1–14 EPM 2200 POWER METER – INSTRUCTION MANUAL
POWER QUALITY CHAPTER 1: THREE-PHASE POWER MEASUREMENT
In his book Power Quality Primer, Barry Kennedy provided information on different 
types of power quality problems. Some of that information is summarized in Table 1.3. 
It is often assumed that power quality problems originate with the utility. While it is 
true that power quality problems can originate with the utility system, many problems 
originate with customer equipment. Customer-caused problems may manifest 
themselves inside the customer location or they may be transported by the utility 
system to another adjacent customer. Often, equipment that is sensitive to power 
quality problems may in fact also be the cause of the problem.
If a power quality problem is suspected, it is generally wise to consult a power quality 
professional for assistance in defining the cause and possible solutions to the 
problem.
Table 1.3: Typical Power Quality Problems and Sources
Cause Disturbance Type Source
Impulse transient Transient voltage disturbance, 
sub-cycle duration
Lightning
Electrostatic discharge
Load switching
Capacitor switching
Oscillatory 
transient with decay
Transient voltage, sub-cycle 
duration
Line/cable switching
Capacitor switching
Load switching
Sag/swell RMS voltage, multiple cycle 
duration
Remote system faults
Interruptions RMS voltage, multiple 
seconds or longer duration
System protection
Circuit breakers
Fuses
Maintenance
Under voltage/over 
voltage
RMS voltage, steady state, multiple 
seconds or longer 
duration
Motor starting
Load variations
Load dropping
Voltage flicker RMS voltage, steady state, 
repetitive condition
Intermittent loads
Motor starting
Arc furnaces
Harmonic distortion Steady state current or voltage, 
long-term duration
Non-linear loads
System resonance