TNB Power Quality Handbook

Voltage Sag Solutions for
Industrial Customers
A guidebook by Tenaga Nasional Berhad
Power Quality Guidebook
- Page 1-
The suggestions contained in this book are generic in nature. The reader
must always consult the equipment manufacturer before applying any
suggestions. TNB and the editorial members shall not be held responsible
for any consequences arising from application of any suggestion contained
herein.
Copyright 2007 Tenaga Nasional Berhad
- Page 2-
Prepared and Edited by:

Author
Mohamed Fuad Faisal
Senior Technical Expert (Power Quality & EE)

Engineering Services, Engineering Dept,
Distribution Division TNB
Editors
Nah Wan Hj.Abdullah
General Manager (Engineering Services)

Engineering Dept, Distribution Division TNB
Halim Osman
Chief Engineer
Ahmad Kamel Aziz
Principal Engineer (Support Services)

Contributions from:
Abd. Aziz Abd. Rahman Deputy Director
Department of Electricity Supply
Energy Commission
Chew Shee Fuee
The Electrical & Electronics Association of

Malaysia (TEEAM)
Bryan Tan Teow Chang Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

Ooi Chee Wee
Association of Consulting Engineers of Malaysia

(ACEM)
Date: 28 March 2007
- Page 3-
- Page 4-
Foreword by Chairman of Energy Commission

I would like to congratulate TNB on its
effort to produce this book on power quality
titled Voltage Sag Solutions for Industrial
Customers.
This book comes at an opportune time as the
impetus of growth for the nation is being
focused on capital intensive industries and
as such the demand for quality of supply
from the utility is of importance. As such the
focus has now shifted from addressing
issues related to reliability in the late
nineties to that of power quality now.
The new economy with an array of other global pressures has increased the need for
industries to remain competitive and as such the drive for automation. Technology brings
with itself other manifested issues and among them is power quality.
The Government through the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has set
up a National Committee on Business Competitiveness to look at measures to be adopted
and implemented for maintaining our competitive edge. As such, the effort taken by
SIRIM and Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) in coming up with the MS IEC
standards is definitely a step forward in achieving a more compatible power supply and
equipment relationship, in line with similar efforts all over the world. We are proud to
know that the committee had adopted several IEC 61000 series standards to be the
standards for power quality compatibility in Malaysia.
While power quality seems to be a concern for both the customer and the utility it
requires an equal understanding of the issue from all industry players including
consultants, equipment manufacturers, the government and the regulator. As such, TNB
and the affected consumer need to co-operate and work hand in hand to find the most
effective and economical solution to mitigate the problems. Whilst TNB is spending
billions on system improvement, customers need to ensure all their equipment meet or
exceed the MS IEC standards on power quality compatibility.
Finally, I congratulate TNB again for this effort and hope that this education process
would be continuous.
Dato Pian Sukro

Chairman
Energy Commission
- Page 5-
Foreword by President/CEO of TNB

First of all, congratulation, to the Engineering
Department (Distribution Division) for taking the
initiative in producing this book called Voltage
Sag Solutions for Industrial Customers.
At TNB, we care about the reliability, consistency,
and quality of power supply more than ever. The
reason is straightforward. People are using more
and more sophisticated electronic controls in their
business equipment, most of which are sensitive to
voltage variations. Minor fluctuations in power
supply such as momentary voltage sags or transients
can cause problems with electronic business
equipment like never before.
The electricity electromagnetic environment has never been one of constant voltage and
frequency. Until recently, most electrical equipment could operate satisfactorily during
expected deviations from the nominal voltage and frequency supplied by the utility. In
the modern industrial facility, many electrical and electronic devices have been
incorporated into the automated processes. No doubt that programmable logic controllers
(PLCs), adjustable-speed drives (ASDs), energy efficient motors, CNC machines, and
other power electronic devices increase productivity, increase the quality of products, and
decrease the cost to customers of those products. However, they also increase the
potential for problems with the electrical compatibility requirement because they are not
as forgiving of their electrical environment as the earlier technologies. As a result of this
recent increase in equipment vulnerability, the owners of industrial processes have
experienced unexplained process interruptions and unplanned equipment shutdowns.
Many process interruptions due to electromagnetic disturbances can actually be
prevented. With a little knowledge of power quality issues, owners of industrial processes
can learn to identify causes of electromagnetic disturbances and take action to prevent
their recurrence. This guidebook identifies the most common electromagnetic
disturbances that can trouble industrial processes. It also discusses process equipment that
are vulnerable to these disturbances and solutions that make the equipment more
compatible with the electromagnetic environment.
We at TNB are always willing to provide information and support our customers in their
efforts to improve the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of their installations.
Dato Sri Che Khalib Mohd Noh

President/CEO
Tenaga Nasional Berhad
- Page 6-
Foreword by Vice President (Distribution Division of TNB)

Power quality, which could be generally understood
by many as the variations in the supply voltage, is
indeed another critical dimension of service quality
that TNB, customers and other industry
stakeholders need to appreciate and contribute to
manage under current and future business scenarios.
The most significant category of power disturbance
from the perspective of both customers and utility
like TNB is the short duration voltage disturbance
or more commonly known as voltage sag. Such a
power quality variation invariably has major impact
in terms of production losses on many modern
manufacturing industries and businesses that are
equipped with sophisticated microprocessor-based
technologies.
Voltage sag is normally associated with the utilitys network operations at both
transmission (T) and distribution (D) levels. It is TNBs obligation to continuously
improve its T and D power delivery system in terms of reducing the number of
interruptions. Having said that, there will always be incidences of tripping due to
external disturbances especially atmospheric activity, and subsequently voltage sags that
will impact the highly sensitive customers. Such inherent incompatibility will continue
to exist as much as TNB tries to close the gap from its reliability improvement initiatives.
The above scenario therefore requires greater collaboration between TNB and such
sensitive customers in understanding the impact of voltage sag performance on processes
and particularly in identifying the most critical equipment or controls for possible
application of power conditioners. Based on TNBs experience in studying impact of
voltage sags on highly sensitive customers, there are certainly proven and economic
mitigating solutions.
It is important to note that TNB considers network performance as its prime agenda. For
the past few years, the annual SAIDI figures have shown marked improvement.
This PQ guidebook is intended to provide useful illustrations to customers and utility
engineers on many possible solutions towards ensuring adequate equipment immunity
against voltage sag. Improving the immunity of highly sensitive equipment or controls
will go a long way in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility of customers equipment
and processes to the utilitys supply environment. Such investments on mitigating
solutions can indeed minimize costly equipment mal-operations and disruptions to
manufacturing and business processes.
DatoIr. Aishah bte Dato Hj.Abdul Rauf
Vice President (Distribution)
Tenaga Nasional Berhad
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Sections
Page Number
Section 1
Overview of Power Quality in Malaysia
1.1
1.2
1.3
The present power quality environment in Malaysia

Equipment has become more sensitive to voltage disturbances
Voltage disturbances generated by customers equipment
Section 2
Steady State Supply Voltage performance
13-14
Section 3
Understanding Power Quality and EMC
15-20
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
Definition of Power Quality

Understanding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Understanding Electromagnetic Disturbances
Common Power System Electromagnetic Phenomena
Overcoming Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues
Section 4
Understanding Voltage Sags
4.1
4.2
4.3
Definition of voltage sags

Sources of voltage sags
Impact of voltage sags to industrial equipment
Section 5
Equipment Compatibility Requirement
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Power quality design philosophy

Understanding equipment immunity requirement
Immunity requirement
MS IEC 61000-4-11
MS IEC 61000-4-34
Section 6
Characterizing Equipment Sensitivity
6.1
6.2
6.3
Objective of equipment immunity testing

Analyzing machinery immunity and sensitivity to voltage sag
Improving equipment immunity to voltage sag
11-12
21-30
31-37
38-49
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Section 7
Solutions to Electromagnetic Disturbances
7.1
7.2
Understanding grounding solution

Understanding wiring solution: Separation of sensitive
electronic loads from other equipment
General power quality improvement equipment for
customers
7.3
50-55
Section 8
Solutions to Voltage Sag
8.1
8.2
8.3
Equipment procurement specifications

Voltage sag solutions for existing industrial plant
Single phase power conditioners for voltage sag mitigation
Section 9
Large scale solutions to Voltage Sag s
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
Active Voltage Conditioner (AVC)

