View Screen-Reader Accessible Site

Power Quality Management

As the electrical supplier that brought you electricity, Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative now offers you a solution to the occasional voltage fluctuations that disrupt service to your electrical assets. The fact that you had electricity to operate your refrigerator, range and furnace, as well as TV, Hi-Fi, and radio was a luxury. That luxury took on a different appearance when seasonal thunderstorms with lightning would occasionally roll through. You would scurry from room to room and unplug your valuable electronic appliances in hopes of preventing damage. These potential losses were small problems 40 to 50 years ago. The term Power Quality Management was not understood. The new generation of appliances: refrigerators, ranges, cook-tops, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves and washers/dryers have very sophisticated electronics and microprocessors that enable us to live comfortably and efficiently. The TVs, stereos, VCRs, DVDs and CD players have become even more sophisticated and compact in the area of electronic components. Communication conveniences such as computers, faxes, modems and cordless phones have been added to your lifestyle. These new microprocessor technologies do not tolerate transient voltages. Power quality management is a necessity of the times. At GCEC, we have the devices to attenuate transient voltages before they can cause damage to your electronic equipment.
Some Common Questions about Power Quality Management

Q. What is a transient voltage? A. Transient voltage defined as voltages 110 percent above service voltage.

Q. Where do these transient voltages occur? A. Transient voltages split between the utility side and the consumer side. 1) The utility side can comprise up to 20% of all transient voltages. The 20% is broken into two categories: lightning 15% and miscellaneous 5%. Miscellaneous is defined as tree limbs touching power lines, vehicle/pole accidents, animals such as squirrels, raccoons or birds becoming part of the circuit, and/or a system grid switching. 2) The consumer side can comprise 80% of transient voltage generation. A motor that cycles on and off automatically such as refrigerators, furnaces, air conditioners, washing machines and dryers generate disruptions. Motors that you turn on and off such as garbage disposals or vacuum cleaners can generate these interruptions. The home-shop attached to the residential service panel that makes use of drills, saws, lathes, welders and other shop equipment can create additional fluctuations on the residential electric circuits.

Q. What can I do about transient voltages? A. Power quality management products address all your connected electronic equipment. The first line of defense begins with a meter base surge device. This protects the house electrical entrance and provides "Whole House" protection for connected white appliances. White appliances defined as: washers, dryers, furnaces and air conditioners, electric water heaters, garbage disposals, ranges, ovens, cook tops, refrigerators, freezers, built-in dishwashers, and built-in microwaves. Peripheral equipment defined as: TVs, VCRs, DSS satellite dishes, stereos, computers and printers, faxes, cordless phones, answering machines, portable microwaves, portable dishwashers, garage door openers, programmable coffee pots, and programmable sewing machines are covered with plug-in modules and power strips.

We have power quality management products to fit all your needs. Our program offers you peace of mind while protecting your sensitive electronic equipment from transient voltages. If you are interested in protecting your home, please contact our marketing department at 850-265-3631 or marketing@gcec.com.