six
times higher than normal steady state current. (2) A high surge of input
current that occurs in switchers and occasionally in linear power supplies
upon initial turn on.
|
Inverter
|
(1) A device that
delivers AC power when energized from a source of DC power. Inverters may be
frequency, amplitude, or pulse-width modulated to vary output voltage. (2)
The chopper section of a switching power supply. (3) The portion of a UPS
that converts DC power to AC power. The term is sometimes used to indicate
the entire UPS.
|
Inverter Efficiency
|
The efficiency of
the inverter section of the UPS from the battery (DC) to the inverter output
(AC).
|
Isolation
|
The degree of
electrical separation between two points. It can be expressed in terms of
voltage (breakdown), current (galvanic), or resistance and/or capacitance
(impedance). In power supplies, the input-to output isolation is important to
maximize.
|
Isolation
Transformers
|
The windings have no
electrical connection and are therefore "isolated" from each other.
Power is coupled from one winding to the other via the magnetic field.
|
KVA Kilo-volt
Amperes
|
1000 Volt-Amperes. A
measure of apparent power expressed in volt thousands.
|
KW Kilowatts
|
A measurement of
real power expressed in thousands.
|
LCD
|
Liquid Crystal
Display.
|
Lead-Antimony
Battery
|
A lead-acid battery
using an antimony material as the stiffening element in the battery plates.
|
Lead-Calcium Battery
|
A lead-acid battery
using a calcium base paste as the stiffening element in the battery plates.
Lead-calcium batteries are the most popular for UPS applications.
|
Leakage Current
|
Current flowing
between the output buses and chassis ground due to imperfections in
electronic components and designs. It must be tightly controlled to satisfy
safety regulations such as UL and VDE.
|
Lightning Protection
|
Some UPS products
provide limited lightning protection. These products may protect your
equipment and the UPS itself from lightning surges. Some may only protect
your equipment. Some may protect neither your equipment nor the UPS. Care
must be taken to ensure the UPS complies with the ANSI C62.41 Category B.
This standard specifies how electrical products are to be tested to ensure
surge suppression and Electro-Magnetic Interference compliance.
|
Line Drop
|
Reduction in the
voltage transmitted over a power line as a result of the resistance of the
conductor.
|
Line Impedance
|
The apparent
resistance in an electrical circuit to the flow of alternating current.
|
Line Inductance
|
Any wire carrying
current has a permeability that causes the wire to look inductive. If the
wire is a transmission line, the inductance can be called line inductance.
|
Line Interactive
|
A type of on-line
UPS that interacts with the utility to control power flow as opposed to a USP
that does a complete conversion of all power from AC to DC and them back to
AC. Its advantages are higher efficiency and faster response to load
variations.
|
Line Regulation
|
The variation of an
output voltage due to a change in the input voltage, with all other factors
held constant. Line regulation is expressed as the maximum percentage change
in output voltage as the input voltage is varied over its specified range.
|
Line-to-Line Voltage
|
The potential
between lines of a multi-phase feeder.
|
Line-to-Neutral
|
In power
distribution there is usually one or more hot wires and one neutral wire.
Line-to-Neutral implies that whatever is being discussed is between one hot
line and the neutral. Line-to-Line implies two things. First, more than one
hot line and second, the measurement is being taken between two of the hot
lines.
|
Load
|
(1) The driven
device that uses the power supplied by the source. (2) for voltage-regulated
power supplies, the load is the output current.
|
Load Balancing
|
Switching the
various loads to equalize the power demand on each line of a multi-phase
feeder.
|
Load Dump
|
A loss of power on
the critical buss or critical load.
|
Load Fault
|
A malfunction that
causes the load to demand abnormally high current from the source.
|
Load Regulation
|
Variation of the
output voltage due to a change in the output's load from no load to full
load, with all other factors held constant. It is expressed as a percent of
the nominal DC output voltage. (See Regulation.)
|
Load Share Loop
|
A set of
series-connected sets of CTs used to balance load current between two or more
UPS. May refer to input or output current.
|
Load Switching
|
Transferring the
load from one source to another.
|
Local EPO
|
EPO switch found on
the equipment as opposed to a remote location (such as a doorway).
|
Magnetic Field
|
The energy field
developed in the immediate space around a current carrying wire or a
permanent magnet.
|
Maintenance Bypass
Switch
|
The switch used to close
the Maintenance Bypass power path around the UPS.
|
Major Alarm
|
An alarm condition
under which the UPS system cannot continue to function. A major alarm will
cause the module to shut down.
|
Make Before Break
|
Refers to the
switching of the load on the critical bus between the bypass source and the
inverter by first closing a breaker to connect one source to the load, and
then opening another breaker to disconnect the other source from the load.