Datawave
Flywheel
Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR)
Three phase Dynamic Compensator (Dynacom)
Dynamic Sag Corrector (ProDysc)
Dynamic Sag Corrector (MegaDysc)
References
56-69
70-77
78-79
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Section 1
1.1
Overview of Power Quality in Malaysia
The present power quality environment in Malaysia
One of main driving force that helps to accelerate industrialization process in

a country like Malaysia is direct foreign investment in manufacturing. In the
majority of cases, the manufacturers are establishing or refurbishing plants
with high-tech equipment for increased productivity that requires high
quality power. Therefore, one particular luring attribute is the ability of the
countrys power utility to provide the power quality requirement demanded
by these customers. With the increased use of power electronics in the
industrial and commercial sectors, new power quality problems such as
harmonics have emerged which have to be addressed by power utilities
worldwide.
Power quality has now become an important component of service reliability
to both utility and customers. The power quality problem has now become
more critical due to industrial equipment becoming more sensitive to minor
voltage variations.
1.2
Equipment has become more sensitive to voltage disturbances
In Malaysia, electronic equipment has become much more sensitive than

their predecessors 10 or 30 years ago. Not only has equipment become more
sensitive, companies have also become more intolerant to loss of production
time due to their reduced profit margins and competitiveness.
The sensitivity of small a.c induction motors to voltage sags is found to be
very much dependent on the performance of the contactors used in the
control circuitry. In the majority of cases, the sensitivity of the contactors
could be adjusted to override most of the voltage sags.
Large a.c induction motors are normally connected through circuit breakers
with under-voltage relays. On many occasions, the under-voltage relays
(UVR) were found to trip instantaneously. Direct Current (d.c) motors with
variable speed drive (VSD) or adjustable speed drives (ASD) are commonly
provided with under-voltage relays that are easily affected by voltage sags.
The drive controller unit has also been found to be sensitive to voltage sags
resulting in mal-operation. In many cases, motors equipped with ASDs also
- Page 11-
generate harmonics into the installation compounding the power quality

problems.
1.3 Voltage disturbances generated by customers equipment
Most of the power quality problems experienced by the customers in
Malaysia are voltage sags. Voltage sags that occurred are due to shortcircuits in the power delivery systems and faults from customers internal
installations.
There are widespread beliefs among utility customers that voltage sags are
problems that only originate from the utility systems. The utility has on
many instances experienced cases of short-circuits in the customers
installations including internal transformer faults, cable failures and motor
starting phenomena that resulted in the malfunction of sensitive equipment
of other customers connected to the same source of supply.
There are also proven cases where the sources of the power quality
disturbances were linked to the end-user equipment. Modern electronic
equipment is not only sensitive to voltage disturbances but could also be the
source of the voltage disturbance itself. The increased use of converterdriven equipment (from consumer electronics and computers, to adjustable
speed drives) has led to a large growth in the number of voltage
disturbances. The main issue here is the non-sinusoidal current drawn by
rectifiers and inverters. The input current not only contain a power
frequency component but also the so-called harmonic components with
frequencies equal to multiples of the fundamental power frequency of 50 Hz.
The harmonic distortion of the current leads to the existence of harmonic
components in the supply voltage. Equipment has produced harmonic
distortion for a number of decades. However, harmonic distortion issues
become serious due to substantial growth of load fed via power electronic
devices in the last 20 years or so. The cumulative impact of such equipment
could cause a serious distortion of the supply voltage.
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Section 2
Steady State Supply Voltage performance
Before more details are presented on the definition of electromagnetic

disturbances, it is good that we first understand the definition of voltage
regulation. Most customers and consultants often dispute the definition of
voltage regulation and electromagnetic disturbances.
The term "voltage regulation" is used to discuss long-term variations in
voltage. It does not include short-term variations, which are generally called
voltage sags or voltage swells.
The ability of equipment to handle steady state voltage variations varies
from equipment to equipment. The steady state voltage variation limits for
equipment is usually part of the equipment specifications. The Information
Technology Industry Council (ITIC) specifies equipment withstand
recommendations for IT equipment according to the ITI Curve (formerly the
CBEMA curve). The 1996 ITI Curve specifies that equipment should be
able to withstand voltage variations within +/- 10% of nominal voltage
(variations that last longer than 10 seconds) [1].
In Malaysia, the voltage regulation requirements are defined in two
categories: Range A is for normal conditions and the required regulation is as
follows:
Table 1:
Steady -state voltage level fluctuation limits

under normal conditions
Nominal Voltage
400V and 230V *
6.6kV, 11kV, 22kV, 33kV
132kV and 275kV
% Variation of nominal voltage

-6% and +10%
5%
-5% and +10%
* Note: The new low voltage regulation limits are based on the
new MS IEC 60038: 2006
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Range B is for short durations or unusual conditions. Under

contingency condition, when one or more circuit elements are on
outage, the power frequency steady-state voltage at all points in the
utilitys distribution system including the points before the
consumer metering must be planned to be maintained as follows:
Table 2:
Steady-State Voltage Fluctuation

Contingency Condition
Nominal Voltage
400V and 230V
6.6kV, 11kV, 22kV, 33kV
132kV and 275kV
Limits
under
% Variation of nominal voltage

10%
10%
10%
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Section 3
3.1
Understanding Power Quality and EMC
Definition of Power Quality
Power quality is a term used to discuss events in electric power grids that
can damage or disrupt sensitive electronic devices. There are many ways in
which a power feed can be poor in quality, and so no single figure can
completely quantify the quality of a power feed.
Power quality is actually a compatibility problem, or to be exact
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problem. Is the equipment connected
to the power grid compatible with the events on the grid, and is the power
delivered by the grid, including the events, compatible with the equipment
that is connected? Compatibility problems always have at least two
solutions: in this case, either clean up the power, or make the equipment
tougher.
Ideally, electric power would be supplied as a sine wave with the amplitude
and frequency given by national standards (in the case of mains) or system
specifications (in the case of a power feed not directly attached to the mains)
with an impedance of zero ohms at all frequencies.
However, no real life power feed will ever meet this ideal condition. It can
deviate in the following ways (among others):
Variations in the peak or rms voltage (both these figures are important
to different types of equipment). When the rms voltage exceeds the
nominal voltage by a certain margin, the event is called a "swell". A
"dip" (in UK English) or a "sag" (in American English - the two terms
are equivalent) is the opposite situation: the rms voltage is below the
nominal voltage by a certain margin.
An "undervoltage" or brownout occurs when the low voltage persists

over a longer period of time.
Variations in the frequency
Variations in the wave shape - usually described as harmonics
- Page 15-
Quick and repetitive variations in the rms voltage. This produces

flicker in lighting equipment.
Abrupt, very brief increases in voltage, called "spikes", "impulses", or

"surges", generally caused by large inductive loads being turned off,
or more severely by lightning.
Non zero low-frequency impedance (when a load draws more power,

the voltage drops)
Non zero high-frequency impedance (when a load demands a large

amount of current, then stops demanding it suddenly, there will be a
dip or spike in the voltage due to the inductances in the power supply
line)
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3.2
Understanding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is the branch of electrical sciences

which studies the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of
electromagnetic energy with reference to the unwanted effects that such an
energy may induce. To this purpose, the goal of EMC is the correct
operation, in the same electromagnetic environment, of different equipment
which involve electromagnetic phenomena in their operation [2].
In order to achieve such an objective, EMC pursues two different issues:
emission issues, in particular, are related to the reduction of unintentional
generation of electromagnetic energy and/or to the countermeasures
which should be taken in order to avoid the propagation of such an
energy towards the external environment,
and susceptibility or immunity issues, which refer to the correct operation
of electrical equipment in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances.
Noise mitigation and hence electromagnetic compatibility is achieved by
addressing both emission and susceptibility issues, i.e., quieting the sources
of interference, making the disturbance propagation path less efficient, and
making the potential victims installation less vulnerable.
When the propagation of electromagnetic disturbances in guiding structures,
i.e. conductors, transmission lines, wires, cables, printed circuit board (PCB)
traces, is by a guided propagation mechanism, conducted emission and
susceptibility issues are considered, whereas, when open-space propagation
of electromagnetic disturbances is addressed, the points of focus become
radiated emission and susceptibility phenomena.
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3.3
Understanding Electromagnetic Disturbances
Electromagnetic disturbance is an electromagnetic event, which may

degrade the performance of a device, equipment or system, or adversely
affect living or inert matter. An electromagnetic disturbance may be an
electromagnetic noise, an unwanted signal or an immediate change in the
propagation medium.
3.4
Common Power System Electromagnetic Phenomena
The IEEE 1159:1995 contains several additional terms related to the IEC
terminology. The term voltage sag is used synonymously with the IEC term,
voltage dip. The category of short duration variation is used to refer to the
voltage dips and short interruptions as defined by the IEC standards [3].
The category of waveform distortion is used as a container category for the
IEC harmonics, inter harmonics and d.c in a.c networks phenomena as well
as an additional events from IEEE 519 called notching. Table 3 describes the
IEEE categorization of electromagnetic phenomena used for power quality
community.
Table 3:
Categories and typical characteristics of power system

electromagnetic phenomena defined in IEEE 1159:1995
Item Category
1.0
Typical
duration
Transients
1.1 Impulsive
1.1.1 Nanosecond
1.1.2 Microsecond
1.1.3 Millisecond
< 50 ns
50 ns 1ms
< 1ms
> 1ms
1.2 Oscillatory
1.2.1 Low frequency
1.2.2 Medium frequency
1.2.3 High frequency
0.3 50 ms
20 s
5 s
Typical voltage
magnitude in per unit
0-4 pu
0-8 pu
0-4 pu
- Page 18-
2.0
Short duration variations

