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Reference

Power Quality Glossary

Clear, plain‑English definitions for electrical and power‑quality terms. A reference for engineers, buyers, and anyone specifying voltage stabilizers or transformers.

Glossary illustration
A 2 terms
AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)
A device that maintains a constant output voltage despite variations in input voltage or load. Servo stabilizers are a type of AVR, offering high precision and fast response.
Active Harmonic Filter
An electronic device that actively cancels harmonic currents by injecting opposite‑phase current. Used to reduce harmonic distortion in industrial power systems.
B 1 term
Buck-Boost Transformer
A transformer used to add (boost) or subtract (buck) voltage from the supply to correct undervoltage or overvoltage. The core component in a servo stabilizer.
C 2 terms
Common-Mode Noise
Electrical noise that appears equally on both live and neutral conductors relative to ground. Isolation transformers with electrostatic shielding attenuate common‑mode noise.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control)
A machine control system that uses computer programming to automate machining operations. CNC equipment is highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations and requires precise regulation.
D 2 terms
Dielectric Withstand
The ability of insulation to withstand high voltage without breaking down. Measured during type testing to ensure safety and reliability.
Distortion (Harmonic)
The deviation of a voltage or current waveform from a pure sine wave, caused by non‑linear loads. Harmonic distortion can overheat transformers and interfere with sensitive equipment.
G 1 term
Galvanic Isolation
A complete electrical separation between the input and output of a circuit. Isolation transformers provide galvanic isolation, eliminating direct current paths and protecting against shock.
H 2 terms
Harmonic Distortion
A power quality problem where voltage or current waveforms are distorted by multiples of the fundamental frequency (50/60 Hz). Harmonics cause overheating, nuisance tripping, and meter errors.
Headroom (Safety Margin)
Extra capacity added to a stabilizer or transformer rating to accommodate motor starting currents, future load additions, or extreme input conditions.
I 5 terms
IS 9815
The Indian Standard for servo‑controlled voltage stabilizers. Covers performance, testing, and safety requirements for stabilizers used in industrial applications.
IS 2026
The Indian Standard for power transformers (general). Covers design, manufacturing, and testing of transformers up to 200 MVA.
IEC 60076
The international standard for power transformers, covering ratings, performance, and testing. AltraVolt transformers comply with IEC 60076 for export markets.
IEC 60601-1
The international standard for medical electrical equipment safety. Isolation transformers used in medical imaging must comply with this standard.
Isolation Transformer
A transformer that provides galvanic isolation between the input and output. Used to protect sensitive equipment from noise, ground loops, and electric shock.
K 2 terms
KVA
Kilovolt‑ampere — the unit of apparent power used to rate transformers and stabilizers. It represents the total power (real + reactive) that a device can deliver.
KW
Kilowatt — the unit of real (active) power. The relationship between KW and KVA is: KW = KVA × power factor. For motors, KVA is the better sizing metric.
O 1 term
Overvoltage
A condition where the supply voltage rises above the nominal level. Overvoltage can damage equipment and reduce component lifespan. Stabilizers correct overvoltage by bucking the input.
P 2 terms
Power Factor
The ratio of real power (KW) to apparent power (KVA), representing how efficiently electrical power is used. Typical industrial power factor is around 0.8. A low PF increases current and losses.
PID Controller
A control algorithm that uses Proportional, Integral, and Derivative terms to maintain a setpoint. Used in servo stabilizers for precise voltage regulation.
R 2 terms
Regulation Accuracy
The ability of a stabilizer to maintain its output voltage within a specified tolerance, typically expressed as a percentage (e.g., ±0.5%). Higher accuracy means better protection.
Response Time
The time taken by a stabilizer to correct a voltage deviation. AltraVolt servo stabilizers respond in <50 ms, fast enough to protect most industrial loads.
S 5 terms
Sag (Voltage Sag)
A short‑duration drop in voltage (below nominal) caused by heavy motor starting or grid faults. Sags are a common cause of equipment tripping.
Swell (Voltage Swell)
A short‑duration increase in voltage (above nominal), often caused by sudden load shedding. Swells can stress insulation and damage sensitive electronics.
Servo Motor
A high‑precision motor used in servo stabilizers to drive the roller contact across the transformer winding, enabling stepless voltage correction.
Surge (Transient)
A brief, high‑energy spike in voltage, often caused by lightning or switching events. Surges can destroy electronic components and are typically suppressed by surge protection devices.
Single‑Phase
A power supply system using two wires (live and neutral) with a single alternating voltage. Typically used for residential and light commercial loads up to ~25 KVA.
T 2 terms
Three‑Phase
A power supply system using three alternating voltages, 120° apart. Used for industrial loads, motors, and large equipment. Three‑phase stabilizers are rated from 30 KVA upward.
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
A measure of harmonic distortion in a power system, expressed as a percentage of the fundamental frequency. Lower THD means cleaner power.
U 1 term
Undervoltage
A condition where the supply voltage falls below the nominal level. Undervoltage can cause motors to stall, controllers to reset, and equipment to malfunction.
V 1 term
Voltage Stabilizer
A device that automatically regulates the output voltage to a constant level, compensating for input fluctuations. Servo stabilizers are the most common type for industrial use.

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