Thus, the load experiences no loss of power since one source is connected
before the other source is removed.
|
MBP
|
Maintenance Bypass
Switch
|
Mean Time Between
Failures
|
A measure of
reliability. The reliability interval calculated in accordance with the
procedures of MIL-HDBK 217. Demonstrated MTBF is the probable range of true
MTBF under test conditions; observed MTBF within a stated confidence
interval. Observed MTBF is equal to the total operating time of the equipment
divided by the number of relevant failures. Predicted MTBF is that value of
MTBF determined by reliability stress analysis methods and is based on the
design and the use environment.
|
Mean Time Between Maintenance
|
The mean of the time
intervals between maintenance actions (preventive, corrective or both).
|
Mean Time To Repair
|
The average time
required to repair a product. It is a result of both electrical and
mechanical design factors. Indicating the time required to return a failed
item to service, this is the total corrective maintenance time divided by the
total number of corrective maintenance actions during a given period of time.
|
MG
|
Motor-Generator
|
MIB
|
Module Input Breaker
|
Minor Alarm
|
An alarm condition
which is annunciated and needs correction, but is not severe enough to cause
the module operation to cease. The alarm can be a normal part of the system
operation.
|
Modular
|
A physically
descriptive term used to describe a UPS made up of a number of separate
subsections, such as an input module, power module, or filter module. Modular
construction tends to lower the MTTR.
|
Module Battery
Breaker
|
This DC rated
circuit breaker includes the required shunt trip and auxiliary switches and
it supplied in a NEMA 1 enclosure for wall mounting.
|
Module Emergency
Shutdown Switch
|
This "pull to
shutdown" switch is provided on the module's meter door to turn off the
module and open the input, battery and output breakers. If there is redundant
capacity on line, then only the individual module will be shut down. If there
is not, then this switch will also force a transfer to bypass.
|
Module Input Breaker
|
A module input
breaker is required and can be supplied by the customer or Exide Electronics.
Three different input breaker options are available based on interrupting
capacity.
|
Motor Operator
|
A motorized device
which mounts on the front of a circuit breaker and opens or closes the
breaker on command.
|
Motor-Generator
|
Combination of a
motor and a generator. In effect, the motor-generator is a rotary
power-isolation device.
|
MOV
|
"Metal Oxide
Varistor" - A device which is normally a very high resistance, but whose
resistance drops drastically if the voltage across the device exceeds a
certain rating. It is used for voltage transient suppression.
|
MTBF
|
Mean Time Between
Failures.
|
MTTR
|
Mean Time to Repair.
|
Neutral
|
The junction point
of the legs in a wye circuit.
|
Neutralizer
|
A chemical solution
that neutralizes the acidity or alkalinity of battery electrolyte.
|
NiCd
|
Nickel Cadmium,
sometimes used in batteries.
|
Nominal Output
Voltage
|
The intended, ideal
voltage of any given output.
|
Non-Linear Load
|
When voltage is
applied to a non-linear load, the resultant current will not have a linear
relationship with the voltage applied.
|
Off-Line Switcher
|
A circuit
configuration commonly used in PWM switchers in which the input rectifier and
filter sections sit directly across the AC input line.
|
Off-Line UPS
|
The inverter does
not control the flow of power to the load except when the utility fails. The
inverter may be turned off completely or turned on but in a standby (no load)
mode.
|
On-Line Inverter
|
The inverter portion
of the UPS controls the flow of power to the load 100% of the time regulating
voltage and frequency whether the utility power is available or not.
|
Operating
Temperature
|
The range of
temperatures within which a UPS will perform within specified limits.
|
Orderly Shutdown
|
Sequential shutdown
of the units comprising a computer to prevent garbling or loss of data, or
damage to the system.