2.1 Instantaneous
2.1.1 Interruption
2.1.2 Sag (dip)
2.1.3 Swell
3.0
0.5 30
cycles
0.5 30
cycles
0.5 30
cycles
< 0.1 pu
0.1-0.9 pu
1.1-1.8 pu
2.2 Momentary
2.2.1 Interruption
2.2.2 Sag (Dip)
2.2.3 Swell
30 cycles-3s
30 cycles-3s
30 cycles-3s
< 0.1 pu
0.1 0.9 pu
1.1 1.4 pu
2.3 Temporary
2.3.1 Interruption
2.3.2 Sag (Dip)
2.3.3 Swell
3s 1min
3s 1min
3s 1min
< 0.1 pu
0.1 0.9 pu
1.1 1.2 pu
> 1 min
< 0.1 pu
> 1 min
> 1 min
0.1-0.9 pu
1.1 1.2 pu
Long duration variations

3.1 Interruption
sustained
3.2 Under voltages
3.3 Over voltages
4.0
Voltage unbalance
Steady state
0.5 2 %
5.0
Waveform distortion
5.1 d.c offset
5.2 Harmonics
5.3 Inter harmonics
Steady state
Steady state
Steady state
0-0.1 %
0-20 %
0-2 %
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3.5
Overcoming Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Issues
EMC is a characteristic of equipment or systems that mutually withstand

their respective electromagnetic emissions. Equipment and systems are
always subject to electromagnetic disturbances, and any electro-technical
equipment is, itself, more or less an electromagnetic disturbance generator.
According to the IEC 61000-2-1[4], EMC is the ability of a device or system
to function satisfactorily in its electromagnetic environment without
introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances to anything in that
environment.
For all electro-technical equipment, EMC must be considered right from the
initial design phase and the various principles and rules carried on through to
manufacture and installation. This means that all those involved, from the
engineers and architects that design a building to the technicians that wire
the electrical cabinets, including the specialists that design the various
building networks and the crews that install them, must be concerned with
EMC - a discipline aimed at achieving the "peaceful" coexistence of
equipment sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances (which may therefore
be considered as the "victim") alongside equipment emitting such
disturbances (in other words, the "source" of the disturbances).
EMC is now becoming a discipline aimed at improving the coexistence of
equipment or systems, which may emit electromagnetic disturbance and/or
be sensitive to them [5].
- Page 20-
Section 4
4.1
Understanding Voltage Sags
Definition of voltage sags
Voltage sags are one of the electromagnetic disturbances that exist in the
electromagnetic environment that affect sensitive equipment. Voltage sag is
a short-term reduction of rms voltage. It is specified in terms of duration
and retained voltage, usually expressed as a percentage of the nominal rms
voltage remaining at the lowest point during the sag. Voltage sag means that
the full required energy is not being delivered to the load and this can have
serious consequences depending on the type of load involved. The MS IEC
61000 series define voltage sag as a sudden reduction in voltage to a value
between 90% to 10 % of nominal voltage, for a duration of 10 ms (1/2 cycle)
to 60 seconds [5].
E
v
e
n
t
M
a
g
n
i
t
u
d
e
110% Transients
Swell
High voltage
Normal operating voltage

90%
10%
T
r
a
n
s
i
e
n
t
0.5 cycle
Figure 1:
Voltage Sag
Under voltage
Momentary Temporary
Sustained interruption
3sec
1 min
Event duration
Definition of Voltage Disturbances (IEEE 1159:1995)
- Page 21-
Normal Voltage waveform
Voltage Sag/Under voltage waveform
Transient waveform
Voltage Swell/ Over Voltage
Figure 2:
Voltage waveforms
- Page 22-
4.2 Sources of voltage sags

There are three main causes of voltage sags; starting of large motor loads
either on the affected site or by a consumer on the same circuit, faults on
other branches of the supply network, and faults in the internal supply
scheme of the customers installation.
The primary source of voltage sags observed on the supply network is the
electrical short circuit occurring at any point on the electricity supply
system.
The short circuit causes a very large increase in current, and this, in turn,
gives rise to large voltage drops in the impedances of the supply system [7].
Short circuit faults are unavoidable occurrences on electricity systems. They
have many causes, but basically they involve a breakdown in the dielectric
between two structures which are intended to be insulated from each other
and are maintained at different potentials.
Many short circuits are caused by over voltages, which stress the insulation
beyond its capacity [7]. Atmospheric lightning is a notable cause of such
over voltages. Alternatively, the insulation can be weakened, damaged or
bridged as a result of other weather effects, the impact or contact of animals,
vehicles, excavating equipment, etc., and as a result of deterioration with
age.
The typical electricity supply system conveys energy from multiple sources
(generating stations) to multiple loads (motors, resistive elements for
lighting, heating, the power supply modules of electronic devices, etc.). The
entire system, including generators, loads and everything in between, is a
single, integrated and dynamic system any change of voltage, current,
impedance, etc. at one point instantaneously brings about a change at every
other point on the system.
Most supply systems are three-phase systems. The short circuit can occur
between phases, phase and neutral, or phase and earth. Any number of
phases can be involved.
At the point of the short circuit, the voltage effectively collapses to zero.
Simultaneously, at almost every other point on the system the voltage is
reduced to the same or, more generally, a lesser extent.
- Page 23-
Supply systems are equipped with protective devices to disconnect the short
circuit from the source of energy. As soon as that disconnection takes place,
there is an immediate recovery of the voltage, approximately to its previous
value, at every point except those disconnected. Some faults are selfclearing: the short circuit disappears and the voltage recovers before
disconnection can take place.
The sudden reduction of voltage, followed by voltage recovery, as just
described, are the events known as voltage sags.
Excavator (3rd party digging)
Crane encroachment
Figure 3:
Lightning strikes
Animals/Birds
Common causes of voltage sags

- Page 24-
Figure 4:
Voltage sag waveform due to faults in the supply

networks
The switching of large loads, energizing of transformers, starting of large

motors and the fluctuations of great magnitude that are characteristic of
some loads can all produce large changes in current similar in effect to a
short circuit current. Although the effect is generally less severe at the point
of occurrence, the resulting changes in voltage observed at certain locations
can be indistinguishable from those arising from short circuits. In that case
they also are categorized as voltage sags. (In the management of public
networks, however, limits are applied, as a condition of supply, to the
permissible voltage fluctuations from this cause) [8].
Since the supply and the cabling of the installation are dimensioned for
normal running current, the high initial current causes a voltage drop in both
the supply network and the installation. Voltage sags caused by starting
currents are characterized by being less deep and much longer than those
caused by network faults typically from one to several seconds or tens of
seconds, as opposed to being less than one second.
- Page 25-
Figure 5:
Voltage sag waveform due to motor starting
Figure 6:
A large motor in an industrial plant

- Page 26-
4.3
Impact of voltage sags to industrial equipment
Electronic equipment, which is now so integral to industrial and commercial

power systems, can fail or malfunction if subjected to a voltage, current, or
frequency deviation.
Before the era of solid-state electronics, power quality was not discussed
because it had little or no effect on most loads connected to electrical
distribution systems. When an induction motor suffered a voltage sag, it did
not shut itself down but simply "spun out" fewer horsepower until the sag
ended. The same was true for incandescent or fluorescent lighting systems in
a facility-the lumen output just decreased temporarily.
But today, as sensitive equipment and processes become more complex and
downtime costs increase, contractors and engineers have to specify and
install specialized equipment to avoid undesirable situations.
The ideal power-supply voltage for sensitive electronic equipment is an
uninterrupted sinusoidal waveform of constant amplitude. Any event that
compromises this condition is called a power quality disturbance. Power
quality disturbances as brief as one-half cycle can affect the operation of
sensitive electronic equipment.
4.3.1 Impact of voltage sags to electronic equipment
Electronic devices require a more controlled electrical environment than
most other loads. This is especially true when it comes to the input voltage.
If the voltage of the power supply varies beyond the specifications of the
device, then problems can occur.
Recall that a voltage sag is not simply a change in the rms magnitude, but a
change over a discrete period of time. This time interval is important in
terms of determining acceptable voltage.
The fundamental issue behind the symptoms related to voltage sags is how
much energy is being transferred into the power supply. If inadequate energy
is going into the power supply due to voltage sag, then the d.c voltage
applied to the integrated circuits drops [9]. If this happens, the device will
shut down, lock up, or garble data. If the device shuts down, it will usually
restart as soon as enough energy gets back into the supply.
- Page 27-
On the other hand, if too much energy goes into the supply because of a
voltage swell, it will probably cause damage. Blown power supplies are the
most common result of large swells. Obviously, if the power supply fails
then the whole device goes down.
Figure 7:
Common electronic equipment in the office
4.3.2 Impact of voltage sags to motors