|
Oscillation
|
Flywheel action in
an LC circuit caused by the current generated by the alternate charge and discharge
of the capacitor and the expansion and contraction of the magnetic field
around the inductor.
|
Oscillator
|
An electrical
circuit that develops a cyclical waveform for use in the rest of the circuit.
|
OSHA
|
Occupational Safety
and Health Act.
|
Over Current
Protection
|
See Current limiting
circuit.
|
Overload
|
Many UPS products
cannot handle momentary or instantaneous overload conditions during switching
power supply and hard disk start up phases. As a result, you would have to
oversize the UPS to avoid a UPS overload shutdown. This can be costly since
you would have to pay for greater power capacity than you will need during
the UPS's normal operation. An overload can be defined as the percent (i.e.
200%) of normal rated (RMS) current value that a UPS can maintain for a
period of time (i.e. 10 cycles). As an example, a UPS rated at 8 Amps
capacity with a 200 per cent overload capability can provide 16 Amps (8 X
200%) for 10 cycles.
|
Parallel For
Capacity
|
Paralleling the
operation of several UPS modules in order to increase the total power output
capability.
|
Parallel For
Redundancy
|
Adding one more UPS
module than is needed to support the total load.
|
Parallel Operation
|
The ability of power
supplies to be connected so that the current from corresponding outputs can
be combined into a single load.
|
Passive Filter
|
An
electrical/electronic filter that has no active components (transistors SCRs,
GTO, etc.).
|
PDM
|
Power Distribution
Module
|
pF
|
Power Factor
|
Phase
|
The work phase as
used in electrical power terminology indicates the time relationship between
two cyclical waveforms. If the waveforms reach corresponding points in the
time simultaneously (maximum peak, minimum peak, zero crossings) they are
said to be "in phase." If corresponding points are reached at
different times the waveforms are said to be "out of phase."
Voltages can have a phase relationship to other voltages. Currents can have a
phase relationship to other currents. Voltage and current can have a phase
relationship.
|
Phase Angle
|
The out of phase
relationship between two waveforms can be expressed in angular degrees
instead of time.
|
Phase Compensation
|
Switching capacitors
into or out of the power distribution network to compensate for load power
factor variations.
|
Phase Control
|
A form of regulation
which controls the output of an SCR circuit by varying the conduction time of
the SCR(s).
|
Phase Detector
|
Detects the
instantaneous difference in electrical degrees between two AC signals and
develops an output signal that varies in direct proportion to that
difference.
|
Phase Shift
|
An operating power
system can have circuit components that cause voltage and/or current
waveforms to shift in time. The output voltage may be "out of
phase" or "phase shifted" when compared to the input voltage.
|
Phase-On
|
The gradual rise of
the output voltage of the Inverter or Rectifier during the start-up sequence.
|
Pilot Cell
|
A cell selected from
a given group and used as a test specimen representative of the group.
|
Potential
Transformer
|
|
Power Distribution
Module
|
A low power voltage
transformer which is used to reduce the voltage on its primary to a lower
voltage to be used for voltage sensing.
|
Power Factor
|
(1) Power factor is
an electronics industry term used to size the UPS for the product it will
protect. Power factor indicates the ratio between true power (in watts) and
apparent power (Volt-Amps), or W: VA. The majority of today's electronic
products requiring protection are computer systems. These systems contain
switching power supplies having power factors in the range of 0.6 to 0.7 that
are often supported by UPS products. If the UPS is not designed to support a 0.6
- 0.7 power factor load, the UPS must be oversized. (2) The ratio of real
power (kW) to apparent power (kVA). It will be "leading" or
"lagging," depending on which way the load shifts the circuit
current phase with respect to the voltage phase. Inductive loads cause the
current to lag, capacitive loads cause the current to lead. Most loads are
inductive. (3) The ratio of actual power used in a circuit to the apparent
power. Power factor is the measure of the fraction of current in phase with
the voltage and contributing to average power.
|
Power Outage
|
An interruption of
commercial power.
|
Power Profile
|
A graph of the power
requirements for a composite load during the start-up period, from turn-on
until steady-state operation commences.
|
Power Supply
|
An electrical
circuit that provides electrical power for use by other circuits. Electronic
devices that provide DC output voltages when powered by an AC primary source.
|
Power, Apparent
|
RMS Volts X RMS
amperes.
|
Power, Real
|
Watts
|
PT
|
Potential
Transformer
|
Pulse Width
Modulation
|
(1) Varying the
width of each pulse in a pulse train in proportion to the modulating signal's
significant characteristic so the pulse train represents the signal's
variation. (2) A circuit used in switching regulated power supplies where the
switching frequency is held constant and the width of the power pulse is
varied, controlling both line and load changes with minimal dissipation.
|
Push-Pull Converter
|
Used in switching
power supplies where the main switching circuit uses two transistors
operating in push-pull. The main advantage is simplicity of design.
|
PWM
|
Pulse Width
Modulation
|
Pumpback Diode
|
A diode in the
Inverter assembly. This diode pumps excess energy back into the DC link
during transistor turn off or transfers on and off line.
|
Ramp into Load
|
This term describes
the gradual rise of current in the inverter when the load is being
transferred to the UPS.
|
Recovery Time
|
The time period
after a transient overshoot or undershoot during which the output quantity
decays to within specified limits.
|
Rectifier
|
Converts AC power to
DC power.
|
Rectifier/Charger
|
The subsystem of the
UPS which converts AC power from the input bus to DC power which is used to
power the inverter and to charge the battery.
|
Redundancy
|
(1) The inclusion of
extra assemblies or circuits within the UPS, with provision for automatic
switch-over from a falling assembly or circuit to its operational
counterpart. (2) A redundant UPS system has two or more UPS modules wherein
one module may be removed and the remaining module(s) will still be capable
of powering the full load. Redundancy-The ability to connect power supplies
in parallel so that if one fails the other will provide continual power to
the load. This mode is used in systems when UPS failure cannot be tolerated.
|
Regulator
|
The part of a UPS
that controls the output voltage. In most cases, the regulator acts to
stabilize the output voltage at a preset value.
|
Remote Monitor Panel
(RMP)
|
An annunciator panel
which provides remote indication of UPS status and issues an alarm if a
failure occurs with the system.
|
Remote Sensing
|
A method of moving
the point of regulation from the output terminals to the load. Compensates
for IR drops in the power distribution bus.
|
Resistor
|
A device or material
that develops a voltage drop when current passes through it.
|
Response Time
|
The amount of time
it takes for an output to react to dynamic load change and settle within some
tolerance band following the load change.
|
Reverse Voltage
Protection
|
The ability of a UPS
to withstand reverse voltage at the output terminals when hooked up in the
reverse polarity.
|
RFI
|
Radio Frequency
Interference. See EMI.
|
Ripple
|
The periodic AC
noise component of the UPS output voltage.
|
RMP
|
Remote Monitor
Panel.
|
RMS
|
Root-Mean-Square.
|
Root-Mean Square
|
The effective DC
value of a waveform. Dissimilar waveforms can only be compared by equating
the amount of work they represent. The square root of the sum of the squares
(RMS) is a mathematical method for developing the amount of work capability
in a waveform.
|
Rotary Switch
|
A switch whose
opening and closing action is implemented by rotating the operating
mechanism. The contacts are carried past each other in a wiping action.
|
Rotating Field
|
The electrical field
developed in a multi-phase generator. The varying currents through the pairs
of stator windings cause the magnetic field to vary as if it was a single
rotating field.
|
Saturable Reactor
|
A transformer-like
device. One winding has a core that saturates when a small amount of current
is passed through it. This saturation causes a large change in the inductance
of the main winding, thus controlling the current through it.
|
SCR
|
"Silicon
Controlled Rectifier" - The primary switching device used in UPS systems
in the charger and static switch subsystems.
|
Sealed Batteries
|
Sometimes referred
to as VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) or maintenance free. Because the
battery cases are sealed, the electrolyte levels can not be inspected or
replenished. The case is typically opaque, therefore the plates cannot be
visually inspected.
|
Self-Discharge
|
The decrease of a
battery's charge due to its internal leakage current.
|
Series
|
One after the other.
|
Series Regulator
|
A linear regulator
in which the active control element (transistor) is in series with the load.
|
Service Entry
|
The junction box
containing connection panels and switchgear located at the point where the
power lines enter a building.
|
Shielded Transformer
|
A transformer
constructed so that grounded shields exist in the path of the magnetic field.