Motors are extremely tolerant to voltage sags and voltage swells. Unless the
rms magnitudes are either very low or very high, motors typically have little
response to these voltage variations. Keep in mind that if the motors are
controlled by electronic drive controllers, the discussion on electronic
equipment applies.
If the magnitudes are extreme, or if these disturbances occur frequently, then
several symptoms may develop. First, extreme swells will electrically stress
the windings on the stator. This leads to premature motor failure. Second,
extreme sags may cause the motor to lose enough rotational inertia to affect
its performance or task. Third and last, if sags happen frequently enough, the
motor may draw high inrush currents often enough to trip a breaker.
- Page 28-
Figure 8:
Electric motor
4.3.3 Impact of voltage sags to lighting systems

Most lighting systems are tolerant of voltage sags and voltage swells.
Incandescent systems will simply burn brighter or dimmer. Overall life
expectancy may be affected, and the change in brightness may be annoying,
but no other adverse reactions usually occur. This change in brightness is
often called "flicker."
Figure 9:
Lighting facilities
Fluorescent systems may not fare quite as well. Standard ballasts are
typically more tolerant than electronic ballasts. In both cases there may be
some flicker, but the real concerns are with restarts and reliability. If voltage
sags are deep enough, then the ballast will no longer be able to provide the
energy needed to generate the arc inside the fluorescent tube. This means a
dark lamp. If swells are extreme, then the ballast is stressed, causing
- Page 29-
premature failure. High intensity discharge, or HID lighting such as mercury

vapor, metal halide, and high and low pressure sodium lights are also more
sensitive to sags and swells. While their response is very similar to
electronic fluorescent ballasts, the lamps themselves are typically more
sensitive than the ballasts.
A common problem is HID systems turning off during voltage sag. Sodium
discharge lamps have a much higher striking voltage when hot than cold, so
that a hot lamp may not restart after a dip. The magnitude of dip that will
cause a lamp to extinguish may be as little as 2 % at the end of life or as high
as 45 % when new.
Unlike fluorescent systems that will quickly turn back on, the HID system
must wait several minutes before being restarted. This is not only annoying
but can be dangerous.
4.3.4 Sensitive equipment in industrial plants
Voltage sags and swells give severe impact to the industrial customers
equipment. Truly severe swells may stress components to the point of
failure, but other than that there is seldom disruption or damage [9].
Problems may arise as the system responds to the reaction of the load to the
sag or swell. It is possible that if a sag or swell is extreme enough and lasts
long enough, the resultant over current could trip breakers, blow fuses or
damage the electronic components.
Figure 10:
Programmable
Logic Control
(PLC)
- Page 30-
Section 5
5.1
Equipment Compatibility Requirement
Power quality design philosophy
The effect of a voltage sag and short duration interruption on the users
equipment must be considered, with particular regard to the depth-duration
characteristics that are critical, and the user must take due account of the
possible consequences of any deterioration of performance or lapse in
operation of that equipment.
In the light of these consequences, the installation should from the very first
stage of planning, be designed to minimize disturbance and loss arising from
voltage sags, with due regard given to the economic considerations that
apply.
Satisfactory operation of the distribution system and customers' equipment is
only obtained when electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) exists between
them. The normal approach to electromagnetic compatibility is to observe
coordinated limits for both emission and immunity for the disturbance
events involved [10].
5.2
Understanding equipment immunity requirement
There are two aspects to EMC: (1) a piece of equipment should be able to
operate normally in its environment, and (2) it should not pollute the
environment too much. An agreement on immunity is a matter of foremost
concern between equipment manufacturers, utilities and customers.
The IEC standards set minimum requirements for voltage sag immunity for
sensitive equipment. It is important that all sensitive equipment should be
immune to its electromagnetic environment [11].
A device connected to the power system is exposed to an electromagnetic
environment not only due to the combined emission of all other devices
connected to the system but also due to all kinds of events in the power
system (like switching actions, short circuit faults and lightning strokes).
The immunity of the device should be assessed with reference to this
electromagnetic environment.
- Page 31-
For some locations and in some countries it may be possible for the
electricity utilities to provide basic information on the level of the
electromagnetic environment, for example the frequency of voltage sags to
be expected at the location concerned, subject to the uncertainties that are
unavoidable.
5.3
Voltage Sag Immunity requirement
Immunity standards define the minimum level of electromagnetic

disturbances that a piece of equipment shall be able to withstand. Before
being able to determine the immunity of a device, a performance criterion
must be defined.
5.3.1 Available equipment compatibility levels
Compatibility levels are reference values used for the coordination of
emission and immunity of equipment making up a network in order to
ensure electromagnetic compatibility throughout the whole system [12].
A range of standards had been published to address the fundamental
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues governing the connection of
sensitive equipment to a power system. Standards documentation sets out
guidelines for equipment connectivity and regulation of both conducted and
radiated EMC emission and susceptibility. A sub-set of most EMC standards
documentation governs the susceptibility of sensitive equipment to voltage
sags and surges.
- Page 32-
5.3.2 Voltage tolerance curves

5.3.2.1
CBEMA curve
The CBEMA (Computer and Business Equipment Manufacturers'

Association) power quality graph plots the depth of voltage sags on the
vertical axis against the duration of voltage sags on the horizontal axis. See
Figure 11.
Immunity
requirement
Figure 11: CBEMA curve
The line on the graph shows the sag immunity suggested by CBEMA. The
area inside the graph is the recommended voltage immunity for computers
and other business equipment.
- Page 33-
5.3.2.2
SEMI F47 curve
A notable addition to the industrial and IT process power quality standards

has been the recent specification SEMI F47-0706. The requirements of the
SEMI specification were developed to satisfy the needs of the
semiconductor industry. This specification sets minimum voltage sag
immunity requirements for equipment used in the semiconductor industry.
Immunity is specified in terms of voltage sag depth (in percent of nominal
voltage remaining during the sag) and voltage sag duration (in cycles or
seconds). This specification also sets procurement requirements, test
methods, pass/fail criteria, and test report requirements.
%
100
90
Immunity
zone
% of nominal voltage
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
ms
20
50 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 10,000
100,000
Duration of Voltage Sag (ms)
Figure 12: SEMI F47-0706 curve

Thus, the requirements developed in the SEMI specification are better suited
to the semiconductor industry. The SEMI (curve) staircase is specified for
voltage dips with a duration 0.05s 1s. An arguable advantage of the SEMI
curve as a benchmark for site performance profiling and CBEMA equipment
testing and approval is the stringent requirement on equipment to continue to
- Page 34-
function down to 50% retained voltage for dips of duration 0.05 200 ms
[13].
Although specified for semiconductor equipment, the tighter limits imposed
by the SEMI curve, (if applied as a benchmark for compliance) present the
electricity supply industry (ESI) and IT industrial process and manufacturing
industries with a more robust basis for ride-through declaration. While
delivering greater constraints at all levels in the supply chain, compliance
with a more rigid benchmark breeds a higher level of confidence in
equipment operability.
- Page 35-
5.4
MS IEC 61000-4-11 Testing and measurement techniques

Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations immunity tests
for equipment with input current less than 16 A per phase
The MS IEC 61000-4-11 standard defines the immunity test methods,

minimum immunity requirement and range of preferred test levels for
electrical and electronic equipment connected to low-voltage power supply
networks for voltage sags (Graph A), short interruptions (Graph B), and
voltage variations.
The MS IEC 61000-4-11 covers equipment installed in residential areas as
well as industrial machinery, specifically for voltage sags and short
interruptions for equipment connected to either 50 Hz or 60 Hz a.c networks,
including 1-phase and 3-phase mains. [14].
%
Graph A
100
90
Immunity
zone
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
Graph B
10
ms
0
20
50 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Figure 13: MS IEC 61000-4-11 (Class 3) curve
- Page 36-
5.5
IEC 61000-4-34 Testing and measurement techniques

Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations immunity tests
for equipment with input current more than 16 A per phase
The IEC 61000-4-34 standard is similar to the MS IEC 61000-4-11 standard.

The main difference is that it only applies to electrical and electronic
equipment having a rated input current exceeding 16 A per phase [15].
It also covers equipment installed in residential areas as well as industrial
machinery, specifically for voltage dips and short interruptions for
equipment connected to either 50 Hz or 60 Hz a.c. networks, including 1phase and 3-phase mains.
%
Graph A
100
90
80
Immunity
zone
70
60
50
40
30
20
Graph B
10
ms
0
20
50 100 150 200 300 400 500 600 700 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Figure 14: IEC 61000-4-34 (Class 3) curve
- Page 37-
Section 6
Characterizing Equipment Sensitivity
Voltage sags at equipment terminals are influenced by the transformer

connections between the fault location on the supply system and the
equipment connection point. The transformer connections will influence
both the magnitude and the phase relationship of the voltage sag experienced
by the equipment.
These phenomena are random in nature and can be minimally characterized
for the purpose of laboratory simulation in terms of the deviation from the
rated voltage, and duration. Consequently, different types of tests are
developed to simulate the effects of abrupt voltage change.
6.1
Objective of equipment immunity testing
The objective of this section is to define the test method used to characterize
the susceptibility of automated processes and automated test equipment to
voltage sags. In this section, the scope covers: a. Characterizing the susceptibility of equipment to voltage sags by
showing voltage sag duration and magnitude performance data for the
equipment.
b. Qualifying equipment to meet voltage sag ride-through specifications by
comparing the equipment voltage sag ride-through performance to
industry standards.
Sensitive machinery will be experiencing mal-operation every time a voltage
sag event occurs. This is due to the incapability of the equipment to ride
through the voltage sag event or in other words the immunity of the
equipment is very low.
The typical equipment sensitivity to voltage sag is shown in Table 4.
- Page 38-
Table 4:
Typical equipment sensitivity
Type of Equipment
Motor starter
Variable speed motor with electronics
PLC I/O Device
Frequency inverter
Variable Speed Drive rectifier
Process controller
Computerized numerical controlled lathe
Direct Current drive controller
Personal Computer
Contactors
Electromagnetic disconnecting switch
Electromagnetic relays
Medical equipment
Servo drives
Laser marker
Remaining
voltage [%]
50
85
50-90
82
50-80
70
70
88
50-70
50-60
50
50-60
60
80
90
Time duration
max [ms]
40
10
8-20
1.5
2-3
<8
<8
<8
60-160
20-30
10
15-40
130
50
100
Figure 15:
Programmable
Logic Control
(PLC)
- Page 39-
Figure 16: Secondary control panels
Figure 17: Frequency Inverter

- Page 40-
Figure 18: Alternating current (ac) drive
- Page 41-
Figure 19: Direct current (dc) drive
- Page 42-
Figure 20: Servo drive
- Page 43-
6.2
Analyzing machinery immunity and sensitivity to voltage sag
The first step towards a cost-effective solution is to understand the

sensitivity of the electronic equipment to momentary interruptions and
voltage sags. Customers can find this information by consulting the
equipment manufacturers specifications and testing data.
Another way to identify the sensitivity of equipment to voltage sags is by
using a measuring device called a voltage sag generator, which can generate
controlled voltage sags and records the responses of the equipment. In the
market today, there are a few types of programmable sag generators
available. Examples are the programmable ac source [16] and the industrial
power corruptor (IPC)[17].
Figure 21: Programmable AC source
- Page 44-
Figure 22: Industrial Power Corruptor (IPC)
The standards that describe procedures on how to obtain voltage tolerance

for equipment are MS IEC 61000-4-11, IEC 61000-4-34 and SEMI F42.
The preferred test levels for voltage sag immunity are shown in Table 5[15].
- Page 45-
Table 5:
Preferred test level and durations for voltage sags at 50 Hz
Classes
Test level and durations for voltage dips
Class 1
Class 2
Case by case according to the equipment requirement

0% during
0% during 1
70% during 25 cycle
cycle
cycle
0% during
0% during 1
40% during
70 % during
80 % during
cycle
cycle
10 cycle
25 cycle
250 cycle
Class 3
Class Xb
Note: The types of classes are defined in MS IEC 61000-2-4

Xb To be defined by product committee
Sensitive equipment in industrial plants must be tested at minimum Class 3.
6.2.1 Test instrumentation

6.2.1.1
Voltage sag generator
The following features are common to the generator for voltage sags, short
interruptions and voltage variations. The generator shall have provision to
prevent the emission of heavy disturbances, which, if injected into the power
supply network, may influence the test results [15].
Table 6:
Characteristics and performance of the sag generator
Output voltage at no load
As required in Table 5. 5% of residual voltage values
Voltage at the output of As required in Table 5, 10% of residual voltage value,

generator during equipment test measured as r.m.s. value refreshed each cycle per MS IEC
61000-4-30
Output current capability
Less than 16 A r.m.s (MS IEC 61000-4-11) or more than 16
A r.m.s (IEC 61000-4-34) per phase at rated voltage.
Voltage rise (and fall) time tr
Between 1 s and 5 s
(and tf), during abrupt change,
generator loaded with resistive
load
Phase angle at which the
0 to 360 with a maximum resolution of 5
voltage dip begins and ends
Phase relationship of voltage
Less than 10
dips and interruptions
with the power frequency
Zero crossing control of the
10
generators
- Page 46-
The test setup should consist of the following equipment as shown in Figure
23.
Data Acquisition
System (DAS)
Data measurement
Nominal Voltage
TNB Power
Supply
Sag
Generator
Test Voltage
PCC
Device Under Test

(DUT)
Figure 23: Voltage immunity testing

- Page 47-
6.2.2 Evaluation of test results [15]

The test results shall be classified in terms of the loss of function or
degradation of performance of the equipment under test, relative to a
performance level defined by its manufacturer or the requestor of the test, or
agreed between the manufacturer and the purchaser of the product.
The recommended classification is as follows [15]:
a) normal performance within limits specified by the manufacturer,
requestor or purchaser;
b) temporary loss of function or degradation of performance which
ceases after the disturbance ceases, and from which the equipment
under test recovers its normal performance, without operator
intervention;
c) temporary loss of function or degradation of performance, the
correction of which requires operator intervention;
d) loss of function or degradation of performance, which is not
recoverable, owing to damage to hardware or software, or loss of
data.
The manufacturer's specification may define the effects on the DUT, which
may be considered insignificant, and therefore acceptable. This classification
may be used as a guide in formulating performance criteria, product and
product-family standards, or as a framework for the agreement on
performance criteria between the manufacturer and the purchaser, for
example in instances where no suitable generic, product or product-family
standard exists.
6.3
Improving equipment immunity to voltage sag
After the voltage sensitivity of the equipment is known, analysis can be done
to identify measures to improve its immunity to voltage sag. With regard to
voltage sags that are moderate in depth and duration, some equipment can
have a certain level of inherent immunity, for example by virtue of its inertia
or energy storage capacity. Alternatively, it may be possible to make design
adjustments or use of additional support equipment so that this internal
property is manifest.
- Page 48-
However, for short interruptions and the more severe voltage sags, immunity
is not, in its strict sense, a feasible concept. The essential character of the
event is that it involves the complete cessation or severe diminution of the
energy supply for a brief interval. No electrical device can continue to
operate as intended in the absence of its energy supply.
Therefore, such immunity as can be provided from these disturbances tends
to be extrinsicit is a matter of either providing for:
fast restoration of energy from an alternative source or,
arranging for the equipment and its associated process to adapt in an
intended manner to the brief interruption or diminution of power.
- Page 49-
Section 7
Common solutions to electromagnetic disturbances
The common acceptable solutions for power quality problems frequently

involve some combination of wiring and grounding upgrades and the use of
mitigation equipment. In some cases, it may be more cost effective for the
customer to purchase and install mitigation equipment than to re-wire all or
part of a facility. This is particularly true when the facility includes
numerous additions or has undergone many remodeling.
7.1
Understanding grounding solution
The primary purpose of grounding electrical systems is to protect personnel

and property if a fault (short circuit) were to occur. A second purpose of a
grounding system is to provide a controlled, low impedance path for
lightning-induced currents to flow to earth harmlessly.
All metal objects that enclose electrical conductors, or are likely to become
energized in the event of a fault or electrostatic discharge, must be
effectively grounded to provide personnel safety, as well as equipment
performance. It is best to use solidly grounded ac supply systems.
Grounding is an extremely important electrical consideration for the proper
operation of electronic equipment. The ground conductor provides a
designed path to ground (earth). A properly designed grounding system
should have as low an impedance as is practically achievable for proper
operation of electronic devices as well as for safety.
Electronic equipment can be sensitive to stray currents and electronic noise.
It is important to utilize a continuous, dedicated ground for the entire power
system so as to avoid a ground differential between various grounds being
used. The connection to earth or the electrode system, needs to have
sufficiently low resistance to help permit prompt operation of the circuit
protective devices in the event of a ground fault, to provide the required
safety from shock to personnel, and protect the equipment from voltage
gradients that may damage the equipment.
- Page 50-
7.1.1 Understanding isolated ground

Isolated grounding is a loosely defined technique that attempts to reduce the
chances of electrical noise entering the sensitive equipment through the
equipment grounding conductor. The exact methods used in isolated ground
wiring vary somewhat from case to case, and there is no defined standard
method.
In a typical branch circuit, the grounding conductor of the equipment is
connected to the metallic outlet box through the connection of the grounding
conductor screw to the mounting strap, as well as to the green grounding
conductor for that circuit. It is then further connected to the metallic panel
board enclosure where the branch circuit originated. There, it can pick up
noise from adjacent circuits sharing the panel board.
Usage of multiple rods with a ground ring is advisable to ensure low
resistance to ground (1 ohms or less is desirable, even less for certain
sensitive applications, such as telecommunications facilities).
- Page 51-
7.2
Understanding wiring solutions: Separation of sensitive electronic

loads from other equipment
A dedicated "computer" circuit in each office is a good idea, at least back to

the branch circuit panel. A better idea, and required in some cases, is to
power sensitive equipment from separate branch circuits emanating from
separate panel boards, fed from separate feeders back to the main service
entrance.
The neutrals and grounding conductors need to be kept separate also. A
dedicated circuit means separate phase wires, a separate neutral, with a
separate grounding conductor, run in its own separate metal conduit, back to
the source.
Avoid having sensitive equipment on the same circuits, or even panel
boards, as motor loads. Such equipment as laser printers, copying machines
and fax machines should be kept separate from computers.
For better understanding on wiring and grounding solutions, the IEC
standards to be referred are: IEC document
IEC 60364-1
IEC 60364-4-41
IEC 60364-4-43
IEC 60364-4-44
IEC 60364-5-53
IEC 60364-5-54
Description
Electrical installations of buildings Part 1: Scope,
object and fundamental principles
Electrical installations of buildings Part 4-41:
Protection for safety- Protection against electric shock
Protection for safety Protection against overcurrent.
Protection for safety Protection against
electromagnetic and voltage disturbances.
Selection & erection of electrical equipment
Isolation, switching and control.
Selection & erection of electrical equipment Earthing
arrangement
- Page 52-
7.3
General power quality improvement equipment for customers
There is a variety of mitigating equipment available for improving the

quality of electric power for the sensitive loads. They range from those that
are inexpensive and provide little protection to those that protect against
almost all eventualities at a much higher price. The typical power
disturbances and types of protection equipment advisable to be used for
customers installations are shown in Table 7.
Table 7:
Typical Power Disturbances and General Protection