The shields help suppress electrical noise, especially high frequency
transients.
|
Short-Circuit
Protection
|
See Current limiting
circuit.
|
Shunt
|
A device used to
convert a large DC current to a low DC voltage for monitoring and metering
purposes.
|
Shunt Trip
|
An electromagnetic
trip used in circuit breakers to allow control circuits to open the breaker.
|
Silicon Controlled
Rectifier
|
A solid-state switch
used to control AC current. An SCR can be turned on and off using electronic control
signals, and has a turn on time orders of magnitude faster than any
mechanical switches or relays.
|
Simple Network
Management Protocol
|
A network management
specification (designed to simplify multivendor device management) defines a
method of communication between a network management software application
(called a client) and the SNMP code embedded in a device (called an agent).
Developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force, it's enjoyed vendor support
since it became a standard in May, 1990. Vocabulary is defined in a
management information base (MIB) which includes a number of defined objects
known as variables. SNMP II, a new standard in the SNMP family, offers
additional functionality including security features such as authentication
and data encryption.
|
Sine Wave
|
A waveform of
voltage or current which is shaped like a sinusoid.
|
Sine Wave Output
|
Any wave form other
than a true sine wave will likely cause electrical interference with
telecommunications products. Computer systems may not be affected as much,
but recent studies indicate computer LANs are also very susceptible. Sine
wave UPS output is more difficult and expensive to generate. Therefore, many
vendors offer "sine wave like" products. These are referred to as
quasi-sine wave, pseudo-sine wave, step-sine, square wave, or trapezoidal
wave form. Caution must be sued when a vendor claims a UPS offers sine wave
output at typical load, at no load, or when the AC utility is present. This
strongly suggests the unit will not produce a true sine wave during battery
operation. This may result in improper load operation or damage to the load.
Thus, you would have to oversize the UPS with additional capacity to ensure
that type of wave form does not interfere with or damage the load. Be careful
when examining UPS specifications if you need to avoid products that produce
non-sine wave outputs.
|
Single Phase
|
A single phase power
system is one that has only one primary waveform.
|
Single-Line
Electrical Diagram
|
Diagrams indicating
routing location, and specifications for a power distribution system,
including all its components and loads.
|
Sinusoid
|
A smooth curve that
describes the mathematical formula Sine. If one looks at the power line
voltage with an oscilloscope, the waveform will appear as a sinusoid with a
frequency of 60 Hz.
|
Slew Rate
|
The rate in cycles
per second that the tracking oscillator shifts frequency to track the bypass
source.
|
SNMP
|
(Simple Network
Management Protocol) Format used for network management data. Data is passed
between SNMP agents (processes that monitor activity in hubs, routers,
bridges, etc.) and the workstation used to oversee the network. Originating
in the UNIX community, it has spread to VMS, DOS and other environments.
|
Snubber
|
A network containing
a resistor, capacitor, and diode used in the switching power supplies to trap
high-energy transients and protect sensitive components.
|
Snubber Circuit
|
A series of RC
network connected across each SCR to protect it against voltage transients
which could accidentally gate the SCR or cause physical damage.
|
Soft Start
|
Input surge current
limiting in a switching power supply where the switching drive is slowly
ramped on.
|
Source Impedance
|
The apparent
resistance of an alternating current source to supply current for
instantaneous load changes.
|
Specific Gravity
|
A measure of the
concentration of acid or alkali to water in battery electrolyte. It is based
on the relative densities of the acid or alkali and water.
|
Spike
|
Generally refers to
a voltage aberration that occurs on the power line. It deviates sharply from
the general wave shape. Its amplitude will be high and duration short.
|
Square Wave
|
A waveform of
voltage or current which has a square or rectangular shape. In UPS systems
this is usually the unfiltered output of an SCR step wave or PWR inverter.
|
Stand-By UPS
|
A UPS that operates
in the standby mode until demand is made. It then switches to an on-line
mode. Stand-by products are the most efficient, but provide the least
protection. Their primary use is to provide battery back- up during a power
outage.
|
Static Load
|
A load that remains
constant over a given time period. It is usually specified as a percentage of
full load.
|
Static Switch
|
A solid state switch
noted for its high speed. The static switch connects the bypass source to the
critical bus in the event of a UPS failure. In most systems, it is designed
only for momentary use until the bypass breaker has time to close. In the
Powerware 80-150, it carries the load when the unit is on bypass
continuously.
|
Step Wave
|
A voltage or current
waveform which looks like a stair step. It is created by combining multiple
square waves in an output circuit. The stair step waveform is shaped to closely
resemble a sine wave.
|
Stiff Current Source
|
One that can supply
relatively large amounts of current with little or no decrease in output
voltage. A source that has very low output impedance.
|
Storage Life (Shelf
Life)
|
The length of time
an item can be stored under specific conditions and still meet specified
requirements.
|
Substation
|
A place where power
a lower levels is taken from the high voltage transmission line. Houses
step-down transformers and switchgear required for local distribution.
|
Summary Alarm
Contact
|
This option provides
a single form C contact for customer use to indicate an alarm or trip
condition has occurred in the module.
|
Supervisory Contacts
|
There are 10 form C
contacts that indicate the status of various components the module as listed.
Utility Power On, UPS On, UPS Off UPS Alarm, UPS FAIL, Output Breaker Closed,
Battery Discharge, and additional contacts for single module bypass status.
|
Switchgear
|
Breakers, switches,
relays, or protective devices used to control power distribution.
|
SYNC
|
Synchronization: -
Refers to the act of adjusting the UPS frequency to match the phase of
another source. Usually refers to syncing the inverter to the bypass.
|
Synchronous Motor
|
An AC motor whose
speed is exactly proportional to the power input frequency.
|
THD
|
Total Harmonic
Distortion. (See Harmonics)
|
Thermal Protection
|
Protection via a
thermally actuated switch that interrupts the operation of a circuit, device,
or UPS if the internal temperature exceeds a predetermined value.
|
Thermistor
|
A device with
relatively high electrical resistance when cold and almost no resistance when
at operating temperature. Thermistors are sometimes used to limit inrush current
in off-line switchers.
|
Three Phase
|
A three phase power
system has three primary voltage waveforms spaced equally (in time) out of
phase with each other.
|
Three-Phase of Power
|
Three separate
outputs from a single source. There is a phase difference 120 degrees between
any two of the three voltages and currents.
|
Total Battery String
Voltage
|
The total voltage of
all cells in a single string.
|
Total Harmonic
Distortion
|
The total amount of
distortion created by the harmonics present in a circuit. Usually expressed
as a percent.
|
Total Loss of Power
|
Zero voltage
condition lasting more than one Hz (17 milliseconds); occurs in less than 5%
of all power loss problems.
|
Transducer
|
Any device that
senses one form of energy and converts it to another, as sound, force,
temperature, or humidity to electrical energy or vice versa.
|
Transfer
|
Refers to the act of
switching the critical load from the UPS to the bypass source, or from the
bypass source to the UPS output.
|
Transfer Switch
|
One used to transfer
the load between the UPS system and the bypass line.
|
Transfer Time
|
The amount of time
required to transfer the load from the output of the inverter to the output
of the bypass circuit.
|
Transformer
|
(1) An electrical
device constructed of wire wrapped in even layers around an air or metal
core. Several such windings can be wrapped on a common frame. The frame acts
as a circuit path for magnetic fields to connect from one winding to another.
By controlling the ratio of turns of wire from one winding to the next, one
can convert voltage and/or current from one value to another and connect
circuits with dissimilar impedance characteristics. (2) A magnetic device
that converts AC voltages to AC voltages at any level. An ideal transformer
is a lossless device in which no energy is stored and that requires no
magnetic current.
|
Transformer Tap
|
An extra connection
point on a transformer winding that allows one to adjust the input/output
turns ratio without actually changing the physical construction of the
transformer.
|
Transient
|
(1) A
high-amplitude, short-duration pulse superimposed on the normal voltage. (2)
A temporary and brief change in a given parameter. Typically associated with
input voltage or output loading parameters.
|
Transient Response
|
For power circuits,
the response of a circuit (usually specified in time) to return circuit
Voltage to normal, or a specified Voltage range, after a transient Voltage
surge is applied to the circuit.
|
Transient Response
Time
|
The amount of time
taken for an output to settle within some tolerance band, normally following
a stated change in load.
|
Transistor
|
A solid state switch
or amplifier. An active device used in electronic circuits to switch current
on or off to amplify current.