Equipment for customer
Type of
disturbances
Impact
Protection Equipment
Voltage sag is a
momentary decrease
in voltage outside the
normal tolerance.
Incorrect operation
of
power-down
sensing circuitry in
computers
and
controls.
Install power conditioner at the control

circuit (Secondary Equipment AC or
D.C)
Voltage sags are

caused by external
disturbances to the
power supply
networks and internal
faults in customers
premises.
Dip Proofing Inverter (DPI)

Voltage Dip Compensator (VD.C)
Constant Voltage Transformer
(CVT)
Dynamic Sag Corrector (DySC)
Dynamic Compensator (Dynacom)
Etc
Install low voltage 3-phase power

conditioners at the incoming feeders of
the sensitive areas
Dynamic Sag Corrector (DySC)

Dynamic Compensator (Dynacom)
Active Volt Conditioner (AVC)
Flywheel
Etc
Install medium voltage 3-phase power

conditioners at the incoming of the
plants:
Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR)

Etc
- Page 53-
Type of
disturbances
Impact
Voltage swell is a
momentary increase in
voltage outside normal
tolerance.
Damage to
equipment by
breaking down
insulation.
Voltage regulators, motor-generator set,

Flywheel, LV DVR, UPS, etc.
Incorrect operation
of microprocessorbased equipment
Isolation transformer, etc
Damage to
electronic
equipment.
Transient voltage Surge Suppressors

(TVSS), Surge Protective Device
(SPD), etc
Swells are caused by

sudden decrease or
turn-off of heavy
loads.
Electrical noise is a
distortion of normal
sine wave power.
Noise can be caused
by poor contacts in
wiring and switchgear,
improper grounding
and radio equipment.
Impulses (also known
as spikes and surges)
are short duration
voltage increase.
Impulses are caused
by lightning, power
system faults and
switching of heavy
loads.
Harmonic distortion is
a periodic deviation
from the true sine
wave and it may be
caused by arc
furnaces, gas
discharge lighting,
power converters etc.
Insulation
breakdown in
transformer and
motor loads.
Overheating of
motor loads,
incorrect operation
of relays and
insulation
breakdown.
Harmonic Filter, etc.
- Page 54-
Type of
disturbances
Impact
Under voltage or over

voltage are conditions
of abnormally high or
low voltage persisting
for more than a few
seconds.
Damage
and Voltage regulator, motor generator set
shutdown
of or UPS.
equipment
depending on their
tolerance
to
abnormal voltage.
They are caused by

poor
voltage
regulation,
circuit
overloads etc.
- Page 55-
Section 8
Solutions to voltage sags
In the blink of an eye, a voltage sag event can bring production to a halt.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent voltage sags from disrupting
operations. To the human eye, voltage sags can cause the lights to dim. To
automation equipment, sags can mean shutdown of equipment, loss of data
and unexplained resets. Over time, voltage sags can stress components,
resulting in premature wear and failure.
For processes that rely on high speed, any interruption can lead to
significant production shortages. For processes that take hours to create
one part, or a single batch of parts, process interruptions have a significant
impact on company profits. Shutdowns result in scrapped work,
production shortages, reduced service levels to customers and less income
for the company.
Many manufacturing and process industries need to focus on ensuring full
protection against voltage sag to maintain maximum competitiveness,
productivity and quality. The Semiconductor Equipment and Materials
Institute (SEMI, www.semi.org) has gone so far as to establish a
minimum standard with regard to sag immunity performance for
semiconductor tools and equipment. SEMI F47 introduced a well thought
out voltage-to-time curve that most equipment will be exposed to during
normal operation. In addition, a specific method of test and reporting had
been developed.
The MS IEC 61000-4-11 and IEC 61000-4-34 also promotes minimum
voltage sag immunity requirement. These standards also specify the
requirement for the sag generator and testing methodology.
The previous sections of this guidebook identified some of the electrical
disturbances that can occur on a power distribution system and how they
can affect an industrial facility. The adverse effects of these disturbances
can be mitigated by installing power-conditioning equipment or by
utilizing different wiring or power-distribution methods.
As with most system enhancements, the cost of the solution must be
evaluated against the losses associated with the disturbance. This section
will identify the most common solutions and where to apply them.
- Page 56-
8.1
Equipment procurement specifications
Generally, the least expensive approach is to purchase control and other

electronic equipment designed with the minimum immunity requirement
mentioned in the previous page.
Improvement of equipment immunity is probably the most effective solution
against equipment trips due to voltage sags. But it is often not suitable as a
short term solution. A customer often only finds out about equipment
immunity after the equipment has been installed. For customer electronics, it
is very hard for a customer to find out about immunity of the equipment, as
he is not in direct contact with the manufacturer. Even most adjustable-speed
drives have become off the shelf equipment where the customer has no
influence on the specifications. Only large industrial equipment is custommade for a certain application, which enables the incorporation of voltage
tolerance requirements.
The best way to ensure that a machine meets the above requirements for
voltage sag ride through is to include the requirement in the purchase
contract terms and to demand proof of compliance.
Figure 24:
Voltage sag
requirement
for new equipment
specification
- Page 57-
Therefore, the best solution is to keep problem equipment out of the plant
through equipment procurement specifications. Equipment manufacturers
should design equipment with ride through capability for voltage sags.
8.2
Voltage sag solutions for existing industrial plant
The first step towards improving the immunity of any industrial plant is to
identify which process in the plant is sensitive to voltage sags. Secondly,
we must understand the product manufacturing process and the operation
of the equipment related to the process.
Next, identify which components are critical to the related machine
operation and would be adversely affected by voltage sag. Most motors,
lighting and indicators can tolerate short-duration sag with negligible
detriment to production.
The most critical and normally sag-sensitive component is normally the
a.c-d.c power supply used to power all d.c control and logic circuits. A
majority of power supply modules currently available on the market
average 10 to 20 ms of hold-up time at full load. These devices will not
meet the sag immunity performance needed to work during common sag
events without special considerations taken by the system designer.
The immediate action plan that we can consider is to protect the control
and logic circuits from voltage sags. There are a few methods available to
protect these circuitries. By implementing these methods, the control
circuitries will be protected against voltage sags but not the primary
equipment they are controlling.
For chillers and compressors, by protecting their control circuitries only,
the motors will be experiencing a reduction in speed during a voltage sag
event. The plant engineer must understand the impact of the motors
slowing down. The production process in the plant must not be affected by
the reduction of the motor speed.
The other thing to consider is the impact of the voltage sags to the primary
equipment, for example motors, etc. The protected control circuitry will
ensure the primary equipment is still connected and exposed to the short
duration voltage sags. However, does this affect the motors in the long
run?
- Page 58-
Therefore, to ensure a successful voltage sag solution for existing

industrial plants, a detailed discussion must be done with the plant
engineer and equipment supplier before implementing the voltage sag
immunity solutions.
8.2.1 Immunity solutions for control and logic circuits
One option is to use a universal input power supply (85-264 Volt) and
power from the higher line voltage (208/240 Volt). This, of course, only
meets the needed level of performance when powered from the higher line
voltage. Another would be to de-rate the power supply to a lower output
current in the hope that it will perform better when exposed to input sags.
The preferred method is to use a power supply that meets the standard at
full power and all voltage ranges.
8.2.1.1
Semi F47 compliant power source
Another simple method is to use a SEMI F47 compliant power supply to

power the control circuit.
Figure 25:
Example of a
SEMI F47
compliance
power supply
8.2.1.2
Change the trip setting of control circuit
Another inexpensive and simple solution is to adjust the trip thresholds of

sensitive equipment. If a relay is frequently tripping during a voltage sag, try
to change its settingseither the voltage threshold or the trip delay.
- Page 59-
However, this measure can be done only if the original trip settings were set
too conservative, so it is important to understand what they were designed to
protect.
If an unbalance relay, an under voltage relay, or an internal reset or
protection circuit is inadvertently tripping during a voltage sag, first try to
change its settings.
Consider changing the voltage threshold, and consider changing the trip
delay, either or both to slow it down. Sometimes this can be as simple as
twisting a knob; sometimes it may take a component change or firmware
adjustment.
It is important to note that this simple solution can be implemented if the trip
settings were set too conservatively to begin with; trips are useful and
important, so we do not want to eliminate them completely. Always refer to
the equipment manufacturer before changing the relay settings.
Figure 26:
Changing the
Voltage
threshold and
time delay
8.2.1.3
Installing a coil hold-in device
Another option is to install a coil hold-in device. These devices are designed
to mitigate the effects of voltage sags on individual relays and contactors.
Coil hold-in devices are installed between the relay or contactor coil
- Page 60-
connection terminals and the incoming alternating current (ac) control line.
They allow a relay or contactor to remain engaged until the voltage drops to
about 25 % of nominal, significantly improving its voltage sag tolerance
without interfering with emergency shutoff functions. The best application
for this type of device is to support relays and contactors in an emergency
off (EMO) circuit, master control relay, or motor control circuit.
Figure 27: A coil hold-in device