|
Transmission Line
|
The conductors used
to carry electrical energy from one location to another.
|
Trip
|
If a major alarm
condition is detected, the UPS will automatically remove itself from the sync
bus and shut itself down. This is known as a "trip".
|
Turnkey
|
A project in which
the contractor takes full responsibility for making a system operational so
that all the purchaser has to do is "turn-the-key."
|
Turn On
|
The conduction of a
semiconductor to the "ON" state.
|
UL
|
Underwriters'
Laboratories
An independent, not-for-profit organization testing for public safety in the
United States. UL recognition is required for equipment used in some
applications.
|
UL and CSA
Compliance
|
All U. S. domestic
UPS products must comply with Underwriters Laboratories UL1778 regulations
after April 1, 1992. These regulations are written specifically for UPS
products and are more stringent than the general UL regulations. UL1778
compliance is necessary for products supporting telecommunications systems.
Some UPS products also comply with Canadian Standards Act (CSA) regulations.
CSA requirements are similar to UL1778. Any product operated in Canada must
comply with CSA standards. Many U.S. vendors charge extra for this option.
Some vendors manufacture their products in Canada to comply with CSA
regulations but they may not comply wit UL1778 requirements (and vice versa).
Products should not be sold or operated in the United States without UL1778
compliance or in Canada without CSA compliance, otherwise they can void a firm's
insurance coverage.
|
Uninterruptible Power
System
|
A device designed to
supply power in the event of temporary or permanent loss of ac line power.
Often these supplies will operate with either an AC line input or DC battery
backup input. Alternate power source that corrects contamination, restores
power, and protects the equipment from further power loss. Previously
Uninterruptible Power Supply and Uninterruptible Power Source.
|
UPM
|
"Uninterruptible
Power Module" - A module (one of several) which provides conditioned and
uninterruptible power to the sync bus in a UPS system. UPM subsystems
include: the Rectifier/Charger, Inverter, and possibly a battery. The static
switch/transfer components are not present. A UPM is a UPS component and not
a UPS.
|
UPS
|
"Uninterruptible
Power System" - A system which provides conditioned and uninterruptible
power to a critical load. UPS subsystems include: the Rectifier/Charger,
Inverter, battery and static switch/transfer components. A stand-along,
complete UPS system.
|
Utility AC
|
A source derived
from commercial power or an auxiliary generator which is used as an alternate
source for the critical load.
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Volt-Ampere
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The product of a
Volt and an Ampere: a measure of power equivalent to a watt at 1.0 Power
Factor (Apparent Power).
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Voltage
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The term used for
the measure of potential difference between two points in an electrical
circuit. Voltage difference creates the electromotive force which causes
electrons to flow along a conductor.
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Voltage (Volts)
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The potential force
of an electric current flowing in a circuit. Voltage can be thought of as the
amount of water in a reservoir.
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Voltage Control
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A mode of regulation
for the rectifier/charger or the Inverter in which the output voltage is
regulated to a constant value.
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Volts/Cell
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Volts per cell.
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Voltage Regulator
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A circuit that
develops a constant output voltage regardless of input voltage variations.
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Voltage Sag
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Below normal voltage
input lasting approximately 0.12 - 0.53 seconds. Causes: lightning, elevator
or air conditioning.
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Voltage Surge
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Above normal voltage
input. Causes: heavy loads stopping
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Walk-Up
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The gradual rise of
the charger output voltage when the charger begins operation.
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Walk Into Load
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See Ramp into Load.
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Watt
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The rate of work
(1/746 horse power) represented by a current of one Ampere under a pressure
of one Volt (True Power).
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Waveform
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A cyclical voltage
or current will take on a repetitive characteristic shape that can be
described as having the form of a wave when viewed on a display device.
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Wet Cell Batteries
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Often referred to as
lead/acid or flooded, each case may contain one or more cells. The cases are
usually clear making plate inspection easy. This battery case allows easy
access for routine maintenance and service or electrolyte levels.
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Witness Test
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A test conducted by
the manufacturer and witnessed by the purchaser to confirm proper operation.
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Wye
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A three-phase source
or load connection, with single common junction and three-phase lines out.
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Wye-Delta
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The interconnections
between a wye source and a delta load.
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Wye-Wye
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The interconnections
between a wye source and a wye load.
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