During a voltage sag, this device maintains a current flow through the coil that
is sufficient to hold in the contacts closed. The circuit is designed to provide
current to hold in the coil for sags down to 15-25% voltage. It is not designed
to hold in the coil for cases where the voltage goes below 15%.
- Page 61-
This allows emergency stop circuits to act correctly and will prevent any
problems with out-of-phase conditions following an interruption.
8.2.2
Auto restart schemes
Reprogramming the response of an Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD) response

to a voltage sag may be an option if the process requirements allow
deviations in the speed and torque of the motor. If the application does not
require an operator to restart the process, the ASD may be able to be
reprogrammed to provide a non-synchronous time-delay restart. Once the
motor coasts down to zero speed, this feature will restart the motor after a
user-defined time delay.
Figure 28:
Adjustable
Speed Drive
(ASD)
Another programming option is to reduce the d.c bus under voltage trip
point. Some processes require precise speed and torque regulation. Because
the torque and speed vary when the d.c bus reaches the under voltage trip
point, some drive manufacturers offer software revisions for existing drive
applications that allow users of ac drives to lower the d.c bus under voltage
trip point. By lowering the trip point, drives and processes can ride through
longer and deeper voltage sags without interrupting production.
Often, the software revisions are not part of the standard drive control
software and must be requested from the manufacturer. The drawback to this
approach is that rectifiers and fuses may be damaged due to high inrush
current and over current conditions. The current increases as the d.c bus
under voltage trip point decreases. These conditions should be considered
when lowering the under voltage trip point.
- Page 62-
8.3
Single phase power conditioner for voltage sag mitigation
Another method employed to protect against short-term power sags is to

use power-conditioning devices to regulate and protect power. The
alternative to adding these mitigating devices to the production equipment
is to purchase and develop equipment designed to tolerate sags. This
proactive approach takes more planning, but results in lower overall
system costs [17].
To ride through a voltage sag event, the load will need some kind of system
that can react within about cycle and provide near-normal power for a few
seconds until the voltage is fully restored. This requires either a source of
stored energy at the site or an alternate source of energy. These devices must
either be capable of being switched very quickly or be always on-line.
To achieve this condition, one needs to install some form of a powerconditioning device. These solutions increase in cost with the size and scope
of the equipment or circuits being protected. The locations to install the
power conditioner will also determine the coverage areas of protection
against voltage sags.
.
Figure 29:
Locations
for Power
Conditioners
- Page 63-
8.3.1 Single-phase power conditioners for control level protection

8.3.1.1
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), on a computer,

programmable logic control (PLC) or controls to switch to battery during a
voltage sag or an interruption will minimize process interruption. The down
side to this approach is the battery. As an example, lead acid batteries have
the following disadvantages: a) generates hydrogen gas, must be ventilated,
b) battery lead is a hazardous waste, and c) battery life is limited and
decreases rapidly when cycled often. An advantage is that the UPS will ride
through not only sags, but also momentary and extended interruptions up to
the limit of the battery capacity, maybe 5 to 10 minutes.
Figure 30: Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
- Page 64-
8.3.1.2
Constant Voltage Transformer (CVT)
Most voltage-sag solutions can be handled by ferroresonant transformers.

These power conditioners are also known as constant-voltage transformers
(CVTs). CVTs are ideally suited for constant, low-power loads. Unlike
conventional transformers, the CVT allows the core to become saturated
with magnetic flux, which maintains a relatively constant output voltage
during input voltage variations such as under voltages, over voltages, and
harmonic distortion.
Installing a ferroresonant (constant voltage transformer-CVT) transformer
on a computer, programmable logic control (PLC) or controls will provide
sag ride through capability. They also provide filtering of transients. CVT
will not ride through a momentary or sustained interruption. They have no
moving parts, no battery and are very reliable. Another consideration when
sizing a CVT is the load characteristic. A CVT must be sized for the
maximum load. When the transformer is overloaded, the voltage will
decrease and collapse to zero at approximately 150% of loading. Therefore,
if the load profile includes an inrush current or a starting motor, the
transformer must be sized for this transient load, not the steady-state load.
CVTs provide voltage sag ride-through of 25 % for 1 second and also filter
spikes, but they are not able to protect against interruptions, either
momentary or sustained. CVTs are often used for relatively constant, lowpower loads, and have the advantage of lower operating and maintenance
costs than UPSs, because CVTs do not require batteries.
Figure 31:
Constant
Voltage
Transformer
- Page 65-
8.3.1.3
Dip Proofing Inverter [18]
For an individual computer, process control circuits or a group of machines,

another simple solution is to install a Dip Proofing Inverter (DPI), which can
ride through a voltage sag event down to 0 % of nominal voltage for up to
3.1 seconds.
Figure 32: Dip Proofing Inverter (DPI)
- Page 66-
8.3.1.4
Voltage Dip Compensator (VD.C) [19]
A Voltage Dip Compensator (VDC), which can ride through a voltage sag
down to 37 % of nominal voltage for up to 3.1 seconds can also be used to
protect single phase equipment and control circuits.
Figure 33: Voltage Dip Compensator (VD.C)

- Page 67-
8.3.1.5
Dynamic Compensator (Dynacom) [20]
DynaCom is a low voltage dynamic voltage compensator designed to

mitigate voltage sags by injecting a compensating voltage directly into the
power supply.
Under normal system operating conditions, Dynacom allows system voltage
to pass through with high efficiency. In the event of a voltage sag, Dynacom
produces a compensating voltage of an appropriate magnitude and duration
to fill in the sag, thus reproducing the original voltage waveform. The
direct injection technique used in Dynacom provides accurate and efficient
voltage compensation.
The Dynacom can correct input voltage to as low as 40 % of nominal
voltage for up to 1 second.
Figure 34: Dynamic Compensator (Dynacom)
- Page 68-
8.3.1.6
Dynamic Sag Corrector (DySC) [21]
The DySC (pronounced disk), rated at 250VA to over 3,000 kVA

specifically protects sensitive equipment and manufacturing processes from
deep voltage sags and momentary interruptions, the most common power
quality events.
The DySC can correct input voltage to as low as 0 % of nominal voltage for
50 ms and 50 % voltage for 2 seconds.
Figure 35: MiniDySc
- Page 69-
Section 9
Large scale solutions to voltage sags
In section 8 of this guideline, solutions related to the control level solutions

were discussed. The solutions range from equipment specifications to the
use of single phase power conditioners.
Another level of solutions to voltage sags, which are more comprehensive,
are the panel feeder and whole plant solutions. These solutions increase in
cost with the size and scope of the equipment or circuits being protected.
From Figure 29:
Locations
for Power
Conditioners
To achieve the large scale solutions for voltage sag requires the use of threephase power conditioners [22,23]. Descriptions of a few three-phase power
conditioners available in the market are described in the following pages.
- Page 70-
9.1
Active Voltage Conditioner (AVC) [24]
The Vectek Active Voltage Conditioner (AVC) is an inverter-based system

that protects sensitive industrial and commercial loads from voltage
disturbances. It provides fast, accurate voltage sag correction as well as
continuous voltage regulation and load voltage compensation.
It has been optimally designed to provide the required equipment immunity
from the level of voltage sags expected on the ac supply network. The AVC
is available in load capacities of 20kVA - 10MVA and has an operating
efficiency exceeding 98%. It offers extremely fast response to three-phase
sags down to 50% (duration: 30 cycles), and single-phase sags down to 25%
(duration: 12 seconds) on the ac supply network. Standard models are
optimized for sag correction and for enhanced regulation allowing correction
of voltage sags and surges, the AVC-R is available. All AVC models
provide continuous regulation within 10% of the nominal mains voltage
and can remove voltage unbalance from the supply. Optionally, models can
be configured to remove flicker and harmonic voltages from the supply.
Figure 36: Active Voltage Conditioner

- Page 71-
9.2
Datawave [25]
The Datawave is a Magnetic Synthesizer that generates a stable output

waveform to distribute to the sensitive electronic equipment. The selfcontained system can be used to condition utility power, distribute it to
sensitive electronics, and monitor power parameters. Systems are available
with outputs ranging from 15 to 200 kVA.
This system makes available total power conditioning under the worst power
conditions maintaining consistent output quality even during - 40% under
voltages and +40% over voltages for 1 second. This equipment enables
power conditioning, monitoring and flexible output distribution from a
single factory tested unit. It also enables handling of non-linear loads and
high neutral current without over sizing.
The general specifications are:
Voltage Regulation: For input voltages of 40%, output voltage is within
+5% for any load condition up to full load.
Single Phase Protection: For loss of one input phase, output voltages remain
within 6% and 4% up to 60% load.
Figure 37: Datawave Magnetic Synthesizer

- Page 72-
9.3
Flywheel
A flywheel is a simple form of mechanical (kinetic) energy storage. Energy

is stored by causing a disk or rotor to spin on its axis. The stored energy is
proportional to the mass of the flywheel and the square of its rotational
speed. Advances in power electronics, magnetic bearings, and flywheel
materials coupled with innovative integration of components have resulted
in direct current (d.c) flywheel.
A flywheel together with a motor-generator (M/G) set can immunize critical
processes against all voltage sags. When a voltage sag occurs, the motorgenerator set feeds the load, the energy being supplied by slowing down the
flywheel. Different connection topologies of the flywheel to the M/G set
exist of which Figure 38 shows the main components of a connection using
power electronics.
Figure 38: Flywheel

- Page 73-
9.4
Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) [26]
The PureWave DVR is designed for series connection in a medium voltage

distribution line. It maintains the voltage applied to the load during sags and
swells by injecting a voltage of compensating amplitude and phase angle
into the line.
The PureWave DVR is a means to satisfy the stringent power quality
demands of industrial and commercial customers. It also provides a means
for energy users to isolate themselves from voltage sags, swells, and
unexpected load changes originating from the transmission or distribution
system.
The general specifications for the DVR are as follows:
Phase
Three Phase
Voltages
4.6 34.5 kV
Power
2-30 MVA
Ride Through Capability
50% for single phase fault for 1 second

50% for three phase fault for 333 ms
Power quality problem

Power quality solution
Figure
F
Figure 39: Dynamic Voltage Restorer
- Page 74-
9.5
Three phase Dynamic Compensator (Dynacom) [20]
Under normal system operating conditions, DynaCom allows system voltage

to pass through with high efficiency. In the event of a voltage sag, DynaCom
produces a compensating voltage of an appropriate magnitude and duration
to fill in the sag, thus reproducing the original voltage waveform. The
direct injection technique used in DynaCom provides accurate and efficient
voltage compensation.
The specifications for the Dynacom are as follows:
Phase
Three Phase
Voltages
208-690 volts
Power
342 - 987 kVA
40% for 1 second

0% for 60 ms
Figure 40: Three phase Dynacom
- Page 75-
9.6
Dynamic Sag Corrector (ProDysc) [21]
The second version of the Dynamic Sag Corrector is called the ProDysc. The
first version is called the MiniDySc as mentioned in section 8.3.1.6.
The ProDysc is suitable to protect the entire equipment or the panel feeders
depending on the loading capacity of the feeder.
The specifications for the ProDysc are as follows:
Phase
Three Phase
Voltages
208-480 volts
Power
10-1640 kVA
0% for 50 ms
50% for 2 second
Figure 41:
ProDysc
- Page 76-
9.7
Dynamic Sag Corrector (MegaDysc) [21]
The third version of the Dynamic Sag Corrector is called the MegaDysc.
The MegaDysc is suitable to protect whole panel feeders (process level)
depending on the loading capacity of the feeder. The specifications for the
MegaDysc are as follows:
General Specifications
Phase
Three Phase
Voltages
480 volts
Currents
400-2400 A
Power
333 kVA- 2 MVA
Figure 42: 1 MVA MegaDySc
- Page 77-
References
[1]
Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), 1996
[2]
Cahier technique no. 149. EMC: electromagnetic compatibility by

Jacques DELABALLE, 2001
[3]
IEEE 1159, IEEE Recommended Practice for Monitoring Electric

Power Quality, 1995
[4]
IEC 61000-2-1
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 2:
Environment - Section 1: Description of the environment
Electromagnetic environment for low-frequency conducted
disturbances and signaling in public power supply systems
[5]
MS IEC 61000-2-2:
Compatibility levels for low frequency
conducted disturbances and signaling in public low voltage power
supply system.
[6]
Power Quality Application Guide, Voltage Dips introduction, Copper

Development Association, November 2001
[7]
MS 1760: 2004 Guide on voltage dips and short interruptions on

Public Electric Power Supply system
[8]
Understanding Power Quality Problems

interruption), Math Bollen, IEEE Press, 2000
[9]
Electrical Power Systems Quality, Roger C. Dugan,

Mark McGranaghan, Wayne Beaty, McGraw Hill, 1996
(Voltage
Sag
and
[10] MS IEC 61000-2-4: Compatibility levels in industrial plants for low

frequency conducted disturbances.
[11] Power Quality Handbook, Southern California Edison, Power Quality
Department, California
[12] MS IEC 61000-2-12: Compatibility levels for low frequency
conducted disturbances and signaling in medium voltage power
supply system.
- Page 78-
[13] SEMI F47-0706
Specification for Semiconductor Processing

equipment Voltage Sag Immunity
[14] MS IEC 61000-4-11
Testing and measurement techniques

voltage dips, short interruption and
voltage variation immunity tests for
equipment less than 16 A per phase
[15] IEC 61000-4-34
Testing and measurement techniques

voltage dips, short interruption and
voltage variation immunity tests for
equipment more than 16 A per phase
[[16] Chroma:
www.chromausa.com
[17] Power Standards Lab USA:
www.powerstandards.com
[18] Dip Proofing inverter (DPI):
www.dipproof.com
[19] Voltage Dip Compensator (VD.C):
www.dipproof.com
[20] Dynamic Compensator (Dynacom):
www.meidensg.com.sg
[21] Dynamic Sag Corrector (DySC):
www.softswitching.com
[22] Power Quality Application Guide, Voltage Dips Mitigation, Copper

Development Association. November 2001
[23] Power Quality Primer, Barry W.Kennedy, McGraw Hill, 2000
[24] Active Voltage Conditioner (AVC):
www.vectek.com
[25] Datawave: www.liebert.com

[26] PureWave DVR: www.sand.c.com
- Page 79-
Other related internet resources:

SEMI www.semi.org
IEC www.iec.ch
Epri PEAC www.epri.com
- Page 80-
Contact Us
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is
committed to maintaining and delivering a
reliable supply of electricity. We are
always pleased to provide further
information on power quality to customers.
If you have any enquiry on power quality,
please contact the nearest TNB office near
you.
www.tnb.com.my
- Page 81-

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Voltage Sag Solutions for

A guidebook by Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Power Quality Guidebook

Prepared and Edited by:

Senior Technical Expert (Power Quality & EE)

General Manager (Engineering Services)

Ahmad Kamel Aziz

Principal Engineer (Support Services)

The Electrical & Electronics Association of

Bryan Tan Teow Chang Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

Association of Consulting Engineers of Malaysia

Date: 28 March 2007

Power Quality Guidebook

Power Quality Guidebook

Foreword by Chairman of Energy Commission

Dato Pian Sukro

Power Quality Guidebook

Foreword by President/CEO of TNB

Dato Sri Che Khalib Mohd Noh

Power Quality Guidebook

Foreword by Vice President (Distribution Division of TNB)

Power Quality Guidebook

Overview of Power Quality in Malaysia

The present power quality environment in Malaysia

Steady State Supply Voltage performance

Understanding Power Quality and EMC

Definition of Power Quality

Understanding Voltage Sags

Definition of voltage sags

Equipment Compatibility Requirement

Power quality design philosophy

Characterizing Equipment Sensitivity

Objective of equipment immunity testing

Power Quality Guidebook

Solutions to Electromagnetic Disturbances

Understanding grounding solution

Solutions to Voltage Sag

Equipment procurement specifications

Large scale solutions to Voltage Sag s

Active Voltage Conditioner (AVC)

Power Quality Guidebook

Overview of Power Quality in Malaysia

The present power quality environment in Malaysia

One of main driving force that helps to accelerate industrialization process in

Equipment has become more sensitive to voltage disturbances

In Malaysia, electronic equipment has become much more sensitive than

generate harmonics into the installation compounding the power quality

Power Quality Guidebook

Steady State Supply Voltage performance

Before more details are presented on the definition of electromagnetic

Steady -state voltage level fluctuation limits

% Variation of nominal voltage

Power Quality Guidebook

Range B is for short durations or unusual conditions. Under

Steady-State Voltage Fluctuation

Power Quality Guidebook

% Variation of nominal voltage

Understanding Power Quality and EMC

Definition of Power Quality

An "undervoltage" or brownout occurs when the low voltage persists

Variations in the frequency

Variations in the wave shape - usually described as harmonics

Power Quality Guidebook